1. Liability/Injury Waiver and Release Form: The signature of the Parent/Guardian must be on the roster to indicate they agree with the Hold Harmless Agreement.
2. League Registration and Fees: Teams are registered on a first-come, first-serve basis; 100% Arlington teams getting priority.  A team fee will be refunded only if they are not offered a position in the league. To reserve the team’s position in the league, registration fees must be paid in full when submitting registration form.  Teams dropping out of the league will forfeit their registration fees. Non-Resident youths will be allowed to play in the league after all resident teams have been accepted.
3. Equipment:  Teams are required to dress in matching colored jerseys, with the goalkeeper’s jersey being of a different color (no numbers are needed).  Shin guards are required for participation in any league.   Socks must cover shin guards.  Bubble: participants MAY wear soft molded indoor soccer cleats or other foot wear as desired. Players will use an age appropriate size indoor/outdoor soccer ball (Home team is responsible for providing a ball at this location).  Footwear is restricted to molded cleats (maximum ½ inch), turf shoes, or other soled athletic shoes.  No metal cleats or spikes are permitted. Barcroft: Soft indoor soccer ball will be provided for use.  No cleats of any kind are permitted in the Barcroft gym, players should wear non-marking shoes
4. Player Rosters: Player rosters must be turned in and signed by parents of the participants prior to the first league game.  Changes will be permitted up to the start of the third game.  Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of all games played with illegal player(s).  Players may be added after the third game in case of injury or dropped players (must have advance approval of league manager).
5. Player Eligibility: All players must be listed on the official team roster. Only 2 travel players are allowed on the roster, and one can play at any given time.  Roster challenges may be made prior to the start of the game or during halftime to the facility monitor or referee.  Youth teams must provide proof-of-age in cases of challenge.  All players must meet the age requirements by August 1st, 2009.
6. League Point System:
   
   Win = 3 points
   Tie = 1 point
   Loss = 0 points
   League games that end in a tie after regulation play will be counted as a tie. Playoff games ending in a tie will be followed by a five (5) minute sudden-death overtime period. If at the end of the overtime period the game is still tied, penalty kicks will be used to break the tie.
7. League Division Tie: Any league that ends the regular season in a tie will be subject to the following tie-breaking system:
   
   Step 1: Comparison of head-to-head record.
   Step 2: Comparison of goal differential.
   Step 3: Comparison of "goals for" during the season.
   Step 4: Comparison of "goals against" during the season.


8. Individual Player Participation: Players may only be on one roster in a given division and league. Players must be able to provide proof of age upon request.
9. Game Schedule and Make-up Games: If a team is unable to play a scheduled game, the opposing team is granted a 3-0 victory. If both teams agree to make-up the game, they will be offered possible times by league management, if makeup times are available. It will be the responsibility of the team managers to coordinate and select one of the available times. The team requesting the rescheduled match must request a reschedule in writing, in person, or on the phone one week prior to the subject game. Failure to do so will result in the game being forfeited. There will be no rescheduling of an already rescheduled game.
10. Yellow/Red Card Policy: Yellow Card: A player receiving a yellow card must leave the field for two minutes; they can be substituted for. Red Card: Any player or coach who receives a red card must leave the playing surface and will automatically be suspended from the next game. Players and coaches receiving a red card may be asked to leave the facility by the referee and/or staff. They may watch the game only at the discretion of the referee/staff. In addition, that player will be banned from participating in any other division until the suspension is served. If the player receives a red card during the last game of the season, the suspension will be served during the first game of the next season. Any player receiving three (3) yellow cards during a season will receive a one game suspension, but will not have to miss the current game unless the player receives a red card during the current game.
    **Red Cards will result in the team playing shorthanded for five (5) minutes. After the 5-minute penalty has been served, the team may return to full strength.
11. No Shows/Forfeitures: If a team cannot play a scheduled game the opposing team will be awarded a 3-0 victory. No reschedule will be given. A forfeit will occur if a team does not have the minimum number of players to play within 10 minutes after the scheduled start of the game (10-minute Rule). This time will be subtracted from the first half. The 10-minute Rule states that for every three minutes off the clock, one (1) goal will be awarded to the completed team.

RULES OF THE GAME

1. Team Size:  Youth teams will consist of 6 players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.  2 travel players are allowed on the roster, but only one can play at a given time.  Any discrepancies will be reported to the referee at the time of infraction.  A minimum of 4 players is needed to start and continue a game.   There are no restrictions for youth about gender make-up for Coed teams.
2. Substitutions:  Unlimited substitutions are allowed during a game.  Substitutions may be made “on-the-fly” (during play) as long as the exiting player is within the “touchline” by the team bench before a substitute player can come into the game.  Goalkeepers can be substituted only during a stoppage of play and must notify the official that a goalkeeper change has been made.
3. Game Length:  A game consists of two (2) 20-minute halves and a 5-minute half time.  The official time is a running clock; the clock will stop during a serious injury.
4. Kick-off: In the first half will be given to the home team.  The visitors will have the kick-off in the second half.  A goal can not be scored directly from a kick off.  Back passing is allowed during the kick-off.
5. Midline Violation: A goalkeeper can not throw the ball in the air over the midline unless the ball touches a player or a wall. 
6. Goalkeeper Restrictions: A goalkeeper may not pick up any ball that has been passed off the foot of a teammate.  Goalkeepers are not allowed to punt or drop-kick the ball. While holding the ball in his/her hands, the goalkeeper must distribute the ball within five (5) seconds by bouncing or throwing the ball to a teammate. 
7. Corner Kick/Goal Kick: If the ball goes over the in-play area off the goalkeeper or a defending player, the offense will be awarded a corner kick.  Corner kicks shall be taken no more than one yard from both walls.  If the ball goes over the in-play area off an offensive player, the defense will be awarded a goal kick.  Goal kicks may be taken from anywhere within the penalty box.
8. Fouls and Misconduct:
   
   Major Offenses (Direct Free Kick)
   
   
   • Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent
   • Tripping or attempting to throw an opponent
   • Slide tackling (knee touching floor)- exception for goalkeepers inside of the penalty box
   • Jumping at an opponent
   • Charging an opponent
   • Striking, attempting to strike, or spitting at an opponent
   • Holding an opponent
   • Pushing an opponent
   • Intentionally handling the ball
   • Checking an opponent into the perimeter wall
   
   
   Minor Offenses (Indirect Free Kick)
   
   
   • Playing in a dangerous or reckless manner
   • Obstructing an opponent
   • Illegal substitution
   • Delaying game, including goalkeeper failing to play the ball outside of penalty area within five (5) seconds.
     
     Clarification: Some actions that are safe in an outdoor game, such as bicycle kicks and diving headers, may be dangerous in indoor play. Referees have discretion to call such actions as fouls if they believe they are unsafe. If a coach has a question regarding a foul call, they can address the official with questions.
   
   
9. Free Kicks: The ball is in play when it moves from foot contact of the initial player.  Opposing players must stand two (2) yards from the ball.  If a player refuses to move back to 2 yards, he/she will be issued a yellow card for delay of game.  If a major offense takes place inside the goal box a penalty kick will be awarded.  The penalty kick will be taken from the top of the goal area and the shooter will set one foot next to the ball before a shot can be taken (no step rule).  
10. Kick-Ins: Kick-ins happen whenever the ball leaves the playing area, hits the wall above the blue line (Barcroft), or hits the ceiling or ceiling structure.  However, play will continue if balls bounce back into the playing area off the wall or netting.  All kick-ins are considered an indirect free kick; therefore a goal cannot be scored off a kick-in.  A kick-in must be taken no more than three (3) feet from the wall nearest where the ball left play.
11. Slaughter Rule: If a team is losing by 5 or more goals, the losing coach can elect to play an additional (7th) player (not an extra goalie).  The losing coach must inform the referee and opposing coach at that time.  This rule will remain in effect until the losing team is within 3 goals of the winning team.
12. Assault: Any player, coach, or other team member hitting, shoving or otherwise assaulting a Gym Supervisor or game official shall be immediately barred from further participation in league activities until formally reinstated by the League Commissioner.

FACILITY RULES

1. No gum chewing or spitting is allowed in the facility.
2. Only water is allowed in the Gunston Bubble. No sodas, sports drinks, juice, or food are allowed.

1. Returning teams that register in the first week have priority to return.  New teams are registered on a first-come, first-serve basis; 100% Arlington teams getting priority.  A team fee will be refunded only if the team is not offered a position in the league. To reserve the team’s position in the league, registration fees must be paid in full when submitting registration form.  Teams dropping out of the league will forfeit their registration fees. All adult non-residents of Arlington County, and business residents, will be subject to a fee of $30.  Proof of residency must be provided for Arlington residents.
2. Equipment:  Teams are required to dress in matching colored jerseys, with the goalkeeper’s jersey being of a different color. All primary jerseys, except the goalie’s, must have a unique number on the back (at least 6” tall and ¼” wide lines).  Tape or marker is allowed to show the number, but must meet the preceding guideline.  Tape must remain on the shirt through the entire game; if it falls off the shirt is not considered numbered.  Alternate color jerseys, if needed for a color conflict, need not be numbered.  Shin guards are required for participation in any league.   Socks must cover shin guards.  At the Gunston Bubble synthetic turf, footwear is restricted to molded cleats (maximum ½ inch), turf shoes, or other soled athletic shoes.  No metal cleats or spikes are permitted.  No cleats of any kind are permitted in the Barcroft gym.
3. Player Rosters:  Changes to team rosters will be permitted up to the start of the third game.  Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of all games played with illegal player(s).  Players may be added after the third game in case of injury or dropped players (with advance approval of league manager).
4. Player Eligibility: All players must be listed on the official team roster.  During the regular season, roster challenges may be made prior to the start of the game or during halftime. Rosters will be checked before every post-season playoff game.   All players must meet the age requirements by the first day of the session.
5. League Point System:
   
   Win = 3 points
   Tie = 1 point
   Loss = 0 points
   League games that end in a tie after regulation play will be counted as a tie. Playoff games ending in a tie will be followed by a five (5) minute sudden-death overtime period. If at the end of the overtime period the game is still tied, penalty kicks will be used to break the tie.
6. League Division Tie: Any league that ends the regular season in a tie will be subject to the following tie-breaking system:
   
   Step 1: Comparison of head-to-head record.
   Step 2: Fewest forfeits.
   Step 3: Comparison of head-to-head goal differential.
   Step 4: Comparison of goal differential for entire season.
   Step 5: Comparison of "goals against" during the season.


7. Individual Player Participation: Players may only be on one roster in a given division and league.  Players may compete in more than one league (i.e. both coed and men’s but not coed upper and coed lower).  Players must be able to provide proof of identification upon request.
8. Game Schedule and Make-up Games: If a team is unable to play a scheduled game, the opposing team is granted a 3-0 victory.  If both teams agree to make-up the game, they will be offered possible times by league management, if makeup times are available.  It will be the responsibility of the team managers to coordinate and select one of the available times.  The team requesting the rescheduled match must request a reschedule in writing, in person, or on the phone one week prior to the subject game.  Failure to do so will result in the game being forfeited.  There will be no rescheduling of an already rescheduled game.
9. Yellow/Red Card Policy: Yellow Card:  A player receiving a yellow card must leave the playing surface and the team must play shorthanded for two (2) minutes or until the opposing team scores; they cannot be substituted for.  If a team receives a second yellow card while a player is sitting out a yellow card, the team is allowed to play shorthanded with only three players on the field.  Red Card. Any player or coach who receives a red card must leave the playing surface and will automatically be suspended from the next game.  Red Cards will result in the team playing shorthanded for five (5) minutes.  After the 5-minute penalty has been served, the team may return to full strength.   Players and coaches receiving a red card may be asked to leave the facility by the referee and/or staff. They may watch the game only at the discretion of the referee/staff.  In addition, that player will be banned from participating in any other division until the suspension is served.  If the player receives a red card during the last game of the season, the suspension will be served during the first game of the next season.  Any player receiving three (3) yellow cards during a season will receive a one game suspension, but will not have to miss the current game unless the player receives a red card during the current game.  Players who commit egregious fouls, misconduct, or unsportsmanlike behavior may face further suspensions or ejection from the league as directed by the commissioner. This rule is not subject to protest or review.
10. No Shows/Forfeitures: If a team cannot play a scheduled game the opposing team will be awarded a 3-0 victory.  No reschedule will be given.  A forfeit will occur if a team does not have the minimum number of players to play within 10 minutes after the scheduled start of the game (10-minute Rule).  This time will be subtracted from the first half.  The 10-minute Rule states that for every three minutes off the clock, one (1) goal will be awarded to the completed team.

RULES OF THE GAME

1. Team Size:  An adult men’s or coed team consists of five players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.   Coed teams will consist of 3 men and 2 women, including the goalkeeper (who can be male or female).  Women’s teams will consist of 6 players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.  A minimum of 4 players is needed to start and continue a game (coed teams will need a minimum of 1 woman to have a valid team, but must play down a player).  Teams may continue play with only 3 players if two players are sitting out yellow cards at the same time.
2. Substitutions:  Unlimited substitutions are allowed during a game.  Substitutions may be made “on-the-fly” (during play) as long as the exiting player is within 2 yards of the entrance to the field before a substitute player can come into the game.  A player entering the field may not play the ball until the exiting player has left the field.  Goalkeepers can be substituted only during a stoppage of play and must notify the official that a goalkeeper change has been made. 
3. In December and March, a game consists of two (2) 25-minute halves and a 3-minute half time.  In January and February only, a game consists of two (2) 20-minute halves and a 3-minute half time.  The official time is a running clock; the clock will stop during a serious injury.  .  Option for ADULT January and February Games Only:  With the approval of BOTH team captains prior to the game’s start, the game can be played as one (1) 45-minute period with no half time.  Teams will not change ends of the field during the game.  Team captains must confirm this game length with the referee before the game begins.
4. Kick-off: In the first half will be given to the home team.  The visitors will have the kick-off in the second half.  A goal can not be scored directly from a kick off.  Back passing is allowed during the kick-off.
5. Midline Violation: A goalkeeper can not throw the ball in the air over the midline unless the ball touches a player or a wall before the midline. 
6. Goalkeeper Restrictions: A goalkeeper may not pick up any ball that has been passed off the foot of a teammate.  Goalkeepers are not allowed to punt or drop-kick the ball. While holding the ball in his/her hands, the goalkeeper must distribute the ball within five (5) seconds by bouncing or throwing the ball to a teammate.  The goalkeeper is allowed to put the ball down, then dribble out of the box or pass to a teammate, acting as any other field player.
7. Corner Kick/Goal Kick: If the ball goes over the in-play area off the goalkeeper or a defending player, the offense will be awarded a corner kick.  Corner kicks shall be taken no more than one yard from both walls.  If the ball goes over the in-play area off an offensive player, the defense will be awarded a goal kick.  Goal kicks may be taken from anywhere within the penalty box.
8. Playoff Overtime/Penalty Kicks: Playoff games ending in a tie will be followed by a three (3) minute sudden-death overtime period.  If at the end of the overtime period the game is still tied, penalty kicks will be used to break the tie.  Five players shall kick for each team, alternating between teams, and alternating male and female shooters.  Whichever team leads at the end of the first five shooters wins.  If the score is still tied, one player shall shoot for each team until one team has scored more than the other.  Players may not repeat shooting until all players on the team have shot, except that male and female players must continue to alternate shooting.  Only players on the field at the end of the overtime are allowed to be one of the first five PK shooters, with the exception that the goalie may be replaced as a shooter by one player on the sidelines.  See #11 below for penalty kick instructions.
9. Fouls and Misconduct:
   
   Major Offenses (Direct Free Kick)
   
   
   • Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent
   • Tripping or attempting to throw an opponent
   • Slide tackling (knee touching floor)- exception for goalkeepers inside of the penalty box
   • Jumping at an opponent
   • Charging an opponent
   • Striking, attempting to strike, or spitting at an opponent
   • Holding an opponent
   • Pushing an opponent
   • Intentionally handling the ball
   • Checking an opponent into the perimeter wall
   
   
   Minor Offenses (Indirect Free Kick)
   
   
   • Playing in a dangerous or reckless manner
   • Obstructing an opponent
   • Illegal substitution
   • Delaying game, including goalkeeper failing to play the ball outside of penalty area within five (5) seconds.
     
     Clarification: Some actions that are safe in an outdoor game, such as bicycle kicks and diving headers, may be dangerous in indoor play. Referees have discretion to call such actions as fouls if they believe they are unsafe.
   
   
10. Free Kicks: The ball is in play when it moves from foot contact of the initial player.  Opposing players must stand two (2) yards from the ball.  If a player refuses to move back to 2 yards, he/she will be issued a yellow card for delay of game.  If a major offense takes place inside the goal box a penalty kick will be awarded. 
11. Penalty Kicks: The penalty kick will be taken from the top of the goal area and the shooter will set one foot next to the ball before a shot can be taken (no step rule).  The shooter must wait for the referee’s whistle before taking the kick.  Goalies can only move laterally.
12. Kick-Ins: Kick-ins happen whenever the ball leaves the playing area, hits the wall above the blue line (Barcroft), or hits the ceiling or ceiling structure.  However, play will continue if balls bounce back into the playing area off the wall or netting.  All kick-ins are considered an indirect free kick; therefore a goal cannot be scored off a kick-in.  A kick-in must be taken no more than three (3) feet from the wall nearest where the ball left play.
13. Assault: Any player, coach, or other team member hitting, shoving or otherwise assaulting a Gym Supervisor or game official shall be immediately barred from further participation in league activities until formally reinstated by the League Commissioner.

FACILITY RULES

1. Only water is allowed in the Gunston Bubble and Barcroft gym.  No sodas, sports drinks, juice, or food are allowed.
2. No gum chewing or spitting is allowed in either facility.
3. Players may not change clothes or shoes or congregate in the Barcroft lobby.  Locker rooms should be used for changing clothes.  The lobby area must be kept easily accessible for other Barcroft users.
4. Only players are allowed in the gym area at Barcroft, including the area outside the rink wall.  All spectators must watch the game from the mezzanine.
5. Parents should use caution if bringing children to games.  Children must be supervised and should stay alert to the play.  Balls at the Bubble often go over the wall at high speed; parents must recognize that children attend at their own risk.

CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Respect the game, play fairly, and follow its rules and regulations.
2. Show respect for authority to the game officials and league employees.
3. Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during, and after games.
4. Be courteous to opposing teams and treat all players with respect.
5. Be modest when successful and gracious in defeat.
6. Respect the privilege of the use of public facilities.
7. Refrain from the use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and abusive language.
8. Teams are responsible for the conduct of their players and spectators