X1 Winter Challenge Rules of Play and Game Day Procedure

General Rules

Teams are comprised of four outfield players and one goalkeeper
There are no throw-ins. A kick-in will be used to restart play. A kick-in is an indirect kick.
There is no offsides.
Teams are entitled to a one-minute timeout per game. Timeouts are allowed when the team is in possession and ball is out of play.
There are no goal kicks. Goalkeepers restart play by distributing ball with their hands.
Substitutions may occur any time during the run of play. Substitutions must be made through the technical area in front of the team's bench, not at half court.
NO CLEATS. Indoor shoes/flats or turf shoes only.
No punting or drop kicks allowed.
For 2016s and younger, the buildout line will be the midfield line. Teams may press on the release of the ball.
No slide tackles allowed.
Play must be re-started within 5 seconds from the referee’s approval.
All free kicks are direct.
Walls should be 5 steps from the ball.
40-minute games, running clock.

Substitutions

All substitutions are on the fly; this includes goalkeeping substitutions. Referees will not stop play for goalkeeping substitutions. A substitute may not enter the pitch until the player leaving the pitch leaves through the substitution zone in front of his teams’ bench. Any substitute who enters the pitch before the player being replaced has completely left the field of play may be shown a yellow card. All substitutions must take place through the substitution zone in front of his teams’ bench -- not at the half-way line.

Restarts

Kick-offs: A goal may be scored directly against the opponent from the kick-off. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves

Kick-ins: are indirect. The ball must be placed on the line, and the kick must be taken within 5 seconds. A kick-in that goes directly in the opposing goal is a goal kick for the opposing team. A kick-in that goes directly in the defensive goal is a corner kick of the opposing team. If the kick-in does not enter the pitch or if the kick is not taken within 5 seconds, the ball is turned over to the opponent.

Goal Clearances (Goal Kicks): are awarded when the ball exits the court beyond the end-line. The ball is thrown or released from any point within the penalty area by the goalkeeper of the defending team. The ball must be released within 5 seconds (either at referee signal or as goalkeeper is ready). Opponents must be outside the penalty area, or behind the build out line, until the ball is in play.

Corner Kicks: are direct. The ball must be placed in the corner arc area, and the kick must be taken within 5 seconds. If the kick is not taken within 5 seconds, the restart becomes a goal clearance for the opposing team.

Free Kicks: are direct. The ball must be stationary before the kick may be taken.

Penalty Kicks: are taken from the penalty spot and must be taken by a clearly identified kicker. Defenders may not be nearer to the ball than 16 feet and even or behind the ball when the kick is taken.

Fouls/Misconduct

Yellow Card / Caution: The offending player is shown a yellow card. If a player is shown two yellow cards in a match, he is shown a red card.

Red Card / Send-off: The offending team plays with one less player for two full game minutes unless the team with fewer players is scored upon before the two-minute penalty expires. The offending player serves a minimum one-match suspension.

The Goalkeeper

Must wear a different color shirt.
He/She may wear long pants and/or other padding as deemed safe by the match referee.
May receive a kick-in directly.
May kick the ball directly over the half-way line.
May score directly with his/her feet during the run of play.
May not possess the ball for more than 5 seconds in his/her own half.
May throw the ball directly across the half-way line.
May not score a goal by using the hands (cannot throw or hit the ball directly into the goal)
May not punt or drop kick the ball

Game Day Procedures

Pre-Game

Coaches should pick up the Team Roster Form and an All-Star Ballot from the Administrative Desk.
- Coaches should write in the player’s name on the game roster, including uniform shirt number. This will be used to track red/yellow cards and goals. Coaches will give the completed roster to the field marshal.
- The All-Star ballot will be used to select the TWO best players from the opposing team. Players that receive the most points will be selected to play in the end of season All-Star game. Each time the player is selected = 1 point
Instruct team to arrive at the facility early – 15 to 20 minutes before kickoff.
Ensure all player passes and players are at the field and ready for check-in.

Pre-Game Check In

The team should enter the field when the game in front of them is over.
Players will be checked in by a league Field Marshal
- Coaches should pass out player passes to each player.
- Players will line up on the sideline in front of their bench.
- The Field Marshal will inspect for safety (shin guards, no jewelry, watches, earrings, piercings, etc.)
- The Field Marshal will call each player, review and approve each player ID and age group.
- Players will form a line behind the Field Marshal once they have been approved.
- Players not participating in the game are not allowed on the team bench.

During Game

When making substitutions, ensure players are totally off the field before a new player enters the field of play.
Coaches should treat referees, players, coaches and staff with Respect.
Coaches should be a positive Role Model.
Coaches should abide by all Fair Play principles

Post Game

All players from both teams will line up and shake hands as a sign of Fair Play and Good Sportsmanship.
The Field Marshal or Ref will secure the coaches signature on the game card. Coaches must sign the official game card to validate the score of the game.
Coaches must complete and sign the All-Star Ballot. Coaches should select the TWO best players from the opposing team. Coaches should sign the ballot.
Coaches will ensure that teams will leave their bench areas clean.