Indoor Soccer Rules for Kids

Indoor soccer is a variation of regular soccer that can be played in an indoor soccer arena. Rules for indoor soccer for kids have been set up to ensure safety while maintaining a fun, yet competitive atmosphere. These rules have been compiled by soccer governing bodies across the nation, and they are very similar to the standard rules for soccer worldwide. The only difference is that referees are more lenient with children's leagues.

  1. Basic Rules

    • All participants must follow the Kids America Standards of Conduct. A player can only play for one team. Each team has five players on the field, and one of those is the goalkeeper. Teams will forfeit the game if they use players not listed on their official team roster. Substitutions are made while the game is still in session, much like in hockey. The referee needs to be notified only when the goalie is substituted. Cleats and turf shoes are not permitted in indoor soccer. Game length, the number of substitutions allowed and the number of players can vary by youth league.

    Balls

    • Known as the three-lines rules, many indoor soccer leagues do not allow balls to cross three lines before touching the ground. The play will restart if the ball hits the net's ceiling, and the play will restart where the ball did touch the ceiling. If the ball hits the perimeter netting, it will be declared out of bounds.

    Penalties

    • Yellow cards are given to players who try to tackle other players, and this will result in a two-minute penalty. A second yellow card will result in the player's dismissal from the game. If one player forces another into the perimeter wall, he will receive a red card and will be dismissed from the game. For any team that violates a rule, the team will receive a five-minute penalty, and a disciplinary hearing could be held at the end of the game.