2025–2026 Indoor Soccer League Rules

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide affordable, unique, and valuable sports opportunities for children and adults of the Adirondack Coast Region. We draw on our experience to create leagues that are fun, inclusive, and player-focused.

What It’s Really About

At the heart of this league is the player experience. We succeed when players are:

• Having fun, staying active, and building skills.

• Developing friendships, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

• Practicing dedication, accountability, and respect—whether winning or losing.

The challenge for us as adults is simple: don’t stand in the way of those lessons. Youth sports are for the kids, not for us adults. This league is built for their enjoyment.

Age Division Rules

• U8 – Half-field play, futsal ball, 5 field players + goalie.

• U10 – Full-field play, futsal ball, 5 field players + goalie.

• U12 – Full-field play, futsal ball, 5 field players + goalie.

• U14/HS/Adult – Full-field play, futsal ball, 4 field players + goalie.

• Soccer Moms – Half-field play, futsal ball, 3 players, no goalie.

Playing “Up” Policy 

• Parents/Guardians may request an age waiver for a child to play one age group higher (no more than one).

  • Example: A 7-year-old (U8) may play U10, but not U12.

• Coaches may register their team one division higher, but not two.

  • Example: A U10 team may play in U12.

  • However, individual players still must follow the one-level rule. A 7-year-old on that U10 team could not play in U12.

COED Rules & Philosophy

We primarily offer coed soccer. This choice is based on both logistics and values. Our facility space and field time are limited, and splitting players strictly by gender often dilutes the experience. Even back in the Crete Center days, we sometimes struggled to fill entire divisions—for example, U14 girls often lost their division due to low numbers or because many players were “playing up.” We’ve also seen that indoor play naturally balances skill: finesse, quickness, and technical ability tend to matter more than endurance or power. This makes the game highly equitable for boys and girls, while also encouraging mutual respect and skill development. Going coed ensures we can provide consistent, quality opportunities for all players.

Rec/Open & House Leagues (U8, U10, U12, U14, High School, Adult)

• All leagues are coed.

• Teams must roster at least 1–2 players of each gender.

• At least one boy and one girl must be on the field at all times.

• If an in-game injury prevents this, the team may continue without.

Club Divisions (U10, U12, U14)

• Club divisions are not coed when there are 4+ Club teams in an age group.

• Teams may be single-gender, but don’t have to be.

• If fewer than 4 teams exist:

  • The Club team plays in Rec/Open.

  • They must either play one player down or add players of the opposite gender.

Coach’s Note: For higher competition and player value, consider splitting strong rosters into two equitable teams instead of “A” and “B.” This doubles practice slots, creates more touches per player, and keeps kids engaged.

Equipment Rules

• Shin guards are mandatory for all players.

• Only plastic or soft-soled shoes on turf—no metal cleats.

• All MLSGO league players must wear their assigned uniform.

• Jewelry must be removed before games (or taped if not removable).

Game Rules

• Game length: Two 25-minute halves, 2-minute halftime.  In the rare event that internal or external issues cause scheduling delays, staff may trim one or both halves by a few minutes to get back on schedule.

• Season: 8 games, top 4 teams advance to playoffs.

• Start time: Games start on schedule. Teams have a 5-minute grace period. After that, at least 4 rostered players must be ready or the game is a forfeit.

• Mercy rule: If down by 5+ goals, a team may add an extra player until the margin drops below 5.

Playoffs & Ties

• If tied at the end of regulation:

  1. Sudden death, no goalies (kickoff by team that started the game).

  2. If no goal after 2 minutes → each team removes one player for another 2-minute overtime.

  3. Continue until 2v2 untimed overtime, played until someone scores.

• No substitutions once overtime begins.

• No “acting as a goalie.” Purposeful handballs = immediate removal + team plays down.

Soccer Playing Rules

• Goalie release: 6 seconds after pressure ends.

• Substitutions: U8/U10/U12/U14/HS - Players must sub from half field with approval from the Official.   SoccerMoms! and Adult Coed players may sub “on the fly”--it's acceptable to roll or crawl out of bounds because you're exhausted and old.  

• Out of bounds:

  • Sideline = kick-in (indirect).

  • Ceiling/fixtures = indirect free kick from spot below contact.

  • Above goalie box = indirect or corner, depending on possession.

• Back passes: Goalies may not handle deliberate passes. Violation = corner kick.

• Goal kicks: Cannot travel box-to-box. Violation = indirect free kick at midfield.

• Kick-ins only (no throw-ins). All indirect.

• Heading: Not allowed in U12 and below (results in indirect free kick).

• Kickoffs: Always indirect, change direction each half.

• No sliding (except goalie in box).

• No offsides in indoor play.

Fouls

• Contact fouls = direct kicks.

• Non-contact fouls (e.g., obstruction) = indirect kicks.

• Opponents must be 5 yards away on all kicks.

• 6+ fouls in a half = team plays down one player for 2 minutes per additional foul.

• Fouls in the goalie box = corner kick.

Cards & Discipline

• Yellow Cards – Team plays down 2 minutes (ends if opponent scores).

  • Given for: spitting, swearing, taunting, persistent fouling, disrespect, etc.

  • 2 yellows in one game = ejection + next game suspension.

  • 3rd yellow in a session = ejection + next game suspension.

  • Cards carry over between sessions.

• Red Cards – Serious misconduct.

  • Team plays down 5 minutes (or until opponent scores).

  • Player ejected + suspended for the next 2 games.

  • 2 red cards in a season = removal for the remainder of sessions, reinstatement request required.

Coaches are responsible for verifying player ages.

Final Word

We know competition is part of the game, but fun and safety come first. Please remember: It’s just a game.