Sport Basics

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Oak City Sports league specific rules can be found here.

• Kickoff - At the beginning of each half and after every goal scored. Players on each team line up on their respective halves and the team with possession places the ball in the center of the midfield line and passes to a teammate to resume play.
• Throw-in - When the ball goes out of bounds on either sideline. To resume play, a player from the team who did not play the ball out of bounds picks the ball up. With both hands on the ball and both feet on the ground out of bounds at all times, the player must bring the ball behind their head then throw it forward
• Goal Kick - When the attacking team plays the ball out of bounds on the end line behind the goal. To resume play, the defending team places the ball on the top of the goalie box and kicks the ball back into the field.
• Corner Kick - When the defending team plays the ball out of bounds on the end line behind the goal. To resume play, the attacking team places the ball on the corner of the field and kicks the ball back into the field.
• Foul (Direct Kick) - When a defender trips, kicks, grabs, pushes a player on the opposing team. The referee will stop play and the ball will be placed at the spot of the foul. The defending team cannot be within roughly 10 yards of the ball which may be measured by the referee. A player from the fouled team will then kick the ball into play. On Direct Kicks the ball can be scored without touching a second player.
• Handball - When a player touches the ball with their hands or arms in an unnatural position (e.g. your hands/arms extended or away from your body). If you are reasonably protecting yourself there will be no handball called. A handball results in a Direct Kick.
• Foul (Indirect Kick) - When a defending player impedes an attacking players progress off the ball, preventing the opposing goalie from releasing the ball, if a goalie picks up the ball twice before another player touches it, if a goalie picks up a deliberate pass from a teammate (unless the player uses their head), or if a goalie picks up a throw-in. A player from the fouled team will then kick the ball into play. On Indirect Kicks, the ball must touch another player before scoring or being kicked again by the same player. Referees will indicate an Indirect Kick by raising one arm in the air until the ball is touched by a second player on either team.
• Penalty Kick - When a foul by the defending team occurs in the penalty box. The ball is placed on a spot in front of the goal and the attacking team selects a player to take a shot against the goalie. The remaining players must stand outside the penalty box until the kick is taken. If the goalie saves the attempt or the ball does not go out of bounds, play immediately resumes.
• Penalty Box - Larger rectangular shape in front of the goals on both sides of the field. This is the only area goalies are allowed to use their hands. If a defending team commits a foul in this area, a Penalty Kick is awarded.
• Goalie Box - Smaller rectangular shape in front of the goals on both sides of the field. the top of the box is used to place the ball for Goal Kicks.
• Offsides Line* - A special line not typically seen on soccer fields. This line goes the width of the field between the midfield line and penalty box and is used to help administer offsides calls. Attacking players must be behind this line until the ball is played. Once the ball has crossed the line then any number of players may enter the offensive area and no offsides will be called.
• Yellow Card - For particularly egregious fouls, the referee in their discretion may issue a Yellow Card in addition to a foul. Additionally, arguing with the referee or disrespecting other players or fans can also result in a Yellow Card. When called, the offending player must leave the field for a full 2 minute period and their team must play down one player until the period has concluded. If two Yellow Cards are issued in the same game a Red Card is then issued.
• Red Card - For fouls that have the intent or potential to injure players or referees, or unacceptable language or behavior, the referee in their discretion may issue a Red Card in addition to a foul. When called, the offending player will be asked to leave the premises immediately. All Red Cards are reviewed by league management and depending on the severity of the circumstances, the player may also face suspension from future games or expulsion from the league.