Rules & Policies

Everything you need to know to play safely, fairly, and confidently at ETX Premier Soccer.

Rules created by ETX Premier Soccer. Questions? Ask staff on duty.

$68 Per player / league
5 sec GK distribution
2 min Yellow card time
5 min Red card time

To keep ETX Premier Soccer safe, fun, and professional for everyone, all players and guests must follow these rules:

  • Respect the facility and staff – Disrespect toward staff, referees, or other players will not be tolerated.
  • No alcohol, drugs, or glass containers.
  • Smoking is prohibited on or near the fields.
  • Clean up after yourself – Dispose of trash properly; keep the fields and benches clear.
  • NO PETS, NO GUM, NO FOOD OR DRINKS, NO SPITTING on the fields.
  • Proper footwear required – Indoor or turf shoes only (no metal cleats).
  • Teams must check in at the front office.
  • Any team that fails to appear within 5 minutes of their scheduled time will forfeit the match.
  • Children must be supervised at all times.
  • No fighting or abusive language – Automatic ejection and possible suspension.
  • ETX Premier Soccer reserves the right to remove anyone violating these rules or creating an unsafe environment.
  • Players must be registered prior to game.
  • Any team playing an unregistered or suspended player will forfeit the game and receive a 6-0 loss. The captain will receive a red card (1 suspended game). Players playing while suspended will receive a further 3 match ban added to the end of their current suspension.
  • League costs are $68 per player/per league.
  • League fees must be paid prior to playing.
  • (Adult league only) A player may play on 2 teams in the same league, but must pay the full registration price for each team. If both teams make play-offs, the player must choose ONLY 1 team to play on for the play-offs.
  • (Adult league only) Relaxed players may play in both relaxed and competitive leagues. ONLY 1 competitive player may play on a relaxed team. ETX has the final decision on who is considered competitive. Any player on more than 1 team must pay FULL registration fee for each team.
  • U14 and under may NOT play on more than one team in the same league.

Roster

  • 5v5 (8 player minimum)
  • Coed 5v5 (minimum 2 women field players or play shorthanded)

Proper Attire

  • League shirts: Teams must have matching shirts.
  • Turf or flat soled shoes are recommended (NO CLEATS are allowed).
  • Shin guards are recommended (ETX Premier is NOT RESPONSIBLE for injury if a player chooses not to wear proper protective gear).
  • If a player is on the field without proper attire, game officials or staff will ask them to step off the field until proper attire is satisfied.

Player ID Cards

  • All players who enter the field MUST provide their player ID card before EVERY game. Player ID cards must match the roster to play.
  • Replacement cost for ID card will be $5.
  • Players that do not provide their ID card will not be allowed to play until they have purchased a replacement.
  • Two 20 minute halves with 2 minute halftime (team changes sides after half, referees whistle resumes play).
  • A team MUST have a minimum of 4 players to play the game.
  • ALL GAMES begin at scheduled time. The clock starts at the scheduled time. Teams not present after 5 minutes will forfeit.
  • Unlimited substitutions on the fly. Goal keeper substitutions during team possession only. A substitute CANNOT touch the ball until the player they are subbing for has left the field (yellow card).
  • There is NO OFFSIDES.
  • A tied game is recorded as a tie, except in playoff games.
  • NO SLIDING – Players must remain on their feet. No playing from the ground (including bicycle kicks). Hand or knee touching the turf counts as sliding.
  • If a defensive player (besides the goalkeeper) slides in the box, it will be deemed a penalty kick.
  • Goals may be scored from anywhere except kick-off or a goal kick.
  • Ball on touch line before kicking; opposing players allow 3 steps from kick-off or kick-in/restart.
  • Ball must be played backwards on each kick-off. NO goals off kick-off.
  • All kick-in/restarts have a 5 second time limit or the other team gets possession.
  • Long sides out: opposing team kick-in from where ball went out. Short sides: corner or goal kick.
  • Players can score directly from a corner kick or reset from ball out of play.
  • Corner kicks: ball on corner; opponents allow 3 steps. Defending corners: ONLY 1v1 allowed.
  • Walls may NOT be held or grabbed. No hard play against walls or overly aggressive teaming on a player.
  • Goalkeepers CANNOT use hands on a pass back from their own player.
  • Goalkeepers CANNOT punt the ball. They must throw the ball.
  • Goals CANNOT be scored directly off a goal kick.
  • Goalkeeper can slide only in designated goal box.
  • Goalkeeper can only use hands in their designated goal box.
  • Goalkeeper has 5 seconds to distribute the ball once picked up.

Fouls

  • Direct free kick: intentional kicks, trips, charges, holds, pushes, overaggressive shoulder checks, slides, or impeding a clear goal opportunity.
  • Indirect free kick: hand ball, goalkeeper slides/handles ball outside goal.

Misconduct

  • 4 fouls allowed each half; 5th foul results in a penalty shoot-out (1v1 with goalkeeper). Foul count resets at halftime.
  • NO overly aggressive shoulder checking, sliding, reckless play, or foul/abusive language.

ETX Premier Soccer General Format

  • All penalty kicks from the center of the field; referee starts with a whistle.
  • Live, timed 1v1 between shooter and goalkeeper.

Penalty Kick Taker

  • Ball stationary at center mark; 5 seconds to attempt a shot after the whistle.
  • May dribble or shoot; one continuous attempt only (no rebounds).

Goalkeeper

  • Must remain inside the goal box; may move freely and dive within the box.

End of Play

  • Over when: goal scored, goalkeeper gains possession, shooter loses control, or 5-second limit expires.

After the Penalty Kick

  • Goal scored: restart from midfield. No goal: dead ball; goalkeeper possession.

Additional Clarifications

  • No other players may interfere. No rebounds. Referee time count is final.

Yellow Cards

Serious offenses (hard foul, intentional handball, instigation, unsportsmanlike behavior, intentional delay) may result in yellow or red at referee discretion. 2 yellows = red.

  • One yellow: sit out 2 minutes with NO SUB.
  • Excessive complaining to the referee may result in yellow or red.
  • Sideline misconduct: team plays short 2 minutes (yellow) or 5 minutes (red).
  • Foul language: 1st warning, 2nd yellow, 3rd red (fans removed).

Red Cards

  • Player may not return; substitute may join after 5 minutes.
  • Given for violent conduct, dangerous fouls, denying obvious goals, offensive language, or retaliation.
  • Minimum one-match suspension; further suspension at referee/management discretion.
  • Team permanently down to 3 players: match ends, 6-0 awarded (or greater existing difference).
  • Suspended player cannot be replaced on roster.
  • Intentional harm/fighting: 3-game suspension, season suspension, or facility ban at ETX discretion.
  • ANY NON-PLAYER entering the field for conflict is banned from the facility.
  • Match stopped early: at-fault team forfeits; both at fault = both forfeit, no points.
  • 5 team physical fouls (with safety exceptions) = penalty; others behind halfway line.
  • Repeated violations: suspension/ban and possible fine to captain/coach.

Referee & League Authority

  • Referee decisions are final. No protests after the game.
  • ETX Premier Soccer decisions on league administration are final.
  • ETX may overturn rules if a team deliberately exploits them for unfair advantage.

Forfeits / Cancellations

  • Please DO NOT forfeit/cancel. Notify ETX by 3pm game day if necessary; await league reply for official cancellation.
  • ETX will attempt to reschedule weather/event cancellations; no guarantee on days/times.
  • Multiple forfeits may jeopardize re-registration. NO refunds once registered.

Weather

We play rain or shine. Cancellations only for severe lightning, extreme heat, excessive rain, or unplayable conditions. Check Facebook, Instagram, and messages for updates.

Coaches Responsibilities

  • Coaches are responsible for conduct of players and parents.
  • Referees and staff will not tolerate unruly behavior; anyone may be removed.
  • Ensure teams know guidelines, proper behavior, and full payment of entry dues.

Sportsmanship

All participants must conduct themselves respectfully toward league representatives, officials, and players. Fighting, abusive language, and reckless play may result in cards and league suspension.