Rules & Regulations
Teams may only have Five (5) players on the pitch during play. Four (4) on field players plus the goalkeeper.
In the league fixtures, each team can have up to Five (5) substitutes. These are rolling substitutes but the game must be stopped and referee informed prior to substitution. This also applies if goalkeeper is changed.
However for the semi-finals and finals, please note that each squad player must have played a minimum of 3 league games for their team in order to qualify to play in the semis and finals.
40 minute games – each half runs for 20 minutes (running clock)
If your team is not ready to play by the time the game is due to start your team will lose 1 goal every 5 minutes until the game starts i.e. a team which is only ready to play 5 minutes after the scheduled kick-off time will start 1 nil down assuming the opposition team were ready on time
3 Points for a win, 1 Point for a draw and Zero points for a loss.
A team will be deducted 3 points for failing to turn up for a match and the opposition team will be awarded a 5 goals to nil WIN.
No bonus points will be awarded for extra goals but teams will be ranked if points are equal by goal difference, and then by goals scored, and then by head to head encounter/s.
A team which fails to turn up for a match without giving Accomplish Management prior notice will be fined £50 and this fine will need to be paid in full before the team plays its next match
Back passes are allowed and the Goalkeeper (GK) can pick the ball up. If the GK passes the ball to a defender and the ball is passed directly back to GKan indirect free kick from where the defender passed the ball will be awarded. Not a Penalty.
Goal Keepers (GK) Area
This area is defined as the semi circle around each of the goals and rising vertically to the roof net.
The GK is the only player allowed in this area.
The GK is not allowed outside this area. If he does go outside the area a penalty will be awarded, unless the referee believes it has only been his momentum that has taken him out.
If a defending out field player enters the GK area, to gain advantage or is in the field of play they will be penalised, and the attacking team will be awarded a penalty.
If an attacking player enters the GK area a free kick will be awarded to the GK.
If a goal is scored and then the attacking players momentum carries him over into the GK area, the goal will be awarded, but only if the ball is struck clearly outside the GK area.
Free Kicks
No slide tackling. If an out field player plays the ball whilst he is on the ground an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposition.
No tackling from behind.
If a player is congested against a net the referee will play the indirect free kick to this player to relieve the congestion.
Any tackles deemed dangerous will be awarded with a direct or indirect free kick, at the referee’s discretion.
Holding onto the net to gain advantage is prohibited. A free kick 1 metre in from the place of infringement will be awarded against offender.
A defending player must be Two (2) metres from the ball. Free kicks are all indirect. The referee will determine this.
If a free kick is awarded within 2 metres of the goal circle, the ball will be taken back to 2 metres from the circle.
Penalties
When a penalty is awarded, the penalty must be taken from a spot, just outside of the goalkeeper’s circle. The shooter is not allowed to take a run-up. One foot must be placed beside the ball and then the ball is to be struck. The goalkeeper must remain on the goalkeeper’s line.
Misconduct & Discipline
If a player is given a yellow card they must leave the court for a duration of 5 minutes before re-entering. They cannot be replaced during this time
If a player is given a red card they must leave the court for the remainder of the game. They cannot be replaced. They will be suspended for the next game
For severe penalties a player can be suspended for one (1) league match or more depending on discretion of Play On Sports centre management
The referee can stop the game at their own discretion at anytime
No spitting or swearing on the courts
Steps of Misconduct:
- Yellow or red card issued
- Verbal Warning by Play On Sports Management
- Suspension of x amount of games
- Banning from participation in Championship
Misconduct Guidelines for players
Please do not forget that all leagues at Play On Sports are SOCIAL LEAGUES. Abuse toward other players or the referee will not be tolerated so please respect each other. The above penalties will be imposed for any abuse.
There may be occasions where you will disagree with a referee’s decision, but please note that the referee’s decision is final. Get on with the game in the meantime and then feel free to ask the referee questions at the end of the half or at the end of the game. It is difficult for the referee to answer questions during the game.
Misconduct Guidelines for Referees (players also take note)
Referees must do their best to ensure the game is played in a fun and social way. Although games may be competitive, it is a social league. Referees should play advantage but also bear in mind to be over cautious on any contact.
Confrontations or over aggressive behaviour should be dealt with using the following steps:
- The referee will call the Captains together and tell them to speak to their team to 'cool' things down or, if the confrontation involves the Captain the referee will call the Vice Captain of the team and warn them to 'cool' things down. Both are an official warning.
- If a confrontation continues the referee can send a player or players off for a period of 5 minutes or the remainder of the match.
- In extreme cases the referee can send a player or players off for a period of 5 minutes or the remainder of the match without an initial warning
- At the discretion of the referee the game can be stopped and Captains briefed by the referee about behaviour
- A team can be penalised and or a game forfeited if abuse from the sideline continues