​1. General

• Matches are 5-a-side (4 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper).
• Squads may register up to 8 players.
• Match fees must be paid before the game begins.
• Games will be played on St Margaret’s Pastures 5-a-side pitches.

2. Match Duration

• Matches last 40 minutes (2 × 20 minutes).
• A short half-time break will take place at 20 minutes for substitutions if teams wish.
• Knockout games: Same duration. If tied, go straight to a penalty shootout (best of 3, then sudden death).
• The referee’s decision on timekeeping is final.

3. Pitch Rules

• ❌ No players allowed in either penalty area/box.
  o Entering your own box = penalty to the opposition.
  o Entering the opposition’s box = free kick to the opposition.
• ❌ Goalkeepers must stay inside their area. Leaving the box = penalty to the opposition.
• ✅ Outfield players may play the ball above head height.
• ❌ Goalkeepers cannot play, kick, throw, or distribute the ball above head height.
  o If the goalkeeper does play the ball above head height, the restart is a free kick from the spot where the ball exceeded head height, NOT a penalty.
• If the ball leaves the cage, play restarts with the goalkeeper nearest to where it went out.

4. Kick-Off & Restart

• Kick-offs may be taken in any direction.
• The ball is in play once it moves.
• After a goal, restart with a centre kick-off.

5. Goalkeeper Rules

• Goalkeepers must remain inside their area.
• They may use their hands inside the area only.
• Goal kicks may be thrown, rolled, or kicked.
• Distribution must stay below head height.
  o If the distribution goes above head height, restart = free kick from where the ball broke the height limit.

5A. Pass-Back Rule

• ✅ You may pass the ball to your goalkeeper and receive it back.
• ❌ You cannot receive the ball from your goalkeeper and then immediately pass it straight back to them.
  o This “double pass-back” = penalty to the opposition.
• Designed to prevent time-wasting and keep the game flowing.

6. Substitutions

• Substitutions may be made every 5 minutes (except for injuries).
• Short half-time break — subs must be completed quickly so play can resume.
• Players must enter and exit through the cage door.
• A substitution is complete once the player has left the pitch.

7. Fouls & Discipline

• ❌ No slide tackles or playing on the floor allowed.
• All free kicks are direct unless otherwise stated.
• Opposition must stand 3 steps from the ball at free kicks.
• ❌ No heading of the ball.
• Persistent fouling, dangerous play, or dissent may result in cards:
  o Yellow card = 2-minute sin bin (team plays with one fewer player).
  o Red card = dismissal from the match.

8. Penalties

• Taken from the penalty spot (if not marked, at the referee’s discretion).
• Goalkeeper must remain on the line until the ball is struck.
• One-step penalties only — no stuttering.

9. League Points System

• 3 points for a win.
• 1 point for a draw.
• 0 points for a loss.

10. Refereeing

• The referee’s decision is final.
• Respect for officials, staff, and opponents is mandatory.

11. Late Policy ⏰

• Teams must be ready to kick off at the scheduled time.
• If a team is more than 5 minutes late, the opposing team may choose:
  1. Start the game with a 3–0 head start, or
  2. Claim a 3–0 win by forfeit.

12. Unacceptable Behaviour 🚫

• Fighting, abusive language, violent conduct, or any behaviour deemed unacceptable by officials will result in immediate sanctions.
• In cases of fighting or serious misconduct:
  o The offending player will be banned for the remainder of the tournament.
  o If a whole team is involved, they may be disqualified at the organiser’s discretion.
• Respect and fair play are non-negotiable — failure to uphold these values will result in removal.