Basic Rules and Guidelines
- Kick off
- Postponements
- Referees
- Kit
- Basic Laws of the Game
- Substitutes
- Results
- Christian Points
- Fields
Unless otherwise specified, matches start at 10am with 45 minute halves. If only one team is ready to play at 10am then the referee is obliged to start the match irrespective of whether the other team is on the field or not. Goals scored will be credited to the team scoring them and against the team that is not on the field. The half time break is 5 minutes unless agreed otherwise.
Occasionally a team may have to postpone a match for a variety of reasons. When this happens please try to play at the next available non-playing date. Both teams must do their best to be available as soon as possible following a postponement.
If you are the team contemplating a postponement, please ensure that it is for a valid reason and contact your opposite team organiser as soon as possible. If there are any serious concerns in this area please contact me so that we can resolve it quickly.
Each team will supply a referee for half a game unless both captains agree to one referee for the whole game. If there is a player shortage, ‘running’ referees may be used provided both captains agree. THIS IS TO BE THE EXCEPTION RATHER THAN THE NORM.
Referees should have a good knowledge of soccer and soccer rules, so please do not use your inexperienced players to referee. It’s not fair for either team nor is it fair on the chosen referee.
Each team should supply its own whistle.
The referee’s decision is final. Verbal or physical abuse of a referee will not be tolerated and is a sending off offence. In the event of a referee needing to caution a player, the captain of the offending player is to be present also.
In the interests of promoting sportsmanship, the referee is encouraged to give a 10 minute sin-bin to players who repeatedly complain, argue or show dissent towards a referee’s decisions. A player sent to the sin-bin for a second time during a match shall not return to the field for the remainder of the match. If a decision requires clarification, the captain should be the sole person to discuss this with the referee.
Teams should be dressed in identical numbered shirts. Player’s shorts and socks should be of a similar colour. If a player is not in the field of play (i.e. a substitute) then they must cover their shirt with different coloured clothing so as to not confuse the other team as to the positioning of your players.
Shin guards and soccer boots are mandatory. Touch shoes may be used in the early part of the season while the ground is still hard.
Tackles from behind are illegal and a sending off offence after the first caution. This will also apply to any tackle deemed dangerous by the referee including some styles of sliding tackles or tackling with two feet. A note to referees – please use common sense and realistic judgement in these situations.
The keeper may not pick up the ball outside of the goal box. This is a professional foul and a sending off offence.
We play the offside rule where a player inside the defenders’ half must have two defenders (may include the keeper) between them and the defending goal when an attacking player passes the ball forward. (This is always a contentious point – please ensure your team understands this rule)
Further information on the fundamental rules of the game are available on the Fifa Football website.
Substitutes are permitted and generally limited to a maximum of three, however, more may be used subject to an agreement between both of the teams (it is not considered sporting to have an extra full team as substitutes). Substitutes must remain off the field for a minimum of 15 minutes (except in the case of injury), and must come on from the halfway line when the ball is out of play. The referee must be notified when a substitution occurs.
Substitutes not playing on the field must cover their shirt with different coloured clothing so as to not confuse the other team as to the positioning of your players.
Results must be phoned, emailed, faxed or sent in by txt on the day of play - the cut off time is 3pm.
If your match is postponed for whatever reason you must still notify that this is the case, either beforehand or on the day.
Both teams need to phone in the results to avoid mistakes.
Christian Points are awarded out of six. Five is still the norm for being a good, friendly but competitive game. Four is where there are a few niggles in that a team could work on improving its attitude. Three is where there is a problem in that one or more members of a team are constantly acting in an unsportsmanlike-like manner either through abusive or overly aggressive behaviour. Two is where I need to “read the rules” to a team (or to an individual through the team captain) due to abusive, outwardly aggressive and violent behaviour. One is where a team could be facing expulsion from the league such is their behaviour – no one has ever received a one yet. A six is where it was not just a great game, but more so one out of the bag in that win or lose, the opposing team was a real pleasure to play against. Their attitude was impeccable from start to finish. There are no half points. Please remember that when considering Christian points you are looking at the whole of the game rather than one or two minor incidents.
In the interests of fairness, if a team fails to advise (phone or email, etc) its results, then it will lose one Christian point while the opposing team will automatically receive five Christian points.
Please look after the grounds we use and take home all rubbish including tape, plastic bags and water containers. Do not leave mud on concrete paths. When it's raining teams will be tempted to seek cover under covered walk ways, if you make a mess then clean it up before you leave the field.
In the event of wet weather if there is no cancellation on 3ZB, please use your own judgement on whether your ground is too wet or not.
Please be considerate when parking your vehicles in school grounds. Do not block access to driveways and garages and do not park on the grass where your vehicle will leave marks.
Please note that grounds may change subject to discussions with Mainland Soccer.