Playing Rules

League and Playing Rules – updated August 2020

Any players that play in 5aside.org leagues do so entirely at their own risk. 5aside.org or its agents do not accept liability for any personal injury or loss/damage to property, other than that caused by our negligence.
It is the responsibility of each player to arrange their own insurance policy that will cover them for injury sustained while participating in sporting activities.

1. GENERAL

1. Captain/team organiser’s role – as team captain you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of playing in the 5aside.org league. It is the responsibility of the captain to be the main point of contact for the team and to ensure that players are aware of the rules.

2. REGISTRATION/TEAM SQUADS
2.1 All players should be registered. You can register new players to your team at any point during the season, please add them to your team registration list via your online account.
2.2 The number of players that can be registered for a season is unlimited.

3. USE OF ‘RINGERS’ /NON-REGISTERED PLAYERS.
3.1 Teams are permitted to borrow players when they are short.
3.2 Teams are still liable to pay their full match fee when using ringers/borrowed players

4. CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR
4.1 All players must wear clothing suitable for playing sport in
4.2 All players must wear the appropriate footwear for their league.  For leagues played on normal astroturf, no studs of any type are allowed. Rubber moulded studs are allowed on some 3G surfaces, please check with your league manager if moulds are allowed at your league
4.3 Shin pads are not a requirement but we do recommend them

5.  MATCH FEES
5.1 Match fees shall be determined by 5aside.org and are subject to change, with notice
5.2 Match fees can be paid online via the website
5.3 The deposit (see 6) cannot be used against any match fees

6.  DEPOSIT
6.1 All teams must pay a refundable deposit (either £50 or £100) to enter a league
6.2 To ensure the deposit is refunded in full, teams must pay all match fees during the season, turn up to all fixtures and give proper notice when leaving the league

7.  ABSENCES/ FIXTURE CANCELLATIONS
7.1 Teams absent for a fixture will lose the game 5-0
7.2 One match fee will be deducted from the deposit for any games missed
7.3 Teams absent for 2 games in a season may be removed from the league, or asked to pay a new deposit if they wish to continue
7.4 If you forfeit any matches and wish to continue for another season you must top up your team’s deposit.

PLAYING RULES

1.TIMINGS
1.1 Most matches consist of 2 halves, usually of 18 or 20 minutes, with a max of 1 min for half time
1.2 Please arrive 10 minutes before your kick-off so you are ready to go at the start.

2. RESTARTS AND CORNERS
2.1 ‘Throw-ins’ must now be kicked in until further notice
2.2 Opposition players must be a minimum of 2 metres from corners/throws

3. THE GOALKEEPER/THE AREA
3.1 The goalkeeper cannot leave his area*
3.1.1 Outfield players cannot enter the area*
3.2 If the goalkeeper makes a save and part of his body slides out of the area, the referee must use his discretion in deciding when to award a penalty
3.3. Players gaining an advantage by entering the area will be penalised by the award of a penalty (defending) or the ball being returned to the goalkeeper (attacking)*
*This rule may differ in 6/7-a-side leagues. Please check with league management, or your referee if unsure.

4. BACKPASSES
4.1 Back-pass – when an outfield player receives the ball from the goalkeeper, the ball must be touched by another player before being returned to the goalkeeper
4.2 An indirect free kick is given if a back-pass occurs and it is taken from where the player passed the ball back to the keeper.

5. FREE-KICKS AND PENALTIES
5.1 All free kicks are direct, except those awarded for a backpass infringement
5.2 One step is allowed for penalties
5.3 Goalkeepers must not leave the goal line until the penalty is struck

6. TACKLES
6.1 No slide tackles/charging
6.2 If a slide tackle is committed a free kick is given

7. HEAD HEIGHT
7.1 The ball can be played over head-height in majority of leagues*
*Some leagues differ please double check with league manager

8. SUBSTITUTES
8.1 All leagues are roll on roll off subs

DISCIPLINARY
1 A 2 minute sin-bin will be given to any players awarded a yellow or blue card
2 For any red cards or violent behaviour, 5aside.org will impose an appropriate ban
3 5aside.org has zero tolerance towards violent behaviour and this will be reflected in action taken against teams and individuals involved in such incidents
4 5aside.org reserve the right to ban any team or player indefinitely from any league or competition

LEAGUE FORMAT

1 Three points for a win, one point for a draw. Teams level on points in a League will be separated by goal difference, then goals scored, then head-to-head results.

2 Fixtures will be available through www.5aside.org

3 Fixtures may be amended by 5aside.org if it is in the best interests of the league

4 5aside.org reserve the right to amend league formats

5 There is generally no break between seasons