Match Format
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Format: 8 v 8
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Match Duration: 2 × 25-minute halves
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Half-Time: 5 minutes
Match Rules
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Throw-ins: Yes
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Back Passes to the Goalkeeper: Not permitted (the goalkeeper may not handle a deliberate pass from a teammate's foot).
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Offside: No offside rule applies (see Attacking Restriction).
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Stoppage Time: None. Each half ends at the referee's discretion once time has expired.
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Sliding Tackles: Permitted, subject to the safety guidelines below.
Sliding Tackle Safety
Sliding tackles are allowed; however, player safety is the priority.
A tackle will be penalized if, in the referee's opinion, it is:
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Reckless or dangerous.
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Made with excessive force.
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Likely to endanger an opponent.
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Studs-first or with both feet off the ground.
The referee's decision on the safety and legality of a sliding tackle is final.
Offside / Attacking Restriction
There is no offside rule in this 8-a-side league.
However, to prevent attackers from remaining beside the goalkeeper for the entire match, the following restriction applies:
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An attacking player may only receive the ball inside the penalty area after a teammate has crossed the halfway line.
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A long pass from a player's own half is permitted, provided the receiving attacker is not inside the penalty area when the ball is played.
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The attacker may then move into the penalty area to receive the pass once the above condition has been met.
Example:
A defender plays a long ball from inside their own half. This is legal as long as the attacker is outside the penalty area at the moment the pass is made. If the attacker is already inside the penalty area when the ball is played, they cannot be the first player to receive it unless a teammate has already crossed the halfway line.
The captain of a team is allowed to appeal a decision made by the referee once per game.
Situations where appeals are not possible are as follows:
- Red Cards for clear and obviously dangerous play or abusive conduct.
- Claiming a penalty when not given
- Overturning a goal given
🟨 Yellow Card
A normal warning for things such as:
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Dissent / Profanity directed at players or referee
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Delaying a restart
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Minor foul
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Unsporting behaviour
⏱️ Sin Bin — 5 minutes
For:
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Repeated dissent / profanity
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Persistent fouling
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Tactical fouls stopping a promising attack
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Reckless challenges
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Aggressive or provocative behaviour
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Deliberately delaying the game
The player leaves the pitch and their team plays with one fewer player.
Sin Bin calls would normally be made for a player already on a yellow card that hasn't quite done something warranting a red card.
🟥 Red Card
Still reserved for:
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Serious foul play
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Violent conduct
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Abusive or threatening behaviour
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Deliberate handball denying a clear goal
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Serious misconduct
The player is permanently removed, and whether the team can replace them should be determined by your league rules.
Blacklist
Captains of respective teams have the right to make an official complaint about specific players that make a reputation for repeated misconduct that clearly goes against what the league stands for.
If three or more team captains agree that the player in question should no longer be allowed to participate in the league, the player will be suspended or in severe cases permanently removed from participation in the league.
Teams may make an unlimited number of substitutions during the match. Players who have been substituted may re-enter the game at any time.
All substitutions must be made from the halfway line (or designated substitution area). The substitute may only enter the field after the player being replaced has left the field.
Substitutions must not delay the restart of play or interfere with active play. The referee may delay or refuse a substitution if it is being used to waste time or gain an unfair advantage.
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Teams are expected to complete their warm-up prior to the scheduled kick-off time. Players should be ready to begin the match at the designated start time.
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Kick-off times will remain as scheduled and will not be delayed to accommodate late arrivals. If a team has fewer players available at kick-off, the match will proceed with the players present.
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Team captains/coaches are to keep track of who on their team scored, received yellow/red cards.
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Both teams are responsible for assisting with the setup and pack-down of goals and any other required equipment before and after the match. If players and teams are unable to do so, this will effective the total playtime.
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Following the final whistle and completion of handshakes, both teams must promptly remove all personal belongings and clear the field area to allow the next activity to begin on time.
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Players, coaches, and spectators are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect towards opponents, officials, organisers, and facilities at all times.
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Teams are responsible for ensuring their players are wearing appropriate footwear, shin guards, and suitable playing attire before taking the field.
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Any disputes or concerns should be raised with the organisers in a respectful manner. Decisions made by match officials or organisers should be respected to ensure matches run smoothly.