Football League Rules 

The rules are as follows (download as word document):

•  6 a-side games. Substitute players whenever you want (as long as you only have 6 players on the pitch). League matches: 8 minute halves. 1 minute half-time. 3 mins changeover till next game.

•  Ball must remain below head height (height of the tallest player on the pitch) – indirect free kicks for high balls are taken from where they were kicked.

•  There are no standard: throw-ins, corners or goal kicks. When a ball goes out of play it is brought back into play with an underarm roll (not side arm).

•  Goal throws cannot be passed directly back to the keeper they first must be touched by another player on either team. If the ball is passed directly back to the keeper if will result in an indirect free kick.

•  Free kicks near the edge of the area are taken 2 metres from the line of the semi-circle (nearest the offence).

•  If a defender kicks the ball in her/his defensive area it is an automatic penalty kick. If a defender accidentally goes in the area and does not touch the ball or affect play a penalty will not be given . If a defender uses the area as a short cut so they can make a tackle or block a shot a penalty will result.

•  Goalkeepers are to remain in the area. If they handle the ball outside the area it results in a free kick. If they stop a goal scoring chance it is a penalty.

•  If a penalty is awarded the goalkeeper cannot be substituted until it has been taken. Ditto for a penalty shoot-out.

•  Generally direct free kicks are only given for fouls or foul play. Defenders must not be within a 2m radius of where a free kick is being taken from.

•  All schools must have both a boys and a girls team or they cannot compete..

•  Please try to encourage your teams to shake hands at the end of matches.

•  If a team is not present at kick-off they will automatically go 1-0 down (but can start at this score if they arrive during the first half). If they don't arrive till the 2 nd half starts (or has started) they begin 2-0 down.

• League Positions are decided as follows (in order of priority): Points, Goal difference, Goals Scored, Result of match where tied teams played each other, toss of a coin.

•  Referees have the option to send children to the “sin bin” for 3 minutes. This may be for a first serious offence or repeated minor offences (see also Code of Conduct)

•  Fair Play points are awarded to both Boys and Girls Teams for each game

4 points - Exceptionally good sportsmanship shown by whole team.

3 points – All players show very good sportsmanship and all shake hands at the end.

2 points – Generally very good – eg a few forget to shake hands.

1 point – Poor - None or very few shake hands, disputing decisions etc.

0 points – Appalling - deliberate fouls, swearing, arguing with ref etc.