Football Invasion Rules
The League setup
· The competition shall be played on a league basis.
· The league shall consist of one or more divisions containing several teams.
· Matches shall be played on one nominated day every week.
· Teams shall play each other once or twice over a period of several weeks.
· Three points shall be awarded for a win and one point for a draw.
· Once a season is completed, promotions and relegations shall be made, the new fixtures will be generated and the new season shall start the following week. There are no pauses between seasons unless determined in advance by Football Invasion.
· Football may change the match night, times, venue or playing format where it is to the advantage of the league.
Captain
· It is the captain’s role to ensure all players are aware of the rules and by allowing a player to play in the team, you are confirming that a player has been shown these rules and will abide by them. As captain you agree to these rules and the terms and conditions.
· It is the captains responsibility to make us aware of any new players joining there team.
Players
· The number of players is limited to 5-a-side but there is no limit on how many players can be in the squad. Although all players must be registered to your team before they play. This is the responsibility of the captain.
· If a team is reduced by 2 players or more players due to injury or suspension the game shall be abandoned and awarded to the opposition.
Off Side, Penalty and Free Kicks
· There is no offside. Players may place themselves in any part of the playing area without any restriction.
· When a player is taking a free kick, the opposition shall be a minimum distance of 2m from the ball until it is in play.
· All free kicks that happen around the penalty area must be a minimum distance of 1m from the goal area.
· A penalty kick shall be taken from the penalty mark or from the edge of the area directly in line with the centre of the goal.
· No player can enter the area until the penalty kick has been taken.
Goals
· A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line between the goal posts and under the cross bar.
· A player can not score directly from kick off without passing the ball to another player.
Playing Area
· There are no throw ins so you can use the side of the cage to play the ball.
· If the ball hits the back of the cage, directly behind the goal, it is the keeper’s ball. If it hits the back wall either side of goal then the game plays on as normal.
Keepers Area
· There are no restrictions on players entering the goal areas but you are unable to score within the area.
· Attackers and defenders may enter the goal area and play the ball.
Goalie
· The goal keeper is allowed out of his goal area. Once he has crossed onto the outfield, he shall be treated as normal player.
· The goal keeper cannot take the ball back into his area from the outfield.
· There is no restriction on the goalkeeper using his feet in the area.
· The goalkeeper must be distribute the ball underarm and/or rolling to his own feet.
· The goal keeper cannot pick up a back pass. Normal 11-a-side back pass rules apply.
Players Gear
· All players MUST wear shin pads. This is compulsory and failure to do so may result in that player being excluded from play.
· Ideal Footwear is astro turf boots/trainers or Blades. Metal football studs are not permitted. Failure to wear the appropriate footwear may result in that player being excluded from play.
· The rules of the competition allow unlimited rolling substitutions.
· Any player may change with the goal keeper, provided that the referee is informed of the change and it is done so in a stoppage of play.
Running Late
If there is no sign of you 5 minutes beyond kick off time the result will be awarded to the opposition as a 3-0 win.
The game will be shortened if you are running late so the following games kicks off on time.
Discipline
· If in the opinion of Football Invasion the conduct of any club or player brings the competition into disrepute, Football Invasion reserves the right to report the player and club and reserve the right to remove them from the competition.
· During a game the referee may award a yellow or red card depending on the severity of misconduct.
Yellow Cards
· If a yellow card is awarded the player shall be temporarily suspended from play for 5 minutes.
· During the suspension a player must stay off the field of play, this shall be deemed as the ‘sin bin’.
· The referee shall inform the player when the suspension is over.
· The period of suspension shall be 5 minutes.
· If a player receives 2 yellow cards in the same game he shall not take any further part in the game.
Red Cards
· If a red card is awarded the offending player shall not be allowed to take further part in the match and shall be suspended by Football Invasion for a minimum of 1 match.
· Any suspension awarded by Football Invasion shall affect this competition only.
Slide Tackles
· Please note particularly that charging / sliding tackles are forbidden and shall be penalised by the awarding of a free kick.
Persistent charging / sliding tackles shall result in a yellow card.
Payment
· The team match fee shall be determined by Football Invasion, this may change from time to time. The match fees are payable before the game commences.
· Teams can pay match fees in advance via the team website, or pay at the night in cash.
· If the full match fee is not received, Football Invasion will deduct the result. Any goals scored removed and the result awarded to their opposition. Football Invasion will also add a £5 administration fee.
· Any team that pay their match fee by cheque which is then declined by the bank, shall incur an additional £10 administration fee. This shall be detailed on the team account; the result of the affected game will be removed along with any goals.
· Football Invasion reserve the right to withhold any trophies from teams that have monies owing from debt accrued throughout any season.
· Failure to pay fees on any occasion shall be deemed a breach of competition rules and the Football Invasion reserve the right to remove the team from that competition.
· The team captain is responsible for all team underpayments and match fee arrears. Any monies owed which are not covered shall be collected by Football Invasion or an appointed agency from the captain. By entering a team, the captain agrees to this responsibility.
Unfulfilled Fixtures
· If a team is absent for a fixture without giving proper notice the opposition shall be awarded the game. The match fee and a £5 administration fee shall be charged to our account for payment.
· In order to give proper notice, a team must inform Football Invasion of their forthcoming absence before NOON on the day of the fixture, via email to mail@football-invasion.co.uk or via the website www.football-invasion.co.uk. If a team is absent for a fixture without giving proper notice the opposition shall be awarded the game. The match fee and a £5 administration fee shall be charged to our account for payment.
· Where a team is absent for 2 consecutive games, Football Invasion reserve the right to remove the team from the competition and will any monies owed which are not covered shall be collected by Football Invasion or an appointed agency from the captain
· If a team has no opposition as they are absent, to claim the points they must be available to play and have paid the relevant match fee. If this is not the case than they shall be also deemed as absent.