League and Playing Rules

Please note that our terms and conditions of business also apply to all players/participants in any leagues, competitions and events

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 must be registered. New players can be registered throughout the season.
Please email player contact details to info@5aside.org.
2.2 The number of players that can be registered for a season is unlimited. You can bring up to 4 subs for any particular game.

3. Use of 'ringers' /non-registered players.

3.1 Teams are permitted to borrow players when they are short.
3.2 Borrowed players may not be used as substitutes
3.3 Teams are still liable to pay their full match fee when using ringers/borrowed players

4. 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.

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 (usually £100) to enter a league
6.2 To ensure the deposit is refunded in full, teams must pay all match fees during the season and give proper notice when leaving the league (see 2.7 below)

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 An extra £30 charge on top of the match fee will apply for a 'no-show' (no notice given)
7.4 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

League Format

1. Three points for a win, 1 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

6. Teams will automatically entered into the next season unless proper notice (3 weeks) has been given by the team captain

7. Leaving a league

7.1 Teams can only leave at the end of a season
7.2 Any team not giving proper notice (3 weeks) will forfeit their deposit
7.3 Deposits are not refundable to teams removed from a league for disciplinary reasons

Playing Rules

1. All matches consist of 2 halves, usually of 18 or 20 minutes, with a max of 1 min for half time

2. Throw-ins and corners

2.1 Throw-ins must be taken underarm and under knee height, in a downward direction
2.2 Corners can be kicked or rolled
2.3 Opposition players must be a minimum of 2 yards 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)

4. Backpasses - 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. Free-kicks and penalties

4.1 All free kicks are direct, except those awarded for a backpass infringement
4.2 One step is allowed for penalties
4.3 Goalkeepers must not leave the goal line until the penalty is struck

5. No slide tackles/charging

6. There ball can be played over head-height in all leagues

Disciplinary

1. A 2 minute sin-bin will be given to any players awarded a yellow card
2. For any red cards or violent behaviour, 5aside.org will impose an appropriate ban
3. 5aside.org reserve the right to ban any team or player indefinitely from any league or competition