Our rules, whilst based on FIFA’s rules in the main are varied slightly to take into context that most companies are playing socially in our comp – it is simply not first division stuff! However, there will be teams that want to be very competitive and that is always catered for – good clean fun spirited and safety are all elements of our comp.
Registrations – All teams must have filled out their Team Player List with all players, before the start of the competition. All players on this list are considered Registered Players. If new players join your team during the competition then their names must be added to this list via the online system or via the Sign On sheets at the grounds, otherwise they will not be allowed to play.
Substitutions – Multiple substitutions are permitted and no limit to inter-changes – this is as long as it does not interrupt play, however cannot be use as a tactic as viewed by referee.
Indoor Soccer – Games are played with 5 players on the court. All mixed teams are only allowed a maximum of 4 males on the field at one time. All men’s teams will comprise of 5 players. The men’s comp can have female players if you want.
Outdoor Soccer – Games are (usually) played with 6 players on the field. All mixed teams are only allowed a maximum of 4 males on the field at one time. All men’s teams will comprise of 6 players. The men’s comp can have female players if you want.
Match Times – All lunchtime matches will be 2 x 13 minute halves, with a two-minute break in between. And (most) Evening matches will be 2 x 18 minute halves, with a two-minute break in between. The time goes by our watch – not yours.
On Time: Teams will be expected to start on time as per the draw. Please be ready to take the field on time, already signed in!! Late teams – are not acceptable. After the first 3 minutes of the game, if there are not 3 team members on the field, one goal will be awarded to the opposing team. For every 3 minutes late, a goal will be awarded up until 12 minutes where the team will be forfeited. If a team is late, this time will cut into the first half, ie if a team is 5 minutes late, the opposing team will be awarded 1 goal and the first half will only go for 9 minutes.
Forfeit – If a team has to forfeit, then they must notify Anderson Events on 1300 132 921 by phone at least 24 hours prior to match start. The opposing team will receive 4 goals! On your third forfeit we will withdraw the team from the comp without any refund.
Short on players – If you are short on numbers from time to time you can take the field with a minimum of 3 registered team players (but you will be at a disadvantage!). If you have less than 3 registered team players, then you officially forfeit the match and you may play with players from another team in a Friendly match which WILL NOT count for points in the competition.
However if you have 3 registered team players and want to use players from another team to make up your 6 players, and have the game count for points in the competition YOU MUST have the agreement of the Captain (or Captains representative) from the opposing team. The opposing team has the right to request you forfeit and play a friendly match.
Points for the preliminary matches will be a follows:
Mixed Soccer Rule – Girls scoring a goal will be equal to 2 goals!!
Make sure you sign the scorecard at the end of the game as it shows you agree to the score.
Only players who have played more than 3 games in the preliminary rounds will be eligible to play in the finals as per the sign in sheet.
The positioning of each team in the competition will be decided on the following:
In the case of drawn matches in the Grand Final a penalty shoot-out will apply (as per FIFA rules). The shooting order in mixed soccer will be boy, girl, boy, girl, boy!! In every game, except the Champions Cup – Grand final, if there is a draw, the team placed highest on the ladder will go through
Offside – There is NO OFFSIDE in mini soccer!
Shinguards – All players must wear shin pads. A ref will check these at the start of the game!
Safety – Player safety, especially toward female players, is our number one priority. We ask to tone down tackling in our competitions.
Fouls and Misconduct – decided by Referee – no arguments! Warning: 1 verbal warning from referee or 2 min sin bin where player can be substituted. Any further action, player will be sent off. Referees have the right to send a player from the field for the following actions:
Swearing at the official, team-mate or opponent
Dangerous play that could/will cause an injury to another player
Unsportsmanlike conduct (e.g., kicking a ball away, taunting players)
Aggressive or violent behavior
From time to time players may become rude, aggressive or dangerous and this is behaviour which is not tolerated.
The umpire may decide to caution the players; separate those on the court or sin bin them for a period of time. If the players are involved in a serious physical altercation then the players name must be recorded and Anderson Events must be advised.
All Team Captains are responsible for disciplining their team members and you should always speak to the Team Captain first about the player behaviour if they are available.
The referee may also penalise the team captain for the teams’ behaviour.
Anderson Events operates under an injury policy where the clock never stops, so we keep the games running to time so teams playing after you are not disadvantaged; and that as we are a social league, that player safety and enjoyment of the game are primary concerns. This is reflected in our injury policy whereby if an injury occurs and a player leaves the field then another player can sub in and players may change positions, as long as the opposition also has the opportunity to change positions in response to this.
Players leaving the field due to blood are at the referee’s discretion. Play may be halted at the agreement of both teams, but no time is to be recovered. If the game has progressed beyond half- time and a major injury occurs, then the score line at that time will stand. If not, then it will be at the discretion of Anderson Events whether the match will be replayed.