Competition Rules

The following provides a summary of the key rules for the Spring Training Program and competition

Safety rules

Your safety as a player is our highest priority

You are participating in a training program that includes competitive football. You will be playing with and against players of different age-groups with different physical abilities. Coaches will supervise the matches. However, we also ask for your pro-active support in helping implement the following rules:

• Play stops immediately if a player is injured or appears injured
• Play stops immediately if a player is hit in the head, whether or not they appear injured
• Shin-pads and boots are mandatory
• No loose jewellery to be worn
• Visible piercings must be taped
• No full-powered shots from inside the goal-circle

Player participation in the program is conditional on adherence to these rules

Summary of 5-a-side game rules

Duration - Matches will be played in 2 x 15 minute halves

Off-Side - There is no off-side

Game Kick-Off - Kick-off direction will be determined for all matches by coin toss

Goal-Kicks - Opposition players are not allowed in the goal-circle until the ball has been kicked

Goal-Clearances - Punting the ball is not allowed. When the goal-keeper clears the balls, they can throw it or kick it off the ground. Opposition players do not need to leave the goal-circle during a goal clearance, but must not impede the goal-keeper

Side-Line-Restarts - There are no throw-ins. The ball must be kicked in for a side-line re-start. Opposing players must be at least 3 metres from the player kicking the ball. Goals cannot be scored directly from a side-line restart