PLAYERS EQUIPMENT

• A player cannot take the field unless he/she is wearing the full official competition playing strip. If a player does not have their playing shirt for the game, they must show identification at the administration desk and obtain a bib for that game.

• No player can take the field without approved shin pads. There are NO exceptions to this rule.

• In the event of a shirt colour clash the ‘Home’ Team (team listed first in the draw) will wear available bibs of a different colour to the ‘Away’ Team, whichever colour provides the greater contrast. These are to be collected from the bib bins next to the check in desk before the game.
• Goalkeepers will wear a different coloured shirt or bib, which ever provides the greater contrast to the playing shirts of both teams.

• Jewellery must not be worn, in particular necklaces, ear rings, body piercings, rings, watches or sport watches. Players must remove these prior to the commencement of the game.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

• A team must field a minimum of four (4) players (including any borrowed players) or forfeit their game.
• A team cannot field more players than the number of registered players in that team.

KICK-OFF

• To start a game or re-start a game after a goal or half time the ball must be stationary when kicked and can be kicked in any direction.
• The kick off at the start of the first and second half must be taken within four (4) seconds of sounding of the hooter. Failure to take the kick within four (4 ) seconds will result in an indirect free kick to the opposition team to be taken from the centre of the half way line.
• For the start of play, the “Away Team” takes the kick-off
• Their opponents take the kick-off to start the second half
• For the second half, the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals
• After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by their opponents.

For every kick-off:

• All players, except the player taking the kick-off must be in their own half of the field of play
• The opponents of the team taking the kick-off must be at least 5m from the ball until it is in play
• The ball must be stationary on the centre mark
• The referee gives a signal
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves
• A goal may not be scored directly against the opponents from the kick-off; a goal kick is awarded. If the ball enters the kicker’s goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opponents

GOAK KICKS

• A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored.

• The Goalkeeper is to take the Goal Kicks
• Play can be restarted by either a place kick, a punt kick from the Goalkeeper’s hands or a throw i.e., the ball does not need to be placed on the ground as per a traditional goal kick.
• The overarching rule of a goal kick is that the ball cannot be propelled by any means past the halfway line on the full. If a ball is kicked or thrown over the halfway line on the full, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposition at the point nearest to where the ball crossed the half way line.

GOALKEEPING

• In general play, after gaining control of the ball by using his/her hands, the Goalkeeper cannot kick or throw the ball over the half way line on the full. Catching, picking the ball up, or patting it down, is considered to be having control over the ball (punching the ball away for a save is not considered having control).
• The only time the Goalkeeper can kick the ball over the halfway line on the full is from general play where they have not used their hands (e.g., after receiving a pass from a teammate / when clearing the ball / making a save with their feet).
• The Goalkeeper cannot pick up or touch the ball with his/her hands directly from a teammate. Any offence where the Goalkeeper handles the ball will result in an indirect free kick to be taken on the edge of the penalty area adjacent to where the offence occurred.
• If the Goalkeeper handles the ball outside the penalty area and denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity, a red card is to be show and the Goalkeeper is sent from the field of play.
• The Goalkeeper must release the ball within 4 seconds of gaining control of the ball in his/her hands. If not released this will result in an indirect free kick to be taken on the edge of the penalty area adjacent to where the offence occurred.
• Except in the case of an injury, the Goalkeeper can only be changed at Half Time.

CORNER KICKS

• A corner kick is awarded if the ball crosses the goal line (but not into the goal) and was last touched by any player on the defending team.
• For corner kicks, the ball is placed on the goal line or side line no further than 0.5 metres from the corner.
• The ball must be stationary when the corner kick is taken.
• The corner kick must be taken within four (4) seconds of placing the ball. Failure to take the kick within four (4) seconds will result in turn-over of possession to the opposition Goalkeeper for a goal kick.

FORFEITS

• If a team does not have four (4) players available up to 4 minutes after the scheduled game start time, they will forfeit the match. If the game starts late then the game duration is reduced to ensure that the first half finishes on time.

SANCTIONS

• All players must abide by the spirit of Summer Football Competition which is based towards being non-contact and played primarily for enjoyment and practice.
• Any unnecessary aggression or forceful challenges, slide tackling or tackling from behind will result in a free kick and a possible yellow or red card.
• Any player receiving a red card cannot be substituted in the game and that player will receive an appropriate suspension as determined by the Competition Organiser.
• To enforce the ethos of this competition, the Competition Organiser has the authority to impose an appropriate suspension on any player (or team) who does not abide by the rules or the spirit by which the rules are intended.

REFEREES

• Official MWFRA referees will be appointed to games. As a representative of the MWFRA you are to wear and will wear the MWFRA black uniforms. (Black shirt (tucked in) black shorts, black long socks, black boots or sports shoes).
• Non official MWFRA Referees will be appointed for FKSS and will wear the FKSS Shirt provided.
• Each match controlled by a referee has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game during the match.
• Decisions will be made to the best of the referee’s ability according to the Laws of the Game and the ‘spirit of the game’ and will be based on the opinion of the referee, who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Laws of the Game.
• The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final. The decisions of the referee must always be respected.