Azzurri Sports & Leisure-5/6-a-side Football Rules

1. All matches will be played according to the laws and by laws of Association Football, with the exceptions as below.
2. The duration of all matches will be 28 minutes (two halves of 14 minutes).
3. All matches must be played according to the referee’s interpretation of the rules of the competition.
4. Teams may have up to 8 (five a side) / 9 (6 a side) players within their squad
5. There must be a minimum of 4 players (per team) on the field of play in order for the match to be played.
6. Teams can substitute players at any time, on a role on/off basis.
7. All the team members must wear an item of clothing that is the same, with the exception of the goalkeeper. He/she must wear colours that distinguish him/her from the other players.
8. If a clash of colours occurs the second named team must wear bibs which are available from the organizers.
9. Shin guards are to be worn to provide a reasonable degree of protection and covered entirely by the socks.
10. The ball may be ‘passed back’ to the goalkeeper intentionally at any time during
the match. He may not handle the ball; he can only return it into play by kicking it. If the goalkeeper does pick up the ball inside the goalkeeper’s area an indirect free kick will be awarded 2 meters outside the goalkeeper’s area adjacent to where the ball was picked up
11. Players are allowed in the goalkeeper’s area
12. The goalkeeper is allowed outside of his/her area
13. If any player handles the ball outside the goal area stopping an obvious goal scoring opportunity the player will be sent off from the field of play and a free kick will be awarded.
14. The goalkeeper is allowed to swap with another player, this change can be made at any time during the match once the referee has been informed.
15. No sliding tackles will be permitted, due to the surface and for safety reasons. For any slide tackle a direct free kick will be awarded.
16. When a free kick is awarded, opponents must stand 2 meters away from the ball.
17. No off side law will apply in this league
18. The ball can be kicked above head height
19. Corner kicks and under arm throw-ins will be used
20. If a penalty kick is awarded the player taking the penalty may take ONE step only before striking the ball.
21. Captains are advised to have a copy of the rules with them at matches to refer to if a referee's decision is questioned. If no rule sheet is available then the referee's decision is final. Any decisions made by the referee during the game will stand and cannot be disputed after the final whistle, apart from in extreme circumstances.
22. Points will be awarded as follows:
Win = 3 points; Draw = 1 point; Loss = 0 points; Walkover = 4-0.
23. Positions within the competition will be calculated by: Number of points; goal difference; goals scored; result of the first match between tying teams, number of wins overall.
24. The referee shall be the sole judge of misconduct. A player who is cautioned will receive a blue card and will have to leave the field of play for 4 Minutes. A player receiving two cautions will be sent off and will not be not be allowed to take part in the teams next 3 games. Any player sent off more than once will be banned from taking any further part in any future Azzurri competitions/leagues. No substitute is allowed on for a player dismissed from the playing area for misconduct
During the game in which the offence occurred.

25. All teams must be at pitch side and ready to play 10 minutes prior to their kick off time.

26. Teams paying weekly match fees must pay on the night to the league co-ordinator or referee. Any shortfall in weekly fees must be paid within 48 hours by calling 01483 715580 and paying with a credit / debit card. Failure to do so may result in your team being ejected from the league.

27.Any teams forfeiting their match or failing to turn up are liable for the match fee regardless and also the match fee of their opponents, and will incur a 0-4 result for that fixture.

28. Azzurri Sports & Leisure Ltd reserves the right to replace any team during the season.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Azzurri Sports & Leisure and the host institutions where the league is being conducted, do not assume liability for any injuries incurred while playing in Azzurri Sports & Leisure events or on the way to or from events. Teams should contact their own insurance carrier to get additional insurance for the players, if necessary. As a condition of registration, the following Disclaimer of Liability must be signed and dated by the teams Manager or representative.  In consideration of Azzurri Sports & Leisure ‘s acceptance of the team registration hereby acknowledges and understands that the players will be involved in some intense physical activity, physical contact and competition and that injuries can and do sometimes occur during competition.  The undersigned, on behalf of themselves and their players agree to hold harmless Azzurri Sports & Leisure its directors, staff, coaches and host institution where the tournaments are conducted from and against injuries incurred by the players or team officials.  The player and his team officials assume full responsibility for any damages or injuries which may occur to the player during the tournament sessions and so hereby fully releases, waives, and discharges Azzurri Sports & Leisure its directors, staff, coaches and host institution from and against all claims, injuries, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of the players participation in the tournaments and in the use of the host institution’s facility.

CODE OF CONDUCT

We hereby agree to abide by the rules of conduct as set forth by the Azzurri Sports & Leisure and its Staff, during Azzurri Sports & Leisure events. We agree to abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages, use of drugs immediately before and during matches. We further agree to abide by any reasonable requests by the Azzurri Sports & Leisure officials and venue Staff. We also agree to show respect for fellow players, officials, the Azzurri Sports & Leisure Staff and the host institutions employees. We fully understand failure to abide by these and other regulations could result in expulsion from the tournament and venue.  We agree we will not be entitled to any monetary refund following expulsion. I have made my team members full aware of the disclaimer of liability and code of conduct as set out above.