CHURCHES TOGETHER(NORTH EAST) FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

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Each game will consist of two periods of six minute play, of which there will be no added time.unless in the case of serious injury. (at the referees discretion)

The games will be awarded as follows- three points for a game win, one point for a draw, and no points for losing a game.

If a team turns up late for a match for any reason.they will concede one goal for every minute that they are late onto the pitch,until the score reaches five, at which point the game will be awarded to the opposing side. five- nil.

If at the end of the season more than one team has achieved the same number of points,and goals for, the secretary may allow an extra match to be played using the cup format described below..

As per league format above, If at the end of the allotted time neither team has won extra time will be played consisting of two periods of four minutes play.

A golden goal will win the game.

If a winner is not found after this, a penalty shoot out will take place consisting of five penalties per side.if this still does not bring about a winner, the penalties will continue and the first team to miss a penalty will be deemed to have lost.

Each team may registar up to the maximum number of players allowed in that section of the league

i.e. 6 a side - max 8 players aged between 12yrs and 16yrs (Minimum 4 players)

5 a side - max 7 players aged between 9yrs and 13yrs (Minimum 3 players)

All players must be named on the registration form to be submitted to the league secretary by the 31st July.

Each 5 a side team must have at least 1 girl registered to play, if no girl is available to play the team must reduce its number of players to 4.

Any changes must be notified to the secretary at least 24hrs prior to a game at which the changes are to take place.

A maximum of two substitutes can be used by a team during a game. The substitute will be allowed onto the pitch only after the referee has given his permission and the player to be replaced has left the pitch.

Once a player has been substituted he may not return onto the pitch.

Play will start when the referee drops the ball between one player from each side onto the centre spot.

Only after the ball touches the ground can the two players challenge for it.

Following a goal, the team which has conceded will then kick off.

When performing this the ball must travel backwards towards their own goal and must be touched by one member of their own team, before the opposing team can touch it.

Players should wait for the referees whistle to be blown at kick-off.

No whistle will be used for the restart of a game after a break e.g. bookings.free kicks etc.

The ball is in play unless-

-It is played above the height of the dark green boards around the hall, except when it has rebounded off the goalkeeper, should this occur, the game automatically carries on as normal.

-It is headed in any way.

- A player is injured.

-Half or full time.

-A free kick or penalty is taking place.

All opposing players must be a minimum of one metre from the ball when a free kick is taken.

All free kicks are direct no matter where on the pitch they have been awarded.

A free kick cannot be taken inside the goal area.

The player taking the free kick must not take more than two steps run up. Goal keepers cannot take free kicks.

The kicks must be taken from the designated spot which is situated just outside the goal area. The player who takes the penalty is not allowed to take more than two steps run up.

All players except the goal keeper must be behind the line of the ball until the penalty has been taken. The goalkeeper must remain on his line until the ball is kicked.

The goalkeeper may stop the ball with any part of the body, but must not deliberately kick the ball. The keeper must roll the ball back underarm into play.

If this is not done a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. This will be taken one metre outside the goal area, as directed by the referee, this can be defended by the conceding team.

The ball can only be passed back to the keeper once by his team in a particular movement, unless touched by the opposing team first.

If this rule is breached a free kick will be given to the opposing team to be taken from where the second back pass was made

Only the goalkeeper is allowed in the goal area. Should the keeper leave the area or a player from his team enters that area whilst the game is being played a penalty will be awarded.if a attacking player enters the opposing teams goal area a free kick will be awarded to the defending team.

A neutral referee will be assigned to each league, The referees decision will be final.

No player, leader or other person should approach the referee and query a decision without the express permission of the league secretary.

Only the leaders should approach the secretary with queries regarding the game, rules, or a referees decision if this is to be disputed.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

All players should ensure that their footwear is suitable for the playing surface and securely fastened, If a shoe comes off during a game and goes above ground level that player will receive a yellow card.

If a player is on the pitch during a game and is not wearing shin pads which are covered by his socks, that player will be booked and asked to leave the pitch until this problem has been addressed. He may only re-enter the pitch with permission of the referee.

The game will not be stopped whilst that player has left the pitch.

Only the goalkeeper may play whilst wearing tracksuit trousers and without shin pads.

No players are allowed to wait at the entrance to the pitch, this is a fire hazard,

The players are expected to behave in a Christian way.

Bad behavior either on or off the pitch on match days will not be tolerated.

-If a player receives a yellow card on a match day this should be treated as a caution.

-Two yellow cards on the same day = a sending off= two match ban.

i.e. That player will miss the next two games.

- automatic red card=Sending off= automatic two match ban.

Yellow and red cards will be given for the following reasons.

-Deliberate obstruction = Y

-Unnecessary charging/reckless challenges or tackles =Y. or R at the discretion of the referee.

- Footwear coming off as desc above= Y

-Sliding tackles = R

-Foul & abusive language = R

-Fighting/Threatening violence = R

1 point will be given to a team whose player gets a yellow card and 3 for a red.

Once a team reaches 9 points that team will miss the next two matches.

A fair play trophy will be awarded to the team with the best discipline record at the end of the season. If more than one team has the same record the trophy will be given to the team that is highest in the league.Showing that fair play can help you achieve

If a player is seen to misbehave off the pitch the matter will be brought to the attention of the secretary ASAP by a leader from the team which wishes to make a complaint. If the incident is witnessed by any leader, that person should ensure that the matter is not allowed to continue, mention to the offending player that the matter will be brought to the attention of the players leader by the secretary.

In exceptional circumstances of bad behaviour the secretary will convene a meeting of all authorised leaders, and if the majority of those present agree,the player and/or his club may be suspended/or expelled from the league.

Teams are not allowed to rearrange their fixtures, this can only be done by the secretary if all parties agree.

The only people allowed onto the playing area during a game are the players and referee.

Leaders, supporters, and substitutes must wait on the balcony.

All players must wait until they are called down onto the pitch by the referee and must then be accompanied by a leader.

Players should ensure that they deposit any litter in the bins provided.

The league expects all teams to adhere to the child protection policy held by the church they represent.If a church does not have such a policy this should be brought to the attention of the secretary as a matter of urgency.

Insurance cover should be held by each team.the league does not accept responsibility for the conduct of any player or others involved in the running of the league/teams..

All authorised leaders are expected to take a full part in the running of the league.

The officials of the club will be The Secretary, The Treasurer, Social/fundraising representative. and any other posts that the leaders agree upon.

Authorised leaders means those who have been registered by the church they represent

To act on its behalf,and their details have been provided in writing to the league secretary.

Rules amended Dec 2000.