Rules

Kick-off

• Kick-off follows all currently defined rules by International Football Association Board (IFAB) - i.e. can kick the ball in any direction, but cannot pass to oneself.
• “First-half” will always be started by the red / dark team.
• “Second-half” will always be started by the yellow / light team.
• A kick-off is also taken after a goal has been scored.

Scoring

• The scoring of a goal follows all currently defined rules by IFAB.
• If there is a considerable dispute as to whether or not the entire ball crossed the line, the favour always falls with the defending team.
• After a goal is scored, play is restarted with a kick-off.

Penalty area

• Providing both teams consist of at least five players, the goalkeeper is allowed to travel outside of their penalty area. If either team has less than five players and is at a numerical disadvantage, the opposing team’s goalkeeper is restricted to their penalty area.
• Players of either team are allowed in either penalty area at any time (with the exception of goal kicks).
• If the goalkeeper handles the ball after it has been deliberately kicked or thrown to them by a team-mate, then a penalty kick is awarded. Note: for clarification, the ball must be kicked (played with the foot, not the knee, thigh, or shin), deemed to be deliberate, and handled directly (no intervening touch of play of the ball by anyone else) to be considered an offence. Players are also prohibited from using a deliberate trick to pass the ball to the goalkeeper with a part of the body other than the foot to circumvent the rule.

Pitch

• Goal-kicks must be taken from the ground and within the penalty area.
• Throw-ins follow all with currently defined rules by IFAB, however, leniency is given to the height of the release of the ball.
• Corners can either be taken in accordance with currently defined rules by IFAB or dribbled on directly. The player distance from the corner taker must be to the edge of the penalty area.

Fouls

• In the event that a foul is committed the outcome follows currently defined rules by IFAB. In the event of a dispute, a decision will be made by either Davs or Sam. If the event of a dispute persisting, the advantage will go to the defending team.

High-ball

• If a player kicks the ball over the fence (thus a high-ball), the offending player must retrieve the ball whilst play continues with a new ball.
• A high-ball is only considered as such if:
  • It goes over the fence unassisted from another player, the goal frame, or any ground-based item. Note: this does not include the fence itself.
  • It is clearly not a deflection. If there is a considerable dispute in this regard, the favour always falls with the offending team.
  • If a player has to retrieve the ball, they must not re-enter the field of play or return the retrieved ball, until there is a break in play. If this rule is broken, an automatic own goal is awarded to the opposing team.
• If a high-ball is committed, the offending players must:
  • Ensure the opposing team have a new ball before leaving the pitch
  • Leave the pitch to retrieve the ball - this is when play can recommence
  • Retrieve the ball and await re-entry to the pitch

Notable clarifications

• There is no offside rule in place.
• Matches consist of two halves of roughly equal length.
• Goals can be scored from goal-kicks.
• Slide tackles should be avoided.