LEAGUE RULES

• In a 5-a-side match, only a maximum of 5 players per side must be on the pitch. One of these players must be a goalie.
• In a 5-a-side match, if you are missing players, you may play with 4 players if you choose not to forfeit.
• In a 6-a-side match, only a maximum of 6 players per side must be on the pitch. One of these players must be a goalie.
• In a 6-a-side match, if you are missing players, you may play with 5 players if you choose not to forfeit.
• You must inform the referee or a representative of Heracles Arena in case you’ve asked a ringer/substitute to join your session.

• If your team is not ready to play within 5 minutes of the kick-off time, your team will forfeit the match. However, you can still choose to play the remaining time as a friendly.

Regardless of the level of competition, ensuring that our leagues remain safe and enjoyable for everyone involved is our top priority. We expect all participants to uphold these values and will not tolerate any form of disrespect or abuse, whether verbal or physical, toward our umpires, venue staff, or fellow league participants. This includes swearing, using threatening language, or exhibiting aggressive body language.

Please be aware that we take any reports of such behaviour very seriously, and we reserve the right to eject any player or team that violates this policy, without a refund. Remember, all players represent their team, and we appreciate your efforts to maintain a fun, social, and respectful atmosphere in our leagues!

• Substitutions can be made at any point during the game and are “rolling.” The substitute(s) must leave the pitch before the new player(s) enter, and the entry must occur at the same spot where the player exited. Play will not stop for substitutions, even after a goal or during a free kick.
• If a team wastes time during a substitution, play will be handed over to the other team for a free kick or goal kick.
• Play will continue if a goalkeeper is switching into goal, even if this involves putting on goalkeeper gloves.
• There is no limit to the number of substitutions a team can make or the number of substitutes a team can have on the sidelines.

• Only the designated goalkeeper is allowed inside the goal area. During a switch, two players can be in the area, but if there are two players in the goal area during a shot from the opposition, a penalty will be given. Goalkeeper switches should be as swift as possible.
• If the goalkeeper leaves the goal area for any reason during play, a penalty will be awarded to the opposing team.
• Any defending player entering the goal area during play will result in a penalty for the opposing team, including running through or across the area. This does not apply if momentum carries a player into the area unless the ball is touched or cleared during this momentum, which may result in a penalty at the referee’s discretion.
• If an attacking player enters the goal area, a goal kick will be awarded. If a player’s foot is inside the area when they shoot, the goal will be disallowed. However, if momentum carries the player into the area after the shot, the goal will count as long as the shot was taken before entering the area.
• Goalkeepers can roll, throw, or kick the ball out but are not allowed to throw the ball above head height or overarm. If the goalkeeper violates this rule by throwing, kicking, or rolling the ball out over head height, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team from the kick-off spot.

A team will be awarded 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for a loss. If your team has to forfeit a match, this will also count as 0 points in the first instance. Any subsequent forfeits will result in a point deduction for the forfeiting team.

• All free kicks are indirect. The ball must be placed at the spot of the foul and can be taken by any player. The opposing team must be at least 1 meter from the ball when the free kick is taken.
• Goals scored directly from a free kick will not count.
• A free kick can be awarded for the following reasons:
  • The ball going over head height
  • Charging
  • Roughness
  • Handball
  • Dangerous play
  • Slide tackles
  • Lack of control in a tackle
  • Time wasting

• The referee may also use a sin bin for two minutes in addition to awarding a free kick if deemed necessary.
• Back passes to the goalkeeper are allowed, but the goalkeeper cannot pick up the ball from a back pass. Multiple back passes will be reviewed by the referee, who may award a free kick if it is deemed excessive.
• A free kick will be awarded if the ball goes over head height by any means. The referee will reiterate the head-height rule aware to players prior to kick off.
• Rebounds off goalkeepers that go over head height will result in play continuing.

Heracles referees will have the final say on any decisions made during a match.