RULES & GUIDELINES

Player Registration & Eligibility

1.1 Accurate Player Information: All registrations must include the player's correct date of birth.
Incorrect age placement may result in player suspension and team point deductions.

1.2. Registered Players Only: Only players who are officially registered may participate in matches.
Teams fielding unregistered players risk penalties or loss of points

Team Size & Match Requirements

2.1. Team Roster Limit: Teams may have a maximum of nine players, including up to three
substitutes.

2.2. On-Field Team Composition: Each team must field six players during matches: five outfielders
and one goalkeeper.

2.3. Minimum Players to Start: A team needs at least four players to begin a game. If this minimum
is not met, the team will forfeit the match with a 4–0 loss recorded

Uniform & Equipment

3.1. Player Attire: All team members must wear matching jerseys. Long socks and shin pads are
mandatory. If teams have similar colours, bibs will be provided to one team.

3.2. Footwear Requirements: Players must wear soccer boots or fully enclosed sports shoes. Bare
feet and open-toed footwear are not permitted

Borrowing Players

4.1. Borrowing from Own or Younger Age Groups: Teams short on players may borrow from their
own age group or a younger group if needed.

4.2. Maximum Squad with Borrowed Players: Borrowed players can be used to bring the total
squad to seven players—no more.

4.3. Releasing Borrowed Players: If regular team members arrive during the game, borrowed
players must step aside to maintain the 7-player cap

Inclusivity & Age Flexibility

5.1. All-Gender Participation: The competition is inclusive, welcoming both male and female
players.
5.2. Age Group Flexibility for Female Players: Female players may choose to play in an age group
one year lower than their actual age if preferred

Match Format

6.1. Each match is played in two halves of 20 minutes, with a 5-minute break at halftime.
6.2. No additional time will be given for stoppages or interruptions

Field & Equipment

7.1. Ball Size by Age Group:
▪ Under 9 (U9): Size 3
▪ Under 11 & Under 13 (U11/U13): Size 4
▪ Under 15 (U15): Size 5
7.2. Goal Size: Approximately three meters wide by two meters high.
7.3. Ball Retrieval: Players are responsible for quickly collecting out-of-play balls. The clock will not
be stopped.
7.4. Out-of-Play Decisions: The referee determines when the ball is out; their ruling is final

Starting & Restarting Play

8.1. Commencement of Play: The initial possession shall be determined by a coin toss.
8.2. Kick-Offs: All kick-offs must be taken as indirect kicks.
8.3. Throw-Ins: Throw-ins are to be executed from the point closest to where the ball crossed the
boundary line. Opponents must remain at least three metres away from the thrower.
8.4. Sliding Tackles: Sliding tackles are strictly prohibited. Any attempt will result in the award of a
direct free kick to the opposing team

Scoring & Game Rules

9.1. Goals: A goal is awarded when the ball has wholly crossed the goal line, as determined or
confirmed by the referee.
9.2. Restart After a Goal: Following a goal, play shall resume with a kick-off from the centre, taken
by the team that conceded.
9.3. Offside: The offside rule is not in effect for this competition format

Fouls & Free Kicks

10.1. Penalty Kicks: Penalty kicks shall be taken from the goal area, five metres from the goal.
10.2. Free Kicks: All free kicks are to be taken as direct unless otherwise specified (e.g., back-pass situations).
10.3. Defensive Distance: Defending players must remain no closer than three metres from the ball when a free kick is taken

Goalkeeper Rules

11.1. Ball Release: The goalkeeper must release the ball into play within six seconds of gaining control.
11.2. Substitutions: A goalkeeper may be changed during the match, but only at halftime or with prior notification to the referee.
11.3. Back Passes: Goalkeepers are not permitted to handle a deliberate pass from a teammate. Any infringement results in an indirect free kick to the opposition.

Restarts: Throw-ins & Goalkeeper Distribution

12.1. Restarts: Goalkeepers must restart play with a throw or a goal kick from the ground.
12.2. Opponent Distance: All opposing players must remain at least three meters away during any restart.
12.3. Time-Wasting: Deliberate time-wasting (e.g., kicking the ball away on purpose) may result in disciplinary action (e.g., a caution).
12.4. Open Play Distribution: During open play, goalkeepers may distribute the ball using a throw or a drop-kick

Back Passes

13.1 If a goalkeeper handles the ball after receiving a deliberate pass from a teammate, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from the spot of the infraction.

Substitutions

1. Timing: Players may be substituted at any moment during active play.
2. Player Exit Requirement: The player being replaced must completely leave the field before
the substitute enters the pitch.
3. Substitution Zone: All substitutions must take place within the designated substitution area

Referees & Discipline

15.1. Match Official: Every match will be overseen by one central referee.
15.2. Authority to Suspend or Abandon: The referee has the authority to pause or terminate a
match in cases of serious misconduct.
15.3. Cards & Discipline: Yellow and red card rules are in effect and will be enforced accordingly. A
red card results in an automatic suspension for one match, with the possibility of further
suspension following review.
15.4. Unacceptable Behaviour: Aggressive or inappropriate conduct by players, coaches, staff, or
spectators may result in removal from the venue or longer-term bans.

Venue & Participation Rules

16.1. Alcohol Policy: Alcohol is strictly prohibited at the pitch and its surrounds at all times. The Spanish Club WA will sell it, but it can be consumed ONLY within the bar or alfresco.
16.2. Field Access: Spectators are not allowed on the field unless given permission (e.g., to assist an injured player).

Season Structure

17.1. Match Dates: Games will be played from Monday, October 6, to Monday, December 8, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
17.2. Season Duration: The season spans 10 weeks, consisting of 10 regular rounds, followed by a final round on the same day as the last match.
17.3. Finals Eligibility: Only qualifying teams will participate in the finals on December 8 after the normal round.
17.4. First and second place: Each player on the first-place team in each category will receive a $70 gift card prize. The second-place team will receive a $30 gift card prize. Besides, each player of the winner team will receive a trophy.
17.5. Participation award: All the players will receive a participation award.
17.6. Final Format: The finals’ structure will be announced during the season.
17.7. Bye rounds: Bye rounds will be scheduled for divisions with an odd number of teams.
17.8. Match Cancellations: Games may be cancelled due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
17.9. Quorum to run the category: Each category will need a minimum of four teams. If this number
is not reached, the category will be cancelled, and the resolution will be conveyed as soon as
possible; all fees will be reimbursed.
17.10. Categories are as follow:
- U14
- U12
- U10
- U8
- U6