Five-Aside Football Rules!

1. START OF PLAY

(a) At the beginning of a game the choice of ends shall be decided by the toss of a coin.

(b) Play shall be started by the referee dropping the ball on to the centre mark between one (1) player from each side, each of whom shall stand not less than 1 metre from the centre mark.

(c) The game shall be re-started in like manner after a goal has been scored.

(d) After any other stoppage the game shall be re-started by the referee dropping the ball at a point nearest to where it was when play was suspended, unless it was in the goalkeeper?s possession, when the player shall, at the referee?s signal, roll the ball out, if a height restriction is in operation, to re-start the game.

The referee shall not drop the ball within 2 metres of the lines marking the goal areas or within 2 of surrounding walls, side-lines or barricades, if in use.

The ball shall be in play at all times from the start of the game unless:-

(a) There will not be a height restriction;

(b) the ball has crossed the goal-line, side-lines or the barricades surrounding the playing area;

(c) the timekeeper, if appointed, has given the signal for half or full-time;

(d) the game has been stopped by the referee;

Ball out of Play

When the ball goes out of play where a height restriction is applicable a member of the opposing team shall roll the ball into play. When a member of the defending team puts the ball out of play over the barricade on that player?s own goal-line the opposing team shall be awarded a roll in corner. When a member of the attacking team puts the ball out of play over the barricade on the opponent?s goal-line the goalkeeper shall roll the ball out. (If the ball drops on the back of the net behind the goal it shall be regarded as out of play and the game shall be re-started with a roll-out by the goalkeeper).

3. SCORING

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball crosses the goal-line between the goal posts and under the crossbar, provided it has not been thrown, carried or propelled by hand or arm by a player of the attacking side, except in the case of a goalkeeper who is within his own penalty area. A goal is not allowed if the ball was last played by a player of the attacking side whilst within either penalty area. (If the ball is last played by a defending player whilst within either penalty area, unless taking a penalty, a goal shall be allowed, unless that player entered the penalty area accidentally).

4. OFFSIDE

There is no offside. Players may place themselves in any part of the playing area outside the penalty areas.

5. FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

(a) Charging/sliding tackles are forbidden and shall be penalised by the awarding of a direct free kick.

(b) A player who unfairly impedes the progress of an opponent when not playing the ball shall be penalised by the awarding of an indirect free kick.

A player who is sent off shall not be allowed to take any further part in the competition on that day. No substitute is allowed for a player dismissed for misconduct during the game in which the offence occurred.

When a player is taking a direct or indirect free kick all of the opposing players shall be at least 2 metres from the ball until it is in play. All free kicks given against the defending side for infringements committed in or near the penalty area shall be taken from a distance not less than 2 metres outside the penalty area at the nearest point to where the offence occurred.

A penalty kick shall be taken from the penalty mark.

After holding the ball the goalkeeper must immediately return the ball into play with an under-arm bowling action. It must not be thrown nor kicked.

Punishment for Infringement

An indirect free kick shall be taken by a player of the opposing team from a point 2 metres outside the penalty area nearest to where the infringement occurred.

9. PLAY WITHIN THE PENALTY AREA ? WHERE APPLICABLE

Only the defending goalkeeper is allowed within the penalty area. The goalkeeper is not permitted to leave the penalty area, the infringement will be penalised by awarding a penalty to opposing team.

Punishment for Infringement

(i) by the attack - a direct free kick at a point 2 metres outside the penalty area nearest to where the infringement occurred.

(ii) by the defence - a penalty kick.

(Note: Referees should distinguish between accidental and intentional entry into, or exit from, the penalty area. Only deliberate actions where the player either plays the ball or tries to play the ball should be penalised. Accidental entry or exit that has no effect on the play should be ignored.

10. Language

The referee will not tolerate any sort of abusive language. This does include anything said in a rude/violent manner. In this instance, the referee (HAJJI) is allowed to use his discretion and is permitted to send the player off permanently or award yellow cards.

The referee reserves the right to send off any player for part or all of the game if the player is not liked by the referee.