General rules

On the most part, our 5-a-side playing rules are the same as regulation 11-a-side rules with the following exceptions/modifications:

  • We strongly advise all players to wear shin pads and long socks
  • Kick-offs are indirect and can go either forward or backward
  • All free-kicks are indirect
  • Proper throw-in rules apply
  • There are no offsides, however players deemed to be intentionally moving into or standing in offside positions will still be penalised
  • No goalkeepers
  • There will be a small box marked around the goal called the “penalty area” – No players are allowed inside the penalty area at any time except for goal kicks – This is to prevent players from acting as goalkeepers and encourage players to score from more realistic distances
  • Opposition players must be at least 5m away from any free-kick or kick-off
  • A goal can only be scored from inside the opposition’s half (as there are no goalkeepers – to encourage teams to play and progress up the field together)
  • Start, half-time, and full-time will be signalled via the referee’s whistle
  • The game starts and ends on the referee’s whistle

Substitutions

  • Teams can have up to 3 rolling subs
  • Substitutions must be made during natural breaks in play, such as throw-ins or corners
  • Players subbing on should not enter the field of play until the player subbing off has left the pitch