League Welcome Pack

Welcome To Our Leagues

Thank you for registering a team within one of our leagues. We’re confident that you’ll have an enjoyable playing experience here.

This pack contains everything you need to know about playing within our leagues, this includes:

• 5-a-side Rules
• 7-a-side Rules
• Procedure if you wish to rearrange a game or kick off time
• General Disciplinary Scale for Sendings off
• Examples of acceptable footwear
• General Tips and Advice
• Paying For Your Games Using Spawtz

Please remember that you will need to pay the match fee before every kick off and ensure that all players including the goalkeeper wear shin pads.

We hope you have an enjoyable season.

Yours in football,

The Gôl Team

For any queries, contact us at 02920 375760, email us at cardiff@golcentres.co.uk, or message us on our social media pages.

5-a-side Rules

Below is a brief overview of our 5-a-side rules, for a more comprehensive list of rules, please visit this page.

• Only 5 players per team to be permitted on the pitch at any one time.
• A maximum of 8 players per team is permitted for league games. A substitution may be made during any break in play and more than once during the game. The referee must sanction all substitutions.
• Each team will consist of 4 outfield players and a goalkeeper.
• Players must be attired in matching colour shirts where possible although bibs are provided for any kit clashes. No jewellery or jeans permitted.
• Shin pads must be worn by all players including the goalkeeper and can be purchased from reception.
• No screw-in studs or blades are permitted – trainers, moulded studs or astro turf boots only please.
• Players wearing screw-in studs or blades will be asked to leave the pitch.
• After a goal the game is restarted by a kick from the centre spot.
• Only the defending keeper is allowed to play the ball in the goal area. A defending outfield player playing the ball in the goal area or seeking to gain an advantage from entering the goal area will have a penalty awarded against them.
• A goal may be scored from any point outside the goal area and within the field of play.
• The goalkeeper must return the ball into play by rolling it out of their area with an underarm bowling action. A goalkeeper failing to do this will be penalised with an indirect free kick awarded against them 2m outside the area. A team mate receiving it in this way may not return the ball directly to the goalkeeper, the ball must first make contact with either another team mate or opponent. An indirect free kick will be awarded from the place where the defending player returned the ball.
• A goalkeeper who deliberately leaves the area in an attempt to take advantage from the attacking side will have a penalty awarded against them.
• Any of the other outfield players or substitutes may change places with the goalkeeper. There is no restriction on the amount of times the goalkeeper may be changed. The referee must be informed before the change is made and changes can only be made during a stoppage in play. The referee must be convinced there is no attempt to deliberately waste time.
• The game shall end if any team is reduced to three players due to misconduct. The tie shall be awarded to the opponents 0-10 or the result at the time the game ended should the goal difference be greater.
• The ball may not be played above the height of the kick boards. An indirect free kick will be awarded should the ball be played above board height.
• The ball will remain in play if inadvertently going above kick board height after rebounding off the keeper, crossbar, goal posts or kick boards.
• A player who commits any of the following offences will be penalized by the award of a direct free kick: charges an opponent, body checks an opponent, slide tackles, kicks or attempts to kick an opponent, trips or attempts to trip an opponent, jumps at an opponent, strikes or attempts to strike an opponent, pushes or holds an opponent or deliberately handles the ball. Defenders must not encroach 2 metres of the ball.
• Penalty kicks will be taken with a one-step rule.
• Teams will receive 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw. League places will be decided by points, results between opposing teams, goal difference, goals scored, in this order.
• Yellow cards do not apply in 5 a side football. If a player receives a blue card, they must leave the pitch for 4 minutes and return when instructed to do so by the referee. This player may not be replaced during the 4 minute period. If a player receives 2 blue cards in one match they will be sent off for the remainder of the match.

7-a-side Rules

All 5-a-side rules apply to 7-a-side games with the following exceptions:

• 7 players per team to be permitted on the pitch at any one time.
• If a team is permanently reduced to 4 players due to misconduct the game will be awarded to the opponents with a score of 10-0.
• Minimum of 5 players are required for the game to start, one of which must be a goalkeeper.
• Opponents of the team taking kick off must be 5m away from the ball until its played.
• A maximum of 10 players per team is permitted (3 substitutes).
• There are no height restrictions, players can head the ball.
• A player may not stand closer than 5m when defending a free kick.

Procedure if you wish to rearrange a game or kick off time

Notice period given:

• In excess of 14 days: The match will be rearranged by the League Co-ordinator for any date before the end of the current season which can be agreed by both sides. If the match is not played by the end of the season the result will be awarded against the team who requested the fixture to be moved, however, there will be no match fee.
• Less than 14 days but more than 48 hours notice: The match can be rearranged but it must be played BEFORE its original scheduled date. If both sides cannot agree on a date to play beforehand it must be played as the original fixture list states. Gôl will always help to find guest players if individuals are struggling for a team. If you do not play the game your team will lose 10-0, be deducted one point and you will need to pay both teams match fees.
• Less than 48 hours notice: Gôl are unable to rearrange a fixture with less than 48 hours notice but will always help with players. This includes contacting players we know are looking for teams or even a member of staff helping you to fulfil your fixture. If you do not play the game your team will lose 10-0, be deducted one point and you will need to pay both teams match fees.

Notes:

• The general rule is that a team may only request for one game to be rearranged per season. At the management’s discretion, a second game may be allowed in exceptional circumstances e.g. Bank Holidays.
• The request for rearrangement of a game or kick off time must be submitted via email to cardiff@golcentres.co.uk

General Disciplinary Scale for Sendings off

Acceptable Footwear

Players are only permitted to use Astro-turf boots, boots with round moulded studs or training shoes.

Prohibited Footwear

Screw in studs (including plastic studs) and blades are prohibited.

This requirement is considered appropriate in the interests of player safety and the protection of the playing surface that also contribute towards ensuring we minimise the likelihood of serious injury. Anyone seen wearing the wrong footwear will be asked to leave the pitch.

General Help and Advice

• All fixtures and standings for the current season can be found here: Fixtures and Tables.
• We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your game starts to ensure the game starts on time.
• Ensure all team members know the rules to avoid unnecessary penalties or misunderstandings during the game.
• Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
• Respect the referee’s decisions and avoid confrontations. If you have any issues, discuss them calmly after the game with a member of staff.
• Make sure all your equipment, including footwear, is in good condition to prevent injuries.

Paying for Your Games Using Spawtz

We use Spawtz to manage our leagues and fixtures. Spawtz is a comprehensive sports management system that helps us keep track of fixture payments. You can find a more detailed user guide HERE.

• You can log in to Spawtz using your registered email address and password to see your team’s statement and pay for upcoming fixtures in advance. Please find the login link HERE.
• If you haven’t received your login details, please contact us at cardiff@golcentres.co.uk.
• Make sure to update your team’s availability on Spawtz to help us organise fixtures more efficiently.
• Check Spawtz regularly for any updates or changes to your fixtures.