All Nation - 5 a Side Rules

• Each match slot is 45 minutes, with two halves of 22 minutes and a 1-minute break between halves.
• Three points are awarded for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss.
• At the end of each season two teams will be promoted/relegated between Divisions A & B. Positions are decided by points, then goal difference, then goals scored. New teams start in the B Division .
• Teams must be pitch-side at least five minutes before their match is due to start. If either team is not present and ready at kick-off, the referee may remove one or two minutes from the running time.
• Only five players are permitted on the pitch at any one time, one of whom must be the goalkeeper.
• A team must start the match with at least three of their own players to avoid conceding a forfeit. Any team conceding a forfeit will lose 6-0. The game may still be played as a friendly.
• Any team needing extra players should contact All Nations Management to request ringers. A maximum of two ringers is allowed. A team may not borrow additional players solely to have substitutes.
• A team may have a maximum of three substitutes. No show / cancellations
• By registering for a season, teams commit to play all games out of respect for opposing teams. The league will take disciplinary action against teams that regularly fail to turn up or cause games to be abandoned.
• Teams providing 24 hours or more notice that they cannot fulfil a fixture will be charged their usual full match fee and will forfeit the match 6-0. The opposition will be offered a friendly fixture.
• Teams providing less than 24 hours’ notice that they cannot fulfil a fixture will be charged their usual full match fee plus 50% of the opposition’s match fee, and will forfeit the match 6-0. In this scenario the opposition cannot be guaranteed a friendly but may use the pitch for the allotted fixture time.
• If teams know days or weeks in advance that they cannot attend a fixture, they should contact All Nations management as early as possible so we can attempt to accommodate them. Match rules
• The ball may be played at or above head height.
• Sliding tackles are not allowed. A sliding tackle is defined as attempting to win the ball or interrupt play while intentionally skidding or sliding along the ground. Tackles made at full stretch without sliding are legal. Sliding tackles are fouls and incur a free kick (or penalty if in the area).
• Outfield players may enter the D-areas of the goalkeeper’s area.
• The pitch extends behind the baseline to the fences behind each goal. A ball that passes behind the baseline or hits the back fence is still in play unless it passes over the fence or comes to rest behind the goal.
• For safety, outfield players are not allowed to go behind the goal to retrieve the ball. Only the goalkeeper may go behind the goal to collect a ball that has come to rest there. If the ball travels behind the goal and returns to play without passing through the frame (which would make it a keeper’s ball), it remains in play.
• If an outfield player deliberately plays the ball behind the goal to win a goal kick, they will concede a free kick on the outside edge/line of the D-area, in line with the centre of the goal and the point where the ball was played.
• Rolling substitutions are permitted during play provided the incoming and outgoing players are not in play at the same time. Play will be stopped if the incoming player seeks a positional advantage by immediately entering play.
• Yellow-card offences incur a three-minute sin bin. Swearing or aggressive behaviour will be punished with a yellow card. • A second yellow or a straight red is a sending off.
• The referee will abandon any game in which one team drops to two outfield players following sendings off. A team deemed responsible for abandonment (e.g., through disciplinary cards) will concede a forfeit and lose 6-0, unless the score at abandonment is more favourable to the other team, in which case that score will stand. The referee’s decision is final.
• Balls deliberately kicked out of the pitch may be interpreted as timewasting or unsportsmanlike conduct and punished appropriately.
• The pass-back rule is in operation: the goalkeeper cannot pick up a ball played to them by a teammate, but may play it with their feet. If a goalkeeper picks up a back pass, a free kick is awarded on the edge of the D-area.
• All players must abide by the code of conduct on the All Nations website.
• All captains must ensure their team’s waiver is signed before playing in the All Nations League.
• Players must wear appropriate footwear (AstroTurf boots, trainers, or moulded studs — no metal studs or blades). Jewellery must be removed or taped.
• All referee decisions stand and should be respected by players. Situations outside this rule set are governed by the referee in accordance with the philosophy of All Nations and in the interests of fairness and enjoyment. Starting/restarting play
• The home team starts the match with kick-off.
• After a goal is scored, play restarts with a centre kick once the referee’s whistle has been blown. The referee will not restart until both teams are in their correct halves and the goal is recorded on the score sheet. Throw-ins
• Throw-ins are underarm, at or below the thrower’s waist height. The thrower must be given 2 metres’ space by defenders. The thrower must have one foot in contact with the line; the ball must be thrown from the point of the line and land in play. Any transgression results in a foul throw and possession awarded to the opposition. Fouls/free kicks • The referee may allow play to continue where advantage is gained; if no advantage materialises, the referee can stop play and award a free kick.
• All free kicks are direct.
• Defenders must give the free-kick taker at least 2 metres’ space. Penalties
• The penalty taker has no limits on the steps taken before striking the ball. The ball is placed on the edge of the D-area. Goalkeepers • Goalkeepers must stay in their D-area. If they handle the ball outside the area, a penalty will be awarded. If a goalkeeper’s momentum carries them outside the area unintentionally, the referee may allow play to continue.
• You may switch goalkeeper when the ball is out of play if you notify the referee. The goalkeeper should wear a top or bib distinctive from both teams’ outfield colours.
• If the goalkeeper has the ball in hand, they must roll it out (underarm and at or below waist height) to restart play. Kicking the ball from the hands will result in possession being passed to the opposition goalkeeper.
• The pass-back rule applies: if a goalkeeper picks up a deliberate pass from a teammate, a free kick is awarded on the edge of the D-area in line with the pass and the location where the goalkeeper picked up the ball.