Please find some of the technical rules below:
SLIDING RULE
Players:
● ABSOLUTELY NO sliding is allowed if there is another player in close proximity (2
metres or closer). Advantage can be played to the referees discretion.
● Whether you get the ball or not OR touch or completely miss the player, a free
kick will be blown. Same rule will apply in the “D” area BUT a penalty will be awarded
if slide is committed by the defending team OR a freekick awarded to defending
team if foul committed by attacker. Players need to understand this and accept the
referees call.
● A card may be awarded for sliding and the decision is entirely up to the referee
depending on the severity of the slide.
Goalkeepers:
● All of the above applies to the goalkeeper as well. Referees will protect the
goalkeepers as much as possible but in saying that….
● Goalkeepers may NOT slide towards a player with their feet but MAY go down
using their upper body i.e. hands to collect at ball or make use of their knees.
Goalkeepers will get the benefit of the doubt if there is a challenge on them from
attackers or if the attacking player slid to get to the ball to take the shot on goal.
● Any sliding towards players in the “D” area will be deemed a penalty even by the
goalkeeper.
PHYSICALITY
● Pushing, pulling, barging into the back of players and off the ball challenges are
unacceptable. This is NOT rugby. If there is no intention to get the ball but rather to
put off the player a foul will be blown.
● Contacting the player before contact with the ball is made WILL be deemed a foul.
It is simple basic football rules. Mistimed tackles occur, deal with the refs call and
move on. Bear in mind that contact is allowed to a certain extent and fouls cannot be
awarded for minimal contact.
● 2 players may not tackle 1 player. No sandwiching players. 2 tackles = 2 separate
players tackling the same player for the same challenge.
● Studs up and high tackles DIRECTED at any player will result in an immediate
YELLOW card or possible RED.
● Players cannot play the ball while on the ground (sitting or off their feet), unless no
one is within playing distance of the ball, which is 2 meters or closer.
SIN BIN AND SUBSTITUTIONS
● If a player is awarded a green card a 1 minute sin bin takes place and the player
may be replaced. For a yellow card the player must leave the field of play for 3
minutes i.e. sin bin. The player may NOT be replaced by a substitute. The "sin
binned" player MUST wait for the 3 minutes to be complete and referees call before
entering the field of play again. A penalty will be awarded if a yellow carded player
breaks this rule. With a red card issued the team must reduce the number of players
on field to 4 for the remainder of the game.
● Only 5 players per team are allowed on the field of play at a time. Please make all
substitutions at the gate entrance to the field. If at any point a referee feels that there
are 6 players on the field and it has an influence on the game a penalty will be
awarded to the opposing team.
⚠ANY TEAM SHEET QUERIES REGARDING OPPONENTS NEED TO BE
RAISED AND DISCUSSED WITH THE REFEREE ON DUTY AND NIGHT
MANAGER *BEFORE OR DURING A FIXTURE.* Any team sheet queries requested
after a fixture will not be investigated or entertained.⚠
REFEREE AND PLAYER ABUSE
● The referees blow what they see to the best of their ability. They are human and
make the odd mistake. Constant complaints ruin the game as a whole. *Please
accept that the referees decision is final and continue play.*
● Swearing directed at any player, supporter or official is not permitted. Referees
and management will deal with it at their discretion.
● Any racist remarks will not be dealt with. Immediate red card and possible ban
from the facility WILL be awarded.
● Constant complaints from players towards referees will not be tolerated.
*Captains* have authority to discuss the matter with the referee. If there is a problem
then discuss the matter with the site/night manager after the game.
● A referee has the power to change a decision WITH VALID REASON if they feel it
is necessary.
• 2 yellows = red card = 1 match ban
• Straight red = 2 match ban
Please send this relevant information to all your team mates. We are all here to
participate in a social and friendly manner. *As previously mentioned management
and officials are human and do also make mistakes but please do bear in mind that
we strive to make your playing experience a fun, fair, social yet competitive one.*
The updated rule book is attached.
*IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO GO OVER THE RULE BOOK*
● *The implementation of the green card*
If you are handed a green card, you'll serve a 1 minute sin bin (immediate
substitution) and you can be replaced immediately by another player. This card is a
variable card and is issued completely at the referees discretion. The referee will not
warn players any longer but issue this card out which indicates you have committed
an offence against our rules and policies.
● *The yellow card rule*
This card has been adjusted and you will serve a 3 min sin bin but the player is NOT
allowed to be replaced. Your team will now be playing with a player short I.e. 4
players.
● *Tackles from behind*
We have added a rule that will limit contact and there will be ABSOLUTELY NO
TACKLES from behind! Even if you win the ball clean, you will be blown up and it will
result in a direct free kick. With this rule comes a slight grey area but if the referees
feel that you are using this rule to gain unfair advantage (e.g. time wasting) then you
will be penalised for it.
For any clarity please do chat to us on site.
Yours in sport,
Fairview Action Arena/Unite Action Arena