This is a social outdoor 5-a-side competition. Normal football rules apply unless otherwise stated below. The competition is based loosely on futsal rules, with modifications to suit the social nature of the competition.

General Rules

• 5 players per team on the field, including 1 goalkeeper.

• Unlimited rolling substitutions are permitted. Substitutions can be made while the ball is in or out of play.

• Games consist of 2 × 25 minute halves with a 5 minute break between halves.

• Games are played using 3 m × 2 m pop-up goals.

• A Size 4 soccer ball will be used.

• Shin pads are compulsory for all players.

• Appropriate football boots/runners must be worn. No metal studs.

• There is no offside.

• Normal football rules apply for fouls, handball and misconduct unless otherwise stated below.

• Referee decisions are final. As this is a social competition, players are expected to respect referees, opposition players and teammates.

• All players are allowed inside the penalty or "D" area.

Restarts

Kick-ins instead of throw-ins

• When the ball goes out over the sideline, play restarts with a kick-in rather than a throw-in.

• The ball must be stationary on or near the sideline.

• Opposition players must give reasonable distance to allow the restart.

• A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-in.

Goalkeeper restarts

• When the attacking team puts the ball over the goal line, the goalkeeper restarts play from inside their penalty area.

• The goalkeeper may throw or roll the ball back into play.

• Defending team need to touch the ball after goalkeeper kick or throw in before it passes the halfway line.

Corners

• Normal corner kicks apply.

Free kicks

• Normal direct and indirect free-kick rules apply.

• Opposition players must give reasonable distance at free kicks (5 yards). 

Goalkeepers

• Goalkeepers may use their hands inside the designated penalty area.

• Goalkeepers cannot pick up a deliberate back-pass from a teammate.

• Goalkeepers are encouraged to restart play promptly and should not deliberately waste time, up to referee discretion but around 6 seconds if ball in hand.

Tackling & Contact

• This is a social competition and excessive or dangerous physical contact will not be tolerated.

• No slide tackling an opponent.

• You cannot pass or disburse the ball if you are on the ground (classed as at least one knee touching the ground)

• Players may slide to intercept or keep a ball in play where there is no opponent in immediate playing distance and the action is not dangerous.

• Shoulder-to-shoulder contact and normal challenges for the ball are permitted, provided they are not reckless or excessive.

• Dangerous, reckless or deliberately aggressive challenges may result in a yellow or red card.

Discipline

• Referees may issue yellow and red cards.

• A player receiving two yellow cards in the same match will be sent off.

• A player receiving a straight red card must leave the field and cannot return to that match.

• Serious misconduct, fighting, abuse of referees or deliberately dangerous play may result in further suspension from the competition.

• The competition organiser has discretion to deal with disciplinary matters where required.

Fill-ins

• Fill-ins must be a like-for-like replacement. For example, if a C-level player is unavailable, they can only be replaced by another C-level player or a lower-ranked player.

Spirit of the Competition

The competition is intended to be social, competitive and enjoyable. Players should play in good faith and avoid unnecessary physical contact, time-wasting, dissent or behaviour that detracts from the game.

Where a situation is not specifically covered by these rules, the referee will apply the normal Laws of the Game and common sense appropriate to a social 5-a-side competition.