Tournament Rules

TIGERS JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB 5-A-SIDE RULES

ALL AGE GROUPS WILL PLAY 5 A SIDE RULES

  • TEAMS consist of 5 players.
  • SUBSTITUTES are on a roll on/roll off basis but only during a break in play and with the referee’s permission.
  • PLAYERS CAN ONLY PLAY FOR ONE TEAM/SIDE during the competition (your A or B team, not both).
  • PLAYERS must be of the appropriate age group for the 2024-25 season.
  • MANAGERS of the winning team are responsible for notifying the control tent of the result of each game at its conclusion. 

THIS YEAR ALL AGE GROUPS WILL PLAY MINI-SOCCER RULES WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONS:

  • GOALKEEPERS may only KICK THE BALL AS LONG AS IT REMAINS IN THE GOALKEEPER’S OWN HALF OF THE PITCH. Failure to abide by this rule will result in a free kick where the ball crosses the half-way line. 
  • GOALKEEPERS may only throw the ball as long as it remains in the goalkeeper’s own half of the pitch. Failure to abide by this rule will result in a free kick where the ball crosses the half-way line. 
  • THROW-INS will be underarm and the ball must remain below knee height at all times before another player plays the ball. 
  • CORNERS will be kicked in. 
  • FREE KICKS are all direct. Players must stand a minimum of 2 metres from the ball when defending a free kick, corner or throw-in. 
  • DURATION games will be 5 minutes each way plus extra time if required. U8 and below game duration will be confirmed on the day. 
  • HALF WAY RULE (U6 to U10 ONLY) Outfield players must retreat to their own half during goal kicks.
  • POINTS: 3 FOR A WIN, 1 FOR A DRAW. EACH CLUB’S A & B POINTS WILL BE ADDED TOGETHER TO DETERMINE THE WINNERS.
  • FOOTWEAR: DEPENDS ON CONDITIONS. LIGHT FOOTWEAR, INCLUDING MOULDED. REFEREE’S TO DECIDE ON DAY.
  • BALL SIZE: UNDER 6 TO 8 – SIZE 3. UNDER 10 TO 14 –SIZE 4. UNDER 15 & ABOVE – SIZE 5.

THERE WILL BE NO OFFSIDE.
WHERE THE RETREAT RULE APPLIES, PLAYERS MUST RETREAT TO THEIR OWN HALF. 

The game will commence and restart as normal.
CHARGING AND SLIDING TACKLES ARE FORBIDDEN.
ALL REFEREE’S DECISIONS ARE FINAL.

In the event of any teams finishing on equal points, the winners will be determined firstly on goal difference then on highest goals for. If still level teams will be required to nominate 5 players from the squad to take penalties. No other players will be allowed on the pitch and the following rules apply: Best of 5 penalties. If still level, sudden death.

RULES OF MISCONDUCT

Any player sent off or cautioned twice will not be allowed to continue in the competition. Any misconduct by spectators will be dealt with accordingly by the Tigers Officials.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • IS THE BALL ALLOWED OVER HEAD HEIGHT?
    Yes, the only restriction is with throw-ins, which must remain below knee height until touched by an outfield player. 
  • CAN OUTFIELD PLAYERS ENTER THE GOAL AREA?
    Yes, there is no restriction on players entering the goal area. 
  • CAN THE GOALKEEPER LEAVE THE GOAL AREA?
    Yes, but he cannot kick the ball past the half way line and therefore cannot play the ball within the opposition half. Effectively limiting the movement to the goalkeeper’s own half. 
  • CAN THE GOALKEEPER THROW THE BALL OVER THE HALF-WAY LINE?
    No 
  • ARE GOAL KICKS AND CORNER KICKS THROWS OR KICKS?
    They are kicks, goal kicks can be taken from anywhere within the goal area. 
  • CAN ANYONE TAKE GOAL KICKS?
    Yes, but the ball must not pass the half way line as if the goalkeeper was taking the kick. 
  • IS THE GOALKEEPER ALLOWED TO HANDLE THE BALL IF ONE OF HIS OWN PLAYERS PASSES, BY USE OF HIS FOOT, BACK TO HIM?
    No, as in normal football the keeper must play the ball with his feet. 
  • CAN SUBSTITUTIONS BE MADE AT THE END OF THE GAME PRIOR TO A PENALTY SHOOT OUT?
    Yes, you must nominate 5 players from the squad to take all penalties.