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 must be of the appropriate age group for the 2023-24 season.
  • Managers of the winning team are responsible for notifying the control tent of the result of each game at its conclusion.

ALL REFEREE’S DECISIONS ARE FINAL!

 

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 (bowling action) and the ball must remain below knee height at all times until 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 of the game. For U6 to U8 (Round Robin Format) will be 15 minutes plus any extra time for stoppages allowed by the referee on the pitch. For U9 and above (Tigers Split Team Format) matches will be 10 minutes plus any extra time for stoppages allowed by the referee on the pitch.

Please also note:

  • There will be no offside.
  • The competition is based on a league system. Each team will play the opposing teams once or twice depending on the format and age group you are playing under.
  • Points: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw.
  • Footwear: Depends on conditions. Light footwear, including moulded. Referee’s to decide on day.
  • Ball Size: Under 6/7/8 – Size 3. Under 10/11/12/13/14 – Size 4. Under 15 & above – Size 5.

The game will commence and restart as normal. Charging and sliding tackles are forbidden.

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 a deciding game of 2 minutes each way will be played. If still level teams will be required to nominate 5 players from the squad to take all 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 Tiger's Officials. Tigers Junior Football Club reserve the right to insist that any spectator who is rude, aggressive or violent towards any tournament official, player or member of the public, immediately leaves the tournament grounds. No refund will be given.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the ball allowed over head height?
- Yes, the only restriction is with throw-ins, which must remain below knee height at all time.

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 half. Heading in this respect is also viewed as a kick.

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.

Do all age groups need to follow the retreat rule?
- Yes.

For U9 and above using the Tigers Split Squad Format, can I swap players between my two sides?
- No, you split your squad into two and the players must remain in their allocated team all day. This includes goalkeepers.

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.