Soccer Rules

Back2Basics Soccer includes both 5s and 7s formats, designed to promote fun, fair play and safety. These rules cover player eligibility, game conduct, and disciplinary measures to ensure every match runs smoothly.

 

Soccer 5s Rules

 

  • All players must be over 18 years old
  • No jewellery, sports watches or bracelets can be worn on the field
  • Only 1 professional player allowed per team - Professional player is anyone that is paid or sponsored to play soccer in any format
  • All teams will be divided into pools with a round robin format. If required, more than one venue could be utilised to cater for all registered teams
  • No intoxicated players will be allowed on the field
  • No chirping of referees or opposition players will be allowed at all
  • No playing the ball on the ground
  • No two on one tackles
  • No slide tackles
  • No tackles from behind
  • No pushing, shoving and elbowing of players will be allowed
  • Only the captain may speak to the ref. The ref may yellow card any player that does not follow this rule
  • Maximum number of players allowed in each team is 10 and during a game is 8 - (4+keeper on the field + 3 subs)
  • No tackles within demarcated corner markings - once first person enters into corner circle, the attacker must back off outside dotted line, then 5 seconds to play ball (applies to venues with corner markings)
  • Goalie may only handle the ball in the circle area - they may not bring the ball back into the circle area with their feet and pick the ball up again. Once outside the circle, they play as a player
  • No hanging on the nets
  • Direct shots at goal from the kick off are allowed
  • Goals can be scored from anywhere in the court
  • Opposition must be 2 meters from all kicks
  • Goalie can start the game with a throw in or a kick but cannot score with a throw in
  • Goalie may not pick up a back pass from their own players
  • Penalties are taken with one foot beside the ball in any way you like as long as you don’t move that foot. One strike motion is allowed (no mocking kicks)
  • Ball may move forwards or backwards from a kick off but the team doing the kick off must remain behind the line before the kick is taken

Disciplinary Action

  • Any player guilty of fighting or retaliation of any form will be suspended for a minimum of 3 games
  • Any player guilty of chirping referees or bringing the game into disrepute will be suspended for a minimum of 5 games
  • A yellow card = 1 minute / 4 yellow cards = 1 red card
  • A red card = 3 minutes (the same player cannot play again)
  • Two red cards = automatic event suspension
  • Teams who continue to break the rules and accumulate too many cards will have points deducted or be banned from the event
  • All suspensions and bans from other clubs will also count at this event
  • Teams will be punished for their fan’s misbehaviour either by points deduction or a total ban on their fans
  • Players who are banned will also be banned from attending the festival and all its activities and its affiliates

 

Soccer 7s Rules

 

  • All players must be over 18 years old
  • No jewellery, sports watches or bracelets can be worn on the field
  • Only 1 professional player allowed per team - Professional player is anyone that is paid or sponsored to play soccer in any format
  • All teams will be divided into pools with a round robin format. If required, more than one venue could be utilised to cater for all registered teams
  • No intoxicated players will be allowed on the field
  • All games will consist of 2 halves, each 13 minutes, with 2 minutes half time
  • 10 registered players per team and on the field 7 players including keeper
  • No throw ins, only kick ins for outs
  • No playing the ball on the ground
  • No two on one tackles
  • No slide tackles
  • No tackles from behind
  • No pushing, shoving and elbowing of players will be allowed
  • Only the captain may speak to the ref. The ref may yellow card any player that does not follow this rule
  • Maximum number of players allowed in each team is 10 and during a game is 7 - (6+keeper on the field + 3 subs)
  • Shin pads compulsory
  • The goalkeeper cannot handle a deliberate back pass with their hands
  • If a teammate deliberately kicks or passes the ball back to the goalkeeper, and the goalkeeper handles it, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team
  • A keeper may pick up a ball passed back with the head or chest

Disciplinary Action

  • Any player guilty of fighting or retaliation of any form will be suspended for a minimum of 3 games
  • Any player guilty of chirping referees or bringing the game into disrepute will be suspended for a minimum of 5 games
  • A yellow card = 5 minutes / 4 yellow cards = 1 red card
  • A red card = 5 minutes (the same player cannot play again)
  • Two red cards = automatic event suspension
  • Teams who continue to break the rules and accumulate too many cards will have points deducted or be banned from the event
  • All suspensions and bans from other clubs will also count at this event
  • Teams will be punished for their fan’s misbehaviour either by points deduction or a total ban on their fans
  • Players who are banned will also be banned from attending the festival and all its activities and its affiliates