Competition Rules & Regulations

Welcome to Summer Footy 2025!

Our goal is to create a fun, social, and inclusive football experience where players enjoy the game, play fairly, and show great sportsmanship every week.
All games follow FIFA’s Laws of the Game, with the following adaptations for Summer Footy.

Playing Rules

Game Duration

• School Years 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, and 7&8:
  Two × 20-minute games (40 minutes total).
  
  
• All other leagues:
  One 40-minute game 2 x 20 min (3 min half time).
  
  
• All games begin and end with the hooter.
  
  
• The person acting as referee has full control of all decisions during the game.
  
  

Game Format

• Years 1–4: 5-a-side (no goalkeepers). We recommend 8 players per team.
  Played on smaller fields with smaller goals.
  
  
• Years 5 & up: 7-a-side (including goalkeeper), played on a full 7-a-side field.
  Teams may use rolling substitutes; we recommend 2–3 subs.
  
  

• Each team must have a Team Manager present at all times, responsible for:
  
  
• Organising the team before games and during breaks
  
  
• Managing substitutions so every player gets equal playing time
  
  
• Promoting team spirit, fair play, and respect toward all players and officials

Substitutions

• Rolling subs (unlimited) are allowed.
  
  
• Players must enter and leave the field at the halfway line.
  
  
• Substitutions should be made smoothly and safely to keep the game flowing.
  
  

General Play

• No offside rule
  
  
• No slide tackles at any time
  
  
• No tackling from behind
  
  
• Players must wear appropriate footwear (no bare feet)  Shin gaurds reccomended.
  
  

Throw-Ins

• Leagues 1 & 2 and 3 & 4:
  
  
• Throw-ins will be from the ground – players may pass in or dribble in.
• Opposition players must stay at least 2 metres away until the ball is in play.

• All other leagues:
  
  
• Use normal throw-ins following FIFA rules.
  
  

Retreating Line

The retreating line rule applies to all games in Leagues 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, and 7 & 8.

Goalkeeper Rules (Years 5 & up)

• The goalkeeper may only handle the ball inside their semi-circle.
  
  
• Goalkeepers cannot kick the ball directly from their hands.
  
  
• Outfield players may enter the goalkeeper’s semi-circle.
  
  
• Goalkeepers may leave their semi-circle to play the ball.
  
  

Free Kicks & Restarts

• All free kicks are indirect.
  
  
• Defending players must stand at least 2 metres away.
  
  
• Free kicks near the keeper’s area must be taken 2 metres outside the semi-circle.
  
  
• When the ball goes out of play, teams may restart with a throw-in or kick-in (ball must be stationary on the ground for a kick-in).
  
  
• No pass-backs to the goalkeeper.
  
  

Penalties

• Penalty kicks are taken 7 metres from goal (edge of semi-circle).
  
  
• The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line until the ball is kicked.
  
  

Uniforms

• Teams must wear matching shirts.
  
  
• Bibs will be provided if colours clash.
  
  

? Fair Play & Fun First

Summer Footy is all about enjoyment, participation, and respect.
If your team is ahead by 4 or more goals, please help keep the match balanced by:

• Allowing the opposition an extra player, or
  
  
• Completing 3+ passes before scoring, or
  
  
• Scoring only with your weaker foot
  
  

We want every player to enjoy the game and feel part of it.

? Points & Competition System

Leagues 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7 & 8

• No scores will be taken from these games.
  
  
• FUN is the overall winner!
  
  

All Other Leagues

• Scores will be reported via Friendly Manager.  The manager of the team will receive an email when the game is scheduled to fnish so scores can be populated into the database.  Both team managers will need to enter the scores.
  
  
• Points System:
  
  
1. Win: 3 points
   
   
2. Draw: 1 point
   
   
3. Loss: 0 points
   
   
4. Default Win: 3–0
   
   
5. Default Loss: 0–3
   
   
• Tiebreakers (if points equal):
  
  
1. Goal difference
   
   
2. Goals scored
   
   
3. Head-to-head result
   
   

?‍⚖️ Refereeing

• The referee’s decision is final.
  
  
• All players and spectators must show respect to referees and opponents.
  
  
• Team Managers are responsible for maintaining a positive sideline.
  
  
• Each team must supply a volunteer referee (parent, manager, or supporter) to officiate one half of the match.
  
  

? Final Word

Thank you for being part of North Shore United’s Summer Footy 2025!
Let’s make this summer all about football, friendships, and fun.
Play fair, respect others, and enjoy every game!