Match Rules:
Teams are allowed 8 players per match to participate in any one game.
Goalkeepers are only allowed inside the circled goal area (box) / Outfield players cannot enter into the ‘box’ area at any time.
The box area is marked out with a white line. If contact with the ball is on the white line the decision is always to the advantage of the goalkeeper. On the line = Goalkeepers area.
If a goalkeeper leaves their ‘box’ and makes contact with the ball or player a penalty kick is awarded to the opposition team.
If an attacking player enters into the ‘box’ a freekick is awarded and the goalkeeper restarts with the ball.
If a defending player enters in their own box and touches the ball or gains an advantage by effecting the ball, a penalty kick is awarded to the attacking team. (Running through the ‘box’ to close down the ball and effect the game is considered a foul.
If the goalkeeper makes contact with the ball inside the ‘box’ area but then a part of the goalkeepers body is outside or moves outside after contact, this is deemed play on and accepted. This is the same case with an outfield player, where if contact is deemed to have happened prior to crossing the box line but then resulting momentum takes the player across this line, the goal or action is still deemed fair and the game will play on.
All penalty kicks are ‘One Step’ only and are to be taken from two steps out from the centre of the ‘box’ area. The referee will position the ball.
Teams can pass the ball back to the goalkeeper a maximum of 3 times in a row. If this happens the ball will restart with the opposition goalkeeper. As in outdoor rules, goalkeepers are not allowed to pick the ball up from their own team passing to them unless their team has passed the ball with their head or chest. Picking a ball up from a pass that’s played with their own teams foot results in a ‘back pass rule’ and a penalty kick is awarded to the opposition.
When the ball is with the goalkeeper they have 6 seconds to pass the ball out of the ‘box’ area to avoid any time wasting.
Goalkeepers are not allowed to throw the ball over the halfway, however are allowed to put the ball down and kick the ball to any area of the pitch.
When the ball enters a corner of the field, the 1st player to gain control of the ball will be given 1 meter space to pass the ball out and 6 seconds to play. The referee will count down from 3 seconds if time has taken to long. If they have not passed the ball during this time a freekick will be awarded to the opposition.
MVP Referee’s have been given special 5-a-side rules that apply to playing in a caged area. Fouls that are deemed unsafe due to the proximity of the fence may be awarded. An example may be a shoulder to shoulder challenge that would be deemed ok in the middle of the field, may be deemed more dangerous against the fence line and the referee will award a freekick. These ruling are used to protect the players and make sure the game is played safely for all involved.
The referees decisions are FINAL and all players are to respect the referees decision during the game. MVP Football does not accept any aggression towards other players or MVP Staff and Referee’s. Action may be taken to remove players from the venue in the case of unacceptable behaviour or aggression.
Finals:
In order to be eligible to participate in the wooden spoon, quarter, semi and grand final matches, players must of attended and participated in a minimum of 5 matches during the competition. Any ‘new’ players will be not allowed to participate unless prior approval has been granted from MVP Football staff.
If a team suspects a player is ‘new’ they must raise their concerns with the referee within the first 2 minutes of the game. The referee will then discuss with MVP staff and the team/player to come to a resolution and final decision.