League Rules For Players

Players are encourage to keep up-to-date with the Big Bro Soccer Rules - where player safety and sportsmanship is at the heart of all decisions. 

Goalkeepers

• Handling the Ball: GK cannot touch the ball outside their box.
• Time Limit: GK must play the ball within 10 seconds.
• Penalty Kicks: GK must stay on their line during penalty kicks.
• Subs: GK Must hold on to the ball if their team wants to make a sub. Play should resume on the refs whistle.

Defenders

• Last Man Foul: Any foul as the last man preventing a clear goal opportunity results in a penalty.
• Headers: Any headers around your own box may result in a penalty kick.
• Box Advantage: Cannot run through your own box to gain an advantage while defending; this may be given as a penalty.
• Use of Hands: Cannot use hands to gain any advantages. Any pulling or holding will result in an immediate free kick.

Attackers

• Box Advantage: Cannot run through the box to gain an advantage.
• Penalty Kicks: Only one step is allowed when taking penalties. Teammates must all be standing BEHIND THE LINE of the ball.

Fouls

• Free Kicks: All fouls lead to direct free kicks.
• Penalties: may be awarded for last man fouls
• Dissent: Any dissent towards the referee may result in a booking.
• Persistent Fouling: May result in a Yellow Card, followed by a Red Card.
• Deliberate Foul: Deliberate handball, headers & other dark arts may also lead to a booking.
• Yellow Card: Carries a 2-minute sin bin. If the player has been yellow carded for lifting his hands then they may not be able to return to the game at the refs discretion.
• Red Card: The player won't be able to return to the field. The team will now play with a player down.

Free Kicks

• Defending: Players must allow 2 yards when defending free kicks.
• Quick Play: Free kicks can be taken right away unless indicated otherwise by the referee. If the ref has to stop the game or intervene after blown for a free kick, then play should only resume on the ref's whistle.

Aggressive Behaviour

• Language: Whilst we understand that foul language may occur in a game of football, we will not tolerate any verbal aggression that leads to a rise in tension. The referee is responsible for ensuring the game is played with the best sportsmanship and, of course, player safety. The referee will determine if further action is required for verbal aggression.
  
  
• Lifting your hand. Under no circumstances should any player raise their hand towards another player. This will result in an automatic yellow card, and the player will not be allowed to return to the field for the remainder of the game. In most cases, the referee will issue a red card for any hand-raising towards another player.
  
  
• If any team starts a fight before, during, or after the game, they will be immediately removed from the league. Big Bro Soccer records most of its matches and will review footage before making any decisions on any further action. Teams are reminded to represent themselves and their clubs in the best possible light for the camera.
  
  
• Physical Aggression towards any referee or Big Bro Soccer employees will not be tolerated and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

• NO WRESTLING MOVES! This below is a straight red card! 

 

Headers

• General Rule: No headers are allowed at all.
• Defensive Headers: If you head the ball around your own box, it may result in a penalty.

Penalties

• Pass Back: No pass back allowed. The ball must touch another player before returning it to the keeper. Automatic penalty for any pass backs.
• Taking Penalties: Only one step is allowed for penalties.
• Keeper's Position: Keepers must stay on their line.

Boards

• Player Safety: Aggressive tackles against the boards or in the corners are not allowed.
• Pushing: No player should be pushed against the boards under any circumstances.
• Legal Challenges: Still not allowed if the player ends up aggressively against the boards. 

Corners

• Opposition: Players should ideally allow the opposition out of corners , however the ref should only stop play if player safety is at risk or a for a foul. Teams are requested to avoid going for the CORNER FLAG.
• Aggressive Contact: Any aggressive or dangerous contact made in the corner will result in a free kick. Any pile ups may also result in the ref blowing the whistle. 

Subs

• Timing: Subs can only be made when the your keeper has the ball or after a goal. Subs CANNOT be made during free kicks.
• Notification: Always notify the referee when making changes.
• Limit: Unlimited substitutes per game.

Timekeeping

• Kick-off: Players must be ready to kick off by 5 minutes past the hour.
• Penalty for Delay: If players are not ready by 10 minutes past the hour, they will start minus 3 goals.
• 2 x 25 mins halves and a 2-3 minutes break at half time.
• Team Photos: Taken before kick off.

No Show

• Notice: Failure to give 48 hours notice to cancel a league game will result in a 10-nil forfeit.
• 5-nil if match is abandoned or a team drops out the league.

Rule for Teams Folding or Quitting Mid-Season

1. Club Continuity: The club will continue to exist as an entity while the league seeks new owners and players to complete the season. The club's fixtures and status in the league will be maintained, and efforts will be made to ensure that the remaining matches are played or appropriately handled.

2. Player Free Agents: All players from the withdrawing team will automatically become free agents. They are free to sign with other clubs immediately. This allows players to continue their participation in the league and ensures that they are not disadvantaged by the team's withdrawal.

Player Transfers

Players cannot transfer between teams within the same league unless it is within the Official Transfer Window, or they have yet to make an appearance from the team they wish to transfer from.

The Transfer Window opens after each team has played each other once. Teams can continue to register new players outwith the transfer window but just not from other teams. 

Use the Player Reg Form to add players to your squad. All Players must be registered. 

Players can NOT play for more than one team. 

If a team drops out the league then their players all become free agents.

Under 35's Rule (Overs League Only)