Focus Project -Focus On Communities Using Sport

It is your teams responsibility to read these rules and be aware of them.
'I didn't know...etc' will not be accepted.

All players must wear shin pads.
All players must remove jewelry ( rings, earrings must be removed or as a last resort taped up) and anything from your pockets otherwise you cannot play.
We suggest any valuables, phones etc you do not want to lose are kept locked away. We will not accept responsibility for lost/stolen goods.
Any players seen to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to take part.
Please remember you are playing on a hard surface, no two footed tackles etc. Violent conduct will result in automatic sending off.
Please try and watch your language as there may be small children and families watching.
Spectators are not allowed to stand behind the goals.
Wear appropriate clothing as far as is practicable
Staff are on hand to help during FOCUS events.

The games are seven a side.
There are two age categories in FOCUS:
-FOCUS tournaments - you can be age 12, 13, 14 (school yr 7, 8 & 9)
-FOCUS League - you can be age 15, 16, 17 (school yr 10, 11 & 12)
If any players do not fall within the above age categories you will be responsible for points deduction for your team - 3 points.
Each team must have a captain and responsible adult(s) at any FOCUS event.
Before and after a game we will encourage players to shake hands and display good sportsmanship.
Roll on roll off subs apply - you must let the ref know as and when you want to change over.
There are no head height restrictions.
The ball will be rolled in underarm for throw ins.
Corners are applicable.
After a goal is scored, the ball will be returned to the centre circle.
If spectators are continually abusing towards staff or players the game will be stopped and the spectator asked to quiet down or leave the area. We will not tolerate bullying or intimidation on or off the pitch.
Referees decisions are final. The refs have given up there time to help out today so show some respect for them please!!
DO NOT hassle the people doing the scores they will do their best to keep it all up to date. Any harassment, bullying or abuse directed towards the scorers will result in a points deduction.

Players can pass the ball back to their goalkeeper who is unable to pick it up. The only option is for the goalkeeper to kick it out.
The goalkeeper is allowed out of their area but not allowed to handle it outside of the goalkeepers area.
If the ball goes behind for a goal kick or the keeper catches the ball during open play, the goal keeper must throw the ball out under arm (below shoulder height).
Failure to do this results in a first warning and then by an indirect free kick on the point left or right of the goal where the D meets the touch line by the goal
The goal keeper can pick the ball up within the marked area. Players are allowed in the area to attack, score and defend.
Goalkeepers are not allowed to kick the ball out from their hands.

If a foul is committed and the ref blows his whistle a free kick will be direct (apart from the goalkeeper handling the ball outside the box which will be an indirect free kick).
The referee can award a free kick for racist/abusive ( swearing) language if persistent. This ties in with the SIN BIN offences ( see below)
The team awarded the free kick must wait until the ref blows for the kick to be taken.
Defending Players must stand THREE paces back from the ball.

Persistent fouling will result in a warning then a yellow and next time red.
We will also operate a green card for the SIN BIN. This will be used if the referee or organizer feels a player is at risk of getting sent off or needs to chill out for a minute
Sin Bin involves the offending player to leave the field of play for 2 minutes in a game
Persistent foul language - You will be warned once and twice and sin binned on the third occasion.
Subs CANNOT be sent on for a SIN BIN offence.
We want it to be FUN and SAFE as much as YOU do!

"Be challenged not challenging"