|
Welcome to Season 2010
Hello and Happy New year to all, including Foundation Players, team Managers, Players that have joined us over the time that this competition has been up and running and of course new players that are or may be associating with us for the first time in 2010.
There will be some changes to the way in which the games are played this year. It is accepted that not every player may believe these are necessary or appropriate, however they have been implemented for the general good and to ensure that the true spirit of the competition continuous to be our paramount consideration - namely:-
[a] Playing football
[b] Sportsmanship
[c] Friendship
[d] Participation
[e] Fitness
[f] Fun
This is a good time to again remind all players that there are other competitions where more serious and competitive play is available and expected - if that is what they want or need.
Forfeits:
A forfeit will occur when one team has 6 players or less. The game can proceed, however unless agreed by opposing team to play for points, the game will be
deemed a forfeit, with the opposing team receiving 3 points and a 2-0 result.
The team forfeiting can borrow players to match the number of opposing team only (no extras)
Both Teams Short:
IF both teams have 6 or less they will play for the points... AND again, can only borrow an equal amount of players.
ALL decisions to be made before kick-off and Referee to start game no longer than 10 minutes after official kick off time...
|
Important Information
THE GAME AND RULES
The games will continue to be for 70 minutes in duration - 35 minute halves with a 5 minute break at half-time.
The first two games start at 6.45 pm sharp and the second two games at 8.10pm sharp.
The existing rule of no slide tackles will continue however there will be a re-clarification of the slide tackle rule as it has become a contested issue when players touch their knee on the ground in standard play when such action is not part of an intended tackle. To be called a slide tackle the tackle will need to have been committed in the classic form. Generally speaking however, any tackle that is likely to endanger the well-being of the tackled player will be penalised. We want to minimise risk of injury.
Remember at our age, every tackle could be your last !
The significant rule changes for this year are:-
[1] No off-sides
[2] No linesmen
It has been the general experience over many years in this competition that significant conflict is generated in the majority of games concerning implementation/understanding/observation of the off-side rule. Changes to the game in relation to the passive off-side rule have not assisted. Too much conflict has been created, games become unnecessarily conflictual and there is often a general level of dissatisfaction from both teams.
|
THE GAME AND RULES (contd)
Eliminating off-sides means that linesmen are almost 'redundant' given that that is their major role. It is hoped that an honesty rule in terms of throw-ins
will prevail, but to avoid conflict in this area where the honesty rule does not apply and there is no obvious agreement with respect to the players
involved and the referees are unable to determine, the throw will be awarded to the defending team.
Players will indicate that the decision is in conflict where both players from the opposing teams raise their hand to seek the referee's assistance. If he knows he will call it, if not, defending team throw.
It is not anticipated that many (if any) throw in decisions will be 'game turning decisions', particularly in circumstances where the throw is allocated to the defending team.
It is deemed unnecessary to go into significant detail as to why the off-side rule will be abandoned. It should however be noted that two (2) seasons of 7-aside
summer competition without the off-side rule have proven that the majority of attacking and indeed defending players continue to play as if the rule still applied.
In other words there was not significant incidents of attacking players standing in what would formally be off-side positions awaiting passes.
Although this cannot be ruled out it will now be a matter for the defending team to address.
It is expected that games will be more free-flowing.
There will be more scoring opportunities and in turn more goals and far less conflict. It is accepted that defenders will need to change their mind-set particularly those that have traditionally relied upon the exploitation of the off-side rule.
Refs can concentrate on general play, free kicks and penalties.
|
Our Sponsors
Football Links
|
