General Rules

• Players can only play in the year they were born and one year up. They cannot play down or up two years. For example, a player born in 2015 can only play in 2015 and 2014 year groups. 

• Parents must stand on the opposite sides of the pitch to the coaches and substitutes. 

• If a referee is absent or running late the coaches of the teams must start the match on time without them. 

• All matches must start on and finish at the allotted time regardless of how many minutes have been played. 

• When the whistle blows the game ends and the ball is dead, even if in the air. 

• Players must wear appropriate playing shoes / boots and shin guards.

• All players, coaches and supporters must leave the venue neat, tidy and litter free after all games.

• For any clashes of colour bibs can be worn by one team, this will be decided on a coin toss. 

• Goal keepers must be a different colour to outfield players. 

• For any competitions in knock out stages the goalkeeper who is in goal at the final whistle must remain in goals for any penalty shootout. They can be changed before the final whistle, but not after. 

• If 2 or more teams tie in any group or league table, the champion or runner up will be determined by head-to-head. If this is still a tie a one-off game will be played to determine the winner.

Rules and Regulations for Missed Match Days

Notification Requirement: The team must notify the league organizers of their inability to attend the scheduled match at least 48 hours prior to the match start time. Failure to provide timely notification may result in disciplinary action.

Penalty for Missed Match: If a team misses a scheduled match without a valid reason, they will forfeit the match. The opposing team will be awarded a 3-0 victory. 

Valid Reasons for Missed Matches: Acceptable reasons for missing a scheduled match include:

• Medical emergency affecting one or more key players

• Unforeseeable travel disruptions or logistical issues outside the team's control

•  Religious or cultural observances that prevent participation

• Extreme weather conditions that make travel unsafe

The league organizers reserve the right to request supporting documentation for any claimed reason.

Rescheduling Missed Matches: If a team provides adequate notice and has a valid reason for missing a match, the league will work to reschedule the match at a mutually agreeable time. Both teams must make a reasonable effort to accommodate the rescheduled date.

Repeated Infractions: Teams that miss multiple matches throughout the season, even with valid reasons, may face additional penalties such as point deductions or suspension from future tournaments, at the discretion of the league organizers.

Disputes and Appeals: Any disputes regarding missed matches or application of these regulations should be submitted in writing to the league organizers within 3 business days. The organizers will review the case and provide a final ruling.

These rules are designed to ensure fairness, maintain the integrity of the competition, and minimize disruptions to the league schedule. All participating teams are expected to adhere to these regulations.

Weather Policy

When/If severe weather conditions arise, the safety of players, staff, and spectators becomes the top priority.

All games, tournaments and events will be cancelled if the HK Observatory raises:

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• Black Storm warning.

• Typhoon No. 8 Signal.

For all other inclement weather conditions, league officials will closely monitor the situation and make the decision to either postpone or cancel a scheduled match. 

If postponed, the match will be rescheduled for a later date, allowing time for the severe weather to pass and playing conditions to return to safe levels. 

Safety of players, staff, and spectators are the key determining factors considered when making the difficult call to postpone or cancel a highly anticipated match due to adverse weather.