Code of Conduct

Our rules keep matches fair, fun, and competitive. Please read before you play.

Eligibility to Join

  • Players must be 18+.
  • Shin pads are mandatory — no shin pads, no play.
  • Bring: shin pads, correct team jersey, shorts or tracksuit bottoms, drinks/energy snacks, and any required eye/hearing protection (goggles, contact lenses, hearing aids).

Number of Players & Squads

  • Formats: 6, 7, or 8-a-side (confirmed per club poster).
  • Squad size: up to 10–12 players.
  • Active players: 6/7/8 including the goalkeeper, with up to 4–5 substitutes (depending on turnout).
  • Substitutions: roll-on, unlimited, managed by players during stoppages or on-the-fly.

Match Duration

  • Each game: 2 × 20-minute halves.
  • Half-time interval: 5 minutes.
  • Referees may run a continuous 20 or split into halves for fairness/timekeeping.

Teams & Forfeits (Minimum Numbers)

  • Leagues run with 2–10 teams.
  • A match is invalid if a team fields fewer than 4 players for 6/7/8-a-side formats.
  • If below minimums, the league may permit borrowing up to 2 players without own-goal penalties (see ‘Borrowing Players’).

Changes During Play (Goalkeeper)

  • Players or substitutes may switch with the goalkeeper.
  • Inform the referee before the change.
  • Changes only during stoppages.

Forfeiting & Borrowing Players

  • Teams with fewer than 4 players are considered to have forfeited.
  • 2 players fewer than standard: may borrow 1 player (no own goals assigned).
  • 3 players fewer than standard: may borrow 2 players (no own goals assigned).
  • Any additional borrowed player(s) incur 2 own goals per player.

The Referee

  • Holds full authority from entering to leaving the pitch.
  • Enforces the Laws of the Game within the spirit of PFL; allows advantage as appropriate.
  • Keeps match records and disciplinary reports; manages misconduct, injuries, and substitutions.
  • Stops play for injuries/serious incidents; ensures safety compliance.
  • Respect the officials — their decisions are final. No game without a qualified referee.

Playing Area Restrictions

  • Outfield players are not allowed in the goal area.
  • Goalkeepers are not permitted outside the goal area.

Free Kicks & Restarts

  • All free kicks are indirect unless a penalty is awarded.
  • Ball must be stationary when kicked; the taker cannot touch it twice before another player.
  • Goals only count if another player touches the ball after an indirect free kick.
  • Opponents must be at least 3 metres away until the ball is in play.
  • Goalkeeper may not kick the ball except during a save.
  • Free kicks are taken from the point of infringement.

Offences & Disciplinary Actions

  • Offences include: kicking, tripping, pushing, violent conduct, or abusive/offensive gestures.
  • Cards: Yellow (caution) or Red (send-off).
  • Tariff guidance:
  • • Second blue card: 1-match suspension or £10 fine
  • • Denying a goal opportunity: 1-match suspension or £10 fine
  • • Offensive gestures: 2-match suspension or £15 fine
  • • Attempted violence: 2-match suspension or £20 fine
  • • Violent conduct: 3-match suspension or £30 fine
  • Serious offences (violence, spitting, discrimination) are referred to County FA.

Red Cards & Serious Offences

  • Managed by County FA:
  • • Violent behaviour causing injury
  • • Spitting
  • • Discrimination
  • • Other serious offences
  • Suspensions and disciplinary actions follow County FA rulings.

League Points & Tie-Breakers

  • Win: 3 points • Draw: 1 point • Loss: 0 points.
  • League position is based on points.
  • If tied on points, apply in order:
  • • Goal difference
  • • Goals scored
  • • Head-to-head record

Questions about the rules?

Speak to your referee or contact the league organiser before kick-off.

Contact Us