1. Most league seasons last 14 weeks and each team will play the other teams in their division twice during the season.
2. At the end of each season the top 2 teams from each division will be promoted and the bottom 2 teams will be relegated (may vary) and a new season will start the following week.
3. Teams will receive 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and zero for a loss. League placings will be decided by points gained, followed by goal difference, followed by goals scored, followed by the aggregate result between the two teams in question.
4. All players must be registered by completing the necessary forms prior to competing for any team. Teams may register up to 20 players and no player can be registered to more than one team on the same league night. Players may only transfer their registration to another team on one occasion in the same division during the course of a season.
5. For 5 a side leagues a maximum of eight players per game may be used. All players must be named on the team sheet prior to kick off. (for 6 a side add one player, for 7 a side add two players).
6. Any team playing an unregistered or suspended player will automatically lose the match 5 – 0 and be deducted 3 points. Players playing whilst suspended will have a further three match ban added to the end of their then current suspension.
7. Teams are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled kick off times.
8. Teams must be on the pitch and ready to begin the match at the appointed kick-off time. If a team is more than 10 minutes late their opponents may claim a 3 – 0 head start, and at the referees discretion a 5 - 0 win (and deduction of 3 points to the losers).
9. Teams may be replaced at any stage of the season. Replacement teams inherit the scores and points of their predecessors. No team joining after the halfway point can be awarded first or second place at the end of the season.
10. Teams failing to appear for their designated fixture or not giving notice the day before of cancellation, will have the match awarded to their opponents 5 – 0, will be deducted 3 points and, for repeated absence, may be ejected from the league.
11. In the event that a team refuses to play another team the match will be awarded to the other team 5 – 0 providing they play a league cup game arranged by the club. The team refusing to play will also be deducted 3 points.
12. In the event that a team refuses to complete a match which has already started, the match will be awarded to the other team 5 - 0 and the team refusing to complete the match will be deducted 3 points. If the score at the time produces a goal difference greater than 5-0 then that score will stand.
13. All fixtures are to be played unless adverse weather conditions make the pitches unplayable. Any decision to cancel a game can only be made by Goals management. Postponements are not allowed, except in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of Goals management.
14. Any player or team suspended by any local Football Association, other governing body or by any Goals club nationwide may not participate in any leagues or tournaments held at Goals clubs.
15. All Goals leagues are affiliated to the FA or the SFA.
16. A fixture list will be issued at the start of each season and will be displayed on the company’s website www.goalsfootball.co.uk. All league results will be displayed on the club notice boards and the website, but Goals will not accept any responsibility for any omissions from or inaccuracies in any such fixture lists and/or results.

1. Time Keeping. All League teams must turn up 15 minutes before the game. 
2. Fees Paid In Full. All League teams must pay match fees in full and give match receipts or equivalent to the referee. 
3. Fixture Sheet Signing. Captains must sign the goals fixture sheet to confirm next week's fixture. 
4. All Players Must Sign In. All players must sign in with the referee before kick-off (Any unregistered players need to be added). 
5. Inform Referee of Goal Scorers. All players must inform referees of goal scorers when prompted.
6. Respect. All players should respect referees, Goals staff and opponents at all times. Failure to do this could result in your team being taken out of the league or disciplinary action being taken. 

Playing Rules

1. Kick Off Starts From The Spot. Each kick off will be from the centre spot (Home team kicks first): the ball is permitted to go backwards and forwards. 
2. It's A Game Of Two Equal Halves. The match will consist of 2 equal halves and teams will rotate ends each half. The length of the half will be determined by the club. Tournament games are played one way due to shorter game times. 
3. Don't Enter The Area. Players entering their own area to gain an advantage will result in a penalty kick to the opposition. Players entering the opposition area to gain an advantage will result in the Goalkeepers ball. 
4. Don't Head The Ball. No heading permitted at any point. Please note: 6 & 7-a-side may vary. 
5. Ball Out Of Play. If the ball leaves the arena for an intentional direct shot or pass a direct free kick will be given. If the ball leaves the arena unintentionally then play will restart from the nearest keeper. 
6. Free Kicks. All free kicks are direct and opposition players must be at least two yards from where the free-kick is taken. 
7. Ball Height. There are no ball height rules for outfield players. Let the game flow. 
8. Don't Slide Tackle. Players aren't permitted to slide or play the ball while the player is on the floor. Also, layers are not permitted to play the ball down on one knee. 
9. No Fouls On Goalscoring Opportunities. Denying a goal scoring opportunity will be penalised with a penalty and the guilty player face further punishment if deemed as serious foul play or violent conduct. 
10. It's A Penalty. Players may only take one step towards the ball to take a penalty and must be all one movement no stopping or stuttering. If a player fails to do it correctly no retakes will be allowed. 
11. Sin Bin. All yellow cards will be punished with a 3 minute sin bin, 2 yellow cards = a red and a player will be permanently sent off. 

Goalkeepers Rules

1. Stay In Your Area. Only Goalkeepers are permitted in the area. Goalkeepers leaving the area to gain advantage will result in a penalty kick to the opposition. 
2. The Ball Doesn't Go Above Shoulder Height. Goalkeeper distribution must remain under shoulder height by arm or foot. All throws must be with an under arm action and from the floor by foot, no kicks can be made from a keepers hands. Free Kick 2 yards outside the box will be awarded. 
3. You're A Goalie, Not A Striker. Goalkeepers cannot score. Game will be restarted with keeper's ball. 
4. You Can't Pass Directly Back To The Keeper. The ball cannot be played directly back to the goalkeeper after goalkeeper distribution. The ball must though at least 2 different outfield players before being returned to the goalkeeper. Free Kick 2 yards outside the box will be awarded. 

1. You Must Be 16 Or Over. All players participating in adult leagues must be 16 years and above. (Junior leagues are available). 
2. Your 5 a side Team Should Have 5 Players. For 5 a side leagues each team may field four outfield players and a goalkeeper on the pitch at any one time with a maximum of 3 substitutes. A game can be started by the referee with a minimum of four players, three outfield players and a goalkeeper. If a team is permanently reduced to three players the match will be abandoned and a 5-0 result will be awarded to the opposition. (Unless score is greater at the time of abandonment). For 6 a side, add one player, for 7 a side add two players
3. Unlimited Substitutions. Subs can only be made with the referees consent. You can only make a sub when the ball is dead. (Free Kick, Penalty, In the area with a keeper or during a substitution already called.) Reasonable notice needs to be given to the referee to make the change. 
4. Shin Pads Are Advised. We strongly recommend all players wear shin pads to avoid injury - All players play at their own risk. 
5. No Metal Studs. Bladed studs or metal tipped boots are not allowed. 
6. No Jewellery. The wearing of any form of jewellery is not permitted during play (watches/fitbits included).
7. It's A Pitch Not A Catwalk. Sportswear should be worn - Team kits / Same Colours desired (Strictly no jeans, caps for goalkeepers only).  

When are the leagues held?

Daytime, evening or weekend. You decide what suits.

Can I choose what night of the week I play?

Yes, if there is a vacancy you can join right away, if not you may choose another night or wait until a vacancy comes up on your chosen night.

Do I need to have a team already or can you team me up with players?

It is better if you have a team, but if not we can place your details on our ‘Find A Player’ system and try to match you up with other players or a current team looking for players.

Are the leagues affiliated?

Yes, all Goals leagues are fully affiliated.

Are referees included?

Every league match is refereed by fully qualified and affiliated referees.

How many teams are there is each division?

We offer a full range of league competitions. Most consist of divisions of eight teams, although some leagues do vary from this standard size.

How long is a season?

The standard league season sees all teams play each other twice and therefore a standard eight team division lasts 14 weeks.

When is the next season?

All Goals clubs run a number of different leagues so you shouldn’t have to wait too long to get sorted! However, we can fix you up with pre-season grading games allowing us to place you in a division suitable to your team’s skill level.

Is there promotion and relegation at the end of each season?

At the end of each season, there is the added excitement as teams battle to gain promotion or to avoid relegation. Most of our leagues feature two-up and two-down promotion and relegation.

I’m not sure how the standard of my team will compare with other teams in the league, how do I know that we’re not going to end up getting thrashed every week or playing games that are too easy?

We will ensure that your team plays a grading game to help you find your niche before you join a Goals league. Thereafter, regular promotion and relegation will ensure that your team will continue to play at the level that suits them best.

What facilities are provided at the venue?

At Goals, 5-a-side has come a long way from coats down in the park days. High quality lockers and hot showers make changing all part of the enjoyment, and to rerun that sublime one-two or the perfect nutmeg, there’s a sports lounge with a great selection of beers and big screen football. There is also free wi-fi available so you can start sharing the post-match banter straight away.

How many players can my team use for a match?

For 5 a side leagues a maximum of eight players per game may be used (for 6 a side add one player, for 7 a side add two players).

How many players can my team use throughout a season?

Teams may register up to 20 players and no player can be registered to more than one team in the same league division. Players may not transfer their registration to a team in the same division during the course of a season.

Do my players need to wear shin guards?

Yes, shin guards are compulsory for leagues play.

What footwear should we wear?

Training shoes, moulded soles or astro boots - No screw in studded footwear or blades.

Do we need to wear matching strips?

No, but it does help. Wearing the same colour of top can be useful if you have no strips. Bibs are available for hire at most Goals clubs.

What do the winners and runners up of each division win?

The winners receive the league cup and both the winners and runners-up receive individual trophies.

What other prizes are available and when do they get presented?

One player in every division is awarded the prestigious ‘Player of the Season’ award at the end of season Presentation Night.

How do I go about joining one of the leagues at Goals?

It couldn’t be easier, just fill in the form on the left hand side or give us a call, email us or drop by the club. You can let us know what league you fancy or let us suggest on for you.

Is the rubber crumb used on Goals pitches safe?

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recently carried out an exhaustive EU-wide study and has found no reason to advise people against playing sport on 3G pitches with rubber crumb. This advice is based on ECHA’s evaluation that there is a very low level of concern from exposure to substances found in the granules.

We are confident that 3G pitches in this country are safe given that the concentration limits in the EU’s regulations are set so as to prevent risk to the users.

The regulations for tyres came into force in 2010. The Environment Agency is one of the bodies responsible for enforcing the regulations in this country and its analysis and enforcement work shows a high level of compliance.

You can find more details about this here.

Can my team join a league mid-season?

Yes, providing there is a vacancy available.