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 and the team refusing to play will 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. Players may be sent to the ‘sin bin’ at the referee’s discretion depending on the offence. The duration of the sin bin will be 2 mins for which a blue card will be shown. A player may only be sin binned once per game as a second offence would involve a second blue card which would automatically be followed by a red card and a sending off.
2. A player sent off for a second offence will be suspended for a minimum of 1 week. In the case serious foul play, foul or abusive language the suspension will be extended to 2 weeks or longer should Goals deem this necessary. The player concerned may also face local FA disciplinary action.
3. If a player is given a red card whilst off the field of play (for unacceptable conduct on the side-line), the team must correspondingly reduce the number of players on the field.
4. If a team is permanently reduced by 2 players, or temporarily reduced by 3 players the game will end. The match will be awarded 5-0 to their opponents and they will be deducted 3 points. If the score at the time produces a goal difference greater than 5-0 then that score will stand (for 6 a side add one player, for 7 a side add two players).
5. If a match is abandoned for any reason the team at fault will receive a 5-0 defeat and be deducted 3 points unless the opposing team already has a greater advantage in which case the score will stand. If both teams are judged to be at fault the game will be void and no points will be awarded.
6. Violent conduct on or off the pitch will result in the immediate suspension of the individual and could result in a ban from all Goals premises. Goals reserve the right to ban an individual or team from further participation in all competitions. All leagues are affiliated to the local County FA to whom all such matters will be reported. This may result in the individual concerned being banned from all affiliated competitions if the Referee’s report deems this necessary. To ensure that Goals remain aware of all suspensions and bans imposed by the County FA all correspondence will be issued to teams via Goals. Teams not cooperating with Goals or the County FA will be removed from the league programme.
7. Referees must be treated with respect from all teams. Teams found guilty of abusing Referees will be removed from the Leagues, as will Teams in material or persistent breach of these Rules.
8. The decision of Goals management in all matters pertaining to the administration of the league is final.
9. Goals management may overturn any rule if they feel a team is deliberately using an interpretation of the rules to gain an unfair advantage.

1. For 5 a side leagues each team may field four outfield players and a goalkeeper on the pitch at any one time (for 6 a side add one outfield player, for 7 a side add two outfield players).
2. Substitutions are unlimited during the game, can only be made when the ball is dead and only with the Referees consent. Outgoing substitutes must leave the field of play before the replacement enters the playing area. The oncoming players are active immediately and can receive the ball. Substitutes must stand outside the pitch perimeter and spectators must not enter the field of play under any circumstances.
3. Teams may not change their goalkeeper more than once during the course of the game. A change of goalkeeper must be authorized by the referee.
4. No screw in studded footwear or blades are permitted to be worn by any player. Only training shoes, moulded soles and astro boots may be worn. All Players must wear shin pads. The wearing of any form of jewellery (including, without limitation, watches) is not permitted during play. Players should refer to the footwear guidelines available from their local Goals Club. Referees may refuse to allow players to play with inappropriate footwear, without shin pads and/or are wearing any form of jewellery.
5. The match will consist of two equal halves. The length of half will be determined by each club.
6. The first half will begin with one team taking a centre; the second half will begin with the other team taking a centre. After a goal has been scored the game will be re-started by the team who conceded the goal taking a centre.
7. Only the defending goalkeeper is allowed to play the ball inside the goal area and only he may handle the ball in this area.
8. An outfield player gaining or seeking to gain an advantage by entering his own goal area will have a penalty kick awarded against his team.
9. An outfield player entering his opponent’s penalty area will be penalized. The game will be re-started from the goalkeeper.
10. A goalkeeper gaining or seeking to gain an advantage by leaving his area or by playing the ball when it is outside the area will have a penalty awarded against his team.
11. The goalkeeper must return the ball into play by rolling it out of his area with an under-arm bowling action (6 and 7 aside rules may have variations from club to club). If the ball is returned any other way a free-kick will be given to the opposition two meters outside the area. A teammate receiving the ball from the ‘keeper may not return the ball directly to him - the ball must first be touched by another teammate or an opponent. A free kick will be awarded against the offending team from the place where the defending player returned the ball unless it is deemed by the Referee that a player returning the ball to the goalkeeper is gaining an advantage then a penalty will be awarded.
12. The ball must not be played above kick board height (6 and 7 aside rules may have variations from club to club). An indirect free kick will be awarded against the last player to touch the ball before it goes above kick board height, regardless of intent.
13. The ball must never be played with the head even if it is below board height. A free kick will be awarded for infringement. (6 and 7 aside rules may have variations from club to club).
14. If the ball goes out of play off the goalkeeper, the game will be restarted by indirect free kick by the same goalkeeper.
15. A goal may be scored from any point within the field of play. The only exception is that goalkeepers may not score against their opponents (except in penalty shoot-outs). Goal keepers are not permitted to take penalties (except in penalty shoot-outs).
16. No slide tackles are allowed. Infringement of this rule will lead to a free kick being awarded against the offending players’ team.
17. Professional fouls will be penalized with a penalty and the guilty player may face disciplinary action.
18. All free kicks will be direct with the exception of over board height (see 2.12) which is deemed in-direct.
19. Opposition players must be at least two meters from where any free-kick is taken. If opposing players do not retreat the required two meters the kick may be moved forward one meter. If a free kick is awarded on or near the goal area it can be moved up to two meters backwards to allow defenders to be two meters from the ball.
20. The goalkeeper must be on the goal line when a penalty is being taken. Players may only take one step whilst taking a penalty.
21. These League rules are not exhaustive and may be added to or amended at any time.
22. The Referees decision on all on-field matters is final and no discussions will be entered into either on or off the field with him about any decision. The Referees jurisdiction on disciplinary matters will apply until players have entered the changing rooms. Players repeatedly disputing decisions may have further disciplinary action taken against them.
23. Teams with a valid complaint against a match official must be put in writing within 48 hours of the match taking place. The complaint should be addressed to Goals General Manager who will forward it on the appropriate County Football Association. The County FA will take the appropriate action necessary.

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.