1. Competition Overview

The 6-a-Side Astro League is a high-standard competitive football competition designed to deliver elite small-sided football in a disciplined, professional and well-regulated environment.

All players, managers, coaches, substitutes and spectators agree to:

• Respect match officials at all times.
• Follow all competition rules without exception.
• Maintain professional conduct on and off the pitch.
• Accept all decisions of referees and organisers as final, subject to the league’s appeals process.

The league operates on a short-season, high-commitment model to ensure fixture integrity, referee protection and operational sustainability.

Participation confirms acceptance of these rules and all applicable financial obligations.

2. League Format

2.1 Structure

• Short-season format, typically 6–14 matches.
• League table format.
• Optional cup competitions may include group and knockout stages.

2.2 Points System

• Win: 3 points.
• Draw: 1 point.
• Loss: 0 points.

2.3 Tie-Breakers

If teams are level on points, the following criteria will apply:

1. Goal difference.
2. Goals scored.
3. Head-to-head record.
4. Disciplinary record.
5. Organiser’s decision or a play-off, if required.

3. Team Registration & Player Eligibility

3.1 Squad Rules

• Unlimited registered players per squad.
• Only registered players may participate.
• Squads are locked after their first fixture unless otherwise approved by the organisers.

3.2 Player Eligibility

A player must:

• Be fully registered.
• Ensure their registration is complete before participating.
• Be listed on the official team sheet or match card.
• Comply with all league rules and regulations.

Managers are responsible for communicating the rules and applicable terms and conditions to their players.

A player may only represent one team per season unless an exception is expressly approved by the organisers.

Penalty for an ineligible player:

• 5–0 forfeit.
• Possible points deduction.
• Possible removal from the league.

3.3 Photo ID Requirement

All players must have valid photo identification.

Failure to provide identification when requested may result in:

• The player being deemed ineligible.
• Match sanctions being applied.

3.4 Match Sheets & Match Cards

• Team sheets must be submitted at least one hour before kick-off.
• All teams must submit the official online match card.
• The referee will verify the squads before kick-off.

Unlisted players are ineligible to play.

Failure to submit the required documentation may result in fines, sanctions or forfeiture.

4. Match Rules

4.1 Team Composition

• Six players per team: five outfield players and one goalkeeper.
• A minimum of four players is required to start or continue a match.
• If a team falls below four players, the match will be abandoned.

4.2 Match Duration

• Two halves of 25 minutes.
• Two-minute half-time interval.
• The referee is the sole timekeeper.

4.3 Kick-Off & Start Rules

• Opponents must remain at least five yards away.
• The ball may be played in any direction.
• A goal cannot be scored directly from kick-off.

4.4 Late Arrival & Forfeit Rules

• A maximum five-minute grace period may be permitted once.
• Matches will not be delayed beyond the permitted grace period because of missing players.
• Failure to field a team within the permitted time may result in a forfeit.

5. Substitutions

• Unlimited rolling substitutions are permitted.
• Substitutions must occur at the halfway line.
• The referee must acknowledge substitutions.

5.1 Substitution Time Rule — Strict Enforcement

• A player must exit the pitch within 10 seconds of the substitution being initiated.
• Failure to comply means the incoming player must wait one minute before entering.
• The team will play with one fewer player during this period.
• The referee may issue further sanctions for deliberate time-wasting.

6. Pitch, Equipment & Kit Standards

Matches are played on a 5G artificial grass pitch using portable goals without rebound walls.

• Size 5 footballs will be used.

6.1 Kit Rules

• Matching full kits are required.
• Goalkeepers must wear a colour distinct from the outfield players and opposing goalkeeper.
• Jewellery and dangerous items are prohibited.

6.2 Kit Clashes

• The away team must change kit or wear bibs if a clash occurs.
• The referee’s decision is final.

6.3 Footwear

Permitted:

• Moulded studs.
• Rounded screw-in studs, where permitted by the venue.

Prohibited:

• Metal blades.
• Trainers or runners.
• Any footwear considered unsafe by the referee or venue management.

The referee may inspect footwear at any time.

7. Match Restarts

7.1 Kick-Ins

Kick-ins replace traditional throw-ins.

• Opponents must remain five yards away.
• The ball must be stationary on the line.
• The kick-in must be taken within six seconds.

7.2 Goal Kicks

• Goal kicks must be taken from inside the penalty area.
• Opponents must remain outside the penalty area.
• The restart must be taken within six seconds.
• Failure to restart within the permitted time results in a corner awarded to the opposition.
• A goal cannot be scored directly against the opposition from a goal kick.

7.3 Corners & Free Kicks

• Opponents must remain five yards away, except in designated goalkeeper situations where a three-yard distance applies.
• Direct goals are permitted where applicable.
• Quick restarts are permitted if taken immediately and correctly.

7.4 Time-Wasting

A strict six-second rule applies to all restarts.

Sanctions may include:

1. Warning.
2. Yellow card.
3. Possession turnover.

The referee determines the appropriate sanction.

7.5 Own Goals from Restarts

If a restart goes directly into a team’s own goal, a goal is awarded in accordance with the league’s applicable restart rules.

This rule applies to:

• Kick-ins.
• Free kicks.
• Corners.
• Goal kicks.

8. Fouls & Discipline

8.1 Standard Fouls

FIFA Laws of the Game principles apply where relevant to the league’s small-sided format.

Sliding tackles are strictly prohibited.

Sanctions may include:

• Free kick.
• Yellow card.
• Red card.

8.2 Card System

Yellow Card

• Two-minute sin bin.
• The team may replace the sin-binned player, subject to league rules.
• Repeat offences are tracked throughout the season.

Red Card

• Immediate dismissal from the match.
• The team plays with five players for five minutes, subject to the circumstances and applicable league rules.
• The dismissed player receives a minimum one-match suspension.
• Extended bans may apply following a disciplinary review.

8.3 Sin Bin Timing

• The sin-bin period begins when play resumes.
• The referee controls the timing and authorises the player’s return.

8.4 Card Accumulation

Three yellow cards during the season result in a one-match suspension.

The league may impose further disciplinary sanctions where appropriate.

9. Goalkeepers

• Goalkeepers may handle the ball only inside their own penalty area.
• Goalkeepers cannot pick up deliberate back-passes where prohibited by the applicable rules.
• A six-second distribution rule applies.
• Goalkeepers cannot throw the ball directly into the opposition goal.

9.1 Goalkeeper Time-Wasting

Sanctions may include:

1. Warning.
2. Yellow card.
3. Corner awarded to the opposition.

The referee determines the appropriate sanction.

10. Conduct & Behaviour

10.1 Player & Staff Conduct

The league operates a zero-tolerance approach to:

• Abuse.
• Fighting.
• Threatening behaviour.
• Disrespect towards officials.
• Intimidation or harassment.
• Deliberate misconduct that compromises the safety or integrity of the competition.

Sanctions may include:

• Yellow or red cards.
• Match bans.
• Extended suspensions.
• Tournament or league removal.

10.2 Referee Respect Rule

Only team captains may approach the referee to seek clarification on match decisions, and this must be done respectfully.

Sanctions for misconduct may include:

1. Warning.
2. Yellow card.
3. Sin bin.
4. Red card.

Serious misconduct may result in immediate dismissal.

10.3 Bench & Staff

• A maximum of one manager and two coaches may occupy the designated team area.
• Team staff must remain within the technical area.
• Staff must not interfere with the referee, opponents or match proceedings.

Red card issued to staff:

• Immediate removal from the technical area.
• The team plays short for two minutes where required by the applicable league disciplinary rules.

10.4 Spectators

• Spectators must remain behind designated areas.
• Spectators are prohibited from positioning themselves behind the goals where restricted by the venue.
• Teams are responsible for the behaviour of their supporters.

Misconduct may result in:

• Team sanctions.
• Removal of individuals from the venue.
• Further disciplinary action against the team.

11. Fixtures, Forfeits & Abandonment

• Failure to attend a fixture results in a 5–0 loss and applicable penalties.
• A second no-show may result in removal from the league.
• An abandoned match will result in a 5–0 loss, unless the existing score is more favourable to the non-offending team under the applicable league rules.
• Teams refusing to continue a match may forfeit the fixture and face a disciplinary review.

All forfeits and abandonment decisions remain subject to review by the organisers.

12. Administration

• Fixtures are fixed once released.
• Rescheduling is not permitted without prior league approval.
• Teams must arrive at least 30 minutes before kick-off.

Match Reporting

• The referee must submit the official match result.
• Any incidents requiring disciplinary review must be reported to the organisers.
• Teams must raise disputes within the permitted appeal period.

13. Financial Regulations

13.1 Registration Fees

The following fees apply:

• Registration fee: €250 — non-refundable.
• Commitment bond: €180.
• Match fee deposit: €630.

All fees must be paid in accordance with the league’s registration and payment requirements.

13.2 Match Fees

• Match fee: €60 per match.
• Match fees must be paid before kick-off.
• Failure to pay may result in sanctions or forfeiture.

13.3 Commitment Bond

The commitment bond is used to help ensure that teams fulfil their fixtures throughout the season.

A deduction of €120 may apply for each of the following breaches:

• No-show.
• Cancellation.
• Failure to field a team.

The bond must be restored to the required amount within 48 hours of a deduction. Failure to do so may result in removal from the league.

13.4 Financial Non-Compliance

• Withdrawal from the competition does not automatically entitle a team to a refund.
• Fees are non-refundable in accordance with the applicable registration terms and conditions.
• Outstanding financial obligations remain payable following withdrawal or removal.

14. Disputes & Authority

• Referee decisions concerning events during a match are final on match day.
• Organisers retain overall authority over competition administration and disciplinary matters.
• Appeals must be submitted within 24 hours of the relevant incident or decision.
• Appeals must be submitted through the league’s designated communication channel.
• The organisers may review evidence and determine the outcome of an appeal.

The league’s final decision will be communicated to the relevant parties.

15. Integrity Rules

The league operates a zero-tolerance policy towards:

• Match-fixing.
• Collusion.
• Deliberate manipulation of results.
• Any attempt to undermine the integrity of the competition.

Penalty:

• Immediate removal of all teams found to be involved, subject to the organisers’ review of the available evidence.

Further sanctions may be imposed where appropriate.

16. Weather & Force Majeure

The organisers may:

• Delay fixtures.
• Suspend fixtures.
• Reschedule fixtures.
• Cancel fixtures.

These decisions may be necessary because of weather conditions, venue restrictions, safety concerns or other circumstances outside the organisers’ reasonable control.

Teams must comply with all fixture changes communicated by the organisers.

The league will determine the appropriate arrangements for affected fixtures in accordance with its operational requirements and applicable terms and conditions.

17. Medical Support Policy

Emerald League operates a limited Medical Support Scheme for eligible registered players who sustain an injury during an official league fixture.

All players are responsible for familiarising themselves with the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the scheme.

17.1 Medical Support Policy

The full policy is available on the Emerald League website.

⁠MEDICAL SUPPORT POLICY

Players should read the full policy before participating in the competition.

17.2 Player Responsibility

By participating in the competition, players acknowledge that football carries an inherent risk of injury.

Players remain responsible for their own medical expenses, personal insurance arrangements and any costs not covered by the Medical Support Scheme.

The scheme provides limited support only and does not constitute comprehensive medical or personal accident insurance.

17.3 Policy Terms & Conditions

All claims are subject to the eligibility requirements, claim procedures, limitations and exclusions set out in the official Club Medical Support Policy.

Players must comply with the requirements of the policy when submitting a claim.

The full policy should be consulted for details of the support available and the circumstances in which claims may be accepted or declined.

17.4 Acceptance of Policy

Registration and participation in the league confirm that players are responsible for reading and understanding the Medical Support Policy and its limitations.

Managers are responsible for ensuring that their players are made aware of the policy and the support available.

Players are encouraged to retain appropriate personal insurance to cover risks and expenses not covered by the scheme.

18. Key Sanction Summary

The organisers reserve the right to determine appropriate sanctions based on the seriousness and circumstances of each incident.

19. Team Withdrawal

If a team folds, withdraws or is removed from the league, the following rules apply:

• All previous fixtures involving that team will be voided and recorded as 5–0 walkovers for the opposing teams.
• All future fixtures involving that team will also result in 5–0 walkovers for the opposing teams.
• The organisers will update the league standings and fixture records accordingly.
• The withdrawing or removed team remains subject to the financial regulations and any outstanding financial obligations.

The organisers reserve the right to review the impact of a withdrawal on the competition and make any necessary administrative adjustments.