Field Dimensions: 50 yards long x 30 yards wide.
Rule 1: Each team consists of 5 players, one of whom must be the goalkeeper. Substitutions are allowed on any dead ball. Any less than 4 players will be considered a forfeit.
Rule 2: The referee is responsible for control of the game and his/her decisions regarding facts connected with play are final.
Rule 3 A: The game shall be divided up into two equal periods of 20 minutes. There will be a 3-minute half time between the two periods. After the two halves have concluded each game will go into the "Target Goal" extra time period. Target Goal will last a maximum of 12 minutes max, every 3 minutes a player from each team will leave the field until the "Target Goal" has been reached by either team or the time runs out.
Target Goal explanation: Whichever team is winning at the end of the game will have to score 1 more goal in the "Target Goal" extra time to win the game. The losing team at the end of normal time will have to try and reach that score before the winning team get the goal. For example if Team "A" is winning 3 - 0 at the end of normal time the "Target Goal" score is 4. Team "A" can win the game by scoring the extra goal, but Team "B" also has a chance to win the game if they can get 4 goals scored before Team "A".
Rule 3 B: Game times are set to a buzzer. Teams are expected to be at the field 5 minutes before kick off time to ensure all games run smoothly. If a game kicks off late the referee can add time on at the end of the second half. If a team is not on the field of play within 10 minutes of the buzzer they will forfeit that game and a 4 - 0 win will be given to the opponents.
Rule 4: A flip of a coin decides which team will kick off. Each team must stay in its own half of the field and the defending players must be at least 6 yards from the ball when it is kicked. After a goal, the team scored upon will kick off. After half-time, the teams change ends and the kick off will be taken by the opposite team to that which started the game.
Rule 5: In the event of a tie between two teams after the game is complete, the game will be declared a tie and 1 point awarded. If teams are tied after Full-time in a championship game, penalties will be used to decide the game in a best out of 3 scenario. If scores are still tied, sudden death penalties will be used to determine the winner.
Rule 6: There is no offsides.
Rule 7: A PK will be awarded should a defender enter the goal area. PK’s will be taken 8 yards from the goal.
Rule 8: A player may be substituted on any dead ball. The referee must be made aware of a player being substituted.
Rule 9 A: Goalkeepers may handle the ball anywhere within the penalty area. The penalty area is an 8-foot arc measured from the goal. Goalkeepers must play the ball with their feet if a teammate plays the ball back to them.
Rule 9 B: Players are not allowed into the penalty area and goal keepers are not allowed out of the goal area. Any goal scored from this area will not be counted. An indirect free kick will be awarded.
Rule 10: Deliberate handling of the ball that denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity will result in the following: a penalty kick will be awarded & the player committing the foul will be sent off and shown a red card (at referee's discretion).
Rule 11: Good sportsmanship is to prevail at all times. Coaches will be held responsible for the conduct of themselves, their players, players' parents and spectator
Rule 12: Players that receive two yellow cards in one game will result in a red card. (Please see Red card rule) Any player accumulating three yellow cards during a tournament will automatically be suspended for their next game (no exceptions).
Rule 13: Referees have the right to eject a player or coach from the game for continual disobedience or as a result of an incident that warrants sending off. The team may then continue with their remaining two, three or four players, however, if the player receiving the red card was on the field of play, the team must complete the entire game a player short. The player receiving the red card will automatically be suspended for their next game (no exceptions). Players that are red carded need to leave the immediate playing area, including the fan and team areas. If a player is red carded for fighting, they will be ejected from the game and banned from returning for the remainder of the tournament.
Rule 14: Referees have the right to eject a coach or parent from the game for continual disobedience or as a result of an incident that warrants ejection. Coaches or parents whom are ejected by the referee or tournament official must leave the field and area around the field before play will continue. If a coach or parent refuses to leave, the game may be forfeited in favor of the opposing team.
Rule 15: All participants and spectators must also abide by all rules set forth by the city of Mebane. No games will be protested after the completion of the game. The referee and tournament officials will have the final say on any disputes and will treat each situation in the fairest and most logical way.
Player Safety and Enjoyment are Premier UK’s main objective.