1. TFL LEAGUE ADMINISTRATION

A TFL “LEAGUE”
§ Each Total Football Leagues (hereafter known as TFL) 7-a-side Division will consist of a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 teams
§ A League Season will constitute each team in the division playing each other team twice.
§ Three points shall be awarded for a win, one for a draw and no points for a defeat.
§ League position shall be decided by: (a) total points, (b) goal difference and (c) goals scored.

TEAM ENTRY
§ Teams may be entered by the team organiser completing the prescribed league application form and player registration forms, signing the club agreement form and paying the “Registration Fee” (including the “good faith bond” where demanded) in full.
§ Registration fees for the following season must be paid on the day of or before the last fixture of the current season. A receipt will be issued for all registration fees paid. This will act as your team’s admission ticket to the following league season. On the morning following the last game of the season all teams who have paid for the following season will be allocated a place. Teams who have failed to pay may lose their place to teams from the standby list.
§ Newly registered teams may be placed on a standby list and required to play grading games to ascertain their playing standard whilst waiting for a suitable league place to become available.
§ TFL reserves the right to enter new teams into vacated league spaces at any stage during the season. These teams will take over the points and scores of the team they replace.
§ No team owing money will be allowed to enter a new season. Records are kept of all money owed.

PLAYER REGISTRATION AND AVAILABILITY
§ All players must be registered with TFL on the appropriate forms.
§ All players must be 17+
§ All league teams may register a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 20 players that can be used per season. Teams may add to their squad during a season as long as the number of players in one season does not exceed a total of 20. All players must register at reception where they will be added to the team’s match date team sheet.
§ Ten players may be selected from the team squad for each match, 7 players and 3 substitutes.
§ Players once registered for a particular team for a season may not transfer to another team within that same division. Transfers outwith a division must be approved by reception and team sheets and paperwork so amended.
§ No team will be allowed to play in any TFL league until that season’s registration fee has been received.
§ Any team found with unregistered or suspended players on the field will have the match points awarded to the opposition with a 5-0 score line and one point per unregistered/ suspended player deducted from the league table.
§ Teams caught falsifying team sheets will have one point deducted from the league table and the match points awarded to the opposition with a 5-0 score line.
§ A team may use a maximum of 2 guest players on any single night who must be registered at reception before kick-off. Guest players may not be permanently registered to another team in the same league division as the team they are guesting
for.
§ A breach of player registration rules entitles the opposing team to claim a 5-0 victory. TFL may award a 5-0 forfeit whether the opposing team, claim victory or not. Persistent breaches may result in expulsion of the team from the league.
§ A player may be allowed to stand in to play for another team within the same league set-up but only if the following conditions are met:
§ The player in question is not precluded by a current disciplinary ban.
§ The player or players may only make up to the 7th man and must be removed from the field of play if subsequently an officially registered player or players joins the team after kick off. A team can have a maximum of 2 stand-in players per game but not more than 7 players.
§ The player must prior to kick off have written permission signed by a representative of TFL Management, the match referee and both team organisers.
§ The player must also be clearly signed in on the match sign in sheet as a stand-in player.
§ Stand-in players should be aware that they will be subject to the league disciplinary rules and that any infringements and subsequent bans or penalties will stand within the league. All players should note that the same is true of friendly ties.
§ Team found playing an unregistered player, or not following the above procedure regarding stand-in players will have the match awarded to their opponents 5-0 and will have 2 penalty points deducted from there league standings for each
infringement.

PRIOR TO A LEAGUE FIXTURE
§ The team organiser must pay the match fee at the VS Bar at least 10 minutes before kick-off. On doing so they will receive the match team sheet and are responsible for selecting the 10 players to take part in the match.
§ The match referee should not commence any game until he has received both team sheets.
§ On occasions when a league team fails to appear for a scheduled fixture (after the allotted 4 minutes has expired), the opposition will be awarded the 3 points and a 5-0 win. The opposition may then either forfeit the league fee and have the use of the pitch if desired, or accept a refund. If a refund is accepted, the team may not then use the pitch. A referee will be provided for a bounce game at no extra charge if the team chooses to use the pitch. If however, the opponents arrive late then they can agree to play for the remainder of the twenty-six minutes scheduled for the match. The score of 5-0 will stand at the end of the match.
§ In the case of both teams failing to turn up for a match, the game will be declared null and void with no points being awarded. Both teams will be liable to pay their own match fee.
§ Any player caught consuming alcohol prior to a league game will not be permitted to play and risks having the game abandoned.

CANCELLATIONS, POSTPONEMENTS AND RE-ARRANGEMENTS
§ Unless the pitches are declared unplayable there will be no re-arranged games.
§ An administrative error by TFL may lead to an exception to above.
§ If a game has to be cancelled due to weather or any other circumstances that TFL deems to be the case, the game must be re-arranged before the end of the season.
§ Should a league match coincide with a public holiday where the centre is closed the whole league will be moved to a suitable day/time. In the event of this happening a minimum of 3 weeks notice will be served to allow the teams time to make the necessary arrangements to fulfil the fixture.
§ Once a date and time has been agreed for the re-arrangement there can be no changes made to it. If a team fails to show up on the day/evening of the rearrangement the points will be awarded a 5-0 against them and the team will be billed accordingly. The result will be awarded regardless of which team initially asked for the postponement. Once the re-arranged fixture has been agreed, neither team may change the date and time for a second time.
§ A team may cancel a game without charge by informing TFL reception no later than 5pm, 2 days before the game is due to take place. The game will still be subject to a 5-0 forfeit.
§ Any team who fails to turn up for a fixture having given less than the required notice (see above) will remain liable for the full match fee. Teams owing money must settle their bill before their next fixture.
§ Teams failing to attend 2 consecutive fixtures without prior arrangement with TFL may be replaced without notice.
§ Should a game be abandoned at any stage with neither team at fault, a full-length replay with scores starting at 0-0 shall decide the match. The fees paid for the match itself will be retained by TFL and the replay arranged free of charge.
§ The team which postpones a league fixture is the team responsible for rearranging that fixture within 21 days. Failure to do this will result in the team being liable for the full match fee for the postponed match. TFL will assist in rearranging postponements by contacting the opposing team but the postponed team must give at least 3 dates and times that they will be available to play the postponement.

LEAGUE REPLACEMENTS AND WITHDRAWALS
§ If a league team pulls out or is removed at any point in the season, TFL will attempt to replace them from teams on the stand-by list. The new team will take over the points total and league position of the team they are replacing, and all subsequent fixtures will be actual league games, not friendlies. If TFL cannot replace the team immediately, all schedule fixtures in the meantime will be awarded to the opposition by a score of 5-0, as well as the 3 points. The results of matches involving the exiting team prior to their departure will stand.
§ TFL League policy is that 2 teams are promoted and 2 teams relegated from each division at the end of the season, where applicable. However, in the case of teams not re-registering, or other factors, TFL reserve the right to promote, relegate or otherwise alter the fixtures of any team, within reason and at any time.
§ Any team withdrawing from the league will be billed for the league games they are failing to fulfil for the remainder of that season.
§ As team organiser you are responsible for all monies owed by that team.
§ All teams must sign the league agreement form, noting the liability disclaimers contained within. Failure to sign the form will result in your team being withdrawn from the league.

2. RULES OF THE GAME (TOTAL FOOTBALL LEAGUES)

THE TFL RULES OF THE GAME
§ Only 7 players will be permitted on the pitch at any one time, one of whom will be the goalkeeper.
§ Teams must have a minimum of 4 registered players adjacent to the pitch 5 minutes before scheduled kick off time.
§ Each team must consist of a minimum of 5 players and a goalkeeper.
§ Substitutions can be made when required. The referee should be informed of a substitution. All substitutes must be off the field of play.
§ Teams may not change their goalkeeper more than once in a match. The referee must be informed of this change. This will not be enforced if the goalkeeper has been sin binned.
§ Any team found with unregistered or suspended players on the field will have then match awarded against them by a score of 5-0.
§ Up to 10 team players only may be named for a match, who must be available for inspection by the referee prior to the match starting.
§ Players must be attired in proper strips and footwear including shin pads. Jewellery must be removed or taped up.
§ The entire team must be behind the ball at kick off.
§ The game will begin with a toss of a coin, side winning the toss will have will have kick off, team not kicking off first half will take kick off the start second half. A centre kick must be applied backwards and the opposition must be 2 metres away. There must be no second touch by the initial kicker.
§ A goal is scored when the whole of the ball has entered the goal. The game shall be restarted by the defending team from the centre spot.
§ The ball must not travel above “head height” as defined below (unless covered by the circumstances of law 2.10). An indirect free kick will be awarded against the last player to touch the ball before it travels above “head height”. Head height is defined as the head height of the referee.
§ If a ball rebounds from goalkeeper or goalposts and travels above “head height” the game will continue.
§ The ball is deemed out of the play when the whole of the ball goes outside of the lines defined down the sides of the pitch and by the two goals.
§ If the ball goes out on the touchline, then the game will be restarted as an indirect free-kick ("kick-in") from where the ball went off the field of play (a goal cannot be scored direct from a "kick-in")
§ If the ball goes over the byeline off the defending team, then the game will be restarted with a corner kick from the side the ball went out nearest. Defending players must be a minimum of 5 metres away from the kicker. A goal can be scored direct from a corner.
§ If the ball goes over the byeline off the attacking team, then the game will be restarted with a goal kick. Defending players must be outside the area and the goalkeeper must take the goalkick.
§ If the ball goes over the surrounding fences then the player's team who the ball touched last before going over the fence team is responsible for retrieving the ball.
§ A goal may be scored from any point outside the goal area and within the field of play.
§ Heading the ball is not permitted.
§ Slide tackling is not permitted.
§ Only the defending goalkeeper is allowed to play the ball inside the goal area and only he may handle the ball in this area.
§ Any attacker who enters the opposition goalkeeper’s penalty area will be penalised. The opposition goalkeeper shall re-start with the ball.
§ A defender entering his own goalkeeper's penalty area and interfering with play will have a penalty kick awarded against his team, however accidental entrances not interfering with play will not be penalised.
§ Any goalkeeper intentionally leaving his penalty area will have a penalty kick awarded against his team.
§ The goalkeeper must return the ball by either throwing under-arm, or kicking the ball. A goalkeeper failing to do this and/or sends the ball over “head height” will be penalised with an indirect kick being awarded against him 2 metres outside the area.
§ The ball may not be returned to the goalkeeper until at least 2 other players have touched it. An indirect free kick will be awarded against the goalkeeper 2 metres outside the area where a defender returns the ball directly back to him.
§ Three substitutes per team are allowed and can be used as often as required.
§ If any team is reduced to 5 players due to misconduct, the game will be awarded to their opponents with a score of 5-0.

3. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

DISCIPLINARY RULES
§ In matters pertaining to a specific game, the refereeing of that game and the application of the rules during that game, the referee’s decision will be final.

INDIRECT FREE KICK
The award of an indirect free kick will be given for the following offences:
§ Ball played over head height
§ Goalkeeper returning the ball with an over-arm throw or over head height
§ Obstructing an opponent
§ Heading the ball
§ Player returning the ball directly back to the goalkeeper after receiving the ball from him.
§ Ball leaving the field of play (kick-in)

DIRECT FREE KICKS
A player who commits any of the following offences will have a direct free kick awarded against him/her:
§ Charges an opponent
§ Body checks
§ Any slide tackle
§ Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
§ Trips or attempts to trip an opponent
§ Jumps at an opponents
§ Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
§ Pushes or holds an opponent
§ Deliberately handles the ball
§ A player may not stand closer than 2 metres from the ball when defending a free kick. Contravention of this rule will result in the kick being taken against from the place where the defending player stood at the time the kick was taken.
§ Free kicks (direct or indirect) will be taken with the offending team standing no nearer than 2 metres from the offence. In the case of the ball being passed back to the goalkeeper, the free kick will be taken 2 metres from the “D” line.
§ Penalty kicks will be taken from the edge of the “D” and there is no “step rule” for taking the kick.
§ Only outfield players are permitted to take penalty kicks during the game. The goalkeeper is allowed to take a penalty during a penalty shoot out.

SIN BIN
§ Referees have the use of a sin bin; this may be used for offences that do not merit a caution. The standard time for a visit to the sin bin is 2 minutes, however the referee has the ability to extend this time as he sees fit.
§ Persistent contravention of the rules in the first instance will result in a player spending a period of 2 minutes (3 minutes for tournaments) in the sin bin.. For any further offences a player will be subject to a formal caution (yellow or red card if deemed necessary). Any bookings made will be submitted to the FA by the referee.
§ The referee may caution a player for infringing the laws of the game. All players cautioned must also spend 5 minutes in the sin bin.
§ If the referee feels that a sin bin is necessary punishment for a player he will make this known to the players/teams and ensure the team is reduced to 5 players (including goalkeeper) for the entire 2 minutes - even if goals are scored. The offending player must be off the entire 2 minutes (Note that all yellow cards are to be accompanied by a 2 minute sin bin).

CAUTIONS AND SENDING OFFS
§ TFL operates its own Disciplinary Code in respect of yellow and red card offences in excess of the minimum guidelines approved by the Football Association Council in respect of small-sided soccer.

YELLOW CARDS
§ A player collecting one booking in any one match will automatically be suspended from the next week’s league programme. No points will be deducted from the team’s league standings.

YELLOW CARD OFFENCES:
§ Persistently infringing the laws of the game
§ Ungentlemanly conduct
§ Obstruction involving dangerous bodily contact
§ Deliberately tripping
§ Recklessly dangerous play
§ Deliberately playing an opponent’s leg or legs
§ Adopting a threatening or aggressive attitude
§ Deliberate time wasting
§ Shirt pulling
§ Deliberately handling the ball in a manner which constitutes a breach of the laws of the game
§ Encroaching on free kicks
§ Gesticulating in front of an opponent taking a free kick r throw in
§ Time wasting
§ All other incidents deemed by the referee to be offences.

DOUBLE YELLOW/ RED CARD
§ A player collecting 2 yellow cards in a game or being sent off will automatically miss the next 2 weeks league programme, one penalty point will be deducted from the team’s league standings for each player within this category.

RED CARD FOR VIOLENT CONDUCT
§ Any player sent off for violent conduct will immediately be suspended for at least 10 weeks from ALL league set ups within the branch. Two penalty points will be deducted from the team’s league standings for each player within this category.

REPETITION OF RED CARD FOR VIOLENT CONDUCT
§ A player returns from a period of suspension for violent conduct will be placed on a 26 weeks probationary period.
§ If the player in question receives a red card for violent conduct within 6 months of returning from his first offence this will automatically result in a 6-month ban from ALL league set ups within the branch.
§ On returning from this period of expulsion the player will once again be placed on a 26-week probationary period. If the player in question receives a red card for violent conduct within 26 weeks of returning from his second offence this will automatically result in an indefinite ban from the pitches league and premises of TFL.
§ All suspensions carry forward into subsequent seasons.
§ If a team has a substitute sent off, they must reduce the number of players they have on the field of play correspondingly.
§ Violent conduct on or off the park will result in the immediate suspension of the individual or teams concerned from all future participating in league set ups.
§ If any team is reduced to 5 players due to misconduct, then the game shall end. The tie being awarded to their opponents with the score line of 5-0. If the score at the time produces a goal difference of greater than 5-0 then the score will stand.
§ Any player playing whilst suspended may be banned for a further 3 weeks and his team will have 2 points deducted. The offending team may have a score line of 5-0 awarded against them.

RED CARDS AND SENDINGS OFF
§ If a player is sent off during a game, he must remove himself from the area; he cannot stand at the side of the pitch, until he has changed out of his playing kit. The referee will have the power to abandon a game if a player who has been sent off does not adhere to this rule.
§ If any team is reduced to 4 players due to misconduct, then the game shall end. The tie being awarded to their opponents with a score line of 5-0. If the score at the time produces a goal difference of greater than 5-0 then the score will stand.
§ If a match is abandoned for any reason the team is at fault a 5-0 defeat unless the innocent team already has an advantage in which case the score will stand. If both teams are judged to be at fault then both teams will receive 5-0 forfeits against.

DISCIPLINARY SCALE FOR SENDING OFFS
Offence Code Offence Suspension
A1 Use of foul & abusive language 4 weeks
A2 Serious foul play 4 weeks
A3 Attempting to kick or strike an opponent 4 weeks
A4 Spitting or similar unseemly behaviour 6 weeks
A5 Foul or abusive language or gestures directed at the referee 6 weeks
A6 Violent conduct including kicking, elbowing or striking an opponent 10 weeks
A7 Threatening physical harm to a referee 10 weeks
A8 Assault on a referee or any TFL employee Lifetime ban
§ Any player serving a suspension of 10 weeks or more will be banned from all TFL leagues during that term of suspension.
§ Any intent to harm a referee by a player or a team will result in the whole team being withdrawn from the league.
§ Violent conduct on or off the pitch will result in immediate suspension of the individual concerned for the duration of the game. TFL reserve the right to ban any individual or whole team from all future participation in leagues or tournaments.
§ Any player sent off for violent conduct towards a referee or any member of TFL management or staff will not only receive a life ban from all TFL sites, but the incident will also be reported to the relevant National Football Association, who have the power to enforce a ban from all forms of competitive football and the police may also be involved.

DISCIPLINARY POINTS
§ A team disciplinary points system is now in place. A team will now accumulate points
for every booking and sending off. Points as follows:
o All Bookings – 1 point
§ A1 - 3 points
§ A2 - 5 points
§ A3 - 4 points
§ A4 - 3 points
§ A5 - 3 points
§ A6 - 6 points
§ A7 - 6 points
§ A8 - 7 points
§ If the team reaches 10 points in a season they get 2 penalty league points deducted,
and the team organizer will be called to a meeting with TFL Management.
Disciplinary points will revert to zero at the start of each new season.

APPEALS
§ All league teams have the right to appeal a refereeing decision providing an accurate and factual written appeal is submitted. All appeals must be made in writing to TFL Management no later than 48 hours after the fixture.
§ All communication in relation to complaints or grievances will be exclusively between the Team Organiser and TFL.
§ The decision of the referee in all matters pertaining to the playing rules of an individual game is final.
§ The decision of TFL Management in all matters pertaining to the administration of the league is final.
§ TFL Management may overturn any rule if they feel that a team is deliberately using an interpretation of the rules to gain an unfair advantage.
§ TFL have no power to overrule any bans and/ or fines issued by the Football Association therefore all appeals should be made directly to the F.A.
§ TFL Management will decide on any matters of discipline not covered by the above rules.
§ TFL reserve the right to ban any individual or team from all future participation in the leagues.

4. BEHAVIOUR

ALCOHOL
§ Any player suspected of being under the influence of alcohol/ drugs, prescription or otherwise will not be allowed to participate in the match.

SUPPORTERS
§ All teams will be responsible for supporters of their team, whether team members or not. Point deductions and exclusion from the league will result for teams with supporters who consistently cause a nuisance. Referees have the authority to remove any unruly supporters from the pitch side, or if necessary abandon the game.
§ If a supporter is guilty of verbal abuse toward either the referee or the opposing team, the game will be stopped and will not continue until the individual is away from the pitch facility or surrounding area.
§ Should the abuse continue the game will be abandoned and the points awarded to the opposition.

BEHAVIOUR
§ TFL can prevent anyone entering the premises if a member of staff thinks their behaviour or appearance is unsuitable.
§ Players must show consideration for other people in the premises. TFL will not put up with rude or abusive language or the threat or use of violence.
§ Players must obey notices and signs on display in the premises. Players should read any information on the premises notice boards and make sure that players and their children and any junior members for whom they are responsible keep to the rules on these notices and signs while at the premises.
§ For safety and hygiene reasons TFL do not allow crockery or glasses on the pitches.
§ TFL do not allow pets or guide dogs on the pitches.

5. HEALTH, SAFETY & LIABILITY

HEALTH & SAFETY
§ Shin pads to be worn at all times (including the goalkeeper).
§ Footwear must be trainers, astro-trainers or moulded boots not football studs or
blades.

LIABILITY
§ Our liability for damage or loss to players’ property or their guest’s property is strictly limited to any damage or loss suffered as a result of TFL’s negligence. With this exception TFL will not accept liability for the safety of players or their guest’s personal property brought on to our premises. Any vehicles you park in the car parks at our premises or elsewhere at our premises, and all contents in them, are your responsibility.
§ TFL staff are expressly forbidden to hold any valuables of any kind on behalf of players. TFL do not accept liability of any kind in respect of any goods/ valuables left within/ and including staff on our premises.
§ TFL cannot accept any liability for any accident or injury to any member, child or guest that may happen on the premises or within the grounds of the premises, other than liability which may arise from TFL’s negligence. If Players (or your child or guest) suffers an accident or injury on our premises, players must report the accident or injury, and the circumstances under which it happened, to the Duty Manager immediately following the accident or injury.
§ Seven-a-side football is a vigorous sport and you may fall or collide with other players. We cannot accept liability for any accident or injury to any member, guest or other user of the Company’s facilities other than liability which may arise from our negligence. If players or their guests or any other user suffers an accident or injury on our premises, players must report the accident or injury, and the circumstances under which it occurred to the Duty Manager immediately following the accident or injury.

6. OTHER

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
§ Seven-a-side football is a vigorous sport and players and their guests should only undertake the activity and to a level which reflects your level of fitness. Players, and their guests, are responsible for monitoring their own condition during physical activity. Total Football Leagues will not be responsible for any harm you may suffer as a result of taking part in any activity on our premises unless it is caused by our negligence. Please contact your doctor before using the TFL facilities if you are unsure about your fitness.
§ Players are responsible for monitoring their own condition during physical activity. TFL will not be responsible for any harm they suffer as a result of taking part in any activity unless it was caused by TFL negligence.
§ Players are responsible for monitoring their own physical condition. If a player suffers any unusual conditions, players must immediately:
§ Stop the activity and Tell the Duty Manager or other member of staff.

LOST PROPERTY
§ If Players find any lost property, they must immediately hand it into the VS Bar. Items found at the premises will be available for collection from the VS Bar between 7pm and 10pm. TFL will log lost property but the company will only hold items for a period of 6 weeks maximum before giving them to charity.

PARKING
§ Players and guests must park only in the designated parking spaces in TFL car parks. TFL reserve the right to clamp vehicles parked outside a designated space or parked in disabled spaces when not entitled. TFL may also charge a removal fee. TFL are not responsible for any loss or damage (however caused) to players or their guests vehicles while at our premises.

TELEPHONE CALLS
§ TFL can record phone calls between players or their guests and members of staff.

CHILDREN (0-17 YEARS)
§ Players are responsible for the behaviour and actions of their children (and of any nanny) at all times while they are on the premises or using the facilities.
§ Unless the child is attending an organised TFL activity, children under 12 must be supervised at all times whilst on the premises by someone who is over 18 (or a nanny)