Team Rules

Littledown Juniors

The friendly Littledown Juniors team is on hand to help out with all your questions and keep the leagues running smoothly. Here are some FAQs. If you have any further questions, please ask us when you visit or email littledownjuniors@bhlive.org.uk

Rules

Saturday Morning League

To be played on the mini 3G pitches

Should an issue arise, please make your coordinator aware at the earliest possible convenience where it will be dealt with appropriately.

Timings

2 games are played every Saturday morning.

Each game will be approximately 25 minutes in duration. Referees should time the first 12 minutes of the game, stop for half time (1 minute), and then resume the game. The end of the game will be signalled by your coordinator blowing a central whistle. You must stop the game at this time unless previously agreed with both teams and a coordinator prior to the start of the match.

Teams should be ready to play on time. Please arrive in good time to make sure full playing time is achieved.

If a team has 5 or more players, the game must start on time. If a team has less than 5 players, then the game must start no later than 5 minutes after the kick-off time. If the game starts later than this or the team does not have enough players, the opposition will be awarded the points and a friendly will be played.

There will be 5 minutes for teams to get onto their next pitch, the process above then repeats.

Kick Off & Restarts

Kick off and restarts must take place on the centre spot. All players must be in the same half as their goal when kick off or a restart takes place. There must be no shooting from kick off or a restart. The opposing team should start at least 3 steps away.

Throw Ins

When the ball goes out of play on the side-lines, the opposing team must throw the ball back in overhead.

When taking a throw in, both feet must remain on the floor until the ball has been released and should be taken from behind the line where the ball went out of play.

Foul throws are to be corrected, not punished.

Corners

Corners to be taken if the defending team hits the ball out of play past the by-line in line with their goal, a player from the attacking team must kick the ball back into play.

The Opposing team should be at least 3 steps away when the ball is kicked.

Goal Kicks

The ball can be kicked from the floor but also can be thrown (both overarm and underarm). No dropkicks from a goal kick. The ball may go over the halfway line if this can be achieved.

The opposing team must retreat to halfway before the goal kick can be taken.

Free Kicks

Free kicks are to be taken when a player fouls the opposing by tripping/pushing them etc without playing the ball first, through aggressive play or using their hands while in open play (goalkeepers exempt).

At the referee’s discretion, the ball must be made stationary before the benefitting team can kick the ball. All free kicks are to be direct, meaning a goal can be scored directly from the shot.

All opposition players must be 3 steps back.

Slide tackles are not allowed, dangerous tackles (eg two footed, studs up etc) will result in a free kick or penalty.

Penalties

Penalties occur when a foul (identified in the free kick section) occurs inside the goal area by the defending team of that goal. Penalties must be taken from the penalty spot.

Only the goalkeeper and the penalty taker can be inside the goal area before the kick is taken, all other players must be outside the goal area and behind the penalty taker.

Referees must confirm the goalkeeper is ready before blowing the whistle and the penalty taker must wait for the referee’s whistle

Headers

Headers are allowed although these will not be taught in any coaching session.

LDJ uses the latest standard of footballs each season.

Headers are the players own personal choice – you do not have to.

We will update our guidelines as and when the FA do.

Players Equipment

Shin Pads – shin pads must be worn at all times during the games. We have a zero-tolerance policy and any player found to be playing without shin pads will be asked to leave the field of play immediately and may not return until they are wearing shin pads.

Miniature shin pads are prohibited. Please ensure your child is wearing shin pads that offer appropriate protection.

Playing Kit – each player is provided with a team shirt, please make sure this is primarily visible. Undergarments, hats, gloves trousers etc are all acceptable to wear especially during the cold weather.

Football Boots/Shoes – no bladed boots or metal studs are allowed. Moulded studs/astro boots/trainers are accepted. If you are unsure, please speak to one of your coordinators.

No jewellery or watches should be worn during the games.

Sporting Conduct

Any behaviour, actions or bad language that disrupts the game will not be tolerated. Referees can ask players to leave the field (for 2 minute periods); this will be followed up by a member of Littledown Juniors team. If this happens then please contact a coordinator immediately. If any of the offences continue players will be sent off for the remainder of the match. If the issue is persistent, players may be asked to leave Littledown Juniors. This applies to spectators on the side-line also.

Teams that are unfortunate enough not to be able to field enough players for a game can forfeit to the opposition and continue to play a friendly with their opposition and mix teams to make the game even. A score of 1-0 can be recorded to the winning team.

Spectators are asked to remain on the side-lines or behind the barriers surrounding the pitches and to not stand next to or behind the goal.

If you would like further clarification on any points mentioned above, wish to discuss them further or have any questions, please email littledownjuniors@bhlive.org.uk

Saturday Morning League

To be played on the mini 3G pitches

Should an issue arise, please make your coordinator aware at the earliest possible convenience where it will be dealt with appropriately.

Timings:

2 games are played every Saturday morning.

Each game will be approximately 25 minutes in duration. Referees should time the first 12 minutes of the game, stop for half time (1 minute), and then resume the game. The end of the game will be signalled by your coordinator blowing a central whistle. You must stop the game at this time unless previously agreed with both teams and a coordinator prior to the start of the match.

Teams should be ready to play on time. Please arrive in good time to make sure full playing time is achieved.

If a team has 5 or more players, the game must start on time. If a team has less than 5 players, then the game must start no later than 5 minutes after the kick-off time. If the game starts later than this or the team does not have enough players, the opposition will be awarded the points and a friendly will be played.

There will be 5 minutes for teams to get onto their next pitch, the process above then repeats.

Kick Off & Restarts:

Kick off and restarts must take place on the centre spot. All players must be in the same half as their goal when kick off or a restart takes place. There must be no shooting from kick off or a restart. The opposing team should start at least 3 steps away.

Throw Ins:

When the ball goes out of play on the side-lines, the opposing team must throw the ball back in overhead.

When taking a throw in, both feet must remain on the floor until the ball has been released and should be taken from behind the line where the ball went out of play.

Foul throws are to be corrected, not punished.

Corners

Corners to be taken if the defending team hits the ball out of play past the by-line in line with their goal, a player from the attacking team must kick the ball back into play.

Opposing team should be at least 3 steps away when the ball is kicked.

Goal Kicks:

The ball can be kicked from the floor but also can be thrown (both overarm and underarm). No dropkicks from a goal kick. The ball may go over the halfway line if this can be achieved.

The opposing team must retreat to halfway before the goal kick can be taken.

Free Kicks:

Free kicks are to be taken when a player fouls the opposing by tripping/pushing them etc without playing the ball first, through aggressive play or using their hands while in open play (goalkeepers exempt).

At the referee’s discretion, the ball must be made stationary before the benefitting team can kick the ball. All free kicks are to be direct, meaning a goal can be scored directly from the shot.

All opposition players must be 3 steps back.

Slide tackles are not allowed, dangerous tackles (eg two footed, studs up etc) will result in a free kick or penalty.

Penalties

Penalties occur when a foul (identified in the free kick section) occurs inside the goal area by the defending team of that goal. Penalties must be taken from the penalty spot.

Only the goalkeeper and the penalty taker can be inside the goal area before the kick is taken, all other players must be outside the goal area and behind the penalty taker.

Referees must confirm the goalkeeper is ready before blowing the whistle and the penalty taker must wait for the referee’s whistle

Headers

Headers are allowed although these will not be taught in any coaching session.

LDJ uses the latest standard of footballs each season.

Headers are the players own personal choice – you do not have to.

We will update our guidelines as and when the FA do.

Players Equipment:

Shin Pads – shin pads must be worn at all times during the games. We have a zero-tolerance policy and any player found to be playing without shin pads will be asked to leave the field of play immediately and may not return until they are wearing shin pads.

Miniature shin pads are prohibited. Please ensure your child is wearing shin pads that offer appropriate protection.

Playing Kit – each player is provided with a team shirt, please make sure this is primarily visible. Undergarments, hats, gloves trousers etc are all acceptable to wear especially during the cold weather.

Football Boots/Shoes – no bladed boots or metal studs are allowed. Moulded studs/astro boots/trainers are accepted. If you are unsure, please speak to one of your coordinators.

No jewellery or watches should be worn during the games.

Sporting Conduct:

Any behaviour, actions or bad language that disrupts the game will not be tolerated. Referees can ask players to leave the field; this will be followed up by a member of Littledown Juniors team. If this happens then please contact a coordinator immediately. If any of the offences continue you will be asked to leave Littledown Juniors. This applies to spectators on the side-line also.

Teams that are unfortunate enough not to be able to field enough players for a game can forfeit to the opposition and continue to play a friendly with their opposition and mix teams to make the game even. A score of 1-0 can be recorded to the winning team.

Spectators are asked to remain on the side-lines or behind the barriers surrounding the pitch and to not stand next to or behind the goal.

If you would like further clarification on any points mentioned above, wish to discuss them further or have any questions, please email littledownjuniors@bhlive.org.uk

Saturday Morning League

To be played on the smaller grass pitches surrounding the cricket square

Please be aware that if the referee or one of the coordinators deems it necessary, a player can be sent off the pitch for a minimum 2-minute cooling down period.

Foul language will NOT be tolerated.

Should an issue arise, please make one of your coordinators aware at the earliest possible convenience and it will be dealt with appropriately.

Timings:

2 games are played every Saturday morning.

Each game will be approximately 25 minutes in duration. Referees should time the first 12 minutes of the game, stop for half time (1 minute), and then resume the game. The end of the game will be signalled by your coordinator blowing a central whistle. You must stop the game at this time unless previously agreed with both teams and a coordinator prior to the start of the match.

Teams should be ready to play on time. Please arrive in good time to make sure full playing time is achieved.

If a team has 5 or more players, the game must start on time. If a team has less than 5 players, then the game must start no later than 5 minutes after the kick-off time. If the game starts later than this or the team does not have enough players, the opposition will be awarded the points and a friendly will be played.

There will be approximately 5 minutes for teams to get onto their next pitch, the process above then repeats.

Kick Off & Restarts:

Kick off and restarts must take place on the centre spot. All players must be in the same half as their goal when kick off or a restart takes place. There must be no shooting from kick off or a restart. The opposing team should start at least 5 yards away

Throw Ins:

When the ball goes out of play on the side-lines, the opposing team must throw the ball back in overhead.

When taking a throw in, both feet must remain on the floor until the ball has been released and should be taken from behind the line where the ball went out of play.

If a team commits a foul throw, they are permitted to have one retake, after that, the throw goes to the other team.

Corners

Corners are to be taken if the defending team hits the ball out of play past the by-line in line with their goal, a player from the attacking team must kick the ball back into play.

The opposing team should be 5 yards away when the ball is kicked.

Goal Kicks:

Goal kicks or throws are allowed

Goal throws can be taken anywhere up to the edge of the box. The ball must travel outside of the box.

Once the ball (whether by kick or throw) has left the possession of the goalkeeper it must bounce or touch another player before the halfway line. If not, a direct free kick will be given to the opposition from the halfway line.

Goal Keepers:

Goalkeepers must NOT pick up the ball if it has been passed back. If this occurs, then a direct free kick outside of the goal area will be awarded to the opposition.

Goalkeepers CAN pick up the ball if it was last touched by the opposition, in this case, goal kick rules apply.

If the ball is received in open play, they may kick it (this may be over the half way line) as long as they have not picked up the ball.

Free Kicks:

Free kicks are to be taken when a player fouls the opposing by tripping/pushing them etc without playing the ball first, through aggressive play or using their hands while in open play (goalkeepers exempt).

All opposition players must be 5 yards away until the ball is kicked.

Slide tackles are allowed on the grass pitches, however dangerous tackles (e.g. two footed, studs up etc) will result in a direct free kick (meaning a goal can be scored directly from the shot) or penalty.

Penalties

Penalties occur when a foul (identified in the free kick section) occurs inside the goal area by the defending team of that goal. Penalties must be taken from the penalty spot.

Only the goalkeeper and the penalty taker can be inside the goal area before the kick is taken, all other players must be outside the goal area and behind the penalty taker.

Referees must confirm the goalkeeper is ready before blowing the whistle and the penalty taker must wait for the referee’s whistle

Headers

Headers are allowed although these will not be taught in any coaching session.

Littledown Juniors uses the latest standard of football each season.

Headers are the player's own personal choice – you do not have to.

We will update our guidelines as and when the FA do.

Players Equipment:

Shin Pads – Shin pads must be worn at all times during the games. We have a zero tolerance policy and any player found to be playing without shin pads will be asked to leave the field of play immediately and may not return until they are wearing shin pads.

Miniature shin pads are prohibited. Please ensure your child is wearing shin pads that offer appropriate protection.

Playing Kit – each player is provided with a team shirt, please make sure this is primarily visible. Undergarments, hats, gloves trousers etc are all acceptable to wear, especially during the cold weather.

Football Boots/Shoes – moulded studs/astro boots/trainers are primarily accepted. Whilst bladed boots and metal studs are allowed on the grass, we would ask you to be mindful that they are likely to tear up the pitches and are more susceptible to causing injury. If you are unsure, please speak to one of your coordinators.

No jewellery or watches should be worn during the games.

Sporting Conduct:

Any behaviour, actions or bad language that disrupts the game will not be tolerated. Referees can ask players to leave the field (for 2 minute periods); this will be followed up by a member of Littledown Juniors team. If this happens then please contact a coordinator immediately. If any of the offences continue players will be sent off for the remainder of the match. If the issue is persistent, players may be asked to leave Littledown Juniors. This applies to spectators on the side-line also.

Teams that are unfortunate enough not to be able to field enough players for a game can forfeit to the opposition and continue to play a friendly with their opposition and mix teams to make the game even. A score of 1-0 can be recorded to the winning team.

Spectators are asked to remain on the side-lines or behind the barriers surrounding the pitches and to not stand next to or behind the goal.

If you would like further clarification on any points mentioned above, wish to discuss them further or have any questions, please email littledownjuniors@bhlive.org.uk

Saturday Morning League

To be played on the larger grass pitches adjacent to the ATP’s

Please be aware that if the referee or one of the coordinators deems it necessary, a player can be sent off the pitch for a minimum 2-minute cooling down period.

Foul language will NOT be tolerated.

Should an issue arise, please make one of your coordinators aware at the earliest possible convenience where it will be dealt with appropriately.

Timings:

2 games are played every Saturday morning.

Each game will be approximately 25 minutes in duration. Referees should time the first 12 minutes of the game, stop for half time (1 minute), and then resume the game. The end of the game will be signalled by your coordinator blowing a central whistle. You must stop the game at this time unless previously agreed with both teams and a coordinator prior to the start of the match.

Teams should be ready to play on time. Please arrive in good time to make sure full playing time is achieved.

If a team has 5 or more players, the game must start on time. If a team has less than 5 players, then the game must start no later than 5 minutes after the kick-off time. If the game starts later than this or the team does not have enough players, the opposition will be awarded the points and a friendly will be played.

There will be approximately 5 minutes for teams to get onto their next pitch, the process above then repeats.

Kick Off & Restarts:

Kick off and restarts must take place on the centre spot. All players must be in the same half as their goal when kick off or a restart takes place. There must be no shooting from kick off or a restart. The opposing team should start at least 5 yards away

The ball must move forward.

Throw Ins:

When taking a throw in, both feet must remain on the floor until the ball has been released and should be thrown over the head with both hands and be taken from behind the line where the ball went out of play. If a team commits a foul throw, it goes to the other team.

The ball cannot be thrown directly to the keeper from a throw in, if this occurs an indirect free kick should be given to the opposing team.

Corners

Corners are to be taken if the defending team hits the ball out of play past the by-line in line with their goal, a player from the attacking team must kick the ball back into play.

The opposing team should be 5 yards away when the ball is kicked.

Goal Kicks:

Goal kicks or throws are allowed

Goal throws can be taken anywhere up to the edge of the box. The ball must travel outside of the box. No dropkicks from a goal kick! The ball may go over the halfway line if this can be achieved.

Goalkeepers must NOT pick up the ball if it has been passed back to them. An indirect free kick will be awarded from just outside the box close to where the incident occurred.

Free Kicks:

All opposition players must be 5 yards away until the ball is kicked.

Slide tackles are allowed on the grass pitches, however dangerous tackles (e.g. two footed, studs up etc) will result in a direct free kick (meaning a goal can be scored directly from the shot) or penalty.

 Penalties

Penalties occur when a foul occurs inside the goal area by the defending team of that goal. Penalties must be taken from the penalty spot.

Only the goalkeeper and the penalty taker can be inside the goal area before the kick is taken, all other players must be outside the goal area and behind the penalty taker.

Referees must confirm the goalkeeper is ready before blowing the whistle and the penalty taker must wait for the referee’s whistle

Headers

Headers are allowed although these will not be taught in any coaching session.

Littledown Juniors uses the latest standard of football each season.

Headers are the player's own personal choice – you do not have to.

We will update our guidelines as and when the FA do.

Players Equipment:

Shin Pads – Shin pads must be worn at all times during the games. We have a zero tolerance policy and any player found to be playing without shin pads will be asked to leave the field of play immediately and may not return until they are wearing shin pads.

Miniature shin pads are prohibited. Please ensure your child is wearing shin pads that offer appropriate protection.

Playing Kit – Each player is provided with a team shirt, please make sure this is primarily visible. Undergarments, hats, gloves trousers etc are all acceptable to wear, especially during the cold weather.

Football Boots/Shoes – Moulded studs/astro boots/trainers are primarily accepted. Whilst bladed boots and metal studs are allowed on the grass, we would ask you to be mindful that they are likely to tear up the pitches and are more susceptible to causing injury. If you are unsure, please speak to one of your coordinators.

No jewellery or watches should be worn during the games.

Sporting Conduct:

Any behaviour, actions or bad language that disrupts the game will not be tolerated. Referees can ask players to leave the field, and this will be followed up by a member of Littledown Juniors staff. If this happens then please contact a coordinator immediately. If any of the offences continue you will be asked to leave Littledown Juniors. This applies to spectators on the side-line also.

Teams that are unfortunate enough not to be able to field enough players for a game can forfeit to the opposition and continue to play a friendly with their opposition and mix teams to make the game even. A score of 1-0 can be recorded to the winning team.

Spectators are asked to remain behind the respect lines surrounding the pitch and should now stand next to or behind the goal.

If you would like further clarification on any points mentioned above, wish to discuss them further or have any questions, please email littledownjuniors@bhlive.org.uk 

Under 14/15 & 16/17s Rules

Friday Evening League

To be played on the 3G pitches

Normal FA Rules, except there are no offsides, no goal kicks and no slide tackles.

Please be aware that if the referee or one of the coordinators deems it necessary, a player can be sent off the pitch for a minimum 2-minute cooling down period.

Foul language will NOT be tolerated.

Should an issue arise, please make one of your coordinators aware at the earliest possible convenience and will be dealt with appropriately.

2 games are played every Friday evening.

Each game will be approximately 25 minutes in duration. Referees should time the first 12 minutes of the game, stop for half time (1 minute), and then resume the game. The end of the game will be signalled by your coordinator blowing a central whistle. You must stop the game at this time unless previously agreed with both teams and a coordinator prior to the start of the match.

Teams should be ready to play on time. Please arrive in good time to make sure full playing time is achieved.

If a team has 5 or more players, the game must start on time. If a team has fewer than 5 players, then the game must start no later than 5 minutes after the kick-off time. If the game starts later than this or the team does not have enough players, the opposition will be awarded the points and a friendly will be played.

There will be approximately 5 minutes for teams to get onto their next pitch, the process above then repeats.

Summary:

Kick Off – Kick off and restarts must take place on the centre spot. All players must be in the same half as their goal when kick off or a restart takes place. There must be no shooting from kick off or a restart. The opposing team should start at least 5 yards away.

Tackles – No slide tackles or tackles from behind.

Free Kicks – Players must stand at least 5 yards away. All fouls and handballs will be given as direct free kicks, all other free kicks are indirect.

Slide tackles are not allowed, dangerous tackles (eg two footed, studs up etc) will result in a free kick or penalty.

Goal Kicks – There will be no goal kicks. The goalkeeper must throw or roll the ball back into play. This also applies in open play where the goalkeeper has possession of the ball, they may elect to roll the ball out and play it themselves. This is permissible however the ball must not be bounced (drop kick). Drop kicks and punts are not allowed, in the event that this occurs, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the other team from the edge of the area.

Headers – Headers are allowed. They are a player's own personal choice – you do not have to. We will update our guidelines as and when the FA do.

Penalties – Penalties occur when a foul occurs inside the goal area by the defending team of that goal. Penalties must be taken from the penalty spot. Referees must confirm the goalkeeper is ready before blowing the whistle and the penalty taker must wait for the referee’s whistle.

The goalkeeper cannot pick up the ball from a back pass or a throw in.

The home team must supply a voluntary referee, as stated above, if this is not possible the home team will start 1 – 0 down.

The referee’s decisions are final in all matters during the game.

Foul/Abusive Language – Players will be sent off the pitch to calm down if any foul language is used, if these offences continue, you will be asked to leave Littledown Juniors. This also applies to spectators on the side-lines.

Player’s Equipment:

Shin Pads – Shin pads must be worn at all times during the games. We have a zero-tolerance policy and any player found to be playing without shin pads will be asked to leave the field of play immediately and may not return until they are wearing shin pads.

Miniature shin pads are prohibited. Please ensure your child is wearing shin pads that offer appropriate protection.

Playing Kit – After paying a £10.00 cash deposit, each player is provided with a team shirt, please make sure this is primarily visible. Undergarments, hats, gloves trousers etc are all acceptable to wear, especially during the cold weather. The cash deposit will be returned to the player at the end of the season on the proviso that their shirt is returned in the given time frame.

Football Boots – No bladed boots or metal studs are allowed. Moulded studs/astro boots are accepted. If you are unsure, please speak to one of your coordinators.

No jewellery or watches should be worn during the games.

Sporting Conduct:

Any behaviour, actions or bad language that disrupts the game will not be tolerated. Referees can ask players to leave the field, and this will be followed up by a member of Littledown Juniors staff. If this happens then please contact a coordinator immediately. If any of the offences continue you will be asked to leave Littledown Juniors. This applies to spectators on the side-line also.

Teams that are unfortunate enough not to be able to field enough players for a game can forfeit to the opposition and continue to play a friendly with their opposition and mix teams to make the game even. A score of 1-0 can be recorded to the winning team.

If you would like further clarification on any points mentioned above, wish to discuss them further or have any questions, please email littledownjuniors@bhlive.org.uk