Welcome to the NS5 League.

Here is an overview of our operations and expectations, and how we aim to make it an enjoyable and competitive experience for all players. Like any football club, there are rules that need to be adhered to by coaches, parents, players, and teams. This allows us to operate our service smoothly, keep everyone safe and included so we expect all to support these behaviours and attitudes. We ask that all players, parents, and coaches themselves with our rules and to agree to them. You will notice most are only common sense to enjoy sports throughout the rest of your life.

NS5 LEAGUE FORMAT 

All teams to wear the NS5 team shirts provided. Bibs will be provided to the first named team to distinguish between teams.

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  The NS5 league allows for a team to have a minimum of 5 players and a maximum of 8 players for fixtures. Only 5 players allowed on the pitch at one time.

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  Players should arrive by their pitch-side at least 5 minutes before kick-off time, ready to start. We request this to keep games running smoothly and on time. Any late arrivals cause disruption for other teams and may result in a match being forfeited.
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  If a team is more than 5 minutes late for kick-off, the league will award their opponents a 3 – 0 win. A friendly match and/or training session can then be played on the allocated pitch for the remainder of the session time.

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  Games can be played if only 4 players are available. but no less. Players can be ‘loaned’ if both teams are in agreement.
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  Games to be played within 40 minutes. Teams to play 4x 8-minute periods. The score will continue throughout each period until the final whistle.
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  There will be NO substitutions during the 8-minute periods. Replacements can be made in the event of injury, well-being or behaviour.
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  Between periods, teams will have 1 minute to make substitutions and give support.
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  Teams swap playing ends after 2 periods of play.

The following point scores are awarded for:

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  A win – 3 points
• A draw – 2 point
• A loss – 1 points
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• At the end of the season, teams that are level on points will be separated by goal difference. If this is also equal, a call will be made by goals scored, then head-to-head results.
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  Leagues are formed in advance and NS5 will dictate the number of games to be played. Should there not be a minimum number of teams entered into a year group league the team(s) will be offered to play a league up, or a refund is provided.

NS5 will record stats from each game week and award the following: The league’s top goal scorer, most assists, best defence and player of the match. The winner of each will receive an award given on the last game week of the season or soon after.

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• NS5 will adopt promotion and relegations system to ensure that teams are playing at a level appropriate to their experience.
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• Promotion and relegation maybe impacted by the size of the league.
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• NS5 fixtures will be available at the start of each season on our website ns5.co.uk. All results will be published on the same website.
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• Fixtures may be subject to change by NS5 to ensure the league runs smoothly and successfully and we reserve the right to amend league formats for the same reason.

MATCH RULES & GUIDANCE

Management (Sidelines)

• Management will be welcomed pitch side (or as close as possible) to support the team. Spectators will need to remain in the designated areas. Instructions and guidance to be given before the game, at breaks in play and after the game. Praise and motivation are the only noise to be heard from the sideline.
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• No substitutions during the 8-minute periods. This will give maximum playing time and will support the players taking to the pitch. We hope that this will balance out game time for players and will encourage them to play in numerous playing positions.
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• If the team is down by 3 goals, an extra player can be added from the team trailing until the difference is two. A player is to be withdrawn from the game when the deficit is 2.

Pitch

• The pitch will be marked using existing surface lines and markers.
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• Penalty areas to be marked using line markers.
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• A centre spot will be used. This will be the reference for the defending and attacking team to stand on their side of the pitch, 5 yards from the pass.
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• Parents will always remain on the outside of the marked playing pitch.

Players

• Players must wear appropriate footwear at all matches to maintain safety standards. No studded boots. We recommend Astroturf trainers.
  
  

• All players need to wear shin guards while taking part in match play. Failure to do so will be the responsibility of the player/parent.

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• The ball is allowed to travel overhead height. NS5 implement a ‘no heading’ rule. Should a player make a deliberate action to head the ball, an indirect free kick is awarded against this team. No goals to be scored directly from this. Should a goal be scored directly from this without touching any other player then an indirect free kick is awarded to the other team, 5 yards from the goal line.
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• Restarts
  Opposition players must be a minimum of 5 yards from corners/throw-ins/ Kick-ins/ free kicks. Quick free kicks will be allowed with the ball in the correct position and stationery. If the ball goes out of play on either sideline, the player will have a choice of a throw-in or kick-in to restart play with the exception of a corner kick which must be taken from the floor using a foot. A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick in. Should a goal be scored directly from this without touching any other player then an indirect free kick is awarded to the other team, 5 yards from the goal line.
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• Players are not permitted to slide tackle an opposing player but can jump/leave their feet to intercept/block the ball. Players take responsibility for this action.
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• Penalty kicks
  To be taken at the top of the marked penalty area. Players can run up to take. Goalkeepers must start on their goal line and remain here until the ball is struck by the taker.
  
  
• Poor behaviour will result in the referee requesting a player goes off the pitch. Discipline will be dealt with by making a substitution.

Goalkeepers (Penalty area):

• Goalkeepers can distribute the ball from possession in any way other than with a fly kick/drop kick. Goal kicks will be taken from any point inside the goalkeeper area. Goalkeepers can play inside and outside of the marked penalty area but can only handle the ball when inside the marked penalty area.
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• Back passes
• Outfield players can share possession with the goalkeeper, but this must not be handled. An indirect free kick is given if a back pass occurs. It is taken from where the goalkeeper handles the ball.
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Referee

• Referees will be appointed and vetted by NS5 Football Ltd.
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  Referees will vary in age and will be always treated with respect.
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  Referees will create an environment that will allow the players to play. They will support in every way needed to ensure that he playing experience is a positive one.
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  Referees will record and submit the score. Their decision is final.
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  Referees will record and submit individual performance statistics.
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  The referee will be supported on game days by the lead coach. Any issues that are directed towards the referee should be taken to the lead coach first.

CANCELLED FIXTURES AND NO SHOWS

• Teams must notify NS5 at least 48 hours prior to the fixture if they are unable to play the assigned fixture. A 3-0 win is awarded to the opponents. If no notice is given, opponents are awarded 3 points with a 3-0 win, and the no show team has three points deducted. If teams continually decline playing fixtures, they will be removed from the NS5 league unless there are mitigating circumstances. Please email info@ns5.co.uk
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• When a match has already kicked-off we will only cancel the match for exceptional circumstances (poor weather, negative behaviour). This will be at the discretion of the lead coach and points will be awarded accordingly to support all teams playing.
• NS5 will confirm in advance if adverse weather conditions make it necessary to cancel fixtures. Players will be notified via email and social media channels. If a game week is missed due to a cancellation, all fixtures will be recorded as a 3-3 draw. No refund to be given in the event of a cancellation.
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  If a team is reduced to just 3 (falls in line with minimum of 4 players as mentioned above) players, the game will end. The match will be awarded 3-0 to their opponents. If the score at the time produces a goal difference greater than 3-0 then that score will stand. The opponent will be allowed to remain pitch side and use the space for training/play. 
  
  Should a team cease play, or if a match is abandoned as both teams are at fault, the match will be stopped, and no points awarded.

DISCIPLINARY

• NS5 may impose an appropriate ban for any player(s) that are ‘sent off’ during a match, or for any inappropriate behaviour. Dealt with by substitution discipline will be dealt with warnings and substitutions. If a player is sent off for a second offence, they may be suspended for a period of 1 week. If we suspect that a serious foul play has been committed or abusive behaviour, a suspension will be extended to longer if NS5 deems necessary.
  
  
• NS5 have a zero tolerance for aggressive behaviour towards players, teams, staff, or other individuals involved in an incident.
• Any violent behaviour on or off the pitch will result in the immediate suspension of a player or individual and therefore result in a ban from all NS5 venues, activities, and competitions.
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  If a player or individual fails to meet our codes of conduct and endanger the welfare of other players, then NS5 reserve the right to ban the player or individual and/or team. 
  
• All NS5 employees must be treated with respect by all teams. This includes the referee! Any player or team found to have physically or verbally abused our referees will be removed from the league and no longer able to play. A decision will be made to notify the authorities. No money will be refunded for that team.
  
  
• All decisions made by NS5 regarding appropriate sports behaviours and the running of matches and the leagues, are final. Please refer to our complaint procedure should you do wish to raise a concern.
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• NS5 may update, remove of adapt a rule should they believe a team is intentionally using an interpretation to gain an advantage unfairly.