The Rules - Forza Bhora

Constitutional 5 a-side Rules

Most league seasons last 12-16 weeks and each team will play the other teams in their division twice or more during the season depending on the number of teams in each league.
At the end of each season the top 2 teams from each division will be promoted and the bottom 2 teams will be relegated (may vary) and a new season will start as announced by Forza Bhora.
Teams will receive 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and zero for a loss. Standings League placings will be decided by points gained, followed by goal difference, followed by goals scored, followed by the aggregate result between the two teams in question. The top 4 teams will then enter the play-off stage when semi-finals and finals will be played. The bottom 4 teams will enter the play-off stage for a Plate Final.
All players must be registered by completing the necessary forms prior to competing for any team. Teams may register up to 15 players in a season. No player can be registered for more than one team in the same League night. A player can play for another team to make up numbers, but cannot play for another team in a lower league. Players may only transfer their registration to another team on one occasion during the course of a season, or at the discretion of Forza Bhora Management.
For 5 a side Leagues, a maximum of Ten players per game may be used. All players must be registered, paid registration fees and have signed an Indemnity form prior to kick off.
Any team playing an unregistered or suspended player will automatically lose the match 5 – 0 and be deducted 3 points. Players playing whilst suspended will have a further three match ban added to the end of their then current suspension.
Teams are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled kick off times.
Teams must be on the pitch and ready to begin the match at the appointed kick-off time. If a team is not present at the appointed kick-off time, they will concede 3 goals. If the team fails to arrive, they will lose the game 5 - 0.
Teams may be replaced at any stage of the season. Replacement teams inherit the scores and points of their predecessors. No team joining after the halfway point can be awarded first or second place at the end of the season.
Teams failing to appear for their designated fixture or not giving notice the day before of cancellation, will have the match awarded to their opponents 5 – 0, will be deducted 3 points and, for repeated absence, may be ejected from the League. Teams will have to pay their game fee to receive 3 points for the forfeited match.
In the event that a team refuses to play another team the match will be awarded to the other team 5 - 0 and the team refusing to play will be deducted 3 points
In the event that a team refuses to complete a match which has already started, the match will be awarded to the other team 5 - 0 and the team refusing to complete the match will be deducted 3 points. If the score at the time produces a goal difference greater than 5-0 then that score will stand.
All fixtures are to be played unless adverse weather conditions make the pitches unplayable. Any decision to cancel a game can only be made by Forza Bhora management. Postponements are not allowed, except in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of Forza Bhora management and a Team is only allowed one postponement per season.
Any player or team suspended by any local Football Association, other governing body or by Forza Bhora may not participate in any Leagues or Tournaments held at Forza Bhora centres.
A fixture list will be issued at the start of each season and will be displayed on the Company's website www.forzabhora.co.zw. All league results will be displayed on the centre notice boards and the website, but Forza Bhora will not accept any responsibility for any omissions from or inaccuracies in any such fixture lists and/or results.
A team may not register new players after mid season without approval from the committee.
A team may recruit one player from another team, if the team has less than 5 players available to play. The new player may not be from a higher league (League Games Only). If additional team members arrive to make up 5 players - the recruited player will no longer be allowed to play.
As this is a social league, NO professional football players will be allowed to compete.

5 A-Side Playing Rules

For 5 a side leagues each team may field four outfield players and a goalkeeper on the pitch at any one time. The goal keeper must wear a different colour kit to the team kit.
Substitutions are unlimited during the game, can only be made when the ball is dead and only with the Referees consent. Outgoing substitutes must leave the field of play before the replacement enters the playing area. The oncoming players are active immediately and can receive the ball. Substitutes must stand inside the “Substitutes Only” area and spectators are not allowed in this Subs Area and must not enter the field of play under any circumstances.
Teams can change their goalkeeper more than once during the course of the game. A change of goalkeeper must be authorized by the referee.
No screw in studded footwear or blades are permitted to be worn by any player. Only training shoes, moulded soles and astro boots may be worn. All Players should wear shin pads. The wearing of any form of jewellery (including, without limitation, watches) is not permitted during play. Referees may refuse to allow players to play with inappropriate footwear, without shin pads and/or are wearing any form of jewellery.
The match will consist of two equal halves. The length of half will be determined by Forza Bhora. The first half will begin with one team taking a centre; the second half will begin with the other team taking a centre. After a goal has been scored the game will be re-started by the team who conceded the goal taking a centre.
Only the defending goalkeeper is allowed to play the ball inside the goal area and only he may handle the ball in this area.
An outfield player gaining or seeking to gain an advantage by entering his own goal area will have a penalty kick awarded against his team.
An outfield player entering his opponent's penalty area to gain an advantage will be penalized. The game will be re-started from the goalkeeper.
A goalkeeper gaining or seeking to gain an advantage by leaving his area or by playing the ball when it is outside the area will have a penalty awarded against his team.
The goalkeeper must return the ball into play by rolling it out of his area with an under-arm bowling action or may now pass the ball with his/her feet. If the ball is returned any other way, a free-kick will be given to the opposition three meters outside the area. A teammate receiving the ball from the 'keeper may not return the ball directly back to the keeper - the ball must first be touched by another teammate or an opponent. A penalty will be awarded against the offending team if a player returns the ball to the keeper.
This High ball rule applies only when FBM applies it. The ball must not be played above fence height. An indirect free kick will be awarded against the last player to touch the ball before it goes above fence height, regardless of intent. A ball going above fence height off a goalkeeper whilst defending a shot at goal remains in play unless it has left the field of play.
The ball must never be played with the head even if it is below fence height. A direct free kick will be awarded for infringement. No player is allowed to raise his foot above waist height or play the ball whilst on the ground.
If the ball goes out of play off the goalkeeper, the game will be restarted by a throw-in from the same goalkeeper. If the ball goes out of play off an outfield player, a free kick must be taken from where it goes out of play by the opposing team.
A goal may be scored from any point within the field of play. The only exception is that goalkeepers may not score against their opponents (except in penalty shoot-outs). Goal keepers are not permitted to take penalties (except in penalty shoot-outs).
No slide tackles (immediate yellow card) or any infringements from behind are allowed at all. Infringements of this rule will lead to a direct free kick being awarded against the offending players' team and will lead to a yellow card or red card for continuous infringements.
Professional fouls will be penalized with a penalty and the guilty player may face disciplinary action.
All free kicks will be direct with the exception if the over fence height (see 2.12) rule is applied which is deemed in-direct. Only one opposition player is allowed in a wall and must be at least three meters away from where any free-kick is taken. If the opposing player does not retreat the required three meters a Yellow Card will be given to the offending player(s). If a free kick is awarded on or near the goal area, it can be moved up to three meters backwards, to allow one defender to be three meters from the ball. All free kick must be taken within 4 seconds from the time the ball is placed at the point where the infringement has taken place. Any longer and the free-kick will be awarded to the opposition player from the same point.
The Goal keeper must be on the goal line when a penalty is being taken. Players may not take a step while taking a penalty - the non-striking foot must be grounded in line with the ball.
These League Rules are not exhaustive and may be added to or amended at any time.
The Referees decision on all on-field matters is final and no discussions will be entered into either on or off the field with him about any decision. The Referees jurisdiction on disciplinary matters will apply until players have left the premises. Players repeatedly disputing decisions may have further disciplinary action taken against them.
Teams with a valid complaint against a match official must be put in writing within 48 hours of the match taking place. The complaint should be addressed to Forza Bhora Management.

Disciplinary Rules

Forza Bhora asks of all teams and players to conduct themselves in the spirit of good sportsmanship, competitive participation and fair play.

Players may be sent to the 'sin bin' at the referee's discretion depending on the offence. The duration of the sin bin will be 2 mins for which a yellow card will be shown. A player may only be sin binned once per game as a second offence would involve a second yellow card which would automatically be followed by a red card and a sending off.
A player sent off for a second offence will be suspended for a minimum of 1 WEEK. In the case serious foul play, foul or abusive language the suspension will be extended to 2 WEEKS or longer should Forza Bhora deem this necessary.
If a player is given a red card whilst off the field of play (for unacceptable conduct on the sideline), the team must correspondingly reduce the number of players on the field.
If a team is permanently reduced by 2 players, or temporarily reduced by 3 players the game will end. The match will be awarded 5-0 to their opponents and they will be deducted 3 points. If the score at the time produces a goal difference greater than 5-0 then that score will stand.
If a match is abandoned for any reason the team at fault will receive a 5-0 defeat and be deducted 3 points unless the opposing team already has a greater advantage in which case the score will stand. If both teams are judged to be at fault the game will be void and no points will be awarded.
Violent conduct on or off the pitch will result in the immediate suspension of the individual and could result in a ban from all Forza Bhora and the Mount Pleasant Sports Club premises. Forza Bhora reserve the right to ban an individual or team from further participation in all competitions. Teams not cooperating with Forza Bhora will be removed from the league programme.
Referees must be treated with respect from all teams. Teams found guilty of abusing Referees will be removed from the Leagues, as will Teams in material or persistent breach of these Rules.
The decision of Forza Bhora management in all matters pertaining to the administration of the league is final.
Forza Bhora management may overturn any rule if they feel a team is deliberately using an interpretation of the rules to gain an unfair advantage.
Any player or supporter who is found guilty of verbally abusing another player, supporter, Forza Bhora management or referee with racial or xenophobic comments or gestures of any kind will be given a life ban from all further Forza Bhora matches.
For any disciplinary transgressions you may or may not be initially be given a warning – if a warning is given will be a FIRST & FINAL warning. The decision is entirely up to Forza Bhora management.

Safety Rules

All players enter the field at their own risk.
Baseline Sports Academy/Forza Bhora WILL NOT be liable for any injuries/accidents/theft that takes place on the field or premises.
All players entering the field of play are considered to have read and accepted the safety rules as noted below:

No watches or jewellery to be worn.
No screw in studded footwear or blades are permitted to be worn by any player. Only training shoes, moulded soles and astro boots may be worn.
No sliding tackles at all.
Please take care when playing near to the field perimeter – the perimeter

Constitutional 7A-Side Rules

Most league seasons last 12-16 weeks and each team will play the other teams in their division twice or more during the season depending on the number of teams in each league.
Teams will receive 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and zero for a loss. Standings League placings will be decided by points gained, followed by goal difference, followed by goals scored, followed by the aggregate result between the two teams in question. The top 4 teams will then enter the play-off stage when semi-finals and finals will be played. The bottom 4 teams will enter the play-off stage for a Plate Final.
All players must be registered by completing the necessary forms prior to competing for any team. Teams may register up to 15 players in a season. No player can be registered for more than one team in the same League night. A player can play for another team to make up numbers, but cannot play for another team in a lower league. Players may only transfer their registration to another team on one occasion during the course of a season, or at the discretion of Forza Bhora Management.
For 7 a side Leagues, a maximum of ten players per game may be used. All players must be registered, paid registration fees and have signed an Indemnity form prior to kick off.
Any team playing an unregistered or suspended player will automatically lose the match 5 – 0 and be deducted 3 points. Players playing whilst suspended will have a further three match ban added to the end of their then current suspension.
Teams are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled kick off times.
Teams must be on the pitch and ready to begin the match at the appointed kick-off time. If a team is not present at the appointed kick-off time, they will concede 3 goals. If the team fails to arrive, they will lose the game 5 - 0.
Teams may be replaced at any stage of the season. Replacement teams inherit the scores and points of their predecessors. No team joining after the halfway point can be awarded first or second place at the end of the season.
Teams failing to appear for their designated fixture or not giving notice the day before of cancellation, will have the match awarded to their opponents 5 – 0, will be deducted 3 points and, for repeated absence, may be ejected from the League. Teams will have to pay their game fee to receive 3 points for the forfeited match.
In the event that a team refuses to play another team the match will be awarded to the other team 5 - 0 and the team refusing to play will be deducted 3 points
In the event that a team refuses to complete a match which has already started, the match will be awarded to the other team 5 - 0 and the team refusing to complete the match will be deducted 3 points. If the score at the time produces a goal difference greater than 5-0 then that score will stand.
All fixtures are to be played unless adverse weather conditions make the pitches unplayable. Any decision to cancel a game can only be made by Forza Bhora management. Postponements are not allowed, except in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of Forza Bhora management and a Team is only allowed one postponement per season.
Any player or team suspended by any local Football Association, other governing body or by Forza Bhora may not participate in any Leagues or Tournaments held at Forza Bhora centres.
A fixture list will be issued at the start of each season and will be displayed on the Company's website www.forzabhora.co.zw. All league results will be displayed on the centre notice boards and the website, but Forza Bhora will not accept any responsibility for any omissions from or inaccuracies in any such fixture lists and/or results.
A team may not register new players after mid season without approval from the committee.
A team may recruit one player from another team, if the team has less than 7 players available to play. The new player may not be from a higher league (League Games Only). If additional team members arrive to make up 7 players - the recruited player will no longer be allowed to play.
As this is a social league, NO professional football players will be allowed to compete.

7 A-Side Playing Rules

For 7 a side leagues each team may field six outfield players and a goalkeeper on the pitch at any one time. The goal keeper must wear a different colour kit to the team kit.
Substitutions are unlimited during the game, can only be made when the ball is dead and only with the Referees consent. Outgoing substitutes must leave the field of play before the replacement enters the playing area. The oncoming players are active immediately and can receive the ball. Substitutes must stand inside the “Substitutes Only” area and spectators are not allowed in this Subs Area and must not enter the field of play under any circumstances.
Teams can change their goalkeeper more than once during the course of the game. A change of goalkeeper must be authorized by the referee.
No screw in studded footwear or blades are permitted to be worn by any player. Only training shoes, moulded soles and astro boots may be worn. All Players should wear shin pads. The wearing of any form of jewellery (including, without limitation, watches) is not permitted during play. Referees may refuse to allow players to play with inappropriate footwear, without shin pads and/or are wearing any form of jewellery.
The match will consist of two equal halves. The length of half will be determined by Forza Bhora. The first half will begin with one team taking a centre; the second half will begin with the other team taking a centre. After a goal has been scored the game will be re-started by the team who conceded the goal taking a centre.
Only the defending goalkeeper is allowed to play the ball inside the goal area and only he may handle the ball in this area.
An outfield player gaining or seeking to gain an advantage by entering his own goal area will have a penalty kick awarded against his team.
An outfield player entering his opponent's penalty area to gain an advantage will be penalized. The game will be re-started from the goalkeeper.
A goalkeeper may leave the Penalty area but any foul commited outside the area will result in a penalty being awarded to the opponent.
The goalkeeper must return the ball into play by rolling it out of his area with an under-arm bowling action or may now pass the ball with his/her feet. If the ball is returned any other way, a free-kick will be given to the opposition three meters outside the area. A teammate receiving the ball from the 'keeper may not return the ball directly back to the keeper - the ball must first be touched by another teammate or an opponent. A penalty will be awarded against the offending team if a player returns the ball to the keeper.
This High ball rule applies only when FBM applies it. The ball must not be played above fence height. An indirect free kick will be awarded against the last player to touch the ball before it goes above fence height, regardless of intent. A ball going above fence height off a goalkeeper whilst defending a shot at goal remains in play unless it has left the field of play.
The ball can be played with the head. No player is allowed to raise his foot above waist height or play the ball whilst on the ground.
If the ball goes out of play off the goalkeeper, the game will be restarted by a throw-in from the same goalkeeper. If the ball goes out of play off an outfield player, a free kick must be taken from where it goes out of play by the opposing team.
A goal may be scored from any point within the field of play.
No slide tackles (immediate yellow card) or any infringements from behind are allowed at all. Infringements of this rule will lead to a direct free kick being awarded against the offending players' team and will lead to a yellow card or red card for continuous infringements.
Professional fouls will be penalized with a penalty and the guilty player may face disciplinary action.
All free kicks will be direct with the exception if the over fence height (see 2.12) rule is applied which is deemed in-direct. Only one opposition player is allowed in a wall and must be at least three meters away from where any free-kick is taken. If the opposing player does not retreat the required three meters a Yellow Card will be given to the offending player(s). If a free kick is awarded on or near the goal area, it can be moved up to three meters backwards, to allow one defender to be three meters from the ball. All free kick must be taken within 4 seconds from the time the ball is placed at the point where the infringement has taken place. Any longer and the free-kick will be awarded to the opposition player from the same point.
The Goal keeper must be on the goal line when a penalty is being taken. Players may not take a step while taking a penalty - the non-striking foot must be grounded in line with the ball.
These League Rules are not exhaustive and may be added to or amended at any time.
The Referees decision on all on-field matters is final and no discussions will be entered into either on or off the field with him about any decision. The Referees jurisdiction on disciplinary matters will apply until players have left the premises. Players repeatedly disputing decisions may have further disciplinary action taken against them.
Teams with a valid complaint against a match official must be put in writing within 48 hours of the match taking place. The complaint should be addressed to Forza Bhora Management.

Disciplinary Rules

Forza Bhora asks of all teams and players to conduct themselves in the spirit of good sportsmanship, competitive participation and fair play.

Players may be sent to the 'sin bin' at the referee's discretion depending on the offence. The duration of the sin bin will be 2 mins for which a yellow card will be shown. A player may only be sin binned once per game as a second offence would involve a second yellow card which would automatically be followed by a red card and a sending off.
A player sent off for a second offence will be suspended for a minimum of 1 WEEK. In the case serious foul play, foul or abusive language the suspension will be extended to 2 WEEKS or longer should Forza Bhora deem this necessary.
If a player is given a red card whilst off the field of play (for unacceptable conduct on the sideline), the team must correspondingly reduce the number of players on the field.
If a team is permanently reduced by 2 players, or temporarily reduced by 3 players the game will end. The match will be awarded 5-0 to their opponents and they will be deducted 3 points. If the score at the time produces a goal difference greater than 5-0 then that score will stand.
If a match is abandoned for any reason the team at fault will receive a 5-0 defeat and be deducted 3 points unless the opposing team already has a greater advantage in which case the score will stand. If both teams are judged to be at fault the game will be void and no points will be awarded.
Violent conduct on or off the pitch will result in the immediate suspension of the individual and could result in a ban from all Forza Bhora and the BTA/BSA premises. Forza Bhora reserve the right to ban an individual or team from further participation in all competitions. Teams not cooperating with Forza Bhora will be removed from the league programme.
Referees must be treated with respect from all teams. Teams found guilty of abusing Referees will be removed from the Leagues, as will Teams in material or persistent breach of these Rules.
The decision of Forza Bhora management in all matters pertaining to the administration of the league is final.
Forza Bhora management may overturn any rule if they feel a team is deliberately using an interpretation of the rules to gain an unfair advantage.
Any player or supporter who is found guilty of verbally abusing another player, supporter, Forza Bhora management or referee with racial or xenophobic comments or gestures of any kind will be given a life ban from all further Forza Bhora matches.
For any disciplinary transgressions you may or may not be initially be given a warning – if a warning is given will be a FIRST & FINAL warning. The decision is entirely up to Forza Bhora management.

Safety Rules

All players enter the field at their own risk.
All players entering the field of play are considered to have read and accepted the safety rules as noted below:

All Players must wear shin pads and no watches or jewellery to be worn
No screw in studded footwear or blades are permitted to be worn by any player. Only training shoes, moulded soles and astro boots may be worn.
No sliding tackles at all.
Please take care when playing near to the field perimeter – the perimeter

Important

All players enter the field at their own risk.
Baseline Sports Academy/Forza Bhora WILL NOT be liable for any injuries/accidents/theft that takes place on the field or premises.
No screw in studded footwear or blades are permitted to be worn by any player. Only training shoes and astro boots may be worn.
No watches or jewellery to be worn
No sliding tackles
Please take care when playing near to the field perimeter – the perimeter is made of steel poles & fencing with plastered concrete walls at the base.