DeaFFF NW
Decisons of the Referee.
The decison of the referee is final.
Number of players.
Teams can use a squad of up to eight (8) players but must only have five (5) players on the pitch at any one time and one of these must be a goalkeeper.
A match should not continue if the playing strength of either team is reduced by more than two players through injury. A score of 3-0 (or the score at abandonment if higher) will be awarded to the opposition. In the event of teams being unable to field a full team due to players being sent off play will continue to time.
At the discretion of the coaches at the start of the session ( but not on trophy events) - if a team goes more than 5 goals ahead of the other team they will be classified the winner, however, to give the other team a chance to enjoy themselves the losing team can either add a player, or ask the other team to drop to four players if they have no further substitutes.
Age Banding
The two age bands will be as follows;
U12 – Mixed boys and girls (under 12 years of age on the 1st Sep 2014 - school years 4, 5, 6, & 7)
U16 – Mixed boys and girls (under 16 years of age on the 1st Sep 2014 - school years 8, 9, 10 & 11)
U16 girls have to be registered prior to the tournament date with the organiser – as the events have received special dispensation ruling from the FA, in allowing mixed football in both the U16 and U12 age categories. This is a pilot by the FA, and to take part we have to register all girls playing in the event at this level.
Age banding in exceptional circumstances can be slightly flexible, especially if a child has an additional complex need. To be identified and agreed with DeaFFF NW or any host organiser.
Deaf Players
The tournament is designed primarily for deaf footballers. The NDCS uses the term ‘deaf’ to mean all types of deafness, including temporary deafness such as glue ear. We use the same definition of deaf for players within DeaFFF NW.
Deaf players should make up over half the team. Hearing participants should be registered on the entry form. If you have difficulties in making up a team then inform the organiser as deaf individual entrants are also allowed to register and play for teams that do not have enough players.
Team Managers
All teams must be accompanied by a team manager (a responsible adult). The team manager will be responsible for their players at all times.
Individual players can enter, if they wish, and they will then be allocated to a team on the day. All individual players must also be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Substitution Procedure
An unlimited number of roll on roll off substitutions can be made during a match, a player who has been replaced may return to the pitch as a substitute for another player. Substitutions should only be made when the ball is dead and the referee should be alerted to this change by the team manager.
The player entering the playing area may not do so until the player leaving the playing area has passed completely over the boundary line.
Changing Places with the Goalkeeper
Any of the other players, or substitutes, may change places with the goalkeeper. The change must take place during a stoppage in play.
Goalkeeper Returning the Ball Into Play
After collecting the ball the goalkeeper must immediately return the ball into play by releasing the ball along the ground with an underarm bowling action. The ball must not be thrown over arm or kicked.
Goalkeepers can receive back passes but must pick up the ball and roll it back into play. They may not drop-kick it back into play. They must stay within their area.
Scoring goals
No football player – other than the goalkeeper is allowed in the D (or coned area on none 5-a-side pitches). No player can score in the D.
The duration of the match
The duration of the match will be determined by DeaFFF NWthe host coordinator. This will depend on the number of entries and the age group category.
Extra Time & Penalties
Depending on the number of teams playing this will decide whether we play round robin event or a tournament.
If playing a tournament - In the event of a draw after a match during the knock out stages of the competition extra time will be played followed by a penalty shoot out if required. In the penalty shoot out a toss of the coin will decide which team goes first. 3 players will take penalties. If a winner is not decided after 3 penalties the remaining squad members will take sudden death penalties until a decision is reached.
Start of Play
The two halves of the match will start with a kick off from the centre spot. When a goal has been scored, the match will resume with the opposing team kicking off from the centre spot.
Offside
There will be no offside in the competition.
Playing on adapted size pitches
If we are playing on a pitch where we have had to adapt the size and therefore no side walls the following rules will be used....
* If the ball goes out of play the players will roll the ball back into play.
* If the ball goes out of play behind the goal line then the goal keeper will roll the ball back into play.
* There will be no corners awarded during the game.
Fouls and Misconduct
All fouls and misconducts will be punished with the award of a direct free kick to the opposition from where the infringement occurred.
Sin Bin
If a player is deemed guilty of serious foul play or consistent infringement of the rules by the referee, the referee may send the player to a ‘sin-bin’ for a total of 5 minutes. The player may not be replaced by a substitute during this period. After the 5 minutes is up the player may return to the field once the referee has signalled that they can do so.
Sending-Off offences
A player who has been sent off may not take any further part in the match.
Free Kicks
All free kicks are direct. All opponents must be at least 2 metres from the ball until it is in play.
Disputes
All decisions made by the referee are final; please remember this is a competitive but at the same time a friendly football tournament. The primary aim of the tournament is to ensure all players have an enjoyable experience.
If you have any problems or issues please do not confront opposition teams or referees, this will not be tolerated. Please approach DeaFFF NW or the host coordinator and raise your concerns. They will then look at the issue and find a positive solution.
Please act with the upmost RESPECT at all times.
Please remember this is a friendly tournament. Some teams are managed by local football clubs, some local groups have started their own football training for deaf children and some are thinking of starting. There are also individual players coming to try deaf football and look for training local to them. It doesn’t matter on the child’s ability – they just need to have fun!!!