CeleBreak League Rules

Players and Equipment

Number of Players

F5: A team can have a maximum of 12 players. On match days, the team consists of 5 players on the field, one of whom must be a goalkeeper. A minimum of 4 players is required to play a match.
F6: A team can have a maximum of 15 players. On match days, the team consists of 6 players on the field, one of whom must be a goalkeeper. A minimum of 4 players is required to play a match.
F7: A team can have a maximum of 15 players. On match days, the team consists of 7 players on the field, one of whom must be a goalkeeper. A minimum of 5 players is required to play a match.
All players must be 18 years or older to participate.
All teams must wear the same color and numbered jerseys (at least jerseys) (except for the goalkeeper). If teams don't have uniforms, CeleBreak can assist in the uniform acquisition process. Bibs will be available if necessary.
Players are encouraged to wear shin guards and high socks. Players without shin guards play at their own risk.
Footwear: Soccer shoes with short or long studs, or flat soles. Metal studs are not allowed.

Ball Size:

F5: The ball in our F5 leagues will be size 3.
F6: The ball in our F6 leagues will be size 4.
F7: The ball in our F7 leagues will be size 5.

Referees

Please respect the referee, and remember the reason you're playing. One of CeleBreak's core values is fair play and respect. Violence will not be tolerated. All referee decisions are final.
Only the captain and/or coach may speak to the referee regarding a match event. Any player who complains to the referee may be cautioned.
A coin toss will determine which team kicks off the match.

Match Duration

Each match will last approximately 50 minutes, consisting of two 25-minute halves with a brief halftime break. The exact match length will be determined and communicated before the tournament.
Teams will switch sides during the match.

Substitutions

Teams can make an unlimited number of substitutions during the match.
To make a substitution, the player must notify the referee of the change.
Substitutions can only occur when play has stopped, and the team making the change is in possession of the ball.
The player entering the field cannot step onto the pitch until the substituted player has left.

New Players

If a team does not have enough players, they may supplement their squad with additional players twice during the competition. This means:
F5: Fewer than 5 players.
F6: Fewer than 6 players.
F7: Fewer than 7 players.
In this case, the team's captain and/or coach must inform the organization of the names and numbers of the additional players.
If additional players are needed, the organization must be informed at least 72 hours before the match to assist in finding players.
If not, the team may only add players with the organization's approval.
All of the following circumstances must be confirmed by the referee/organizer:
a) If both teams agree, the match will proceed as usual.
b) If they do not agree, the team must play with the minimum number of players or forfeit the match.
c) If they do not agree, a 3-0 win will be awarded, and a friendly match will be played instead, which will be recorded as such.

Cards and Discipline

For every four yellow cards accumulated by a player, that player will be suspended for one match.
A red card as a result of two yellow cards in a game results in a one match suspension for that player (the match in which the two yellow cards were shown). The team can replace the player (effectively a blue card) as long as there is no disciplinary sanction for violent conduct.
A straight red card as a result of the regular procedure of the game results in a two-match suspension (including the match in which the red card was shown). The team cannot replace the player (no blue card for straight red card).
A straight red card as a result of violent conduct during or after the game including but not limited to toxic behaviour, excessive aggressive play, repeated disrespect to the referees, or any behaviour considered to go against the general rules of CeleBreak will be submitted for review by the CeleBreak team, resulting in a suspension of a minimum of three games up to the expulsion of the player from the competition.
Teams must be aware that verbal or physical aggression will not be tolerated during the competition. Any racist, xenophobic, homophobic, or violent action may result in expulsion from the competition and a one-month suspension from the CeleBreak app.
ALL SUSPENSIONS WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE CELEBREAK TEAM.
CeleBreak reserves the right to ban any player, team, or club from participating in this and future competitions.

General Game Rules

The goalkeeper cannot handle the ball if it is passed to them by a teammate using their feet. A free kick will be awarded to the attacking team outside the penalty area.
Throw-ins:
F5: Taken with the foot.
F6: Taken with the foot.
F7: Taken with the hand.
A goal can be scored directly from any kickoff.
Goals cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. If the ball is touched by another player (teammate or opponent), the goal will be valid.
There is no offside.
A free kick can be taken immediately (without the referee's indication). If the team taking the free kick requests distance, they must wait for the referee's whistle.
The Goalkeeper:
The goalkeeper may pass or throw the ball directly to the other half of the field.
The goalkeeper can score directly from their goal, as long as they do not use their hands.
All other rules will follow the regulations set by the Football Association.

Scoring System

Win: The winning team receives 3 points.
Draw: Both teams receive 1 point each.
Loss: The losing team receives 0 points.
Fair Play and Card Penalty:
To promote good behaviour and respect for the rules in line with CeleBreak's fair play policy, the following penalties will apply:
For every 5 yellow cards accumulated by a team during the season, 1 point will be deducted from their total in the standings.
For every 3 straight red cards accumulated by a team during the season, 1 point will be deducted from their total in the standings.
A straight red card as a result of violent conduct during or after the game including but not limited to toxic behaviour, excessive aggressive play, repeated disrespect to the referees, or any behaviour considered to go against the general rules of CeleBreak will result in a 1 point deduction from the team total in the standings.

These measures aim to encourage respect and fair play in all matches.

In the event of a tie in points on the table, this is the criteria to determine the higher position:

Head-to-head record (win-draw-lose and goal difference)
Overall Fair Play record (the team with less points wins the tie):
Yellow Card 1 point
Red Card 2 points
Red Card as a result of violent conduct 3 points
Overall goal difference
Best Goals Scored record
Best Goals Conceded record

CeleBreak is committed to FAIR PLAY VALUES, so we encourage teams to focus on clean play and accumulate as few cards as possible.

Late Arrivals

If part of the team arrives late, the match will begin with the players present (with the minimum number of players required for the game).
If fewer than the required players are available at the scheduled match start time, the match will automatically be forfeited 3-0.
If a player arrives late after the game has started, they must request permission from the referee to enter the field and wait for approval.

Updated on: 01/10/2024