FA Rules & Regulations

1. Match Format

• Duration: Two halves of 45 minutes, totaling 90 minutes.

• Breaks: Scheduled breaks are only permitted if agreed upon in advance by both managers and the referee (e.g., during hot weather).

• Squad Size: A maximum of 16 players are allowed in the matchday squad. These must be confirmed before kick-off.

• Players on Pitch: 11 players per side are on the pitch at one time.

• Substitutions: Five rolling substitutes are permitted (players can be taken on or off at any stoppage in play).

2. Throw-Ins

• Standard throw-ins, as per FA regulations, are applicable.

• Exception: Players who cannot complete a standard overhand throw-in may perform an underarm roll.

• Notification: Referees must be notified before kick-off regarding any players who will be performing an underarm roll.

3.  Match arrangements

Home club officials must give no less than 21 days notice for potential fixtures

Home clubs must offer at least 2 potential dates.  If both dates are unsuitable then a third date can be offered.

If the home pitch is not available for more than 2 fixtures then an alternative venue will need to be considered.

Kick off times would be between 12.30pm to 3pm.  Any kick off times outside this window must only be with the away team’s consent taking into consideration travel time.

If an away team cancels a game with under 7 days notice they are liable for any costs incurred.

If a game is cancelled due to inclement weather a game will be postponed to a later date.  Once again the home team will suggest 2 possible dates and make use of the catch up month of December.

We expect all teams to have played 3 fixtures in the first half of the season and to complete the league round by 31st March 2026.

4. Serious Foul Play

A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.

Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.

"I got the ball" excuse

The following points must be kept in mind by all referees and where appropriate, assistant

referees:

This is a common error players, coaches and many referees make.  

Getting the ball first does not make the tackle legal.  

Not getting the ball first does make the tackle illegal if the intent is to play the ball.

Getting the ball first but following through with the rest of the body in a careless or reckless

manner or using excessive force does make the tackle illegal.

"Getting the ball" cannot be used as an excuse for committing a tackle which is out of

control.

A reminder of what Law 12 states:

“Careless” means that a player has shown a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or that he acted without precaution. (No further disciplinary sanction is needed if a foul is considered to be careless)

“Reckless” means that the player has acted with complete disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, his opponent. (A player who plays in a reckless manner must be cautioned)

“Using excessive force” means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent. (A player who uses excessive force must be sent off)

When deciding whether a challenge is worthy of a sanction i.e. punishable by a yellow or red card, take into consideration the following factors:

The position of the ball, what are the chances of playing the ball in a fair manner? A tackle may still be considered reckless (or even with excessive force) even though the ball is played. Where contact is made with the ball and opponent at speed and without consideration for the potential danger to the opponent, it should be punished appropriately.

The speed or the intensity of the challenge. Is the player in control of his actions, or is he “off the ground” and out of control when he makes the challenge?

The part of the body used in the challenge. Has the opponent used his studs to cause serious injury to an opponent or does he use his leg or foot to tackle unfairly?

Where on the field of play has the offence taken place, for example, a handball offence can have three different outcomes depending where the offence was committed.

The element of Intent or malice – is the player purely focused on his opponent and with no concern for the position of the ball.

Final Conclusion and Advice  If a player uses excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent, it does not matter whether the tackle is from behind, the front, of from the side. Particular emphasis should be placed on the elimination of challenges where a player gives no consideration to the safety and welfare of an opponent. Challenges of this nature must be considered as serious foul play and the offender must be sent off. Brutality must always result in a red card.

5. Failure to Complete Matches

• The League Management Committee has the discretion to deal with a team that is unable to start or complete its fixtures for a playing season.

• This may include, but is not limited to, issuing a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

• It may be necessary to award a walk-over (3-0 win) but every effort from both clubs must be made to ensure the fixture is completed.

6. Mainstream League Restrictions

• Clubs that are currently competing in mainstream leagues are not permitted to enter this pan-disability league.

• If an individual player with a qualifying disability also competes in a mainstream league, their manager must inform the league committee of the reason they are also competing in pan-disability football.

7. Player Registration

• All players must be registered through the Player Registration System and have received approval from the Competition.

• There is an unlimited squad size, but a minimum of 16 players must be registered by August 31st.

8. Player Eligibility

• Managers and secretaries must ensure that all of their players meet the necessary disability eligibility requirements.

• If a player's eligibility is unclear, the matter must be handled privately between the two club secretaries and the FA Independent Advisor.

• In the Deaf section a player is required to have at least 55db hearing loss in BOTH ears.

• A maximum of 3 hearing players are permitted to register in the squad as long as they meet the entry criteria which is: a CODA (having one or both parents who are Deaf), work within the Deaf Community or hold at least a Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language.

9. Results Reporting

Both teams must confirm the following information no later than 24 hours after the match has concluded:

• The final score.

• The full name of each goal scorer.

• The full names of all 16 players in the matchday squad.

10. Tie-Breakers

• If teams finish the season level on points, the head-to-head results between those teams will determine the final ranking.

• This rule is in place to discourage teams from attempting to win by large margins against lower-ability teams.

11. Referees

• Registered and qualified referees must be used for all Competition Matches.

• Assistant referees may also be used where approved by The FA or County FA.

12. Disciplinary Procedures

• Referees are required to submit a report online following each game.

• The league follows the FA's standard disciplinary processes.

• Fines will be applied for yellow and red cards, and player bans may also be implemented.

13. Fines

• Fines for disciplinary reasons or for the non-completion of fixtures are payable to the London FA Inclusion league.