FAST 5 RULES
- All participating teams MUST comprise of a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of eight (8) players.
- All players nominated on the registration form for a team MUST participate in the nominated FAST 5 tournament.
- Teams are NOT permitted to ‘borrow’ players from any other team or use players that are not registered to their team.
- After completing the online registration, a team may only add or change players to the team list up to 21 days prior to the date of the FAST 5 tournament they are participating in. A new player(s) may only be added to a team list if a player(s) withdraws from the team and the number of players falls below the minimum number of players required. All new players must register and pay their registration fee.
- Age Qualifications – Players must be no older than the age specified by the age category they are competing in as per the Age Eligibility below.
- Players may only compete in one (1) team in any nominated FAST 5 tournament. Players can, however, compete in a different team for any other FAST 5 tournament(s).
To be eligible for an age category, a player MUST not turn the age of the category prior to 1 July or be older.
Example
- A player that turns 10 prior to 1 July in the year of a Fast 5 tournament is NOT eligible to participate in an Under 10 age category. They may participate in an Under 12 or higher category.
- A player that turns 10 on or after 1 July in the year of a Fast 5 tournament is eligible to participate in an Under 10 age category.
Age Categories
- All Age [Over 18} (Men, Women)
- Under 18 (Boys, Girls)
- Under 16 (Boys, Girls)
- Under 14 (Boys, Girls)
- Under 12 (Boys, Girls)
- Under 10 (Boys, Girls)
- Under 8 (Boys, Girls)
- All teams MUST register online. No verbal, text or emailed entries will be accepted.
- All players/teams MUST pay the full player/team registration fees on or before the registration closing date of their nominated Fast 5 tournament. No team(s) will be able to register after the registration closing date.
- All terms and conditions on the team registration form must be accepted by the team for their registration to be accepted.
- Late entries (within 21 days of the tournament) will only be considered at the discretion of Fast 5 Management.
Please note: Fast 5 Management reserves the right to reject any team or player that fails to meet entry requirements.
Please note: FAST 5 Management reserves the right to reject any team or player that fails to meet entry requirements.
- Any player/team withdrawing on or prior to the registration closing date of their nominated tournament shall be refunded in full (excluding any banking fees and charges).
- Any player/team withdrawing after the registration closing date but more than 21 days prior to their nominated tournament shall be levied an administrative charge equal to 25% of the team registration fee.
- Any player/team withdrawing between 21 and seven (7) days prior to their nominated tournament shall be levied an administrative charge equal to 50% of the team registration fee.
- Any player/team withdrawing within seven (7) days prior to their nominated tournament shall be levied an administrative charge equal to 100% of the team registration fee.
- Withdrawals MUST be received in writing to play@fast5football.com.au. Please note: This clause will be enforced. NO excuses will be accepted.
- The Official Draw for each FAST 5 tournament will be held two (2) weeks prior to the FAST 5 tournament and will be live streamed to the FAST 5 Facebook page, YouTube channel and/or website.
- Information regarding the draw and FAST 5 rules will be emailed to the Team Manager and Captain prior to the FAST 5 tournament and will also be available on the FAST 5 website.
- Please ensure, where possible, that an email address and a mobile phone number are supplied, to allow for direct contact by FAST 5 if required.
Please note: The draw may be subject to change after distribution due to withdrawals or other unforeseen circumstances. All teams should therefore regularly check the FAST 5 website before their opening game on the day of the FAST 5 tournament to determine if an amended draw has been issued. Tournaments with only one (1) group of teams will not have an Official Draw, the group will be populated alphabetically.
FAST 5 Match Rules
- No player is to enter the court/field until all players from the preceding match have left. A match is not completed until all players have left the court/field.
- Any spectator entering or attempting to enter the court/field while play is in progress, including the half time break may cause the match to be abandoned. FAST 5 Management will make the final decision.
- Matches shall be between two (2) teams of up to eight (8) players. One (1) player being the goalkeeper and four (4) being out field players. Teams may have a maximum of three (3) substitutes, which can be substituted at any time during the match. Substitutions cannot proceed without the referees’ permission.
- Teams are not permitted to ‘borrow’ players from any other team or use players that are not registered to their team.
- There must be a minimum of four (4) team members present for a match not to be classified as a forfeit. The team with four (4) players must play until another team member that is registered to their team arrives.
- All games consist of two (2) x ten minute halves, with a two (2) minute half time break. During the knockout stages, if the score is level at full time, two (2) x four (4) minute extra time halves will be played. The team with the most goals after extra time will be the winner. If there is still no result after extra time, the match will go to a penalty shoot-out. The duration of halves may vary depending on the number of teams registered for a tournament.
- Penalty shoot-outs will consist of three (3) kicks per team. The team with the most goals after the three (3) kicks will be the winner. If scores are level after three (3) kicks, the penalty shoot-out will go into sudden death.
- During the group stages, points will be awarded as follows:
- Three (3) points for a win
- One (1) point for draw
- Zero (0) points for a loss
A team that forfeits a match receives zero (0) points. A team that wins on forfeit (WOF) receives three (3) points and the result will be recorded as 3-0 to the winning team.
- Table standings will be judged as follows:
- Most points, then
- Best goal difference, then
- Most goals scored, then
- Head-to-head result, then
- Most wins, then
- Toss of a coin
Playing FAST 5
- Player's personal information may be used on the FAST 5 website in identifying said player and/or in said players' profile. Information used may include players' age, height, weight, image, preferred position, dominant foot, etc.
- All participants (players, coaches, managers, parents, spectators, etc.), participate in FAST 5 tournaments at their own risk.
- FAST 5 Management will do everything possible to deliver a safe, free of violence and abuse, and injury-free tournament for all participants.
- All FAST 5 tournaments are social events only.
- Participants acknowledge and accept that although FAST 5 tournaments are purely social events, there are risks that may result in injury, illness, harm, damage or loss and that FAST 5 and its affiliates, sponsors and partners cannot be held liable for any injury, illness, harm, damage or loss as a result of participating.
- Shin pads are compulsory in all FAST 5 matches. Players without shin pads will not be allowed to play. Long socks must cover shin pads.
Players are not permitted to use or wear objects that might endanger them or others, including any kind of accessories, jewellery and/or glasses. - Dangerous play is not allowed whatsoever.
- Slide tackling is not permitted. A direct free kick (inside the oppositions’ half) will be awarded against any player using this type of tackle. A slide tackle inside the penalty area will result in a direct free kick from the penalty spot.
- When kicking off at the beginning of a match, second half or after a goal is scored, the ball must be kicked forward to begin play. A player cannot score directly from a kick off.
- There is NO offside in FAST 5, and players can score from anywhere in the court of play.
- When the ball goes out over the sideline, it is then placed on the sideline; it must be stationary and kicked into the court to another player.
- All opposing players must be at least three (3) metres from the ball, the foot not kicking the ball must be OUT of the court or part of the foot touching the sideline.
- All kick-ins and corners shall be taken within five (5) seconds from the time the ball is retrieved and placed on the sideline.
- A player cannot score directly from a kick-in. The ball must touch a second player (including an opposing player) for the goal to stand. A player is permitted to score directly from a corner.
- The ball will not be considered out of play or a goal unless the entire ball has crossed the line.
- The goalkeeper cannot throw the ball over the 2/3 line on a small court, or over the halfway line on an international size court. Once the goalkeeper uses their hands to handle the ball, they must throw the ball back into play. If the goalkeeper does not handle the ball with their hands, they are free to kick the ball any length and even score.
- For goal clearance or goalkeepers throws, the goalkeeper throws the ball from the marked goal area to restart play after the ball has gone over the goal line, last being touched by an attacking player.
- The goalkeeper must release the ball within five (5) seconds of having it under their control, failure to do so will result in an indirect free kick from outside the penalty area.
- Goalkeepers are not allowed to pick up the ball with their hands from a deliberate back pass from any of their teammates.
- A hand ball is when the ball touches a player from the shoulder down (not including the shoulder). A deliberate hand ball will be awarded with a direct free kick/penalty to the opposition. An accidental hand ball will be awarded an indirect free kick to the opposition; unless the opposing team gains advantage (advantage rule); this decision is up to the referee’s discretion. Female players are allowed to protect their chest area and all players are allowed to protect their groin area with their hands and arms, as long as there is no movement of the hands and arms towards the ball.
- All free kicks shall be taken within five (5) seconds from the time a foul is committed. Failure to do so will result in the kick being awarded to the opposing team. The (5) seconds does not commence until all opposing players are three (3) metres from the ball.
- A foul committed by the defending team within their penalty area will result in a penalty being awarded to the attacking team.
- The penalty area will be clearly marked on outdoor fields and will be identified and made aware of to all teams on indoor courts prior to matches.
- For all free kicks including penalty kicks, the opposing players must be at least three (3) metres from the ball.
- When taking a penalty kick the goalkeeper must stand level with the goal posts and cannot move forward until the ball has been kicked. If the goalkeeper moves forward before the ball is kicked and a goal is not scored, the kick will be retaken. All other players must remain outside the penalty area and at least three (3) metres from the ball until the ball has been kicked.
- The referee’s decision is final in all matters relating to a match. At no time during the match should a player question a referee. The referee is not obliged to explain their decision.
Behaviour and Disciplinary
- FAST 5 SAYS NO TO RACISM!
- FAST 5 has zero tolerance for any player/team that behaves or conducts themselves inappropriately or is abusive or offensive in any way, shape or form.
- Any player that receives two (2) yellow cards during a tournament will receive an automatic one (1) match suspension, commencing immediately after the second yellow card is received.
- Any player sent off (red card) will receive an automatic one (1) match suspension, commencing immediately after the red card is received. (See Send Off and Suspensions).
- Any player that receives two (2) red cards during a tournament will be permanently suspended for the remainder of the tournament.
- Any player permanently suspended during any stage of a tournament will not be entitled to prizes and/or awards.
- A team may be disqualified from a tournament at the discretion of FAST 5 Management.
- Any team disqualified during any stage of a tournament will not be entitled to prizes and/or awards.
- In the event of a game being abandoned by the referee or FAST 5 Management, the game will be deemed a forfeit. No points will be awarded (FAST 5 Management discretion).
- Swearing or any form of abuse directed at the referee, an opposing player, spectators or staff will be an automatic permanent suspension from the tournament. Abuse may include but is not limited to:
- Foul and abusive language
- Making obscene gestures
- Persistent misconduct
- Attempting to strike or kick
- Deliberately striking
- Deliberately kicking or kneeing
- Deliberately head butting
- Spitting
- Deliberate foul or late tackle
- Deliberately wrestling to the ground
- Deliberately throwing a ball
- Any such offences deemed to be dangerous or unsportsmanlike like
- A second offence will result in a lifetime ban.
- A GOOD GAME IS A CLEAN GAME!
- FAST 5 IS ALL ABOUT FAIRPLAY AND GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP!
Send Off and Suspensions
Yellow Card - Warning
Second Yellow Card (Same Match) - Send-off plus one (1) match suspension
Second Yellow Card (Different Match) - Automatic one (1) match suspension
Red Card - Automatic send-off plus one (1) match suspension
Second Red Card - Automatic send-off plus permanent suspension from current FAST 5 tournament
Player Code of Behaviour
- Play by the rules
- Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the match
- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport
- Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you
- Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition
- Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor
- Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
- Participate for your enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion
Coaches Code of Behaviour
- Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun
- Never ridicule or yell at a young player for making a mistake or not winning
- Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm
- Operate within the rules and spirit of the sport and teach your players to do the same
- Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All young people are deserving of equal attention and opportunities
- Avoid overplaying talented players. The less talented players need and deserve equal time
- Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrations, parents and spectators. Encourage your players to do the same
- Show concern and caution towards sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition
- Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young people
- Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion
Parents/Spectators Code of Behaviour
- Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment not yours
- Encourage children to participate, do not force them
- Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing
- Encourage children to always play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a match
- Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities
- Respect official’s decisions and teach children to do likewise
- Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, without them your child could not participate
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion
- Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players
- Show respect for your team’s opponents, without them there would be no game
- Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials
- Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate participants on their performance regardless of the game's outcome
Photography Consent and Release
All attendees (players, coaches, parents, spectators, sponsors, partners) of a FAST 5 tournament and/or event, grant permission to FAST 5, its representatives, sponsors and/or partners, to take and use photographs, digital images and/or video footage of all attendees for use in:
- Media releases, media articles – including print, radio, television, online – printed or digital publications, newsletters and/or educational materials
- Electronic publications and communication platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, other social media platforms, newsletters and websites
- Advertising and marketing campaigns – print, radio, television and digital (social media, newsletters, websites)
All attendees agree that their name and identity may be revealed in descriptive text or commentary in connection with the image(s) and/or footage.
All attendees authorise the use of these images and footage without compensation to self. All negatives, prints, digital reproductions and source files shall be the property of FAST 5, its representatives, sponsors and/or partners.
FAST 5 MANAGEMENT RESERVE THE RIGHT TO BAN OR SUSPEND ANY PLAYER/TEAM OR PARTICIPANT FROM PARTICIPATING IN ANY TOURNAMENT AT ANY TIME.
THESE RULES & REGULATIONS APPLY TO ALL PLAYERS, COACHES, MANAGERS, PARENTS AND SPECTATORS.