Summer Football 2026/27 is Here

THE GOLDEN RULE

HAVE FUN. RESPECT EACH OTHER. PLAY FOOTBALL.

This is a social summer competition.

We want people to enjoy playing football, meet new people, stay active and have a great night at Te Poi.

Come for the football, stay for the community.


TEAM REGISTRATION

  • Each team must have a nominated Team Manager/Captain who is the main contact for RSFC.
  • All players must be registered with their team before playing.
  • Players should only play for one team unless RSFC has approved them as a fill-in player.
  • Fill-in players should be of a similar playing ability to the team they are joining.
  • RSFC may move teams between divisions if required to keep the competition balanced.
  • The minimum age is 16 years, unless otherwise approved by RSFC.

MATCH FORMAT

  • Matches are 7-a-side, including the goalkeeper.
  • Teams must have a minimum of 5 players to start a match.
  • Matches will normally be 2 x 20-minute halves.
  • There will be a short half-time break.
  • There is no offside.
  • Unlimited rolling substitutions are permitted.
  • A player must leave the field before their replacement enters.
  • The referee should be advised when the goalkeeper is changed.

MIXED TEAMS

  • A minimum of 2 female players must be on the field at all times.
  • The goalkeeper can be male or female.
  • If a female player is substituted, another female player must replace her before the game continues.
  • If a team cannot maintain two female players, they must play with fewer than seven players until another eligible female player is available.

Examples:5 male + 2 female4 male + 3 female3 male + 4 female

PLAYING RULES

  • Normal football rules apply unless specifically changed by these rules.
  • There is no offside.
  • Free kicks require opposition players to be at least 5 metres away.
  • Normal throw-in, corner and goal-kick rules apply.
  • The goalkeeper may use their hands only within their designated area.
  • Slide tackles are not permitted.
  • Dangerous, reckless or excessive physical contact is not permitted.
  • Players must not deliberately push, kick, trip, hold or charge opponents.
  • The referee has the final decision on matters of play.

PLAYER EQUIPMENT

  • Shin pads are expected for all players.
  • Football boots are preferred, although suitable sneakers/sports shoes are acceptable.
  • Jewellery must be removed before playing.
  • Goalkeepers must wear a shirt or bib that distinguishes them from the other players.


REFEREES

  • RSFC will provide referees where possible.
  • Where RSFC is unable to provide a referee, teams must be prepared to provide a referee for a game.
  • Teams may be asked to referee another match during the season as part of the competition's shared responsibility.
  • Referees must be treated with respect.
  • Arguing, abusing or intimidating referees will not be tolerated.

TEAM MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES

The Team Manager is responsible for:

  • Communicating with RSFC.
  • Ensuring their players understand the rules.
  • Ensuring the team arrives on time and is ready to play.
  • Managing player behaviour.
  • Providing a referee when required.
  • Providing the team's score to RSFC after every game.​​​​​​​

IMPORTANT – WEEKLY SCORES

The Team Manager must submit their team's score to RSFC after every game.

If a team does not submit its score, the match will be recorded as a default loss for that team.

This is important to ensure the competition table remains accurate and up to date.

DEFAULTS & CANCELLATIONS

  • Teams unable to attend must notify RSFC as early as possible.
  • Where possible, at least 24 hours' notice should be given.
  • Teams that fail to attend without reasonable notice may receive a default loss.
  • Repeated defaults may result in a team being removed from the competition.
  • RSFC may postpone games due to weather, unsafe conditions, venue restrictions or other circumstances.
  • Teams should not assume a game is cancelled until RSFC confirms it.

DISCIPLINE & BEHAVIOUR

This is a social football competition, and everyone is expected to behave accordingly.

Players, managers and spectators must:

  • Respect teammates and opposition.
  • Respect referees and organisers.
  • Use appropriate language.
  • Follow reasonable instructions from RSFC officials.
  • Respect the playing surface and venue.

The following will not be tolerated:

  • Fighting or physical aggression
  • Threatening behaviour
  • Bullying or harassment
  • Racist, sexist or discriminatory comments
  • Abuse of referees or players
  • Deliberately dangerous play

RSFC may suspend or remove players or teams from the competition for serious or repeated misconduct.


TOURNAMENT ORGANISER'S DECISION

RSFC reserves the right to make reasonable decisions on matters not specifically covered by these rules.

This includes decisions relating to:

  • Player eligibility
  • Team grading
  • Defaults
  • Discipline
  • Match cancellations
  • Finals eligibility
  • Competition format
  • Safety

RSFC's decision on tournament administration and disciplinary matters will be final.