Our Friendly FIIFA Game
You're likely here because you are a part of our weekly football (soccer) match, designed as pickup games and where the score doesn't matter more than the experience of being involved. Sure, we push ourselves to be better, but not at the cost of losing the integrity or enjoyment of the game. The point of our organization is to have fun, get a little exercise and build friendships with people who are here for the same reasons you are: the love of a fun game of football!
By nature's design, we're all on the conveyor belt of life so we're not getting closer to our ultimate prime. We might not have the pace we once had, might be a little clumsy, not pass the ball as well as we think we would have done, our control might be a little off... we're not perfect nor heading towards any form of pro-status. And as we hope to constantly improve, when it doesn't happen it's not meant to cause frustration. We're still so lucky to be playing the game we love in a great place where we choose to live and with a fabulous group of lads who all belong together. The bottom line is to come out to do the best you can with where you are and hopefully you help other teammates come away uplifted or motivated because of your presence.
Basic Rules
In order to maintain a friendly, safe and enjoyable environment we're listing the standards we expect and outlining the rules so it minimizes confusion on the field a removes doubts or questions that could challenge a positive experience.
Shirts: Bring a Red Shirt and a White Shirt to each game as teams will be chosen on the night... and you may be asked to switch mid-game too
Tackling: No slide tackles. This is a gentleman's game and we all have to respect that we've got to go to work the next day. We're not playing for a title or trophy. Shin pads are required and are your responsibility to wear them. If you choose not to wear them you do so at your own risk. The artificial turf is known to cause skin-burns, so be mindful not to cause unnecessary injuries.
Offsides: In absence of a Referee the responsibility lies with the defensive line to inform the opposition player of the offside. When told, the attacking player has the duty to get back onside again AND clearly inform the defensive line that they are back onside. The defensive line is responsible for creating offsides, so if they move their line up, and DO NOT tell the forward that they're offside BEFORE the ball is played then the forward is onside. If the offending player does not get back onside after having been informed then they are offside then their failure to get back onside is considered play interference as the defensive line may stop for the offense. DO NOT CALL OFFSIDE unless you are 100% sure that these conditions have been clearly met. If an advancing player feels that they are onside, they may continue to goal and resolve the issue after the ball is no longer in play. The principle behind this is that we're playing a fair game and not looking for ways to circumnavigate the rules. If you can't abide by this then this game might not be right for you.
Referee: If a referee is present then the ref's decision is final. No disputes.
Aggression: This is Monday night football. Let's keep it positive and encouraging to both your own team mates and the opposition. If any disputes arise both parties will be asked to get on with the game. If the dispute continues after the first warning then the player or players who continue the dispute must leave the field for 5 minutes to cool down. We're playing among friends. Mistakes are going to be made but let's move on as quickly as possible. Tantrums, name calling, petty disputes have no place in our FIIFA games. Continued aggressive or argumentative behavior over several weeks will be given a warning and, if ignored, a one game suspension will be imposed. Continuation beyond that will result in a loss of Core membership without refund, irrespective of where in the season this may happen.
Fouls: If a player feels they have been fouled they have a right to call it. The offending player may defend his actions, but if the player who was fouled (unless obviously playing for the foul) still calls the foul then it is a free-kick and we move on with the game. Players committing overly aggressive or deliberately dangerous fouls may be asked to leave the field for a cool down period or for the remainder of the game.
Injuries: If a player goes down and stays down we stop play immediately until the player recovers or until they voluntarily leave the field to recover. Safety is our priority. Whoever has the ball when play is stopped retains possession by playing it backwards to his own team.
Penalties: If a foul is committed inside the box and stops a clear scoring opportunity, it results in a penalty kick. If it was not a clear scoring opportunity and just a foul or handball inside the box, it becomes a free kick from the edge of the box. Penalty kicks will be taken by the goalkeeper of the team fouled. If the penalty is missed or saved, play resumes immediately, and the penalty taker must quickly return to their goal as quickly as possible.
Field Size: The field is the largest possible dimensions for a professional game, bigger than any in the Premier league. Therefore, we will only play full field if its 12v12. If it becomes 11v11 down to 9v9 we will play from top of the 18 on both goals. If 8v8 or fewer, we will play on a half field, full width. Less than 6v6 players will be a cancelled game.
Next Dead Ball: Games aim to be 2 x 45 minute halves. The game is over when the 45 minutes have been played and the 'next dead ball' announcement has been made. Goals and corners are not considered dead balls and play may resume until the ball is out of play. If the scoreline is too far out of reach the losing team may elect to concede the game in the event of a corner or goal.
Fees: Core players pay dues before the start of the season by the deadline that will be given, the cost of which may vary depending on the number of games or any fee increases. Core members are guaranteed a game each week if they confirm in good time to weekly emails; late responses may result in forfeiting the spot.
Guests: Guest players secure their available spot for the upcoming game upon invitation only and via advance payment (currently $10) by Venmo (preferred) or cash, which helps offset costs such as insurance, equipment and other organizational needs. Guests are not guaranteed games and can only become Core Members if a spot opens up due to a current member leaving.
By participating in the FIIFA game all players agree to abide by the above rules and give consent to implementation of these rules.
