Terms & Conditions

Rule No.

Subject

Terms

1

Interpretation

1.     The FIFA Futsal and Australian Netball Association rules shall apply unless otherwise provided in these Rules.

2.     Interpretation of these Rules shall be the responsibility of the most senior official present at the time.

3.     Appeals against interpretation of these Rules must be lodged in writing to Sporties FC at info@sportiesfc.com within 2 Business Days of the interpretation occurring. Any appeals lodged after this time will not be considered by Sporties FC.

4.       Sporties FC reserves the right to change and amend the Rules at any time and from time to time. Variations will be posted on the Sporties FC website. 

2

Team Nomination

1.     Team nominations must be completed by the team captain online on the registration portal as found on Sporties FC’s website.

2.     The team captain must provide each player’s full name and contact details at the time of team nominations.

3.     A player must only be registered to one team.

4.     The team captain must be 18 years of age or older on the day of registration and is responsible for their team, fees and communication.

5.     New players can be registered throughout the season provided that the team captain provides to Sporties FC the players full name and contact details prior to the player being considered eligible to participate in any competition.

6.     Sporties FC has the right to refuse entry to teams and/or individual players in its sole discretion and without reason. No guarantee is given that registration will be successful. Where teams cannot be included in the competition, they will be notified.

7.     When registering a team at Sporties FC, you agree to participate in all fixtures and agree to make full payment of fees for all games throughout the season, regardless of whether your team plays in all games.

8.     Teams wishing to participate in the following season must re-nominate their team and any new players online on the registration portal as found on Sporties FC’s website.

9.     New teams joining the competition after the start of a season can be introduced into a competition but will only be eligible to play in the finals at the discretion of Sporties FC.

3

Registration

1.     You acknowledge and agree that the registration of players is mandatory and a fully completed Registration Form found on the Sporties FC website must be provided to Sporties FC prior to you and your team being considered eligible to participate in any competition. By your act of registration, you, and your team (including your guests or invitees), agree to abide by Sporties FC’s terms and conditions for participation which can be found on the Sporties FC website (Terms and Conditions).

2.     You agree that you must ensure that your guests or invitees are, prior to their participation in any program provided by Sporties FC, made aware of and agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions, as if they were party to these Terms and Conditions.

4

Team and Player Eligibility

1.     Players under 16 years of age will not be permitted to play in adult leagues.

2.     Players over 16 years of age but younger than 17 years of age (Minors) must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult over the age of 18 years who is responsible for the Minor and who must be present while the Minor participates in any event at Sporties FC.

3.     A team will be prohibited from competing if the team is unable to field the following minimum player numbers:

5

Grading Policy

1.     The intention of grading is to provide each team with an appropriate level of competition.  Teams will be assessed on the following basis:

A.     previous history;

B.     grading game results (winning/losing margin);

C.     umpire recommendation; and

D.     Sporties FC recommendation.

2.     Grading will be conducted at the sole discretion of Sporties FC.

3.     Teams may request grades with sufficient reasoning, however, Sporties FC does not guarantee a spot in the requested grade.

4.     Any grade change requests made by the team will only be considered within the first 3 weeks of the season, and at the sole discretion of Sporties FC who may refuse a grade change without reason. To request a grade change, you must email your request to info@sportiesfc.com prior to the end of week 3. 

6

Team Responsibilities

1.     All teams must provide their own scorer for the duration of the match. Teams are responsible for monitoring the scores during the game, and umpires/referees will not be held responsible for scoring errors.

2.     Teams will be held responsible for the conduct of its members and spectators, and all parties shall be subject to Sporties FC’s Behaviour Management Guidelines set out below.

3.     Disputes in relation to the scoring of games must be made in writing to info@sportiesfc.com with all relevant information which Sporties FC might reasonably require to make a determination if Sporties FC decides to make a determination which it may or may not do at its discretion.

4.     Any player suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be denied entry to the facility and/or asked to leave the premises immediately . If this request is disregarded the matter may be reported to the manager, security and/or Police.

5.     Any valuables including money brought into the venue is your personal responsibility. Sporties FC does not accept responsibility for any losses or damage caused to these items.

6.     Hats/caps, jewellery, pins or other dangerous items must not be worn at any time during a competition (with the exception of awareness bracelets). Fingernails and other items must be taped or secured.  Sports gloves are permitted.

7

Payments

1.     The method of payment is either weekly or upfront for the full season. Teams receive their first game free if you pay for the season upfront.

2.     Payments can be made via cash or eftpos on arrival at the venue.

3.     Teams will not be entitled to compete if Sporties FC has not received payment of the game fee in full at least 30 minutes prior to commencing play.

4.     Any forfeit fees incurred will be applied to that team’s account and invoiced to the team captain in accordance with Sporties FC forfeit policy as outlined in Rule 12 of Sporties FC Terms and Conditions.

8

Team Captains

1.     It is the team captains responsibility to ensure that players accept all umpire decisions with a positive attitude. Decisions made by Sporties FC officials are final. Players that dispute calls during a match may themselves and their teams .be penalised at the sole discretion of Sporties FC officials. Penalties awarded are final and there is no right of appeal.

2.     Any disputes to decisions made on-court can be made to the umpire/referee or Sporties FC at half time, or upon conclusion of the match. 

3.     The game will commence once the game fee is paid in full and a receipt is presented to the game umpire/referee. Penalties may be applied against any team late to court.

4.     All players’ full names must be recorded on the scoresheet before the game commences.  Use of Offensive language and nicknames is not acceptable and penalties may be applied against any player or team that engages in this behaviour. 

9

Umpires and Referees

1.     Sporties FC endeavours to provide qualified umpires/referees at each match.  Teams are expected to show respect towards each umpires/referee. 

2.     Sporties FC is committed to providing a safe working environment for our employees and will take a zero-tolerance stance on abusive or intimidating behaviour towards umpires/referees. Any threatening, intimidatory, abusive or crude behaviour toward an umpire/referee will result in the perpetrator being asked to leave the premises, and the potential for the team to be disqualified from the game at the discretion of Sporties FC.

3.     Responsibilities of the umpire/referee are:

A.     to inspect the condition of the playing area, ball and equipment;

B.     to ensure all players are wearing the correct uniform;

C.     to check all players’ nails, jewellery and the like; and

D.     to apply Sporties FC’s Rules and sport-specific rules to all matches.

4.     During play, the umpire/referee’s decision is final. At the respectful request of the team captain, umpires/referees may provide an explanation on their interpretation of the rules. This explanation may be given at half or full time only and at the sole discretion of the umpire/referee.

10

Fixtures, Game Times and Late Penalties

1.     By submitting a Registration Form, you agree that you are available to play at each timeslot, between the hours of 5:45pm to 8:45pm for Senior Soccer, and 3:45pm to 4:30pm for Junior Soccer.

2.     Teams are not entitled to request timeslots.

3.     Sporties FC reserves the right to change fixtures at its sole discretion and for any reason and will notify the teams affected as soon as practicable of those changes.

4.     Games will be played on a time limit of:

5.     The game clock will start at the fixtured start time regardless of whether a team is ready to play.

6.     The clock will not be stopped for any reason during the game (including injury).

7.     If a team does not field the minimum numbers within the first 10 minutes of the game, then the game will be deemed a forfeit and a forfeit fee will apply to the team unable to field the minimum numbers.

11

Scoresheets and Points

1.     The score sheet will be used for the official result. Umpires will sign the scoresheet at the end of the game.

2.     Once the Umpires have signed the score sheet, the score is final. No further changes can be made, and no disputes will be accepted regarding the score, or any suspensions/cards recorded.

3.     Premiership points are awarded after each game is completed. Points will be awarded as follows:

12

Forfeit and Withdrawal Fees

1.     Forfeit and withdrawal fees will occur if a team cannot field a full team for the fixtured game or a team has to withdrawal from the competition before the end.

2.     Forfeit fees are charged accordingly:

3.     Forfeit fees must be paid to Sporties FC within 7 days.

4.     A team with three (3) outstanding forfeit fees will be removed from the competition immediately.

5.     Results for forfeits will be recorded as follows:

6.     A withdrawal fee of $100 applies to any team that chooses to withdraw during the season.

7.     Withdrawal from competitions must be effected by emailing info@sportiesfc.com.

8.     You agree that inclement weather does not warrant a valid forfeit or withdrawal unless Sporties FC determine that such inclement weather will render your ability to play or participate to be unsafe. In cases of inclement weather, Sporties FC will provide you with notice of a cancellation as soon as practicable. If no notice is received by you, then it should be assumed that the game or program will continue as planned.

13

Finals

1.     To participate in finals a player must:

1. 1. have submitted a valid Registration Form; and
   2. have participated in a minimum of 3 games throughout the season.

2.     Sporties FC will determine finals positions in the following order:

A.     Most points;

B.     Highest percentage;

C.     Score difference;

D.     Score for

3.     Finals will be fixtured in the following format:

A.     Semi Final – 1v4 and 2v3

B.     Grand Final – Winners of each semi-final

4.     If, at the completion of regular time during the Semi Final or Grand Final, the score is a draw, the following will determine the outcome of the game:

A.     Futsal/soccer – the game will continue for an additional 5-minute period, with a coin toss (or equivalent) to determine who will take the first centre kick. If, upon completion of this additional 5 minute period, a winner cannot be determined, a penalty shoot out will determine the outcome of the game.

B.     Netball – two periods of 5 minutes will be played. If after this time, a winner cannot be determined, another period of 5 minutes will begin and when a team leads by 2 goals, the winner will be determined.

14

Abandoned Games

1.     Where a game is abandoned by the umpire/referee for misconduct, the offending team will have a forfeit recorded against their team and will be required to pay the forfeit fee.  The non-offending team will automatically be awarded the win.

2.     Where a game is abandoned by a team for any reason (including for injury), the opposition will be awarded the win.

3.     Where a game is unable to be continued for any reason, including without limitation, injury where a player is unable to be moved from the playing area, the following results will occur:
A. Match stopped before half time, score will be deemed 0-0; or
B. Match stopped after half time, score at the time will stand as the result.

15

Misconduct and Suspensions

1.     Players, teams and spectators can be reported by an official or staff member of Sporties FC for any form of misconduct. Misconduct can include, but is not limited to, any one of the following, as determined in the sole discretion of Sporties FC:

A.     abusive or offensive language;

B.     unsportsmanlike conduct;

C.     undue rough play;

D.     failure to obey a direction from an official;

E.     striking or attempting to strike.

2.     On receipt of a player report, the team captain will be notified of the determination of action taken by Sporties FC in relation to the misconduct.

3.     Sporties FC reserves the right to suspend players, teams or spectators from the competition, at any time and from time to time and for any reason at the sole discretion of Sporties FC.

4.     Any player put on suspension is on an automatic probation for an indefinite period.

5.     Where a suspension is issued, the suspended player must not enter the venue during this time, and the suspension weeks do not include weeks that are public holidays, byes or forfeits.

6.     Players, teams or spectators that accumulate three player reports and suspensions will be penalised further at the sole discretion of Sporties FC (penalties may include, without limitation, disqualification and banning from future participation). 

7.     If an altercation or incident occurs in a game, where an umpire/referee is forced to stop the game, the umpire/referee may, in its sole discretion, abandon the game.  If the game is abandoned prior to half time, the non-offending team can receive a credit for the next game. 

8.     Penalties and suspensions are at the sole discretion of Sporties FC and Sporties FC is under no obligation to provide reasons for such penalties or suspensions. Once a penalty or suspension is issued, the decision is final and the relevant player will have no right of appeal.

16

Behaviour Management Guidelines

1.     The actions listed below are non-binding [JBL11] guidelines used by Sporties FC to determine stadium misconduct in a sport-specific context, which may result in the person in question being subject to further suspension as per the suspension guidelines set out below.

A.     Caution: player is notified that the behaviour demonstrated is unacceptable or unnecessary;

B.     Warning: formal warning that if said behaviour continues, the relevant sport-specific consequences as detailed below will apply;

C.     Sport-specific consequences:

D.     Final sport-specific consequences, resulting in the player no longer participating in the match, and may result in the player’s removal from the venue altogether at Sporties FC’s discretion:

2.     The umpire/referee will apply steps A-D at their sole discretion, and participants should be aware that all sport-specific consequences and final sport-specific consequences are subject to the interpretation of the umpire/referee in question.

3.     Any further actions undertaken by the participant subject to behaviour management can result in an immediate removal from the venue and/or further suspension from the competition.

17

Suspension Guidelines

The actions listed below are binding guidelines used by Sporties FC to determine appropriate suspension periods.  Please note that any suspension handed down is at the sole discretion of Sporties FC, who may consider the context when determining an appropriate suspension. You accept that a decision in relation to a suspension is final and you have no right of appeal.

Please see below for our suspension guidelines: