sporties fc terms and conditions

1. Application of These Terms

These Terms and Conditions apply to all persons who register with, book with, enter the venue of, participate in, attend, or otherwise use any service, program, competition, booking, hire, party, event or activity provided by Sporties FC.
These Terms and Conditions apply together with the Sporties FC Participation Rules, any sport-specific rules, any booking terms, any venue-specific rules, and any other policies or directions issued by Sporties FC from time to time.
By registering, booking, entering the venue, participating in any activity, or otherwise dealing with Sporties FC, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
If you make a booking or registration on behalf of a team, child, guest, invitee, party group or other participant, you agree that you are responsible for ensuring those persons are aware of, and comply with, these Terms and Conditions.

2. Entrant, Customer and Participant Details

You declare that all information supplied by you upon registration or completion of any Sporties FC online form, including but not limited to any birthday party booking form, pitch hire booking form, team registration form, direct debit authority or other Sporties FC form, is true and correct.
You must promptly notify Sporties FC if any information you have provided changes or becomes inaccurate.
Sporties FC may refuse, cancel or suspend any registration, booking or participation where false, misleading or incomplete information has been provided.

3. General Venue Conditions

You acknowledge and warrant to Sporties FC that at all times during which you are present at the venue, you will:

a) not use the venue for any purpose except for the purposes approved by Sporties FC;

b) not cause any nuisance or damage to the venue, or any fixtures, fittings or equipment located at the venue;

c) not cause any nuisance, annoyance, disturbance or unreasonable disruption to any other person within the venue or its surrounds;

d) leave the venue in a clean and undamaged state;

e) pay Sporties FC any reasonable expense it incurs if you leave the venue, or any fixture, fitting or equipment at the venue, in an unclean or damaged condition;

f) pay Sporties FC the reasonable replacement cost of any rental item, equipment, fixture or fitting that is damaged, lost or not returned;

g) not assign, transfer, novate or sub-licence your rights or obligations under these Terms and Conditions;

h) observe all signs located in or around the venue;

i) comply with Sporties FC’s requirements concerning access, insurance, parking, safety, emergencies, noise, lights, venue use and conduct;

j) observe any direction given by Sporties FC or any authorised officer, employee, volunteer, contractor, referee, umpire, agent or representative of Sporties FC;

k) comply with any conditions of entry set by Sporties FC from time to time;

l) observe and comply with any rules of conduct set by Sporties FC from time to time;

m) observe and comply with the Sporties FC Participation Rules, as amended from time to time; and

n) ensure, and take reasonable steps to ensure, that your employees, agents, guests, invitees, players, spectators, participants and children are aware of and observe these obligations.

Sporties FC may refuse entry to, or remove from the venue, any person who Sporties FC considers has breached these Terms and Conditions, breached the Participation Rules, acted unsafely, acted aggressively, caused a nuisance, failed to follow a reasonable direction, or otherwise behaved in a manner Sporties FC considers inappropriate.

4. Venue-Specific Rules and Licensed Venues

Sporties FC may operate from different venues. Venue-specific rules, liquor licensing requirements, parking restrictions, noise restrictions, access requirements, operating hours and conditions of hire may apply.
You must comply with all venue-specific rules and any reasonable direction given by Sporties FC or the relevant venue operator.
Where Sporties FC operates from a licensed venue, customers, players, spectators, guests and invitees must comply with all liquor licensing requirements.
BYO alcohol is not permitted at any Sporties FC booking, hire, party, competition, program, event or activity held at a licensed venue.
Alcohol must only be purchased from the licensed venue where applicable and consumed in approved areas.
Sporties FC may refuse entry to, or remove from the venue, any person who appears intoxicated, is affected by drugs or alcohol, behaves inappropriately, or fails to comply with venue or licensing requirements.

5. Children, Minors and Supervision

Children must be supervised by a parent, guardian or responsible adult at all times unless Sporties FC has expressly agreed in writing to provide a supervised program.
For birthday parties and private bookings involving children, the person who made the booking is responsible for ensuring that appropriate adult supervision is provided for all children and guests.
Sporties FC staff, referees, umpires, contractors and volunteers are not responsible for supervising children unless Sporties FC has expressly agreed in writing to provide that supervision.
Parents, guardians and responsible adults must ensure that children do not climb on goals, nets, fences, lighting poles, buildings, equipment or any other venue structures.
Parents, guardians and responsible adults are responsible for the behaviour, safety and conduct of children in their care.
Sporties FC may require a parent, guardian or responsible adult to remain on site while a child participates in any competition, program, party, booking, event or activity.
By allowing a child to participate in a Sporties FC competition, program, party, booking, event or activity, the parent, guardian or responsible adult consents to Sporties FC taking reasonable steps in the event of injury, illness or emergency, including administering basic first aid or contacting emergency services where Sporties FC considers it necessary.
Any ambulance, medical, hospital or related costs are the responsibility of the parent, guardian, participant or responsible adult, unless otherwise required by law.

6. Pitch Hire and Birthday Party Bookings, Cancellations and Refunds

This clause applies to all casual pitch hire bookings, birthday party bookings and any other private booking made with Sporties FC, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Sporties FC.
All booking requests are subject to availability and are not confirmed until payment has been received in full, or Sporties FC has otherwise confirmed the booking in writing.
The person making the booking is responsible for the conduct of all guests, invitees, players, spectators, children and participants attending the booking.
Each confirmed booking is entitled to one free reschedule, provided the request is made more than 24 hours before the scheduled booking time.
Reschedules are subject to availability and must be used within a reasonable time as determined by Sporties FC.
Any additional reschedule requests after the first free reschedule may be refused, or may be treated as a cancellation and new booking, at Sporties FC’s discretion.
If you cancel a pitch hire or birthday party booking more than 24 hours before the scheduled booking time, you will be entitled to a refund of the amount paid, less a 10% booking fee.
If you cancel a pitch hire or birthday party booking within 24 hours of the scheduled booking time, or if you fail to attend the booking, no refund will be provided.
Cancellation and reschedule requests must be made in writing by email to info@sportiesfc.com.
A cancellation or reschedule request will only be effective once received by Sporties FC.
Sporties FC may cancel, postpone or reschedule a booking where it considers it necessary due to safety, weather, venue availability, operational requirements, maintenance, damage to the venue, government direction, power outage, lighting issues, surface conditions, emergency, or any other circumstances outside Sporties FC’s reasonable control.
Where Sporties FC cancels, postpones or reschedules a booking, Sporties FC will use reasonable endeavours to offer a suitable reschedule, credit or refund, depending on the circumstances.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits any rights you may have under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable law.

7. Birthday Party and Private Booking Rules

Birthday party and private booking customers must comply with all booking instructions provided by Sporties FC.
Setup and pack-down must occur within the booked time unless otherwise approved by Sporties FC.
Early access to the venue, picnic tables, party areas, pitch areas or equipment is not guaranteed unless confirmed by Sporties FC.
Any party area, picnic table, seating area or other space is only included in the booking if confirmed by Sporties FC.
Customers may bring food, cake, decorations and eskies only where permitted by Sporties FC and the relevant venue.
BYO alcohol is not permitted at licensed venues.
Glass is not permitted on or near the pitch.
Food, drinks, chewing gum, confetti, glitter, silly string and similar items are not permitted on the synthetic turf unless approved by Sporties FC.
Decorations must not damage, mark or be attached to walls, fences, nets, posts, lights, furniture or other venue property unless approved by Sporties FC.
Customers must remove all rubbish, decorations, food, drink containers and personal items at the end of the booking unless otherwise agreed by Sporties FC.
Sporties FC may charge a reasonable cleaning fee, damage fee or replacement fee if the venue, equipment, furniture, pitch, turf, nets, goals, fences or any other property is left dirty, damaged or altered as a result of a booking.
The person who made the booking is responsible for ensuring that guests do not enter restricted areas, interfere with other bookings, climb on equipment, damage property, or behave in a manner that Sporties FC considers unsafe or inappropriate.

8. Payments, Direct Debit and Overdue Amounts

All fees, charges and amounts payable to Sporties FC must be paid by the due date and using a payment method approved by Sporties FC.
Sporties FC may require upfront payment, weekly payment, full season payment, direct debit, online payment, card payment or any other payment arrangement it approves.
Where direct debit or automatic card payment is required or selected, the customer, participant, team captain or payer authorises Sporties FC, or Sporties FC’s nominated payment provider, to debit the agreed amounts in accordance with the relevant payment authority and payment provider terms.
The team captain or person making a booking is responsible for ensuring that sufficient funds are available for all scheduled payments.
If a payment fails, is dishonoured, reversed, declined, charged back or otherwise not received by Sporties FC, Sporties FC may:

a) require immediate payment of the outstanding amount;

b) suspend or cancel participation, registration, booking or future bookings;

c) refuse entry to the venue or participation in a match, booking, program, competition, party or activity;

d) require payment by an alternative method;

e) charge any reasonable administration, recovery, merchant, dishonour or payment provider fees incurred by Sporties FC; and

f) recover any overdue amounts as a debt due and payable.

Team captains are responsible for all team fees, match fees, forfeit fees, withdrawal fees, direct debit payments, dishonour fees, damage fees and any other amounts owing by their team.
Sporties FC is not required to accept split payments from individual team members unless Sporties FC agrees to do so.
Sporties FC may move teams, competitions or bookings to direct debit, upfront payment or another payment model at its discretion.
A customer, team or participant may not be permitted to participate in any competition, booking, hire, party, program, event or activity while amounts remain outstanding.

9. Insurance

You understand and acknowledge that the only insurance coverage maintained by Sporties FC is public liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.
Sporties FC does not maintain personal accident insurance for players, customers, guests, spectators, children or participants.
You acknowledge and agree that Sporties FC does not cover you for any personal injury caused or contributed to by you, or caused or contributed to by any other participant, while participating in any competition, program, booking, hire, party, event or other activity of Sporties FC.
All persons entering the venue accept responsibility for any personal injury arising out of or in connection with their participation in any activities at Sporties FC or at the venue, subject to any rights they may have under applicable law.

10. Injury, First Aid and Emergencies

You participate in Sporties FC competitions, programs, bookings, hires, parties, events and activities at your own risk, subject to any rights you may have under applicable law.
You must not participate if you are injured, unwell, medically unfit, affected by alcohol or drugs, or otherwise unable to participate safely.
You must immediately notify Sporties FC, an umpire, referee or venue official of any injury, incident, hazard, unsafe condition or emergency.
Sporties FC may administer basic first aid, contact your emergency contact, contact a parent or guardian, or contact emergency services where it reasonably considers it necessary.
You consent to Sporties FC taking reasonable steps in the event of injury, illness or emergency.
Any ambulance, medical, hospital or related costs are the responsibility of the participant, customer, parent, guardian or responsible adult, unless otherwise required by law.

11. Indemnity

You indemnify Sporties FC against any claim, expense, loss or damage Sporties FC, including its officers, employees, volunteers, contractors and agents, suffers if you, or any employee, agent, guest, player, spectator, participant, child or invitee of yours, directly or indirectly, and wilfully, recklessly or negligently:

a) damage or destroy any property of Sporties FC or the venue;

b) cause personal injury to any person within the venue or its surrounds;

c) breach these Terms and Conditions;

d) breach the Sporties FC Participation Rules;

e) fail to follow a reasonable direction given by Sporties FC or the venue operator; or

f) engage in unsafe, inappropriate, unlawful or unreasonable conduct.

This indemnity is a continuing and independent obligation and survives termination or expiry of these Terms and Conditions.
This indemnity includes any reasonable expense Sporties FC incurs or may incur on a full indemnity basis.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you waive any claims, rights or causes of action which you might otherwise have for, or arising out of, loss of life, injury, damage or loss of any description whatsoever which you, or any guest, player, spectator, participant, child or invitee of yours, may suffer or sustain in the course of, or consequent upon, entry into the venue or participation in any competition, program, booking, hire, party, event or other activity at Sporties FC.
You indemnify Sporties FC, including its officers, employees, volunteers, contractors and agents, against any claim for damages or injury arising as a result of your conduct, preparation or participation, as well as the conduct, preparation or participation of your team, guests, players, spectators, participants, children or any other person involved in any competition, program, booking, hire, party, event or other activity at Sporties FC.
This waiver, release and discharge operates separately in favour of all persons, corporations, organisations and bodies involved or otherwise engaged in managing, operating, volunteering or staffing any competition, program, booking, hire, party, event or other activity at Sporties FC, including the servants, agents, sponsors, representatives and officers of any of them.
This clause operates to the fullest extent permitted by law.

12. Sporties FC’s Liability

The services provided by Sporties FC will be rendered with due care and skill to the extent required by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and any applicable similar state legislation.
Other than statutory liability, Sporties FC, including its officers, employees, volunteers, contractors and agents, will not be liable or responsible, and to the fullest extent permitted by law you waive all legal rights of action against Sporties FC, for any injury, damage, economic loss or consequential loss suffered or incurred by you or any employee, agent, guest, player, spectator, participant, child or invitee of yours, whether caused by any default, failure or negligence and whether arising in tort, contract, bailment or otherwise.
All injury, loss or damage to person or property is at your own risk, subject to any rights you may have under applicable law.
In any event, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the maximum liability of Sporties FC shall be limited to a refund of the fee paid by you for the relevant registration, booking, hire, party, program, competition, event or activity giving rise to the claim.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any consumer guarantee, right or remedy that cannot be excluded, restricted or modified under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable law.

13. Privacy

Sporties FC will comply with the Australian Privacy Principles in dealing with any personal information it receives from participants, customers and entrants in the course of its business.
Sporties FC may collect, use and disclose personal information for purposes including registrations, bookings, competitions, direct debit arrangements, communications, safety, emergency response, insurance, dispute management, marketing and venue operations.
A copy of Sporties FC’s Privacy Statement is available upon request.
You must not provide personal information about another person unless you have authority to do so.
Where you provide personal information about a child, player, team member, guest or invitee, you confirm that you are authorised to provide that information to Sporties FC.

14. Media, Photography, Video and Match Footage

You acknowledge and consent to photographs, videos and electronic images being taken at the venue by Sporties FC, an official representative of Sporties FC, or a party appointed by Sporties FC.
You agree that such photographs, videos and electronic images may be owned and used by Sporties FC.
This includes the use of cameras and video cameras to record matches, events, parties, programs, venue activity and highlights at Sporties FC.
Match footage, highlights and clips may be shared on Sporties FC’s website, YouTube account, social media channels and other promotional channels.
Sporties FC may use your name, your team’s name, voice, image or picture in any broadcast, telecast, advertising, promotion, publication or other account of Sporties FC.
Where a parent or guardian does not want their child to be photographed or filmed for promotional purposes, they must notify Sporties FC in writing before the relevant booking, program, competition, party or event.
Sporties FC will take reasonable steps not to knowingly use a child’s identifiable image for promotional purposes where a parent or guardian has provided written notice requesting that the child not be used in promotional material.
Sporties FC may still use security footage, venue footage, match footage or incident footage for safety, operational, insurance, disciplinary, dispute review, legal or venue management purposes.
You understand that participant and customer details may be entered into Sporties FC’s database and may be used for future promotional, marketing and publicity purposes, subject to applicable privacy laws and any unsubscribe or opt-out rights.

15. Weather, Safety and Unsafe Conditions

Sporties FC may cancel, postpone, reschedule, suspend or abandon any competition, program, booking, hire, party, event or activity where it considers it necessary or appropriate due to weather, lightning, extreme heat, smoke, storms, surface flooding, power outage, lighting issues, venue damage, unsafe conditions, emergency, government direction, operational requirements or any other circumstances outside Sporties FC’s reasonable control.
Sporties FC will determine whether conditions are unsafe.
Unless Sporties FC gives notice that a competition, program, booking, hire, party, event or activity is cancelled, postponed or rescheduled, participants and customers should assume that the competition, program, booking, hire, party, event or activity will proceed.
Where Sporties FC cancels, postpones or reschedules a competition, program, booking, hire, party, event or activity, Sporties FC may offer a replay, reschedule, credit or refund depending on the circumstances.

16. Lost Property and Personal Belongings

Any valuables, including money, phones, watches, jewellery, wallets, keys, bags and personal items, brought into the venue are your personal responsibility.
Sporties FC does not accept responsibility for any loss, theft or damage caused to personal items, except to the extent required by law.
Lost property may be kept by Sporties FC for a reasonable period.
Sporties FC may dispose of unclaimed lost property after 30 days.

17. COVID-19, Government Directions and Public Health

In the event that Sporties FC is required by any law, rule, regulation, order, restriction or direction of any relevant authority to cancel, postpone or alter a competition, program, booking, hire, party, event or activity due to COVID-19, public health, safety or any similar issue, Sporties FC may cancel, postpone, reschedule, credit or refund the relevant activity at its discretion, subject to applicable law.
Sporties FC may also take any reasonable steps it considers necessary to comply with public health requirements, safety requirements or venue operating requirements.

18. Complaints, Disputes and Reviews

Any complaint or dispute relating to a booking, hire, party, competition, program, event, payment, player, team, referee, umpire, staff member or venue issue should be emailed to info@sportiesfc.com.
Complaints should be made as soon as practicable and, where possible, within 48 hours of the relevant incident.
Sporties FC may request further information, statements, evidence, footage or referee/umpire input before determining a complaint or dispute.
Sporties FC may determine complaints and disputes at its discretion.
Urgent safety, conduct, disciplinary, suspension, removal or venue decisions may take effect immediately.
Sporties FC’s decision is final, subject to any review process Sporties FC chooses to make available in its discretion.

19. Changes to These Terms

Sporties FC reserves the right to alter these Terms and Conditions at any time and from time to time.
Variations will be posted on the Sporties FC website.
Continued registration, booking, entry, participation or use of Sporties FC services after the posting of updated Terms and Conditions will constitute acceptance of those updated Terms and Conditions.

Sporties FC Participation Rules

1. Interpretation

The FIFA Futsal rules shall apply unless otherwise provided in these Participation Rules.
Interpretation of these Participation Rules shall be the responsibility of the most senior Sporties FC official present at the time.
Sporties FC may determine the interpretation, application and enforcement of these Participation Rules at its discretion.
Appeals against interpretation of these Participation 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.
Sporties FC reserves the right to change and amend these Participation Rules at any time and from time to time. Any variations will be posted on the Sporties FC website.

2. Team Nomination

Team nominations must be completed by the team captain online via the registration portal on the Sporties FC website.
The team captain must provide each player’s full name and contact details at the time of team nomination.
A player must only be registered to one team in the same competition, unless otherwise approved by Sporties FC.
The team captain must be 18 years of age or older on the day of registration.
The team captain is responsible for the team, fees, conduct, communication, player eligibility and compliance with these Participation Rules.
New players can be registered throughout the season, provided that the team captain provides Sporties FC with the player’s full name and contact details before the player participates in any competition.
Sporties FC has the right to refuse entry to teams and/or individual players at its sole discretion and without providing reasons.
No guarantee is given that a team registration will be successful.
Where teams cannot be included in the competition, they will be notified.
When registering a team at Sporties FC, the team captain agrees that the team will participate in all fixtures and make full payment of fees for all games throughout the season, regardless of whether the team plays in all games.
Teams wishing to participate in the following season must re-nominate their team and any new players online via the registration portal on the Sporties FC website.
New teams joining the competition after the start of a season may be introduced into the competition, but will only be eligible to play finals at the discretion of Sporties FC.

3. Registration

Registration of players is mandatory.
A fully completed registration form must be submitted via the Sporties FC website before a player is considered eligible to participate in any competition.
By registering, each player and team agrees to abide by Sporties FC’s Terms and Conditions and Participation Rules.
The team captain must ensure that all players, guests, spectators and invitees are made aware of, and agree to comply with, Sporties FC’s Terms and Conditions and Participation Rules before participating in any competition, program, event or activity provided by Sporties FC.
Sporties FC may refuse to allow an unregistered player to participate.
Sporties FC may penalise a team that fields an unregistered, ineligible, suspended or falsely named player.

4. Team and Player Eligibility

Players under 18 years of age will not be permitted to play in adult leagues, unless otherwise approved by Sporties FC.
Players over 16 years of age but younger than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible 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, unless otherwise approved by Sporties FC.
A team will be prohibited from competing if the team is unable to field the minimum player numbers.
For soccer/futsal competitions, the minimum number of players required to start a match is 4 players.
Sporties FC may refuse to allow a player to participate if Sporties FC considers the player is injured, unwell, affected by drugs or alcohol, unsafe to participate, not properly registered, suspended, ineligible or otherwise unsuitable to participate.

5. Competition Integrity, Fill-In Players and Ineligible Players

Sporties FC may take any action it considers appropriate to protect the fairness and integrity of its competitions.
Teams must not deliberately manipulate grading, fixtures, results, player eligibility or team strength.
Teams must not use false names, unregistered players, suspended players or ineligible players.
Fill-in players may be used only where permitted by Sporties FC.
Sporties FC may refuse or limit the use of fill-in players where it considers the fill-in player would unfairly affect the competition.
A player may not play for multiple teams in the same grade or competition without Sporties FC’s approval.
Sporties FC may impose penalties where a team fields an ineligible, suspended, unregistered or falsely named player.
Penalties may include loss of points, forfeit, disqualification, removal from finals, suspension, removal from the competition or any other penalty Sporties FC considers appropriate.
Sporties FC may restrict finals eligibility where it considers a team has added players late in the season in a manner that unfairly affects the competition.

6. Grading Policy

The purpose of grading is to provide each team with an appropriate level of competition.
Teams will be assessed for grading purposes based on the following factors:

a) previous playing history;

b) grading game results, including winning or losing margin;

c) umpire or referee recommendations; and

d) Sporties FC’s assessment and recommendation.

Grading will be conducted at the sole discretion of Sporties FC.
Teams may request a particular grade and provide reasons for that request. However, Sporties FC does not guarantee a position in the requested grade.
Any grade change request made by a team will only be considered within the first 3 weeks of the season.
Grade change requests are determined at the sole discretion of Sporties FC, who may refuse a grade change without providing reasons.
To request a grade change, the team captain must email the request to info@sportiesfc.com before the end of week 3.
Sporties FC may move teams between grades at any time where it considers it necessary for competition fairness, safety, scheduling or operational reasons.

7. Team Responsibilities

All teams must provide their own scorer for the duration of the match if requested by Sporties FC.
Teams are responsible for monitoring scores during the game.
Umpires and referees will not be held responsible for scoring errors.
Teams will be held responsible for the conduct of their players, members, substitutes, spectators, guests and supporters.
All players, members, substitutes, spectators, guests and supporters are subject to Sporties FC’s Behaviour Management Guidelines.
Disputes in relation to the scoring of games must be made in writing to info@sportiesfc.com.
Any scoring dispute must include all relevant information that Sporties FC may reasonably require to make a determination.
Sporties FC may decide whether or not to make a determination in relation to any scoring dispute at its discretion.
Any player suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be denied entry to the facility and/or asked to leave the premises immediately.
If a direction to leave the premises is disregarded, the matter may be reported to the venue manager, security and/or Police.
Any valuables, including money, brought into the venue are the personal responsibility of the owner.
Sporties FC does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused to personal items.
Hats, caps, jewellery, pins or other dangerous items must not be worn at any time during a competition, unless approved by Sporties FC.
Fingernails and other items must be taped, trimmed or secured where required.
Sports gloves are permitted.

8. Competition Payments and Direct Debit

The method of payment is weekly, upfront for the full season, direct debit, automatic card payment or any other payment method approved by Sporties FC.
Teams may receive their first game free if they pay for the season upfront, unless otherwise advised by Sporties FC.
At the commencement of each new season, all participating teams may be required to prepay for the final two matches of the season.
The cost of prepaying the final two matches is two full weekly match payments.
Sporties FC may require teams to move to direct debit, automatic card payment or another approved payment method.
By registering a team and participating in the competition, the team captain accepts responsibility for ensuring all team fees are paid in full and on time.
Teams will not be entitled to compete if Sporties FC has not received payment of the game fee, direct debit payment or other required amount in full before the match commences.
Sporties FC is not required to accept split payments from individual players unless Sporties FC agrees to do so.
Any failed, dishonoured, reversed, disputed, declined or charged back payment may result in the relevant amount being treated as outstanding.
Sporties FC may recover from the team captain or payer any reasonable administration, recovery, merchant, dishonour or payment provider fees incurred by Sporties FC as a result of a failed, dishonoured, reversed, disputed, declined or charged back payment.
Any forfeit fees incurred will be applied to that team’s account and invoiced to the team captain in accordance with Sporties FC’s forfeit policy set out in Rule 14 of these Participation Rules.
The team captain is responsible for ensuring all team fees, forfeit fees, withdrawal fees, dishonour fees and any other amounts owing by the team are paid in full.
A team with overdue amounts may be prevented from playing, removed from fixtures, removed from finals, suspended, or removed from the competition.

9. Team Captains

It is the team captain’s responsibility to ensure that players accept all umpire and referee decisions with a positive attitude.
Decisions made by Sporties FC officials, umpires and referees are final.
Players who dispute calls during a match may be penalised, and their team may also be penalised, at the sole discretion of Sporties FC officials.
Penalties awarded are final, subject to any review process Sporties FC chooses to make available in its discretion.
Any disputes regarding decisions made during a match may be raised respectfully with the umpire, referee or Sporties FC at half time or upon conclusion of the match.
The match clock will commence at the scheduled start time.
All players’ full names must be recorded before the game commences if required by Sporties FC.
Use of offensive language, inappropriate nicknames or false names is not acceptable, and penalties may be applied against any player or team that engages in this behaviour.
The team captain is the primary contact for the team.
Any notice, fixture, invoice, payment request, disciplinary notice, suspension notice or other communication sent to the team captain will be taken to have been sent to the team.

10. Communications, Fixtures and Notices

Sporties FC may communicate with teams and participants by email, SMS, phone, website, app, social media, fixture platform, direct message or any other reasonable communication method.
Team captains are responsible for checking fixtures, fixture changes, messages, emails, payment requests and notices.
Failure to read or receive a fixture update, notice, message or communication is not a valid excuse for non-attendance, forfeit, late arrival or failure to pay.
Sporties FC will use reasonable endeavours to notify affected teams of fixture changes as soon as practicable.
Sporties FC may amend fixtures at its discretion for operational, grading, safety, weather, venue, competition or other reasonable reasons.

11. Umpires and Referees

Sporties FC endeavours to provide qualified umpires or referees at each match.
Teams are expected to show respect towards all umpires and referees.
Sporties FC is committed to providing a safe working environment for its employees, contractors, volunteers, umpires and referees.
Sporties FC takes a zero-tolerance approach to abusive, threatening or intimidating behaviour towards umpires, referees, staff, contractors, volunteers or officials.
Any threatening, intimidating, abusive, offensive or crude behaviour toward an umpire or referee may result in the person responsible being asked to leave the premises.
Such behaviour may also result in the relevant team being disqualified from the game, at the discretion of Sporties FC.
Responsibilities of the umpire or referee include:

a) inspecting the condition of the playing area, ball and equipment;

b) ensuring players are wearing appropriate uniform and footwear;

c) checking players’ nails, jewellery and similar items where required; and

d) applying Sporties FC’s rules and sport-specific rules to all matches.

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

12. Fixtures, Game Times and Late Penalties

By submitting a registration form, teams agree that they are available to play at each allocated kick-off time.
Teams are not entitled to request specific timeslots or kick-off times, unless otherwise agreed by Sporties FC.
Sporties FC reserves the right to change fixtures at its sole discretion and for any reason.
Sporties FC will notify affected teams of fixture changes as soon as practicable.
Senior soccer/futsal games will generally be played as two 18-minute halves with a 2-minute half-time break, unless otherwise advised by Sporties FC.
Junior soccer/futsal games will generally be played as two 15-minute halves with a 2-minute half-time break, unless otherwise advised by Sporties FC.
The match clock will start at the fixtured start time regardless of whether a team is ready to play.
The match clock will not be stopped for any reason during the game, including injury, unless determined otherwise by the umpire, referee or Sporties FC.
If a team does not field the minimum number of players within the first 10 minutes of the scheduled start time, the game will be deemed a forfeit and a forfeit fee will apply to the team unable to field the minimum number of players.
Sporties FC may shorten, abandon, reschedule or otherwise alter a game where it considers it necessary due to safety, injury, misconduct, weather, timing, venue issues or operational requirements.

13. Scoresheets and Points

The scoresheet or electronic scoring record will be used for the official result.
Umpires or referees will provide the scoresheet or result to Sporties FC officials at the end of the game.
Once the umpire or referee has submitted the result, the score is final.
No further changes can be made to the score, and no disputes will be accepted regarding the score or any suspensions, cards or incidents recorded, unless Sporties FC determines otherwise in its absolute discretion.
Scores may be uploaded to the Sporties FC website, SportsFix application or any other platform used by Sporties FC for public viewing.
Premiership points are awarded after each game is completed.
Points will be awarded as follows:

a) Win: 3 points.

b) Draw: 1 point.

c) Loss: 0 points.

d) Forfeit: -2 points.

Sporties FC may deduct points or alter results where it considers it appropriate due to forfeits, ineligible players, misconduct, non-payment, competition integrity issues or other breaches of these Participation Rules.

14. Forfeit and Withdrawal Fees

Forfeit and withdrawal fees apply where a team cannot field a team for the fixtured game, fails to attend, or withdraws from the competition before the end of the season.
Forfeit fees are charged as follows:

a) Non-attendance: 1 x match fee.

b) Forfeit with less than 24 hours’ notice: 1 x match fee.

c) Forfeit with more than 24 hours’ notice: 1 x match fee, unless the vacant slot is filled by a genuine team in the competition.

Sporties FC is under no obligation to attempt to fill a vacant slot created by a team forfeit.
Forfeit fees must be paid to Sporties FC within 7 days.
A team with three outstanding forfeit fees may be removed from the competition immediately.
Results for forfeits in soccer/futsal competitions will be recorded as 5-0.
A withdrawal fee of $100 applies to any team that chooses to withdraw during the season.
Withdrawal from competitions must be made by emailing info@sportiesfc.com.
Inclement weather does not warrant a valid forfeit or withdrawal unless Sporties FC determines that the weather will render the game or participation unsafe.
In cases of inclement weather, Sporties FC will provide notice of cancellation as soon as practicable.
If no notice is received, teams should assume that the game or program will continue as planned.
Any team that repeatedly forfeits, fails to attend, pays late or causes fixture disruption may be removed from the competition at Sporties FC’s discretion.

15. Finals

To participate in finals, a player must:

a) have submitted a valid registration form; and

b) have participated in a minimum of 3 games throughout the season.

Sporties FC may vary finals eligibility requirements at its discretion where it considers it reasonable to do so.
Sporties FC may deem a player ineligible for finals if the player is unregistered, suspended, has not played the required number of games, has been added late in the season in a manner Sporties FC considers unfair, or has otherwise breached these Participation Rules.
Sporties FC will determine finals positions in the following order:

a) most points;

b) highest percentage;

c) score difference; and

d) score for.

Finals will generally be fixtured in the following format:

a) Semi Final: 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd.

b) Grand Final: winners of each semi-final.

If, at the completion of regular time during a Semi Final or Grand Final, the score is a draw, the game will continue for an additional 5-minute period.
A coin toss or equivalent method will determine who takes the first centre kick in extra time.
If, upon completion of the additional 5-minute period, a winner cannot be determined, a penalty shootout will determine the result of the game.
Sporties FC may alter finals formats, eligibility or scheduling where it considers it necessary due to competition numbers, venue availability, weather, operational requirements or other reasonable circumstances.

16. Abandoned Games, Weather and Unsafe Conditions

Where a game is abandoned by the umpire or referee due to misconduct, the offending team will have a forfeit recorded against it and will be required to pay the applicable forfeit fee.
The non-offending team will automatically be awarded the win.
Where a game is abandoned by a team for any reason, including injury, the opposition will be awarded the win.
Where a game is unable to continue for any reason, including injury where a player is unable to be moved from the playing area, the following results will apply:

a) Match stopped before half time: the score will be deemed 0-0, unless otherwise determined by Sporties FC.

b) Match stopped after half time: the score at the time the game is stopped will stand as the result, unless otherwise determined by Sporties FC.

Sporties FC may cancel, postpone, reschedule, suspend or abandon games due to lightning, extreme heat, smoke, storms, flooding, unsafe surface conditions, power outage, lighting issues, venue damage, emergency, government direction or any other circumstance Sporties FC considers unsafe or unsuitable.
Sporties FC will determine whether conditions are unsafe.
Where Sporties FC cancels a game before it commences, Sporties FC may reschedule the game, offer a credit, record a draw or take any other action it considers appropriate having regard to the circumstances of the competition.

17. Misconduct and Discipline

Sporties FC expects all players, teams, spectators, parents, guests, invitees, referees, umpires, staff, contractors and volunteers to be treated with respect.
Sporties FC may take disciplinary action against any player, team, spectator, parent, guest, invitee or other person who Sporties FC considers has engaged in misconduct.
Misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

a) abusive, obscene, offensive or insulting language or gestures;

b) arguing with, abusing or intimidating a referee, umpire, staff member, contractor, volunteer, official, player, spectator or member of the public;

c) rough, dangerous, reckless, aggressive or unsportsmanlike play;

d) threatening, intimidating, bullying or harassing behaviour;

e) physical contact that Sporties FC considers aggressive, violent, unsafe or inappropriate;

f) fighting, attempting to fight, joining a fight, encouraging a fight, retaliation or involvement in a melee or brawl;

g) vilification, discrimination, racist conduct, sexist conduct, homophobic conduct, disability-related abuse or any other discriminatory behaviour;

h) damaging, misusing or interfering with Sporties FC property, venue property, synthetic turf, goals, nets, fences, lights, furniture, equipment or fixtures;

i) failing to follow a reasonable direction from Sporties FC, the venue operator, security, Police, a referee, umpire or official;

j) refusing to leave the match, pitch or venue when directed;

k) entering the pitch without permission;

l) playing or attending while suspended or banned;

m) using a false name, playing as an ineligible player, or allowing an ineligible player to participate;

n) bringing alcohol, drugs, weapons or prohibited items into the venue;

o) participating while affected by alcohol or drugs; and

p) any other conduct Sporties FC considers unsafe, inappropriate, unreasonable, unlawful, contrary to the spirit of the competition, or harmful to Sporties FC, the venue, the competition or any person.

Sporties FC may take disciplinary action whether the misconduct occurs before, during or after a match, competition, booking, hire, party, program or event.
Sporties FC may take disciplinary action where misconduct occurs at the venue, in the surrounding area, in the car park, online, by message, by phone, on social media, or in any other context connected with Sporties FC.
Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to:

a) a warning;

b) a caution;

c) a yellow card or red card;

d) removal from the match;

e) removal from the venue;

f) suspension for any period of time Sporties FC considers appropriate;

g) suspension from finals;

h) suspension from all Sporties FC competitions, bookings, hires, programs, events and venues;

i) removal of a player from a team;

j) removal of a team from the competition;

k) deduction of premiership points;

l) recording a match as a forfeit;

m) cancellation of a registration, booking or future booking;

n) a fixed-term ban;

o) an indefinite ban;

p) a lifetime ban;

q) requiring payment of cleaning, repair, replacement or damage costs;

r) referral to the venue operator, security, Police or any other relevant authority; and

s) any other penalty Sporties FC considers appropriate in the circumstances.

Sporties FC may suspend, ban, remove or otherwise penalise any player, team, spectator, parent, guest, invitee or other person at any time and for any period Sporties FC considers appropriate.
Sporties FC may impose immediate suspension, removal or exclusion while it investigates an incident or determines the appropriate penalty.
Sporties FC may determine the facts of an incident based on any information it considers relevant, including referee or umpire reports, staff reports, witness statements, player statements, CCTV, match footage, photographs, messages, social media posts or any other available information.
Sporties FC is not required to conduct a formal hearing before imposing a suspension, ban or penalty.
Sporties FC may consider any matter it considers relevant when determining a penalty, including the seriousness of the conduct, whether anyone was injured or placed at risk, whether the conduct was intentional or repeated, whether the person accepted responsibility, whether the person cooperated, any prior warnings or suspensions, and the need to protect the safety and wellbeing of others.
A person who is suspended or banned must not enter any Sporties FC venue, participate in any Sporties FC match, competition, booking, hire, party, program or event, or attend as a spectator during the period of suspension or ban unless Sporties FC gives written approval.
Playing, attending or entering the venue while suspended or banned is serious misconduct and may result in a longer suspension, indefinite ban or lifetime ban.
No refund, credit or compensation will be provided where a person or team is suspended, banned, removed from a match, removed from a venue, removed from a competition, or has a booking cancelled due to misconduct, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

18. Zero Tolerance for Violence

Sporties FC has zero tolerance for violence, fighting, threats, intimidation, retaliation, melees, brawls and aggressive physical conduct.
Any physical fight, attempted fight, melee, brawl, retaliation, incitement of violence, threat of violence, or aggressive physical conduct is serious misconduct.
Where a physical fight, melee or brawl occurs, Sporties FC may immediately remove, suspend or ban any person involved.
A person may be treated as involved in a fight, melee or brawl if Sporties FC considers that the person started, joined, escalated, encouraged, retaliated, refused to leave, failed to comply with directions, or otherwise contributed to the incident.
Sporties FC may suspend, remove or ban an entire team where Sporties FC considers that the team’s players, substitutes, spectators, culture, repeated behaviour, or failure to control its players or spectators contributed to a fight, melee, brawl or violent incident.
A team involved in a fight, melee, brawl or violent incident may be removed from the competition immediately.
A person or team involved in violence may be banned for any period Sporties FC considers appropriate, including an indefinite ban or lifetime ban.
Sporties FC may refer any violent, threatening, aggressive or unlawful conduct to the venue operator, security, Police or any other relevant authority.
A player, team, spectator, parent, guest or invitee must leave the pitch, match area or venue immediately when directed following any violent, threatening, aggressive or unsafe incident.
Refusal to leave when directed following a violent, threatening, aggressive or unsafe incident is serious misconduct and may result in an indefinite ban or lifetime ban.

19. Reviews and Final Decisions

A player, team captain or affected person may request a review of a suspension, ban or disciplinary decision in writing within 2 business days of being notified of the decision.
A review request must be emailed to info@sportiesfc.com and must include the reasons for the review request and any relevant information the person wants Sporties FC to consider.
Sporties FC may accept, refuse or determine any review request at its discretion.
Sporties FC may invite a person or team to provide a written response before or after a penalty is imposed, but is not required to do so.
A review request does not delay, suspend or pause the operation of the original penalty unless Sporties FC confirms otherwise in writing.
Sporties FC’s decision is final, subject to any review process Sporties FC chooses to make available in its discretion.

20. Spectator, Parent and Supporter Behaviour

Spectators, parents, guests and supporters must behave respectfully at all times.
Abuse, intimidation, threats, offensive language, discrimination, aggressive conduct or interference with players, referees, umpires, staff, contractors, volunteers or other spectators will not be tolerated.
Spectators, parents, guests and supporters must not enter the pitch unless invited to do so by Sporties FC, an umpire, referee or venue official.
Sporties FC may remove any spectator, parent, guest or supporter from the venue.
Sporties FC may penalise a team for the conduct of its spectators, parents, guests or supporters.
Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising children and ensuring children do not enter restricted areas, climb on equipment, interfere with matches or behave unsafely.

21. Sport-Specific Soccer/Futsal Rules

Unless otherwise stated in these Participation Rules, FIFA Futsal rules apply.
Each team may have a maximum of 5 players on the pitch at any one time, including the goalkeeper.
Substitutions are unlimited and may be made during play, provided they are made safely and do not interfere with the game.
Players must wear appropriate footwear suitable for synthetic turf.
Shin pads are recommended.
Slide tackles are not permitted.
Kick-ins apply where the ball leaves the field of play over the sideline.
For kick-ins, defending players must stand at least 3 yards from the ball.
The goalkeeper may restart play in accordance with the applicable soccer/futsal rules and any directions provided by the referee.
The ball is in play where it rebounds off the roof netting or surrounding netting, unless the referee determines otherwise.
Goals may be scored from kick-off and corners, unless otherwise determined by Sporties FC.
Penalties will be taken from the goal-area line, with a one-step run-up, unless otherwise determined by Sporties FC.
The referee’s decision on all sport-specific rules and interpretations is final.

22. Synthetic Turf, Equipment and Venue Protection

Players, customers, guests and spectators must not damage, misuse or interfere with the pitch, synthetic turf, goals, nets, fences, lighting, furniture, equipment, buildings or venue property.
Metal studs, screw-in studs, blades or footwear Sporties FC considers unsuitable are not permitted on the synthetic turf.
Players must wear clean, appropriate footwear.
Chewing gum is not permitted on the synthetic turf.
Glass is not permitted on or near the pitch.
Food and drinks are not permitted on the synthetic turf unless approved by Sporties FC.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted on or near the pitch.
Pets are not permitted on the pitch or within the playing area, except assistance animals where required by law.
Players, customers, guests and spectators must not climb on goals, nets, fences, lighting poles, buildings or equipment.
Goals, nets, furniture and equipment must not be moved unless approved by Sporties FC.
Tape, stakes, pins, fixtures, sharp objects, markings or any other items must not be placed into, attached to or used on the synthetic turf unless approved by Sporties FC.
Sporties FC may charge a player, customer, team or booking holder for any reasonable cleaning, repair or replacement costs caused by damage, misuse or breach of this rule.

23. Complaints, Disputes and Reviews

Any complaint or dispute relating to a match, player, team, referee, umpire, fixture, score, payment, conduct issue or venue issue should be emailed to info@sportiesfc.com.
Complaints should be made as soon as practicable and, where possible, within 48 hours of the relevant incident.
Sporties FC may request further information, statements, evidence, footage or referee/umpire input before determining a complaint or dispute.
Sporties FC may determine complaints and disputes at its discretion.
Urgent safety, conduct, disciplinary, suspension, removal or venue decisions may take effect immediately.
A player, team captain or affected person may request a review of a suspension or disciplinary decision in writing within 2 business days of being notified of the decision.
Sporties FC may accept, refuse or determine any review request at its discretion.
Sporties FC’s decision is final, subject to any review process Sporties FC chooses to make available in its discretion.

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