MPFL rules

We work closely with the Powerleague each year to produce the rules of the league to share with our teams. Please see all rules below which must be followed when signing your team up to the league.

• Each team will consist of five players and three substitutes.
• Fixture lists can be provided at reception (please note that fixtures can be subject to change by Powerleague Staff).
• Each game will start with one team taking centre, decided by the referee, ball must be played backwards.
• Only the defending Goalkeeper is allowed in the semi-circular goal area. Infringement of this rule by: 
  • Defenders - penalty to attacking team. 
  • Attackers - free kick to defenders, one metre outside area. 
  • Referees will distinguish between deliberate and accidental entry.
• Goalkeepers must roll the ball underarm. Goalkeepers cannot kick the ball into play unless in action of a save. If the Goalkeeper plays the ball to their own player, they cannot play the ball straight back to the keeper. Goalkeepers are not allowed outside the area, if they leave the area, a penalty kick is awarded. Common sense, if they save inside and momentum carries them outside the area, then no infringement.
• There are ball height restrictions during play, the ball must not be played above head height.
• If a ball comes onto the pitch from another pitch, the game is stopped and restarted with a drop ball.
• At free kicks, opposing players must retreat at least 1 metre from the ball.
• All free kicks are indirect unless it's an actual foul.
• Players are given 6 seconds in the corner of the pitch with no challenge, if player stays in longer than 6 seconds, then it's a free kick to opposing team.
• No sliding tackles will be allowed.
• No shoulder charges because of dangers to players.
• Holding onto the boards and over-physical play on the boards will be penalised.
• Substitutions can be made throughout the game, as many as you wish with the referees consent, when the ball is dead.
• Goalkeepers can be changed but only after a goal has been scored.
• If a team is reduced to three players, the game will be forfeited and the game awarded 10-0 against them.
• The referees decision will be final.
• All other laws are administered as per F.I.F.A laws of the game.

If you have any questions on the rules of the league, please contact Ray Wareing or Samantha Hattersley on the details below.