2018 & 2019 Rule Changes

SUB Football was created to encourage people of all skill levels to play, encourage good sportsmanship, and ensure player safety. Since it's inception in 1998, several rules have been trialled and changed, but there's a few that are definitely here to stay, as they are what make SUB Football unique. 

The changes we have made are in response to our experience, player feedback, and to make some inconsequential rules more in line with association football to avoid confusion to players. These rules changes have been made to provide a smoother balance between enjoyment, fair play, and keeping the game competitive.  

Rules that stay - these are what make SUB Football unique!

  • No force policy 
  • Kick or throw in from the sideline
  • Score from anywhere
  • Corner kicks may be taken on the line anywhere between the corner and the edge of the Penalty D
  • 3 points for a goal, 1 point for a board
  • Goal keeper only area
  • Unlimited rolling subs
  • No off-sides

Rules that changed in 2019

With the announcement by FIFA regarding rule changes to 11-a-side association football, we have made some minor adjustments to our rules regarding the same areas.

  • A goal-kick is no longer required to leave the penalty area before a teammate touches the ball, meaning once the goalkeeper touches the ball for the kick, it is immediately considered in play. Opponents must remain outside the penalty area when a goal-kick takes place.
  • Any substitute may leave the field of play at the nearest sideline point. 

Rules that changed in 2018

The penalty D

  • Any foul commited within the penalty D may result in a 3 point penalty goal if the referee believes it has denied the attacking team a goal scoring opportunity. 
  • Any other foul committed in the D by a defending player will result in a free kick taken from outside the penalty D.

Goalkeepers

  • As with association football, goalkeepers may now receive a ball into their hands if headed back to them from a player on their own team. Goalkeepers may not handle any other deliberate pass-backs.
  • The goalkeeper is no longer restricted to play within the penalty D.
  • They may still only handle the ball within the 12x3m goalkeepers area in front of the goal.
  • The goalkeeper may now dribble the ball into their own area.

Uniforms

  • Although we expect all teams to wear uniform shirts, a penalty point system will no longer be applied.