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NBFA By-Laws

The By-Laws are a set of rules by which our Association's competitions are run.

1. Forfeits and Postponing

  • Forfeits:
    • Teams must be present at the time indicated on the draw.
    • If a team does not have at least three (3) of its registered players present and ready to play within 5 minutes of the specified time, it shall forfeit the game.
    • If a team forfeits, the opposing team will be awarded a 6-0 win (3 points, 6 goals for, 0 against).
  • Postponements:
    • There are NO POSTPONEMENTS.
    • Only in extreme cases will postponements be considered by the NBFA Office. The final decision is at the NBFA’s discretion.
    • Games cannot be rescheduled.

2. Lines of Communication

  • All managers, coaches, and players registered in any of the NBFA competitions are to forward all enquiries (including forfeits) to the NBFA Office during office hours (9 am-5 pm).
  • If outside of business hours, please contact your competition administrator or check our social media for any weather updates.
  • Issues beyond the control of the Administrator will be automatically reviewed by the NBFA Office and President.

3. Player Equipment

  • Jerseys:
    • A jersey or shirt must be numbered for Seniors (U18+).
    • Shirt numbering is $3 at Football Plus Dee Why.
    • All age groups require teams to have matching shirts, shorts, and socks.
  • Attire:
    • Players cannot wear long trousers or tracksuit bottoms, except for Goalkeepers.
    • Shin guards are COMPULSORY and must be completely covered by socks, made of suitable material, and provide reasonable protection.
    • Players can use "Turf Boots," Futsal Shoes, or any other non-marking soled shoes. NO STUDDED BOOTS.
    • Goalkeepers are permitted to wear long or tracksuit pants and must wear a shirt that easily identifies them from both teams and the referee.
  • Accessories:
    • A player may not wear anything dangerous to themselves or any other player. This includes all types of jewellery, except flat wedding rings, which must be taped securely.
    • Only approved Safety Glasses/Goggles may be worn. No spectacles can be worn.
    • Bandanas and hats cannot be worn.
    • Players with casts can only play at the referee's discretion; it must be covered with suitable material and not be dangerous to other players.
    • Men's & Ladies' armless tops will be permitted but must be numbered.

4. Game Times

  • Duration:
    • Senior games (U18+) are 2 x 18-minute halves with a maximum 2-minute halftime.
    • Junior games (U6-U16) are 2 x 13-minute halves with a maximum 1-minute halftime.
  • Punctuality:
    • Failure for teams to be on the court on time will result in a reduction in time, ensuring halves remain equal.
  • Finals:
    • If a game requires a result (Finals), then 2 x 5-minute Golden Goal (first to score wins) extra time halves will be played.
    • If no goals are scored in extra time, the result will be decided by a Penalty Shootout.

5. Number of Players

  • A match is played by two teams, each consisting of five (5) players on the field, one of whom is the Goalkeeper.
  • A team may start with three (3) players, including the Goalkeeper.
  • A team can register up to 12 players.

6. Substitutes & Player Replacements

  • Substitutions:
    • The maximum number of substitutes is seven (7).
    • There are unlimited substitutions during the match.
  • Borrowing Players:
    • NBFA Policy allows a team to borrow players from a lower division or age group.
    • A team may not borrow players from the same division or age group.
    • A borrowed player can only play for one team in the division they are borrowed for.
    • If a team is borrowing a player, you must inform your administrator so they can be added to the match sheet for insurance and finals eligibility.
    • If a team is found to have borrowed players from a team in the same division, they will lose the game on forfeit (0-6).
  • Registration:
    • No "ring-ins" allowed. All players must be registered.
    • You can register a player on any given night; please keep in mind their eligibility for finals as stated below.

7. Abandoned Matches

  • If a match is abandoned for any reason, including misconduct, both the referee and administrator will file reports to the NBFA Office, which will then decide the outcome of the game.
  • If a match is stopped due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the NBFA Office will determine the outcome.