NBFA logo

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. This includes ANY times changes.
    • Games **cannot **be rescheduled.
    • Grading:
    • NBFA is the final call on ALL grading. There is no grading request or changes after fact.

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 (9.30 am-4.30 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/Stampa 1/29 Mitchell Road Brookvale.
    • 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. Shin Pads must be of reasonable size if not NBFA/Insurance company may not be liable for cover.
    • 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).
    • When you borrow a player its only to make the number of players to on field of five (5). If borrowing you cant borrow players that will allow you to have a bench.
  • 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.

8. Finals

  • Semis are played between the following 1st v 4th & 2nd v 3rd. The two winning teams play in the Final.
  • Position on table determines final standing. If teams finish on the same points NBFA uses goal difference to work out a higher placed team. If goal difference is the same NBFA then works off team with lower goals condensed. If this is still tied it goes to head to head during the season. If this is still equal there will be a playoff for the spot.