1. THE NAME

The name of the competition is called The Riyadh Football League.

2. THE RULE

The Riyadh Youth Football League will be played in accordance with FIFA rules. 

3. THE COMMITTEE

The Committee will oversee any grievances and sanction matters. The decisions of the Committee are final and cannot be appealed.

4. THE ORGANIZERS

The League organizers are Riyadh Football Network.

5. COMPETITION RULES

5.1. The League will be held at a central venue.

5.2. All players must be registered through the league process. Further information regarding registration can be read under section 9.

5.3. Each age group will have no more than 8 teams.

5.4. Each team will play each other twice (home and way format)

5.5. The point system will be as follows: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and O points for a loss.

5.6. At the end of the season, if two or more teams finish with the same number of points, their final group standing will be decided in the following order:

• Goal difference,
• Highest number of goals scored,
• Penalty shoot-out according to the FIFA rules,

5.7. All league winners and 2nd places will receive trophies.

6. 2023/2024 AGE CATEGORIES, PLAYING FORMAT

7. SQUAD & SUBSTITUTIONS

7.1. A substituted player may be reintroduced during a match. Substitutions can only take place during a break in play (free kick, corner, throw-in). The Referee must be informed prior to making the substitution.

7.2. All substitutes entering or leaving the field of play, should do so from the teams’ technical area. The player that will be substituted must leave the field before the new player can enter. Substitutions which are not made correctly will be punished with a yellow card.

8. PLAYER REGISTRATION

8.1. All participating teams must register their players before the league deadline.

8.2. Player registration is to be done via email.

8.3. Players are to provide/upload proof of age such as a copy passport, residency card, family card or school ID. All identification should be clear, showing the players date of birth, full name, and photo.

8.5. A player is allowed to play in a higher age group, but not lower. Once registered in the age group, a player cannot move teams. 

8.6. A separate headshot photo must also be supplied, no more than three months in date.

8.7. A list of shirt numbers assigned must also be provided and must be worn through the league. Any player who is found to be wearing the wrong shirt number will be cautioned. Teams without shirt numbers will not be allowed to play unless the reason is accepted by tournament management.

8.8. Changes to the registration can be made until 5 days prior to the league start date.

8.9. All players will receive a registration card. This card should be present on all match days and inspected the committee and opposition teams.

9. MATCH DAYS

9.1. On the match day, each team must submit a team sheet to the league committee onsite, 15 minutes prior to their match.

9.2. All players MUST have their registration cards to identify themselves and have them ready for inspection. Any player not having their registration card, will be deemed ineligible to play and subject to a fine. 

9.3. Only players that are on the team sheet and have their player registration cards are eligible to play in the matches.

9.4. All team officials must be on the team sheets. Only these officials are allowed to be in the technical area.

9.5. It is the responsibility of the club, its officials and players to ensure the team sheets are submitted correctly and players have their registration cards.

9.6. If two teams have a clash in playing kits, the designated away team will wear bibs.

9.7. All team shirts must be numbered and must be the same as the team sheet. Numbers are to be on the back of the shirt and no two players can have the same number.

9.8. All teams should be ready no later than 10 minutes before their kick-off. Players should have their registration cards ready for inspection by the committee and opposition.

9.9. All players must wear shinpads. This is mandatory and inspected by the referee. If a player is not wearing shinpads, then they will be deemed ineligible, and the club will be subject to a fine. 

9.10. The teams are responsible for their supporters, parents and players conduct. Any inappropriate behavior or conduct will result in a club fine and exclusion from the league. 

9.11. The responsible team official (coach) must sign the referee’s match card after the match to confirm the result, red cards and other events during the game.

9.12. Games will be played with the following match ball sizes:

10. MATCH OFFICIALS

The match officials will be appointed by the league committee. All referees’ decisions are FINAL.

The referee’s payment is covered by the league.

11. COMPLAINTS AND SANCTIONS

11.1. All complaints must be made in writing and emailed by a responsible official to the league committee no more than 24 hours after the incident. 

11.2. A fee of AED 250 will apply, which will be refunded should the protest be successful. Only complaints regarding player ineligibility will be considered. 

11.3. The decisions of the referee regarding the game are final. No actions will be taken on protests on decisions made by the referee.

11.4. Any player or official that receives a straight red card is automatically suspended from taking part in the following two matches. Any player or official given two yellow cards during the match will only be suspended for one match.

11.5. Any player or official found engaging in violent conduct, such as physical aggression, fighting, or unsportsmanlike behavior, will be subject to immediate expulsion from the league and the club subject to a fine. 

11.6. It is the responsibility of each team that a suspended player does not participate in a game (or games) where they are suspended. 

11.7. A list of fines will be issued to each club. 

12. NON-ATTENDANCE, ABONDONED MATCHES

12.1. Any team that does not turn up for their match will be declared the losers, with the winning award a score line of 3-0. The no show team will be given a fine and a warning. If the team fails to appear for a second time, then they will be removed from the league.

12.2. If an abandoned or no-show game effects the outcome of the league, then the committee reserves the right to decide on what they feel is the appropriate course of action.

12.3.  If a match is interrupted or abandoned, or cannot be played till the end, the committee will decide which of the following action will take place:

• If the game will be replayed.
• If the game will be decided by penalty shoot-out,
• Or if the game will be restarted from the minute when it was interrupted (same scoreline as before interrupted) 

If a team plays a player that is suspended or an ineligible player, they will be subject to a fine and a loss of 3-0 for the match in question.

13. MATCH SCHEDULE

13.1. The league committee has the right to change the fixtures and times up to a week before match day.

13.2. Each team in each category will play one match per day, as per the format and duration in section 6.

13.3. 

14. LEAGUE AND VENUE PROPERTY

14.1 The team manager and players stated in the team sheet are responsible for any damage caused to the venue and league equipment.

14.2 No alcohol allowed. Smoking is prohibited inside the venue.

15. INSURANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY

15.1. By registering to take part in the league, the club verifies that the coach / team manager has the necessary authority and permission from the participants, the participants’ guardians and the registered association.

15.2. Playing in the league is at the clubs’ own risk and the team manager in charge is responsible for all the team.

15.3. The team manager in charge is obligated to ensure that all participants are insured on the pitch. Each participant is responsible for their personal insurance off the pitch. The league nor the organizer has collective insurance to cover injuries, illness, theft or any other losses.

15.4. The league nor the organizer is responsible for compensation, and they are also not responsible for financial losses or damages that may occur due to the participation in the league.

16. CODE OF CONDUCT

The codes of conducts are essential to the game, and they set out our expectations for behavior from the club, players, officials and players.  The codes must be adhered to from everyone participating in the league. There are many DO’s and DON’Ts in the codes of conduct, but we have summarized the below for everyone, which we feel touches on all aspects:

• Lead by example when it comes to good sportsmanship.
• Respect everyone.
• Play by the rules.
• Do not use abusive language or violent behavior.
• Celebrate with respect.
• Always be supportive to everyone.
• Never bully anyone, always challenge bullies.
• Never embarrass anyone.
• Do not exploit anyone for personal or financial benefit.
• Do not engage with any sexual relationships or comments towards anyone.