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The Big Goal
Tournament Rules

Tournament Rules

We have been guided by the FA’s official 5-A-Side Football Rules – please see below:

  • The tournament format is 5 v 5
  • Squad numbers must be a minimum of 5; maximum of 10 players
  • The game is officially played with 4 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper per team. Formations and positions are set by each team. There are no limits to the amount of defenders or attackers per team
  • All matches will be 7-minute* halves with a 2-minute break at Half-Time   *Subject to the number of Teams in a Group. Game times will be officially confirmed on the day of the tournament
  • Teams will change ends at Half Time
  • Teams may operate unlimited substitutions during matches
  • Substitutions can only take place during a stoppage in play (e.g. a goal-kick, free kick, restart, etc.). The referee must be notified of the substitution and such must be acknowledged
  • All players on the field must wear shin pads. Players not wearing shin pads may be asked to leave the pitch
  • No studs or blades are to be worn. The playing surface will typically be 3G/4G. Only trainers or moulded boots are permitted
  • Kick-Off is determined by a coin-toss or equivalent to determine which team kicks-off first
  • Kick-Off must begin with a pass-back to a team player. This can be straight to the goalkeeper
  • The ball is permitted at any height during play
  • All throw-ins must be roll-on and made under-arm. If not performed to the satisfaction of the referee, the referee may ask the throw-in to be repeated
  • All corners must be kicked
  • No player except for the goalkeeper is allowed inside the goalkeeping area. If a defender enters the area to defend and makes contact with the ball, the attacking side is awarded a penalty. If an attacker enters the area to score, even if not making contact with the ball, the defending team restarts with the goalkeepers ball or advantage is played.
  • If a goalkeeper makes contact with the ball outside of the goalkeeper area, a resulting penalty for the attacking team is awarded
  • Players issued with a yellow card will be suspended for 2 minutes
  • Players issued with a red card are permanently suspended from play for that fixture
  • A goal is awarded if the whole of the ball passes over the goal line. A goal is not awarded if it has been thrown in by hand
  • The team that scores the most goals during a game is the winner. If both teams score an equal number of goals, the game ends in a draw. In the Knock-Out rounds, if a game is a draw at the end of normal time, the match will move straight to penalties to determine a winner
  • There is no offside within the 5-a-side football rules
  • The ball must be stationary when taking both a direct or an indirect free kick. The free kick taker cannot touch the ball a second time, until it has touched another player. All opponents must retreat at least 2 yards from the free kick position. The ball is back in play once the free kick taker has touched the ball
  • Penalties: There are two ways that penalty kicks are awarded against a team: a) An outfield player makes contact with the ball inside their own goalkeeping area; b) A goalkeeper makes contact with the ball outside their own goalkeeping area
  • Penalty kick takers have a maximum one yard run-up to strike the ball. All defending players must wait outside of the goalkeeping area during the penalty kick
  • Teams will compete in groups, playing every other team in the group at least once*   *Subject to the number of Teams in a Group. Fixtures will be officially confirmed on the day of the tournament
  • The group winners from each group are guaranteed to qualify for the Knock-Outs, which will be straight to the Semi-Finals.   Subject to the number of Teams in a Group. The qualification process will be officially confirmed on the day of the tournament
  • During the Regional Finals, all those teams that successfully reach the Semi-Finals stage, will automatically qualify to play in the National Finals
  • Where a Plate Competition is operated, the Plate winners will also gain an automatic place to play in the National Finals
  • All matches played will operate a points system: 3 points for a win and 1 point for a draw
  • Where teams are tied on points after all Group matches, Goal Difference (GD) will support the team to qualify
  • If GD is tied, goals scored For will be counted in support of the team to qualify
  • The Referee decision is final in all circumstances and should be respected at all times.

Match Officials

  • The Referee’s decision in all matters concerning points of play shall be final and binding
  • Referees will assess all teams throughout the tournament for both The Player of the Tournament (Individual) Award; and The Spirit of the Tournament (Team) Award
  • Please respect the referees throughout at all times and in all circumstances.

Anti-Discrimination

  • Code of Conduct – must be adhered to
  • Any form of discrimination will not be tolerated
  • If you are aware of an incident – please ensure that you report this to a member of the SSF staff. Event Safeguarding Officer and Event Leads on site will then be notified
  • If an incident does occur, the focus will be on the welfare of those involved.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Where this is a kit clash the second team will be provided with bibs
  • Media/filming will take place during the tournament event offering participant interview opportunities
  • Closed event with security on site
  • Prizes will be formally presented to the Winners, Runners Up and Spirit of the Tournament Award Winners – as well as the Plate Winners (where a Plate Competition is operated). There will also be an individual prize formally presented to the Golden Boot Winner (the Top Scorer of the tournament), Golden Gloves (Most clean sheets throughout the Group games), and Player of the Tournament. These presentations will take place pitch-side. Match officials will choose the team to receive the Spirit of the Tournament Award and will make the decision based on the Code of Conduct for participants
  • The winning team and Spirit of the Tournament winners may be asked to complete post-match interviews
  • If you are socially sharing updates during and/or throughout the tournament, please include #TheBigGoal
  • Photography will take place throughout the event
  • All participants and supporters are permitted to take photos during the event
  • It should be noted that selected spectators may be in attendance during the tournament. These will be known to the SSF and invited guests, as current supporters, partners or sponsors of either the national Street Soccer Academy programme and/or The Big Goal.

PARTICIPANT CODE OF CONDUCT

We want everyone taking part to enjoy themselves, to be safe and to feel welcome. We ask that you represent your company well by:

  • Celebrating difference, helping everyone feel included and by being kind
  • Supporting and encouraging each other – including opponents
  • Respecting others including your team, other teams, staff, officials and guests
  • Playing within the rules and respecting the decisions of the officials
  • Using language which is OK with everyone
  • Listening to and following instructions
  • Staying safe and talking to a trusted adult if you are worried about anything or anyone
  • Staying on site at all times and not leaving the site until/unless you are asked to do so.

Staff CODE OF CONDUCT

Supporting staff are expected to:

  • Be familiar with all information provided by the SSF prior to the event
  • Adhere to the safeguarding measures in place
  • Give full attention to instructions, safety briefings and safety/risk management arrangements
  • Respect the differences between everyone at the event and challenge discrimination
  • Demonstrate high standards of propriety and behaviour, maintaining professional boundaries at all times. All interactions with anyone should be positive
  • Respect all participants, fellow supporters, and event staff as well as match officials and their decisions
  • Remain alcohol free and do no smoke or vape in front of participants or within the event venue.

Breaches of these Codes of Conduct

The SSF reserves the right to determine appropriate action for breaches of these codes of conduct. This may include you / your team being asked to leave the tournament and being excluded from future events.

Key Contacts

Keith Mabbutt

EVENT Director (SSF)

07790 570 766

ANDREW GREENWOOD

TOURNAMENT LEAD (SSF)

07727 016 579

SIMON ROGERS

SAFEGUARDING LEAD (SSF)

07858 244 410

The Big Goal Gala

Event Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions apply to all ticket holders, table hosts, sponsors and attendees (“Guests”) of The Big Goal Gala (the “Event”), organised and delivered by the Street Soccer Foundation (“the Organiser”, “we”, “us”, “our”), a registered charity in England and Wales.

By purchasing a ticket, reserving a table, or entering into a sponsorship agreement for the Event, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

 

1. Event Details

The Organiser reserves the right to amend the Event date, venue, format, content, speakers, entertainment or programme where reasonably necessary.

While every effort will be made to deliver the Event as advertised, the Organiser does not guarantee the appearance of any particular guest speaker, performer or personality.

 

2. Bookings & Payment

2.1 Tickets & Tables

  • All ticket and table bookings must be paid in full by the stated payment deadline unless otherwise agreed in writing.
  • A booking is confirmed only once payment has been received or a written agreement has been signed.

2.2 Sponsorship Packages

  • Sponsorship agreements must be confirmed in writing.
  • Payment schedules (if staged payments are agreed) will be clearly set out in the sponsorship agreement.
  • All sponsorship fees must be paid by the agreed dates.

Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in cancellation of the booking or sponsorship benefits at the Organiser’s discretion.

 

3. Cancellations & Refunds

3.1 Guest or Sponsor Cancellation

All cancellations must be made in writing.

  • Cancellations received more than 60 days prior to the Event may be eligible for a partial refund (less reasonable administrative costs), at the Organiser’s discretion.
  • Cancellations within 60 days of the Event are non-refundable.
  • Tickets and tables may be transferred to another named guest with prior written notice to the Organiser.

Sponsorship fees are non-refundable once marketing, promotional or production benefits have commenced.

As this is a fundraising event in support of the Street Soccer Foundation’s charitable work, many costs are committed in advance and refunds cannot generally be provided.

 

4. Event Changes, Postponement or Force Majeure

The Organiser reserves the right to postpone, relocate or reasonably alter the format of the Event due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to:

  • Acts of God
  • Government restrictions
  • National mourning
  • Public health emergencies
  • Venue unavailability
  • Security risks
  • Industrial disputes
  • Insufficient participation

If the Event is postponed, tickets and sponsorships will be transferred to the rescheduled date.

If the Event is cancelled and cannot be rescheduled, the Organiser will determine an appropriate refund policy, taking into account costs already incurred in good faith.

The Organiser shall not be liable for any consequential losses, including travel or accommodation costs.

 

5. Sponsorship Benefits & Branding

Sponsors grant the Organiser a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use their company name and logo for the purposes of promoting and delivering the Event.

The Organiser will use reasonable endeavours to deliver the agreed sponsorship benefits but reserves the right to make minor changes where operationally necessary.

Sponsors may not:

  • Sub-license or resell their sponsorship package
  • Share branding benefits without prior written consent
  • Promote unrelated events or causes during the Event without approval

All branding materials must comply with UK law and must not be offensive, discriminatory or inappropriate.

 

6. Guest Conduct

The Big Goal Gala is a professional fundraising event aligned with the values of the Street Soccer Foundation.

The Organiser reserves the right to refuse entry or remove any Guest who:

  • Engages in abusive, threatening, discriminatory or inappropriate behaviour
  • Is intoxicated to the point of causing disruption
  • Acts unlawfully or unsafely

No refund will be provided in such circumstances.

 

7. Health & Safety

Guests must comply with:

  • Venue health & safety requirements
  • Fire and evacuation procedures
  • Any instructions issued by Event staff

The Organiser reserves the right to implement additional health or security measures where required.

 

8. Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or for fraud.

Subject to the above:

  • The Organiser shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental or consequential loss.
  • The Organiser’s total aggregate liability shall not exceed the amount paid by the Guest or Sponsor for the Event.
  • Guests attend at their own risk and are responsible for personal belongings.

 

9. Insurance (Sponsors)

Sponsors are responsible for ensuring they hold appropriate public liability and other relevant insurance for any materials, branding installations or promotional activity they bring to the Event.

The Organiser may request proof of insurance where applicable.

 

10. Photography & Filming

The Event may be photographed and filmed for promotional and marketing purposes.

By attending, Guests consent to:

  • Being photographed, filmed or recorded
  • The use of such materials by the Organiser for promotional, marketing and fundraising purposes across digital, print and broadcast media

If a Guest does not wish to appear in media coverage, they must notify the Organiser in writing prior to the Event.

 

11. Data Protection

Personal data will be processed in accordance with UK data protection legislation and the Street Soccer Foundation’s Privacy Policy.

Information provided may be used for:

  • Event administration
  • Fundraising communications
  • Charity impact reporting

Guests may opt out of communications at any time.

 

12. Fundraising Activities on the Night

The Gala may include fundraising activities such as:

  • Live or silent auctions
  • Prize draws or raffles
  • Donation pledges

All bids and pledges made during the Event are legally binding commitments to donate and must be settled before departure or within the timeframe specified by the Organiser.

 

13. Force Majeure

The Organiser shall not be deemed in breach of these Terms if it is prevented from performing its obligations due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

 

14. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Any disputes arising shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

 

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms & Conditions, together with any written booking confirmation or sponsorship agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the parties relating to the Event.

Size Guide

The Big Goal Kit Bundle Playing Socks

SIZE
MEASUREMENT
M
1-5
L
6-11
XL
12-13

Size Guide

The Big Goal Kit Bundle Playing Shorts

SIZE
MEASUREMENT
S
30”
M
32”
L
34”
XL
36”
2XL
38”

Size Guide

The Big Goal Kit Bundle Playing Shirt

SIZE
MEASUREMENT
XS
35/37″
S
37/39″
M
39/41″
L
41/43″
XL
43/45″
2XL
45/48″
3XL
48/50″