Rules & Regulations 2026

1. Subscriptions and Guarantees

All Clubs shall pay an entry fee for each season. This may vary from season to season. There is no entry fee for the 2026 season.

A guarantee, or deposit, is required to cover any fines incurred during the season.

The league guarantee, or deposit, is equal to the size of two whole match fees, totalling 3,000 CNY for the season. Teams that played in the 2025 season receive a 50% discount on the deposit, totalling 1,500 CNY.

The entry fee and deposit must be paid no later than two weeks before the start of the season to ensure participation. Having subscribed to the league, a club automatically becomes a member club and part of the Members' Committee (MEMCO).

2. Meetings

A General Meeting shall be held at the start of every league season. Each Club may send two delegates but will only be entitled to one vote. Any club not represented at the General Meeting or any Special Meeting loses the right to vote.

3. Conduct of Clubs

Any Club whose conduct is, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, objectionable, may be excluded from membership of the League — provided that a motion to exclude the offending Club is supported by a simple majority of delegates present and entitled to vote at either a General Meeting or a Special General Meeting.

4. Powers of Executive Committee

The Executive Committee (EXCO) shall have jurisdiction over all matters, whether specifically provided for in the rules or not. In the event of a tied vote at any meeting, there shall be a re-vote. In the event of a further tie, the Executive Committee shall cast the deciding vote.

The Executive Committee shall communicate, discuss and manage league matters continuously throughout the season. The EXCO is represented by the league chairman (also referred to as the league secretary or secretary), who has full authority. The EXCO shall have full control and jurisdiction over all matters regarding the legal entity of SIAFL and its businesses and operations.

The "league" in this document refers to any competition organised by the EXCO, including but not limited to the SIAFL League, Cup or Plate.

2026 EXCO members: To be confirmed by the Executive Committee at the start of the season.

5. Champion Club

At the conclusion of each season's competition, the Club attaining the largest number of points shall be declared the Champion Club. Three points will be awarded for a win, and one point for a draw.

In the event that two or more Clubs finish equal on points, the highest position will be awarded to the Club with the greatest goal difference. If two or more Clubs are equal on points and goal difference, the highest position will be awarded to the Club scoring the greatest number of goals in the season.

6. Registration, De-registration, Transfers and Eligibility

6.1 Registration

A club must register a minimum of 12 players and a maximum of 18 players.

All players in the League must be registered for the Club for which they are competing. A player may register for more than one club during a given season (see 6.3).

Registration of a player can occur at any time, provided that the team in question has not reached the maximum of 18 allotted players. If a team already has 18 players registered, it must de-register a player in order to register a new player.

If registration of a player takes place directly before a game, the registration must be completed no less than two and a half hours before kickoff.

Player registrations can only be made on the SIAFL website (www.siafl.org). A player is only deemed registered for a club once the following steps have been completed:

1. Create a player profile on the SIAFL website.
2. Assign the player profile to the appropriate team.
3. Player registration approval by the league chairman.
4. The player has made a match appearance, regardless of time on the pitch, in an official SIAFL game, including but not limited to a League, Cup or Plate fixture.

A player registered for a club on the SIAFL website who has not yet played in an official SIAFL game for that club is free to transfer to another club without being liable to the five-match ban. In this situation, the player is deemed to have never completed registration for the original club, as they never made an appearance in an official SIAFL fixture, and is free to register for another club.

It is the sole responsibility of each Club's manager to confirm with the league secretary that any new player is registered with the league prior to each match day's player registration deadline, for any such player to be eligible to participate in said match.

A team found guilty of registering a player currently in the employment of a professional club is subject to a 5,000 CNY fine and a 6-point deduction. Any such player will be deemed "INELIGIBLE" (see #6.4). This is in keeping with the spirit of amateur football.

Any professional player is automatically deemed "INELIGIBLE" (see #6.4). Former professional players are only deemed "ELIGIBLE" once the player has been out of a professional contract for at least three (3) continuous months. This is in keeping with the spirit of amateur football.

A team found guilty of paying a player to play is subject to a 5,000 CNY fine and a 6-point deduction. Any such player will be deemed "INELIGIBLE" (see #6.4).

The Executive Committee reserves the right to accept, reject or suspend a player's registration at any time.

6.2 De-registration

If a team already has 18 registered players, the team must de-register a player to create a squad berth. Any de-registered player must serve a five-match suspension before being eligible to be registered for another SIAFL team in the same season.

During the summer break, a player can transfer to a new club and only serve a two-match ban if both managers from the old and new club agree. If the old club's manager disagrees, the player must serve the normal five-match ban.

A team may re-register a player they have already de-registered in the same season as long as the five-match suspension has been served.

Five (5) player de-registrations are permitted per team at any time during the season. An additional five (5) de-registrations are permitted during and limited to the summer break.

Any additional de-registrations cost 2 league tally points.

A de-registered player may register with another team at any time. However, a de-registered player may not play for another team until they have served a five-match suspension, starting from the moment of de-registration.

6.3 Transfers

In the close season period, players may register with a new club. In this event, the new club must contact the EXCO with details of the transfer to complete the registration form.

If a player wishes to sign for a new club, having already made a league appearance for their registered club, they may do so, providing the rules outlined in #6.1 and #6.2 are adhered to.

To ensure a mid-season transfer does not violate #8, the following procedures must be adhered to:

1. The Player notifies their current Manager and the EXCO that they wish to leave their current club.
2. The current Manager releases the Player to the EXCO.
3. The EXCO informs the Player that they are free to contact any new Clubs or managers regarding registration.
4. The Player can be registered by a new club once the five-match suspension has been served.

It remains the manager's prerogative to de-register a player or not, and when to do so. If, in the EXCO's opinion, a manager — out of spite or without valid reason — does not want to release a player who had previously informed the EXCO of a desire to be de-registered, the EXCO can, at its own discretion, decide to release the player from their registration. This is in keeping with the spirit of amateur football and for the protection of individual players.

It is the responsibility of the team manager (MEMCO member) to ensure that a player they wish to register during the season is not registered for any other SIAFL club. Playing a player who is currently registered for another club carries a 6-point penalty. If a manager wishes to register a player currently registered to another club, the player must first be de-registered by said club before they can sign for the new club.

6.4 Ineligibility

A player will be deemed "INELIGIBLE" in the event of non-compliance with any aspect of the procedures stated in Rules #6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 9. Any Club found guilty of playing an INELIGIBLE player in a League match may forfeit the match or matches in question and may have an additional three points deducted from their League record. Each subsequent offence may result in the deduction of a further three points from their League record.

Any Club found guilty of playing an INELIGIBLE player in a Cup match may forfeit the tie. In the event of an infringement in either League or Cup, a fine of 200 CNY may be imposed for the first offence and a fine of 400 CNY may be imposed for each subsequent offence.

In the spirit of the expatriate league, there is a limit of three mainland Chinese players allowed to be registered at any one time, unless a special case is submitted and approved by MEMCO.

7. Fixtures, Cancellations, Forfeits and Wildcards

7.1 Fixtures

Fixtures will be assigned by the league chairman. The season fixtures will be finalised by the league chairman in good time before the opening day fixtures. It is strongly recommended that each team registers the maximum of 18 players to avoid fixture problems.

All games during the 2026 season will be played at Haibin Sport Center, on Mondays (except holidays) between 20:30 and 22:30. Should the contract at a SIAFL pitch venue be dissolved, one or more additional venues will be appointed instead.

Matches shall commence no later than 20:45.

7.2 Rescheduling a Fixture

Any team may request to postpone a game provided they give at least one month's notice. It is up to the opposing team's manager whether or not to accept a date change. Any date change is chosen by the opposing team's manager and must be within one week of the original fixture date.

EXCO maintains all powers of fixture scheduling and rescheduling.

7.3 Cancellations

Any match cancellation must be made no less than 72 hours before kickoff. In the event of a cancellation, the match is forfeit (see #7.4) and the cancelling team is liable to pay the whole match fee.

If a team needs to cancel a match but fails to make the cancellation at least 72 hours before kickoff, the match is forfeit (see #7.4) and the cancelling team is liable to pay double the whole match fee.

Teams and managers shall, to the best of their ability, do their utmost to make sure that all SIAFL matches are completed. Any team that cancels or forfeits a game (see #7.4) without just cause is guilty of misconduct and liable to a fine, point deduction, expulsion or such penalty as the Executive Committee see fit.

7.4 Forfeits

If a team cancels a match before it has begun, the forfeit score is 0–5, and the forfeiting team is liable to pay the whole match fee.

If a team cannot finish a match that has already begun, the score shall be recorded as whichever (goal difference) is the greater of:

• a) Double the scoreline when the game was forfeit, or
• b) 10–0.

In the event that a match is forfeit before its natural completion, the forfeiting team is liable to pay double the whole match fee.

8. Approaching Players

Any Club, Official or Member found guilty of inducing or attempting to induce, directly or indirectly, a player or players of another League Club to join it, shall be guilty of misconduct and be liable to expulsion or such penalty as the Executive Committee may decide.

A player who has been informed by the EXCO that they are free to talk to opponent SIAFL managers and teams, according to the procedures in #6.3, may be approached by all SIAFL Clubs and managers.

9. General Playing Rules

• The match duration is 90 minutes, consisting of two 45-minute halves.
• Injury time is at the discretion of the match official.
• Goalkeeper distribution and area rules are as in 11-a-side.
• Throw-ins and corners are as in normal 11-a-side rules.
• The back-pass rule applies — a free kick shall be awarded to the attacking team 5 yards outside the area.
• All free kicks are direct. Defending players must be at least 10 yards from the ball for the free kick.
• A penalty is taken 10 yards from the goal line.
• There are NO OFFSIDES.
• Rolling substitutions are permitted. The ball must be out of play and the referee must have acknowledged the substitution for it to take place.
• Yellow cards will be issued for foul or abusive language aimed at the referee or opposition. Three yellow cards collected in a season (per player) will result in a one-match ban. The ban is effective for the game directly following the third yellow card (cup or league game).
• Excessive verbal abuse will lead to a straight red card.
• A dismissal (for both straight red card dismissals and two yellow card dismissals) carries a 200 CNY league fine and a one-match ban effective for the game directly following the red card. In the event of a ban (red or yellow), all yellow cards are reset to zero.
• Any fighting will be severely punished by the Executive Committee. This will most likely be a ban and/or fine.
• Any physical assault on a match official is a minimum 10-match suspension. This ban may be extended depending on the nature of the assault.
• FIFA-approved shin guards are mandatory. Playing without shin guards will result in a yellow card and the forced substitution of that player. The player cannot re-enter the pitch until they are wearing the correct shin guards. A second offence will result in a second yellow card and therefore a red card.
• For all other rules, the FIFA Laws of Association Football will apply.

10. Match Officials

The referees of each SIAFL match shall provide a hard-printed copy of the Match Sheet generated on the SIAFL website.

Any changes to the Match Sheet must be submitted to the match official and the opposing team manager/representative no later than ten minutes before the start of the match. The sheet must be fully completed and must contain a list of the players taking part in the match, including substitutes and any changes to numbering (see #14.2).

The match day squad must include no fewer than 6 players and no more than 18 players. Anything outside these parameters and the match is considered forfeit.

12. Protests and Appeals

All protests, claims and complaints shall be heard and determined by the Executive Committee. Clubs protesting or claiming must contact the league secretary no later than two days after completion of the match.

13. Infringement of Rules

Any infringement of the League Rules shall be dealt with in such manner as the Executive Committee may think fit.

14. Kits and Numbering

14.1 Kits

For the 2026 season, competing teams will provide their own match kits. The kits must include mandatory uniform socks. Any kit sponsorship is at the discretion of the individual teams. The league retains the right to provide full kit and kit sponsorship in future seasons.

All kits shall follow the SIAFL kit design guideline, including but not limited to the SIAFL logo, league sponsors and team crests, issued before the start of the season by the league secretary.

All kit must be uniform. Players wearing different jerseys or shorts will be asked to leave the field of play in order to maintain high standards of appearance.

14.2 Numbering

A player registered with a club shall be issued a squad number. It is the responsibility of the club to ensure that every player selected on match day is registered under their own number and plays in that number. In the event that a kit number is unavailable on match day, the MEMCO member for that club must discuss the issue with the league secretary before the scheduled start to the match. Players found to be playing in the wrong number, without prior permission from the secretary, may be removed from the match.

MEMCO members must inform and seek the approval from the referee and then update the Match Sheet with all squad number changes prior to kickoff (see #11).

15. Players Insurance

Clubs should ensure that all of their players participating in Competitions under the control of the League have insurance cover for injuries that may be sustained by a player.

Should a Club decide not to provide insurance cover for its players, that Club should ensure that its players sign a mandate confirming that they are aware of their own responsibility for personal accident insurance and that, in the event of an injury sustained whilst playing football, both that Club and the League would be absolved from any claim or litigation.

16. Balls

For the 2026 season, we will use an official match ball. The home team (the team listed first on the fixture schedule) is responsible for providing three of the official match balls for their home fixtures. Failure to do so will result in a one league tally point deduction.

17. Weather

Matches abandoned due to weather conditions will be rescheduled by the league secretary.

If weather conditions appear hazardous, a team may approach the league secretary and request a postponement. It is the responsibility of the league to inspect pitch conditions and decide whether the weather conditions pose a risk to the safety of the players. If the league deems the conditions playable, the match continues as scheduled. If the league deems the conditions hazardous, the league will reschedule the fixture with no punishment to the team which requested a postponement.

If the match is abandoned before half time, a replay will be arranged by the league secretary. If the match is abandoned before the 75th minute, a 1–0 victory is allocated to the team winning at that time. If the match is abandoned after the 75th minute, the winning team wins with the current scoreline. If goals scored are equal, and it is after halftime, the scoreline stands and the game is a draw. Both teams and the match official must agree to match abandonment.

17b. Venues & Match Fees

Matches are to be played at Haibin Pitches. Changes are acceptable as long as both teams agree in advance and the change is cleared by the league secretary and match official.

Venue changes must be agreed no later than 6 days before kickoff, as a deposit is paid for each game by the league.

Match Fees are payable by competing teams. The Match Fee is set to 825 CNY for 2 hours per team and shall be paid by each team to the league treasurer in accordance with their instructions, no later than two and a half hours before kickoff on any given Match Day. This fee will cover referees, videos and the league fee.

Any team may pay pitch, referee, video and league fees in advance. In this case, the league shall issue a receipt for any monies received.

18. Sponsorship

The league reserves the right to procure third party sponsorship. Official league publications and media will feature third party sponsorship. Individual team sponsorship is at the discretion of the team.

19. Code of Conduct

In an attempt to improve the level of respect shown to opposing team players as well as the referees, the League requests all participating players sign a code of conduct contract (Appendix A) promising to adhere to the conduct guidelines set out.

20. 11-a-side SIAFL All Stars Team

Every team taking part in SIAFL must support the community 11-a-side team. Any team or manager not doing so will be judged by the EXCO and may be liable to expulsion or such penalty as the Executive Committee may decide.