Rules and Laws of the J.P.S.F.A.

Only primary school pupils, up to and including Grade 7 pupils, are eligible for our competitions. No high school pupils may participate, regardless of their age.
Although it is an open league, the league applies to players 14 years or younger. This excludes 15-year olds (and older), and children who will turn 15 during 2022.

Please ensure that age groups are adhered to. The onus is on the coach to ensure that all players play in their correct age groups.

• U9: born in 2013
• U10: born in 2012
• U11: born in 2011
• U12: born in 2010
• U13: born in 2009
• U14: born in 2008

All fixtures, league and cup, are now gender specific, i.e. girls may only play in girls fixtures and boys may only play in boys fixtures.

This season, the following groupings will apply in the girls’ league:

• U9: born in 2013
• U10: born in 2012
• U11: born in 2011
• U12: born in 2010
• U14: born in 2009 -2008

All fixtures (both league and cup) are now genderspecific. In other words, girls may only play in the girls’ fixtures and boys may only play in the boys’ fixtures.

Boys League:

• Under 9 and under 10 boys use the seven-a-side format. A goalkeeper and six outfield players. A suitably reduced goal area, which allows the goalkeeper to practice his skills, should be provided. This area will be rectangular and extend to a maximum of ten (10) metres. The goals should measure 4 metres x 1.5 metres. The offside law does not apply. Games will be played over two halves of 15 minutes. A size 3 football will be used.
• Under 11,12, 13 and 14 will play on a full-sized field and the 11-a-side format will be used.
• Games will be played over two halves of 20-minutes. A size 4 football will be used.

Girls League:

• All the girls’ age groups will use the seven-a-side format, with a goalkeeper and six outfield players. A suitably reduced goal area, which allows the goalkeeper to practice her skills, needs to be rovided.  This area will be rectangular and extend to a maximum of 10 metres. The goals must measure 4 metres x 1.5 metres.
• The offside rule does not apply.
• Games will be played over two halves of 15 minutes for all age groups.
• U9 girls will use a size 3 football. U11 and U14 girls will use a size 4 football.

The coach sets the tone for their team. While everyone sets out to win each match, it is important that coaches encourage their teams in a positive and constructive manner. This attitude needs to extend to their own team, the opposition and the referees.

Referees should ensure that the playing surface is free of stones, sticks, etc. and that the field is correctly and clearly marked. Care needs to be taken that exposed concrete cricket pitches do not pose a danger to players.

Players must, at all times, play in the spirit of the game and avoid criticising their teammates and the opposition. They need to acknowledge the good play of all players. Teams must greet each other before the game and thank each other after the game. Criticism of referees’ decisions will not be tolerated.

Parents must be informed by schools that, while their support is valued, any criticism and unruly behaviour will not be tolerated.

It is always the duty of coaches and referees to ensure the safety of players.

Because of this, the size of players creates difficulties that can be avoided through appropriate discussion between coaches before the games.

It is important that a first-aid kit (with ice) be available at all fixtures.

All instances of unacceptable behaviour on the part of players, coaches, referees and parents must be reported to the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee so that appropriate action may be taken.

All red cards or sending-off events must be reported in writing within 24 hours to the Chairman of the  Disciplinary Committee.

An email must be sent to info@jpsfa.org.za (marked for the attention of Mr. D Shead) with a match report the day after the fixture. 

According to the IFAB laws of the game, temporary dismissals are now permitted. This means that when a player commits an actionable offence (yellow card), that player is punished by an immediate suspension from participating in the next part of the game.

It will operate as follows:

• A yellow card is shown.
• Four minutes is spent seated in the technical area. When that period expires, the referee signals to the player to return.
• If the player receives a second yellow card during the same game, they will be given a red card and be suspended from the game.The incident is then reported within 24 hours to the JPSFA, using the website www.jpsfa.org.za.
• The philosophy is that an immediate punishment can have a significant and positive influence on the behaviour of the offending player and, potentially, the player’s team.

School are instructed to confirm fixtures and venues at least one week in advance. Whilst confirming, the venue will be determent by ONE of the following:

• The size and number of fields available. 
• The most senior / qualified referee has the right to officiate whether the game is played home or away. 
• Home team is mentioned first. 

In the event where schools know that their pupils will be on tour, they are requested to inform their opponents of this at the start of the season.

It is the duty of the coach to ensure that players are dressed neatly and in accordance with their school’s sport uniform.

Shin guards are compulsory. No player will be allowed on the field if they do not wear shin guards.

Schools should remember that many pupils must use public transport after school matches. To help these children get home at a reasonable hour, coaches and referees should get to venues as early as possible, start the matches as quickly as possible and avoid wasting time at halftime and after the games.