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Post by Rajiv on Dec 7, 2012 8:36:47 GMT 8
As our games on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday are on uncovered pitches, we have to deal with wet weather: .... To reiterate, the rain policy for the uncovered pitches is that we go ahead with the game even if it is drizzling, and will only be cancelled if it is pouring in the hour before the game. Only two games have ever been cancelled due to a wet pitch, both Thursday night games at East Coast, on 25 November 2010 and 2 December 2010. Both games could have gone on, but at that time, several players were not familiar with playing on a wet pitch and didn't want to play after it rained, even though it had stopped more than an hour before the game. .... Until Thursday, 27 September 2012: Both the Thursday games were cancelled due to rain. It only started raining at both venues (Khalsa and East Coast) about 10 to 20 minutes before 9 pm, the scheduled time for the games. .... We're well into the rainy season now. We first started playing on uncovered pitches in July 2010. With more than 2 years of experience now, I have noticed that it is more likely to rain heavily during the day or early evening, or later at night or early morning. Between 8 and 11 pm does seem to be the time it is least likely to rain heavily. Two games over the past two weeks came close to being affected by rain. * On Wednesday, 28 November 2012, it started to rain heavily shortly after 6 pm. Fortunately, it stopped by 8 pm. * On Monday, 3 December 2012, it was raining through much of the afternoon. Although it gradually eased up, there was persistent drizzle beyond 8 pm. After much deliberation, it was decided to go on with the game. It was only a light drizzle by the time the game started. The game went on well enough. The other thing I've noticed is that the heavier the rain in the afternoon or early evening, the more likely it won't rain heavily after 8 pm. With the WhatsApp group chats for each game, the weather can be discussed real time if it is raining, with players in the vicinity of the venue providing updates. My own inclination is to go on with the game, even if the drizzle is somewhat heavy. However, for Sports Planet @ East Coast, a very wet surface risks exacerbating the prevailing safety issues, so I might leave it more to the players on the WhatsApp group chat. My own view remains that we should go with the game if it is only drizzle or light rain at 8 pm. However, if it is borderline, I won't stop players from withdrawing by 8 pm, without any penalty. However, if the effect is that we don't have enough players, the game will have to be cancelled. Yesterday (Thursday, 6 December 2012), we switched the East Coast game from the big uncovered pitch to the small covered pitch. However, we did so because we only had 10, and a small covered pitch for 5-a-side was available. In the end, although it was raining earlier in the day, the weather was fine by 8 pm, so rain wasn't a factor. It would be difficult to switch a game at East Coast from an uncovered pitch to a covered pitch in order to proceed with the game when it is raining. First, we'll only have a clearer idea of the weather at about 8 pm. At that late stage, a covered pitch is highly unlikely to be available. Secondly, we would have 12 to 14 players for the big pitch. We can't squeeze them all into a 5-a-side pitch. Rolling substitutes is not satisfactory for an hour-long game. |
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Post by Rajiv on Dec 13, 2012 9:17:37 GMT 8
From the report thread for Saturday game at Turf City: ..., keeping elbows down is ... part of our rules. .... .... It's hard to run with your arms by your side to be fair unless your a penguin, .... .... A normal running action shouldn't bring your elbow up to head height .... Unless you run like this: .... The statement of the rule was introduced in February 2012, following on from the following discussion on the "Safety" thread: .... Sticking out your arms when running (to shield yourself more so than to maintain balance, unless you're a ballerina!) or leaping (for leverage) risks catching others with your arms or elbows. It's something the top professionals have been doing for some time, and are not always punished for, but there's no need for any of that in our games, played within a more confined space. When you hold your arms out to shield yourself from tackles, you're bound to use some amount of force, and risk catching an opponent with your outstretched hand, arm, or elbow. .... |
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Post by Rajiv on Jan 12, 2013 17:22:06 GMT 8
The following discussions led to the conclusion that the rules on putting names down for a game need tightening: .... For me, a game filling up by the second day after the schedule thread is put up is too fast. You get players rushing to put their names down, and then withdrawals as you get closer to the game, which makes for much volatility and uncertainty, and can be a barrier to playing for less regular players. The aim is to have several players down by the end of the second day, and full or almost full by the third day, 2 days before the game itself. It's a sign of a good spread of games and players - sufficient players and sufficient games - which makes the system sustainable. .... However, if in the new year, the Saturday Turf City game regularly fills up within an hour or two, I will need to find a solution. .... [An] option is to not allow guests in the first 48 hours after the schedule thread is put up. Players who want to get in quickly for Saturday would need to be approved players. New players need to get at least one game in before their registration is approved. If they can't get a game in on Saturday, there are lots of other games to get in for. .... ..., players should disclose any illness, injury or impediment before the team selectors are elected, so that they can be taken into account when agreeing on the line ups. However, if the impediment will substantially impair the player's ability to participate in the game on usual terms, I will in future move the player to reserve. An indication that the player can only play primarily or entirely in goal will result in the player being moved to reserve. I will of course inform the player concerned before moving him to reserve. If there are special reasons the player wants to play in that particular game, they will be considered on a case by case basis. The new rules: (1) The restriction on putting names down for others is modified, such that no player can put names of non-approved players (ie, players who have not registered and had their registration approved)) in the first 48 hours after the thread is put up. Any such name put down will be moved to the waitlist. If after 48 hours, there are still places left, the name can be moved back to fill a place. This is in keeping with my previously stated intention of benefitting approved players before guests. (2) Any player suffering from illness, injury or any impediment that is likely to substantially impair a player from contributing on usual terms to a game will be moved to the waitlist. The player will only be moved back into a confirmed spot if there are places left for him when the team selector poll is closed. Players recovering from illness or injury should look to recover first, before coming back to play. The new rules will take effect from the next game to be posted, that is, the game on Saturday, 19 January 2013. Also, previously, I had stated: I generally avoid putting names down for anyone in the first 48 hours after I put up a schedule thread. One exception has been if I know the player well, and he is away and does not have access to the internet while he is away. This is of course exceptional. .... With the new tighter rules, I think it is only fair that I no longer put names down for anyone else in the first 48 hours. If a regular is away or does not have access to the internet, he can ask another regular to put his name down for him. I trust there is sufficient rapport between regulars for them to help each other out once in a while. Currently, there is a limit of 3 names in the first 48 hours (4 for Turf City). To make it uniform, each approved player can put the names of up to 4 approved players (including himself) in the first 48 hours. I will also do away with the following exception: .... Another exception will be if a player missed out on a particular game the week before because it filled up within 24 hours despite remaining in reserve until the line ups went up, he wants to play in the current week, but is at risk of missing out again, and he has sufficient credit when the schedule is put up. This is to cater for excessively popular games. I have anyway not done this for ages. It will now be entirely on a first come first in basis. |
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Post by Rajiv on Jan 15, 2013 8:12:14 GMT 8
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Post by Rajiv on Feb 1, 2013 14:36:15 GMT 8
I have substantially revised the General Information post on the Games Schedule board under the GIFFA-Defined games category, and renamed it "The GIFFA System". I aim to include all that our players need to know about participating in our games, other than our in-game rules, which are covered separately under "Playing Rules & Principles", on the same board. Both posts are stickied, with "The GIFFA System" above the "Playing Rules & Principles". I'll also added the following footnote to "The GIFFA System" page: .... (1) The above information may be revised from time to time.
(2) I own the intellectual property in the GIFFA System in copyright, patent and trademark. |
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Post by Rajiv on Feb 10, 2013 11:54:40 GMT 8
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Post by Rajiv on Feb 28, 2013 23:27:45 GMT 8
The night game at East Coast on Monday, 25 February 2013, was cancelled due to rain. We had 14 players for the big ucovered pitch, and although the rain had eased up from earlier, it was still raining at 8.15 pm, with a bit of lightning. A small covered pitch was available from 9.30 to 10.30 pm, but only 7 or 8 of the 14 players were interested - not enough for the game to go on. The rain continued until about 9.30 pm. To reiterate, the rain policy for games on the uncovered pitches is that we go ahead even if it is drizzling, and only cancel if it is pouring in the hour before the game. .... ..., as far as possible, I try to have the game go on. .... .... My own inclination is to go on with the game, even if the drizzle is somewhat heavy. However, for Sports Planet @ East Coast, a very wet surface risks exacerbating the prevailing safety issues, so I might leave it more to the players on the WhatsApp group chat. .... For this Monday's game, there was discussion on the WhatsApp group chat, but with the rain persisting, and with lightning, it was a clear case for either switching to a covered pitch or cancelling. 2 reasons why the call has to be made an hour before the game: * Some players are coming from further away, and need time to travel. * Even if it stops raining shortly before the game is due to start, if it has been raining heavily for some time before that, the pitch is likely to be waterlogged. Only the third game ever cancelled due to rain since January 2011. The other two games were both on the same night - Thursday, 27 September 2012. Not only were there two games that night, as it only started to rain 10 to 20 minutes before the games were due to start, players were already on their way, if not already at the venue. The heavy rain came on quite suddenly. In 2010, two games were cancelled due to drizzle and wet pitches: .... ..., both Thursday night games at East Coast, on 25 November 2010 and 2 December 2010. Both games could have gone on, but at that time, several players were not familiar with playing on a wet pitch and didn't want to play after it rained, even though it had stopped more than an hour before the game. .... The rain policy was developed after that - on 3 January 2011. We only started playing on uncovered pitches in July 2010. |
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Post by Rajiv on Apr 27, 2013 21:43:37 GMT 8
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Post by Rajiv on May 2, 2013 11:56:00 GMT 8
I looked the following up for the report on the game on Saturday (27 April 2013) at The Grandstand: There had been issues with Franco before that game. Things finally came to a head. .... The obligation to play is not just to turn up, and on time, it also includes playing to the end of the game except in the case of injury or emergency. If a player can continue in goal, he should. If an issue arises during a game that cannot be resolved immediately, it should be dealt with after the game or on the message board. And if a player does leave the game, just continue in the same way that we would if a player picks up an injury, with a player short. .... There is a feeling that a player leaving a game before the end because he is angry or unhappy spoils the game for the rest, in the same way as latecomers and no shows do. It's still not clear this was the case for the Saturday game, but it worth addressing the broader issue, which surprisingly, has not been addressed since Franco. If a player leaves a game early (whether he walks out or is injured), the players should continue with the modified rules, that is, the team with the extra player is restricted to scoring from within the penalty spot. The restriction can be switched to the other team by a player switching from the team with the extra player to the other team. I am more inclined to impose a penalty for walking out of a game than for latecoming. Players usually have some excuse for latecoming - traffic, held up in their previous engagement or work etc. Walking out of a game is a choice. There is currently no penalty for latecoming. I'd consider a penalty of $1 for every 5 minutes before the end that a player walks out of the game. If the player apologises on the report thread, I will waive the penalty. I suppose the same principles could be apply for latecoming, but I'd only introduce it for latecoming after penalties for walking out have been tried out for a while. |
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Post by Rajiv on May 2, 2013 12:47:28 GMT 8
.... The rules effectively cover overzealous tackling, excessive arguing over decisions, and several, but not all forms of gamesmanship. .... The bigger issue is enforcement. I will need to revise the rules so that they are enforceable, without the need for a referee. .... I've merged/revised the following passage: I've added the following: I'm prepared to consider more imaginative sanctions, for example: * Requiring players to spend an extended period in goal over several games for overzealous tackling. * Not allowing a player who simulates to win a penalty for several games. If he is fouled, he can only win a free kick wherever on the pitch it may occur. * For a player who is excessively belligerent, each time he verbally confronts an opponent, a free kick is awarded to the opposing side. |
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Post by Rajiv on May 16, 2013 17:40:27 GMT 8
The game last night (Wednesday) at Khalsa was cancelled due to rain. Heavy rain at Khalsa, with thunder and lightning. Game cancelled, sorry. Only the second game to be cancelled due to rain since 27 September 2012, when both Thursday games were cancelled: The night game at East Coast on Monday, 25 February 2013, was cancelled due to rain. We had 14 players for the big ucovered pitch, and although the rain had eased up from earlier, it was still raining at 8.15 pm, with a bit of lightning. .... 2 reasons why the call has to be made an hour before the game: * Some players are coming from further away, and need time to travel. * Even if it stops raining shortly before the game is due to start, if it has been raining heavily for some time before that, the pitch is likely to be waterlogged. Only the third game ever cancelled due to rain since January 2011. The other two games were both on the same night - Thursday, 27 September 2012. Not only were there two games that night, as it only started to rain 10 to 20 minutes before the games were due to start, players were already on their way, if not already at the venue. The heavy rain came on quite suddenly. .... I think there is a greater willingness to play in the rain, but lightning is a significant factor. I guess it's more a weather policy than a rain policy. .... Angelo was already on his way to Khalsa and ended up playing with another group through the rain, which eased up quite bit after 9 pm, before continuing into the night. Generally: .... ..., as far as possible, I try to have the game go on. .... A couple of times recently, I've pointed out: .... The sky is very grey with a bit of thunder, but it has often been like this around this time since March, but so far, it has always cleared up well before the game. .... On the previous occasion, it did clear up. Previously: .... ..... We first started playing on uncovered pitches in July 2010. With more than 2 years of experience now, I have noticed that it is more likely to rain heavily during the day or early evening, or later at night or early morning. Between 8 and 11 pm does seem to be the time it is least likely to rain heavily. .... As long as weather patterns don't change.  |
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Post by Rajiv on Aug 22, 2013 10:12:47 GMT 8
From the report thread for the game on Tuesday at Kallang: .... In view of Andrew's late arrival, we played 4 vs 5 for about 10 mins with the usual handicap (Reds could only score in the "D") and Whites edged it 1-0 just before Andrew arrived. .... To recap: .... The rule was first introduced in February 2009. At that time, we we were only playing 5-a-side on small pitches. Restricting scoring to within the D worked well at Sports Planet and Turf City. At The Cage however, the D is much smaller, which meant the side with the extra player struggled to score. That is why it was changed to within the imaginary line running through the penalty spot. We only started playing at the big pitch at Sports Planet last year. As the D on the big pitch at Sports Planet is relatively small compared to the length of the pitch, the same rule as at The Cage was applied. For the bigger (7-a-side) pitches, it doesn't make that much difference whether scoring is restricted to within the D or the imaginary line running through the penalty spot. The rule can be changed, or it can be decided case by case by those playing the game. However: .... Players are getting confused with the different rules for restricted scoring for different pitches. Azmi got it right when he said scoring is restricted to within the D. Then someone said scoring is restricted to within the white dots (the imaginary one-third area). In January 2012, there was a suggestion that the scoring for the team with the extra player be restricted to outside the D rather than within the D. .... I think restricting the scoring to within the D or the line running through the penalty spot, rather than outside that area, is more effective in countering a numerical advantage. .... Both options remained available at that time. Sometime between May 2012 and December 2012, the rule was modified so the scoring restriction was within the penalty spot at all venues and for all pitches. The Playing Rules & Principles currently provide as follows: |
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Post by Rajiv on Oct 23, 2013 16:59:12 GMT 8
Kien messaged me on Sunday night to ask "for shots that go off the ceiling net and into the goal, does that count?" The Rules provide: I replied accordingly. Kien later added the following comment on the report thread for the Sunday game at The Grandstand: Oh and I was wrong and Gerard right: any shot coming off the ceiling net and into the goal, doesn't count as a goal scored. We've previously discussed scoring from anywhere: I consider the rule allowing scoring from anywhere to include scoring direct from a kick-in ..., but it is open to discussion. I treat it as the same as a free-kick in that respect. The other question is whether the goalkeeper can score directly, whether from a re-start after the ball has gone out of play, or when he receives the ball from open play. The question is extended to whether the goalkeeper can score by throwing the ball directly into the opposing goal when he has possession in his hands (bearing in mind that as we don't have a back-pass rule, the goalkeeper can pick up the ball from a back-pass). Based on the rule as it stands, the answer would be yes, but again, it's open to discussion. Like I said, my main aim is to keep the rules simple, and the game free flowing. And unless and until the rule is modified or changed, my understanding is set out above. However, for scoring directly off the overhead netting: .... ..., the rules and principles generally are as permissive as possible, constrained mainly by safety considerations. One reason we continue playing off the roof/top netting at Turf City and Kallang even though other leagues/groups may deem it as being out of play. No scoring off the nets was introduced as early as 9 December 2008. Probably because it was thought of as being too flukey. The rules therefore reward quick thinking and keeping the game flowing by allowing goals to be scored directly from a free kick, kick in or goal kick. Even a throw out by the goalkeeper. I will amend the rules to make it clear that a goalkeeper can score directly from a throw out after catching the ball in play. Of course, the goalkeeper cannot handle outside the D. I can't imagine anyone aiming to score off the overhead netting. If it happens, it is pure luck. I'd rather our games be about ability and application rather than luck. |
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Post by Rajiv on Nov 27, 2013 10:13:20 GMT 8
From the report for the Sunday game at The Grandstand: I was out with my wife and daughter when I received the following message from Damian at about 7.05 pm: Rockstar had called me earlier to inform me of the incident - that there had been pushing back and forth before the punch was thrown. I told him to see a doctor immediately. Safety is a priority. He asked me if he should make a police report. I said that was his decision. I'm sorry, but I'm not in position to advice players on what they should do in such a situation (apart from seeing a doctor immediately). I'm also sorry if Damian and Rockstar intended their communications with me to be confidential, but this is too serious a matter to keep under wraps. I will decide soon what action I need to take. I will take into account any further comments. If you wish your communication to be confidential, send me a private message and specify that the communication is confidential. If you wish your communication to be confidential, I may not reply. I have removed the other player's name until a decision is made. I attach the Playing Rules & Principles as they currently stand for reference. I understand from third parties that the other player's reaction was out of character. Be that as it may, I will need to take action. I'll come back to this. From my enquiries, a couple of players not involved in the incidents during the game thought that the player concerned had already gotten worked up over a few bad tackles earlier in the game and reacted in the heat of the moment. That is still no excuse. Without going into whether there was any provocation in the first place, whatever the provocation, punching another player is completely unacceptable. More importantly, there is the risk of causing serious head injury to another player. In the old blog, there was a clear statement: At least one one-time Grandstand regular, who was not even playing on that day, is very aggrieved that anyone could have punched another player. I also received communications from the two players on the receiving end of the earlier tackles. Raminder was clear that there was no excuse for the punch, and it was totally unacceptable. Nordin's response is worth quoting: Wise words from our oldest player. There are several mitigating factors for the player concerned: * He has been playing at Khalsa without incident. * This was his first game at The Grandstand, which has a different temperament to our Khalsa games, which he obviously wasn't prepared for. * Those who know him say it was out of character. * He is still relatively new, and young, and needs to learn that our players are all adults, and able to look out for themselves. If there is a serious issue during a game, the players affected or the team selectors/captains can bring it to my attention. Perceptions of persistent fouling or bad tackles can be dealt with that way, rather than retaliating on the pitch. The Playing Rules & Principles provide a system for dealing with repeated breaches of the rules. * On Monday, the player concerned asked for Rockstar's contact number so that he could apologise for his reaction. I decided not to give it. I informed Rockstar and he agreed with my decision. However, there needs to be consequences: * The player concerned is blocked from playing in our games at the covered pitches at the Grandstand for a period of 3 months. * His continued participation in our games is subject to no major incident for which he is at fault. |
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Post by Rajiv on Nov 28, 2013 18:35:44 GMT 8
As our games on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday are on uncovered pitches, we have to deal with wet weather: .... The Monday night game is at East Coast, the Wednesday and Thursday night games are at Khalsa. Despite a couple of months of rainy weather, no game has been cancelled due to the weather since May 2013. In that time, it has often rained in the afternoon or early evening, sometimes with flash floods or lightning in places. It usually stops by 8 pm, often well before 8 pm. On Monday (25 November 2013), it continued to drizzle beyond 8 pm, but eventually stopped by 9 pm. The game went on. Unfortunately, for East Coast, there is the additional hazard of the condition of the pitch and fencing. .... I think there is a greater willingness to play in the rain, but lightning is a significant factor. I guess it's more a weather policy than a rain policy. .... Previously: .... ..... We first started playing on uncovered pitches in July 2010. With more than 2 years of experience now, I have noticed that it is more likely to rain heavily during the day or early evening, or later at night or early morning. Between 8 and 11 pm does seem to be the time it is least likely to rain heavily. .... As long as weather patterns don't change. I think the above observation still holds true. If it rains heavily before 7 pm, it usually stops by 8 pm, or at least reduces to a drizzle by an 8 pm, and stops by 9 pm. Also, if it is raining in one part of Singapore, it doesn't follow that it is raining in another part of Singapore. Players being concerned about rain where they are, be it the city, Jurong, Bukit Timah, Yishun or elsewhere when they leave work or arrive home before 7 pm is not really a factor when deciding whether our game at Khalsa or East Coast will go on. If any player doesn't want to play on a wet pitch, please withdraw by 4.30 pm, otherwise, the usual penalty for a late withdrawal will apply. If you are concerned it will rain after 4.30 pm, but don't want to withdraw unless it rains, you have to bear the risk of the penalty. Giving me forewarning that you might withdraw doesn't spare you the penalty. If you withdraw by 4.30 pm, but it doesn't rain after all, and the place is still available, you can come back in later when you are sure. If the game is subsequently cancelled, all payments and penalties are waived. |
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Post by Rajiv on Jan 26, 2014 13:43:03 GMT 8
The 9 pm game at Khalsa on Wednesday, 18 December 2013 was cancelled due to the weather: Persistent rain since about 4.30 pm, with a bit of lightning and thunder. Best to cancel. .... However, it was beginning to ease up, and although the rain persisted past 9 pm, it was not heavy, while the lightning and thunder did stop before 9 pm. On the other hand, the 5 pm game on an uncovered pitch at Rainforest Sports Hub (The Grandstand) on Saturday, 28 December 2013, went ahead: .... Heavy rain at about 4.30 pm. It eased up at about 4.45 pm, but got heavier again at about 5.00 pm before easing up again at about 5.20 pm. .... I think with more serious players playing in our games, more players are willing to go on even in adverse weather conditions. In hindsight, the game on 18 December 2013 probably could have gone on, even with a soaking pitch. Therefore, I will modify the weather policy. If there is heavy rain and/or lightning in the hour before the game is due to start, the game will be cancelled, unless it appears that the rain/lightning is easing up, and that the game can go ahead despite the wet conditions. |
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Post by Rajiv on Jan 26, 2014 14:43:34 GMT 8
I've broken the GIFFA System post up into sections. It now reads: The version as at 5 December 2012 is set out on the "GIFFA-defined & other men's games" thread. There had been some modifications since then, but this is the first major revision since then. I've moved the rules on footwear from the Playing Rules & Principles thread to the "Equipment" section of GIFFA System thread. It also covers tops, balls and other equipment. |
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Post by Rajiv on Feb 17, 2014 9:33:07 GMT 8
Since dividing the GIFFA System post into sections (see above), I have been adding to and tidying up the GIFFA System thread, including changes relating to: The GIFFA System post/thread, as well as the Playing Rules & Principles post, have been stickied on the Schedule board of the "GIFFA-Defined Games" board for some time now. The following threads are now stickied on the Schedule board in the following order: Although the guidelines are on a separate thread, logically speaking, they are a subset of the GIFFA System. The Schedule board has therefore been renamed "System, Playing Rules & Schedule". I used to add links from The GIFFA System and Playing Rules & Principles posts to the latest discussion on particular issues on the announcement and discussion threads. However, as the issue progresses, I don't always update the link. Further, I was not consistent in adding links. I will therefore remove all the links from those posts/threads to the announcement and discussion threads. More so as the format of each link is different under ProBoards v5, and I don't want to have to go through every link to update the format. Instead, at the bottom of each section/post, I will include links to the announcement and discussion threads that are relevant to that section/post. Except for external links to location maps for our venues, and an internal link to information on parking at Balestier Road on the "Pitches @ Balestier Road" thread, under the "Scheduling & numbers" section of the "GIFFA System" thread, all links on these three game-defining threads (referred to above) will be between the three threads, or to the "Overview" thread on the Administration board. However, the reference to "minimum standards" in the "Filling places & withdrawals" section of the GIFFA System thread requires explanation. I will add an appendix to the GIFFA System thread to try to give some explanation of the "minimum standard" by reference to the skills and attributes listed under a post on the "Skill sets & playing positions" thread dating back to 5 September 2011. There is also the following link under the "Filling places & withdrawals" section to a post on the "Social dimension, and fun" thread: I'll leave it for now, but come back to it later. |
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Post by Rajiv on Mar 22, 2014 21:53:54 GMT 8
From the "GIFFA values, principles & standards" thread: .... I yesterday revamped the Playing Rules & Principles post, including splitting it into two parts. The first part is now an overview, which included the core values. .... The two sections of the Playing Rules & Principles are now as follows: PLEASE READ TO THE END OF THIS THREAD. YOUR PARTICIPATION IN OUR GAMES IS PREMISED ON IT.We play each game without a referee. The playing rules set out in the post below are geared towards keeping the game flowing while reducing the risk of injury and are intended to accommodate different styles of play. Our core values are: - Maintaining health, fitness and/or interests even as we get older through sustainable participation in sports and other activity.
- Facilitating a work-life balance.
- Voluntary participation with maturity and in good spirits.
- Achieving a balanced and healthy perspective on sport and competition.
- Developing friendships and finding enjoyment through participation.
Everyone who plays by the rules and core values is welcome. The converse is that anyone who does not play by the rules and core values is not welcome. Anyone who repeatedly breaches or disregards the rules and principles may be blocked from playing for a period of time. To this end: - If a team selector/captain informs me that a player on his team repeatedly breaches the rules or doesn't play in the right spirit (including in previous games), I will remind him in writing (WhatsApp, e-mail or personal message on the message on the message board). The same applies if I am informed by two team mates, or any 3 players, instead of the team selector/captain. The player concerned will not be informed who provided me the information.
- If a player is reminded a second time, then on the third occasion, he will be suspended for 4 games, provided that the information is provided by at least 2 team selectors/captains or 5 players in total.
- If the information concerns a team selector/captain in his role as a team selector/captain, in addition to reminding the player concerned, I may exclude him from the team selector poll for up to 4 games.
More serious cases may result in an indefinite or permanent ban. The above rules and principles may be revised from time to time. Originally posted on 21 November 2010. Last revised on 21 March 2014. Playing Rules: - If one team is a player short due to uneven numbers, a late withdrawal or no show, a player arriving late, fatigue, injury, illness or a player leaving the game, we try to find a replacement at the venue itself. If a replacement cannot be found, we continue with one team a player short. The team with the extra player is restricted in its scoring to within an imaginary line running through the penalty spot for the opposing goal. The same if one team is short due to a player being late. If the team that is a player short is losing badly in the second half of the game, a player from the side with the extra player should switch to the team with a player short. The scoring restriction is also switched.
- The players in each team take turns in goal. It’s the only break you get! Unless a player volunteers to spend more time in goal, everyone should spend a similar amount of time in goal. The goalkeeper can come out of the "D" but can only handle the ball within the "D". Other players can enter the D. There is no backpass rule, so the goalkeeper can pick up the ball even if the ball was passed back to him by a team mate.
- We play for an hour flat out, without substitutes. If you haven’t played for a while, pace yourself, and spend more time in goal if necessary. It is disruptive to the game if you need to leave the pitch to rest. Arrive early to warm up properly and meet your team-mates and opponents.
- We play to the goal lines, so if the ball crosses the goal-line on either side of the goal, it’s either a goal kick or corner. As the corner angle of every pitch is very close to the netting/wall, the ball may be moved in, up to a foot in from the goal-line and 2 feet from the side line. A goal-kick can be taken from anywhere in the D.
- We play off the side walls/nets/fencing/padding for 5-a-side games at Kallang and East Coast (small pitch) and 7-a-side game at East Coast (big pitch). We play to the side lines at the Grandstand and at Balestier Road, for 4-a-side games at Kallang, and a 6-a-side game at East Coast (big pitch). Where we play off the side walls/nets, the side wall/net cannot be used to shield the ball for any length of time. The ball should be brought away from the wall/net as soon as possible. While holding the net/ball to shield the ball is not allowed, touching the net/wall with one’s hands to maintain balance is okay.
- We continue to play off the overhead netting. However, if a ball goes in directly off the overhead netting, it is not a goal.
- We can score from anywhere on the pitch. A team can score direct from a free kick, goal kick or kick in. There are no indirect free kicks in our game. A goalkeeper who catches the ball in play can throw it directly into the opposing goal. Of course, the goalkeeper cannot handle the ball outside the "D".
- If a goal is scored or disallowed, we usually re-start with a goal kick, although those playing in the game may agree to start from the centre spot after a goal is scored.
- When a free kick is taken, the opposing players must be at least 7 paces away for games on a big pitch and at least 5 places away for games on a small pitch.
- If you use blades/studs, the onus is on you to exercise greater care not to accidentally catch other players with the blades/studs. The converse is that using astro shoes is not an excuse for being more careless or reckless in your tackling.
- The following are not allowed during a game:
- sliding tackle
- raising of foot above knee level.
- tackle from behind
- tackle where the sole of the shoe makes contact with an opposing player
- body checks
- shoulder charge
- raising of elbow
- outstretched arm
- raising of knee when jumping
- pushing
- holding
- kicking or hacking a player.
- tripping a player.
If significant contact is made with an opposing player by any of the above, it is a foul (even if the ball is won), with a free kick to the opposing side if committed outside the D and a penalty if committed inside the D. Any player who repeatedly commits such fouls will be suspended. - Reckless and dangerous play or striking or intentionally stamping on an opponent will result in suspension. Any player who intentionally commits or attempts to commit a foul or other act which risks causing injury to an opponent, or instigates or attempts to instigate another player to do will be suspended. This could include calling out to a team mate to commit such a foul on an opposing player.
- More generally, committing a deliberate foul, or calling out to a team mate to commit a deliberate foul, clearly amounts to not playing in the right spirit. Likewise for all forms of gamesmanship, such as simulation or going down easily looking for a free kick or penalty, pressing excessively for a decision to go in favour of one's team, and calling out to an opponent to pass the ball to you in order to confuse the opponent.
- As we play without a referee, if a player involved in a passage of play calls a foul, play it back to one of the goalkeepers until it is agreed that is is a foul. If it is disputed, the game continues from the goalkeeper who has possession of the ball. If necessary, the dispute can be resolved later on the message board. Don’t just leave the ball for the opposing side and stop playing. Sometimes, they will continue and score.
- The same applies to corners. If it is disputed that it is a corner, then it is a goal kick.
- At first instance, the matter should be left to the players involved in the passage of play. Other players not involved in the passage of play can express an opinion, but don’t press it. The final word is with the team selectors/captains. If there is no agreement, the game continues from the goalkeeper in possession of the ball.
- When time is called, the game comes to an end when the ball goes dead. We do not play to “last goal”, although those playing in the game may agree to do so.
- Playing standards and abilities may vary. We try to take these into account in the proposed line ups. Everyone who plays is expected to have basic footballing ability. Everyone should make a reasonable effort and contribute to their best of their ability to the team they are playing for. The following are severely frowned on:
- Remaining stationary near the opposing goal waiting for the ball. If you're tired, go in goal, or stay in defence.
- Not chasing back when you lose possession of the ball. There is no place for prima donnas in our games.
- Sometimes, words may be said to a player falling short of the basic standard which seem harsh. However, please no swearing or show of aggression towards your team mates or opponents.
- Ultimately, we are each responsible for our own well-being and the well-being of those we play with. Safety is a priority.
. Despite many additions and changes, a lot of the original rules remain the same. The changes to the "Playing Rules & Principles" thread brings it up to date alongside "The GIFFA System" thread and the newer "Guidelines On Team Selection, Organization & Game Play" thread, the three threads stickied on the Schedule board of the GIFFA-Defined Men's Games category. Both the other threads have continued to be updated since the post above (on 17 February 2014). Issues covered include: Three weeks ago, under the "Safety, health & sustainability" thread, I considered the need to make certain issues clear under the GIFFA System thread. I added a "Safety, duty of care & disclaimer" section under "The GIFFA System" thread, but have yet to add the content. I will do so soon. |
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Post by Rajiv on May 11, 2014 11:56:33 GMT 8
From the "Payments & penalties" section of the "GIFFA System" thread: .... If a player or the player paying for him owes payment for more than one previous game, the player will lose priority when the payment information is provided and up to the game itself, unless the total amount is less than $50 (inclusive of the current game) and the player or player making payment confirms to me before priority is lost that he will make payment within the week, and in any event, before his next game. .... And from the "Payments, credits, penalties & usage" thread: .... The $50 upper limit will be applied strictly. A player losing priority for owing for more than 1 previous game was introduced in April 2013. In making that decision, I referred to an earlier post: .... It is annoying when players continue to put their names down for games when they haven't yet paid for previous games despite several reminders. However, they do usually pay. I do operate on trust. .... You'd think players owing for previous games or with insufficient credit would have ample time to top up or make payment before their next game, but too often that isn't the case. .... Reminding those who owe for previous games to make payment is one of the most time consuming aspects of maintaining the GIFFA system, which really shouldn't be the case. .... .... due to persistently low numbers and the amount of work required to fill it up each week. Since the Sunday afternoon/evening game at The Grandstand resumed on 27 April 2014, Jon Stratton has been consistent in playing, and bringing in other players to ensure we have enough numbers. I have looked to Jon for payment for Kydd and Jon's new guest, Jack Meyler. Despite repeated reminders to make payment, the total amount owing has come up to $114 (less $6 for credits):
- $60 for Jon for 5 games, including today and the game on Good Friday.
- $36 for Kydd for 3 games, including today and the game on Good Friday.
- $24 from Jack Meyler for 2 games.
The amount is way above the absolute limit of $50. The previous record, before the above tightening of the rules, was $75. I gave Jon greater leeway in order to get the Sunday afternoon/evening game at The Grandstand going again, but there is a limit. With the amount at $90 after last Sunday (4 May 2014, after $3 credit for being team selector), I informed Jon that I could not let him put names down for a game until the amount was settled. However, with the Sunday afternoon/evening game at The Grandstand again slow to fill up, on Friday afternoon, Jon put his name and Kydd's name down for today's game. Yesterday, he assured me he would make payment before the game today. As an aside, the reason I don't look to Kydd for payment is that he doesn't put his own name down for games, and when I previously discussed with him payment, he didn't seem to have a clue. I actually gave up.  Of course, if Jon tells me to look to Kydd for payment, I will, but that would only reduce Jon's indebtedness to $78. In February 2014, Jon expressed his views on a no show on the "Latecoming, late withdrawals & no shows" thread. As with making sure you turn up for a game and being punctual, making prompt payment is about setting aside time to fulfil a commitment. It is ultimately about time management. In my reply to Jon on the "Latecoming, late withdrawals & no shows" thread, after pointing out that no one ever sets out to be a no show, late withdrawal or latecomer, I went on to state: .... .... It's really about time management. Some of us are good with it, others are not. Sometimes, it's as simple as learning to use a scheduler, calendar or alarm. Other times, it's about allowing sufficient time to do the things that need to be done, and not to persist in under-estimating the amount of time needed. Finally, making whatever works for you into a habit. ..., I'm prepared to give players the chance to sort themselves out, even if they require closer monitoring by me. .... Ironic that the words said to Jon to address his anger over another player's no show are now applicable to his delay in making payment.  Prompt payment involves the same requirements of remembering, setting aside the time, and doing, as showing up for our games, and on time. |
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Of course, if Jon tells me to look to Kydd for payment, I will, but that would only reduce Jon's indebtedness to $78. 