- Punctuality and Attendance
- Matches will start at their scheduled times. All teams must be ready and present at the pitch at least 15 minutes before kickoff.
- If a team is late and their opponent is present and prepared, after a period of 15 minutes, the late team forfeits the match.
- The present team will be awarded a walkover victory with 3 goals and 3 points.
- The absent/late team will be penalised with a 3-goal deduction in the league standings.
- If both teams are late, the match will still be played, but the total play time will be reduced based on the time wasted due to lateness.
- Age Verification
- All players must be 35 years and older.
- Players must submit a valid NIN (National Identification Number) during registration for age verification.
- Team Composition
- Teams must register 22 players, including 2 goalkeepers.
- Each player’s name must be displayed on their jersey.
- Teams must have two sets of jerseys in different colours (home and away).
- Match Duration
- Regular matches will consist of two halves of 35 minutes each, with a 10-minute halftime break.
- In cases of lateness by both teams, match duration will be adjusted based on the remaining time.
Match Conduct and Fair Play
- Substitutions
- Teams are allowed a maximum of 5 substitutions per match.
- Substitutions can only be made with the referee’s approval during a stoppage in play.
- Special concussion substitution applies in cases of head injury.
- Player Discipline
- Standard football rules for yellow and red cards apply.
- Two yellow cards in one match equal a red card, resulting in the player being sent off.
- A red card results in an automatic one-match suspension for the offending player.
- The yellow/red card attracts a sum of ₦1,500/₦3,000, respectively.
- Fair Play Award
- Teams will be evaluated on sportsmanship and adherence to the rules.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct may lead to penalties or disqualification.
- Point System
- Win: 3 points
- Draw: 1 point
- Loss: 0 points
- Forfeit (walkover): 3 goals and 3 points awarded to the present team; 3-goal deduction for the absent team.
- League Standings
- Rankings are based on a total point basis.
- In the event of a tie in points, standings will be determined by:
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Head to Head
- A playoff (where both teams are tied on the previous three conditions)
- Awards and Recognition
- Prizes will be awarded for:
- League Champion
- Runners-up
- Highest Goal Scorer
- Best Goalkeeper (most clean sheets)
- Fair Play Team
- Prizes for highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper fair play to be determined by the organisers.
- Disputes and Appeals
- All disputes must be submitted to the league organisers in writing within 24 hours of the match.
- Decisions made by the league organisers will be final.