Rulebook
Preliminary remark
Baller League UK Limited (Julco House, 26-28 Great Portland Street, London, United
Kingdom, W1W 8QT) is the organiser of the BALLER LEAGUE league matches and has
drawn up the following regulations for their implementation, which come into force on 15
January 2024.
The organiser reserves the right to amend or supplement these regulations at any time. Any
new versions will be announced in good time.
The rulebook comprises the League Rules (LiRu), the Pitch Rules (PiRu) and the Disciplinary
Rules (DiRu).
All participants in the BALLER LEAGUE league recognise that a fair and functioning sporting
competition is only possible on the basis of rules to which everyone agrees to abide. They
expressly recognise all regulations of this Rulebook in their respective valid version as
binding for themselves.
Questions about league operations and the rulebook can be sent by e-mail
(lasse@ballerleague.de).
For better readability, the generic masculine is used in this rulebook. Unless otherwise
indicated, the personal designations used here refer to all genders.
A. League Rules (LiRu)
R 1. Participants
1. A total of twelve teams take part in the BALLER LEAGUE.
2. A team consists of up to twelve permanent players, up to two team
managers and at least one coach.
3. Two additional players can be nominated by the team managers per match
day as wildcards for the team squad.
4. All participants undertake to observe sporting fairness towards all persons
involved in league play and to accept the decisions made by referees,
even if there is no agreement with the decision in individual cases.
R 2. Gamedays + Venue
1. The Season consists of 11 Gamedays and a Final-Four-Day:
1. Matchday: 24.03.2025
2. Matchday: 31.03.2025
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 13. Matchday: 07.04.2025
4. Matchday: 14.04.2025
5. Matchday: 21.04.2025
6. Matchday: 28.04.2025
7. Matchday: 05.05.2025
8. Matchday: 12.05.2025
9. Matchday: 19.05.2025
10. Matchday: 26.05.2025
11. Matchday: 02.06.2025
Final-Four-Day: 11.06.2025
2. The match days will take place in the Copper Box Arena in London, Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 3H
3. The match schedule is drawn up by the organiser. All teams compete on
league match days 1-11, each team plays one match per match day and
each team plays each other once.
4. The first game of a match day is kicked off at around 17:30 and the last
match at around 22:20. The top match of each match day, determined by
the organiser, will be played at around 20:00.
R 3. Matchday Management
1. The organiser shall appoint a matchday management team for each
league matchday, which shall be responsible for the preparation,
organisation and execution of the matchday and all related matters.
2. Instructions and decisions of the matchday organisers must be followed by
all participants.
3. The matchday management can be contacted under
lasse@ballerleague.de
R 4. Eligibility
1. The team managers or coaches must prove the eligibility of the 10 players
of their team (8 from the fixed league squad and max. 2 wildcards) by
submitting an eligibility list. This list must be received by the matchday
management by e-mail (lasse@ballerleague.de) before the respective
matchday on Saturday by 00:00 at the latest. If the list is not received by
the deadline, the team may be excluded by the BL-DC (R 14. LiRu) from
participating in the respective league match day.
2. Players who are not on the eligibility list may not be used on the match
day. The Bl-DC (R 14. LiRu) will penalise players who are not eligible to
play.
3. If a player is unavailable until the end of the season (e.g. injury), the team
managers can only select a new player from the remaining draft list for
their team in exceptional cases. This must be requested in advance from
the Baller League. The eligibility of the cancelled player expires with the
selection of the new player.
4. Wildcard players are authorised to play for only one team within a season.
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 2R 5. Final-Four-Day und BALLER LEAGUE CHAMPION
1. The four teams with the most points after 11 match days qualify for the
Final Four Day, on which the two finalists are determined in two
semi-finals.
2. To determine the four teams participating in the Final Four Day, the
following criteria will be used in the order listed to determine the ranking in
the event of a tie:
a. the goal difference calculated using the subtraction method
b. the number of goals scored
c. the result in direct comparison
d. in the event of a draw in the direct comparison, a shoot-out decides
(see R 14. PiRu).
3. In the semi-finals, the first-placed team after 11 match days will face the
fourth-placed team and the second-placed team will face the third-placed
team.
4. In the event of a draw in the Final Four after the regular 30 minutes, a
penalty shootout is held in which each team initially provides three
shooters. If no decision has been made after the three shooters, the
sudden death principle continues until there is a winner.
5. The winner of the final is the champion of the BALLER LEAGUE.
R 6. Pitch and Goals
The game is played on artificial turf measuring 50 x 29 meters. The goals
measure 5.50 × 2.20 meters.
R 7. Winning Points
A match won by the winner is worth three points, a drawn match is worth one
point each for both teams. A lost match is awarded zero points. In addition, the
winner of the "Primetime" is awarded one point per match day.
R 8. Playing kit and Advertising ban
1. The teams must compete in the registered playing gear approved by the
organizer. The mandatory equipment of a player consists of: Jersey with
sleeves, shorts, socks/socks, shin guards and shoes. Goalkeepers may
wear training pants; their clothing must be clearly distinguishable in color
from the other players and the referee. Thermal pants may be worn, but
must be the same color as the main color of the pants worn.
2. If two teams have the same or, in the opinion of the referee or the
matchday management, insufficiently different uniforms, the team named
last in the match pairing must change uniforms.
3. Any type of advertising not initiated by the organizer on the match kit
requires the prior written consent of the organizer. Political, religious and/or
other messages on or on the playing kit are not permitted. Infringements
will be punished by the Bl-DC (R 14. LiRu).
R 9. Captain
1. Each team has a captain who must wear a visible armband on his left arm.
He alone is authorized to question the referee about decisions made.
2. In the event of the captain's withdrawal during the match, a substitute must
be nominated and wear the armband.
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 3R 10. Referee
1. The team of referees appointed by the matchday management for each
league match consists of two field referees and one hall referee ("referee").
2. The referees have full authority to enforce the rules established by the
organizer. The referee's decisions on facts relating to the match are final.
This includes the decision on "goal" or "no goal" and the result of the
match.
3. If the match has continued or the referee has finished the first or second
half and left the pitch or stopped the match, the referee may not change a
decision to restart the match if he determines that it is incorrect or if he
receives a corresponding indication from a third party. However, this does
not apply to possible VAR challenges.
R 11. Game Rating
1. If a t eam does not show up for a match, does not show up on time or does
not show up with the correct line-up, the match will be scored 0:4 for the
team in question and 4:0 for the opposing team.
2. The same applies if a match lost on the pitch is subsequently deemed to
have been won by the losing team, or if a drawn match is deemed to have
been won by one team and lost by the other.
R 12. Objections
1. Appeals against the scoring of a match can only be lodged by the teams
involved in the match and must be submitted to the matchday
management no later than 30 minutes after the end of the match, stating
the reasons for the appeal.
2. An objection due to alleged match-fixing that has influenced the match
result must be lodged within two days of becoming aware of facts that give
rise to reasonable suspicion, but no later than the day before the last
league match day.
3. Decisions on appeals are made by the BL-DC (R 14. LiRu).
R 13. Waiver and force majeure
1. It is not possible for a team to forgo a league match.
2. If a match is canceled because a team is prevented from playing (on time)
due to force majeure, it must be rescheduled by the matchday
management. In case of doubt, the BL-DC decides whether force majeure
has occurred (R 14. LiRu).
R 14. Baller League Disciplinary Commission (BL-DC)
1. For all incidents on match days, on Final Four Day, for appeals against
match evaluations, for sanctions due to violations of the LiRu and PiRu, in
particular in the event of sporting offenses and/or unsportsmanlike
conduct, as well as for all disputes in connection with the implementation of
the BALLER LEAGUE, the BL-DC is responsible.
2. 3. The powers of the BL-DC are set out in the Disciplinary Rules (DiRu).
The decisions of the BL-DC do not have to be justified and are final.
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 4R 15. Baller League Financial Fairplay
Team managers, coaches or third parties are not permitted to pay Baller
League players money in excess of the Baller League's remuneration or to
provide other monetary benefits. This will immediately lead to a deduction of
points, which the Baller League itself may determine depending on the
severity of the offense. Possible exceptions to this rule must be requested and
approved by the Baller League in advance.
B. Pitch Rules (PiRu)
R 1. Players per Team
1. A match is played by two teams with a maximum of six players each, one
of whom is the goalkeeper.
2. All players from the respective matchday squad may be used on each
matchday in accordance with the list of eligible players submitted on time.
3. The match may not be started or continued if a team has fewer than four
players (except for time penalties). If a team has fewer than four players
because one or more players have deliberately left the pitch, the referee
does not have to interrupt the match. Otherwise, the matchday
management decides on a case-by-case basis.
4. In addition, each team must designate a captain who has special privileges
(see below R15 Grumbling). This captain can be recognized by a captain's
armband and must pass it on to another player in the event of a
substitution.
R 2. Playing time and -Clock
1. A game consists of two halves of 15 minutes each and a 4-5 minute
half-time break, after which the teams change sides.
2. The playing time is measured and displayed by an official game clock.
3. The timekeeping is only stopped in the event of a penalty and/or if the
referee indicates the interruption of the timekeeping with a "time-out hand
signal" (e.g. in the event of injuries or "time-wasting"). The timekeeping
runs centrally via the hall referee.
4. The referees delay the continuation of play for approx. 10-15 seconds after
each goal in order to allow sufficient time for a possible objection by the
team manager/coach (see R 16.). These approx. 10-15 seconds do not
apply to Gamechanger Plus 1, 3 Play and 1 v 1. In these cases, the
objection must be made immediately after the goal has been scored, as
the game continues with a kick-off instead of a kick-off and cannot be
delayed unnecessarily.
5. As long as the ball has left the player's foot (attacker or defender) before
the whistle blows, a potential goal counts.
R 3. Technical Zone
1. Players may not use or wear dangerous equipment. The wearing of jewelry
(necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather and rubber bands, etc.) is
prohibited. All jewelry must be removed. Covering jewelry with adhesive
tape is prohibited. All players will be checked accordingly before the start
of the game.
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 5R 4. 2. If a player uses or wears unauthorized/dangerous equipment or jewelry,
the referee must instruct him to remove the item or - if the player cannot or
will not comply with the instruction - to leave the pitch immediately. Players
who do not comply with the instruction or wear the item again may be
punished with a red card.
3. Non-hazardous protective equipment, e.g. head protection, face masks or
knee and arm protectors made of soft, light, padded materials as well as
goalkeeper caps and sports goggles are permitted.
4. Players (including substitutes and players sent off) are not permitted to
carry or use any form of electronic or communication device (in particular
cell phones) during a match involving their team.
Equipment, safety and electronic communication
1. Players may not use or wear dangerous equipment. The wearing of jewelry
(necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather and rubber bands, etc.) is
prohibited. All jewelry must be removed. Covering jewelry with adhesive
tape is prohibited. All players will be checked accordingly before the start
of the game.
2. If a player uses or wears unauthorized/dangerous equipment or jewelry,
the referee must instruct him to remove the item or - if the player cannot or
will not comply with the instruction - to leave the pitch immediately. Players
who do not comply with the instruction or wear the item again may be
punished with a red card.
3. Non-hazardous protective equipment, e.g. head protection, face masks or
knee and arm protectors made of soft, light, padded materials as well as
goalkeeper caps and sports goggles are permitted.
4. Players (including substitutes and players sent off) are not permitted to
carry or use any form of electronic or communication device (in particular
cell phones) during a match involving their team.
R 5. Substitutions
1. Each player can be substituted in and out as often as required during a
match.
2. Substitutions are made "on the fly" by handshake only in the substitution
zone (height of the center line), without the game having to be interrupted.
3. If a team has more than the permitted number of players on the pitch, the
game is only to be interrupted if the additional player influences the game
to his own advantage. This also applies if a goal is scored. The team must
play with one player less for a period of two minutes. The coaches or
managers can decide which of the players on the pitch is to serve the
penalty time as a team penalty. However, the personal penalty is imposed
on the player who entered the pitch without permission and exerted an
influence. Play is restarted with a direct free kick for the opposing team
from the place where the ball was located when play was interrupted. If a
player on the pitch does not exert any influence and a challenge is made,
there is no penalty for the team with the advantage. The player simply has
to leave the field of play. If a goal is scored without influence, the goal still
counts.
R 6. Ball out of Play / Touching the Ceiling
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 6R 7. R 8. 1. The ball is out of play when it has completely crossed one of the goal or
touch lines on the ground or in the air, or when it touches the referee, and
the ball goes directly into the goal. In the latter case, play is restarted with
a dropped ball.
2. In the event that the ball touches the ceiling, possession is transferred to
the opposing team via a direct free kick at the point on the pitch where the
ball touched the ceiling. If the ball touches the ceiling in the penalty area,
the direct free kick is taken to the penalty area line at the point closest to
the offense.
Kick In rather than Throw In
1. If the ball completely crosses the touchline, either in the air or on the
ground, a player from the opposing team—who did not touch it last—must
kick it back into play. The passing-in must be carried out in the immediate
vicinity of the outer line and the ball should be at rest if possible. However,
minimal rolling on without influencing the immediately following action, e.g.
scoring a goal, does not automatically lead to a faulty pass; the decision on
a faulty pass is at the discretion of the referees. All opponents must keep a
minimum distance of two meters from the passing player.
2. A goal cannot be scored directly from a pass, but an own goal can. If the
ball enters the opponent's goal directly without being touched by other
players, the goal is disallowed and play must be restarted with a goal kick.
If the ball enters the own goal without being touched by another player, the
goal is valid.
3. If a player passes the ball above knee height, the pass is not considered to
have been taken in accordance with the rules and the pass is taken by a
player of the opposing team at the same position.
4. If the passing player touches the ball again after it is back in play and
before another player has touched it, a direct free kick is awarded to the
opponent.
Kick-off, free kick and corners
1. The two halves begin with a kick-off. One player from each team faces
each other and the referee throws the ball into the air between the two
players. All players, with the exception of the two players facing each other,
are in their own half of the pitch. The ball is in play as soon as it has left the
referee's hand. After a goal, play is restarted by the opposing team kicking
off. At the kick-off and free kick, the opposing players must be at least 5
meters away from the ball until the ball is in play.
2. There are only direct free kicks. Offenses in the penalty area that normally
have to be taken with an indirect free kick are moved to the penalty area
line at the nearest point.
3. If the player taking the kick-off or free kick touches the ball again after it is
back in play and before another player has touched it, a direct free kick is
awarded to the opposing team.
4. No corner kicks are taken, the potential corner kicks are counted and if 3
corner kicks are taken for a single team, a penalty is awarded. The restart
of play after a corner is a goal kick.
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 7R 9. 5. Clarification: The decisive factor for scoring a corner, as for scoring a goal,
is when the contact that leads to the corner occurs and not when the ball
crosses the out-of-bounds line.
Goalkeeper and Kick off
1. The goalkeeper may not pick up the ball with his hand if the ball is played
by his own teammate. Otherwise, a direct free kick is awarded on the edge
of the penalty area at the point closest to the offense.
2. The kick is taken at a distance of approx. 2-3 meters in front of the goal
line. The ball must be placed on the ground and played from there if the
ball was previously out of bounds. All opposing players must be outside the
penalty area when the kick is taken. The ball should come to rest as much
as possible when the kick is taken. However, minimal rolling on without
influencing the immediately following action, e.g. scoring a goal, does not
automatically lead to a faulty execution of the goal kick; the decision on a
faulty execution is at the discretion of the referees.
3. If an opposing player interferes with the kick-off before the ball has left the
penalty area, the kick-off must be retaken.
4. The well-known offside rule also applies to goal kicks. So there are also
offside positions at the goal kick.
5. If an own goal is scored at the goal kick, the goal is recognized.
R 10. Offside
The general offside regulations apply with the difference that the starting point
for possible offside positions is not the halfway line, but a specially created
offside line between the halfway line and the penalty area in the opponent's
half.
R 11. Time Penalties
1. Instead of yellow cards, which are not used in the Baller League, the
referee can impose time penalties, which are signaled with a hand signal
(index and middle finger). The time penalty is two minutes. A time penalty
is also imposed if a clear goalscoring opportunity is prevented, e.g. by a
handball.
2. A player can receive several time penalties in one game. However,
depending on the severity of the offense, a red card after a time penalty is
also possible.
3. The time penalty must be served on the penalty bench located in the
technical zone of the team concerned.
4. Time penalties can also be imposed on substitutes, managers and
coaches. They are also required to spend the time penalty on the penalty
bench. In this case, however, the time penalty is a team penalty. This
means that the coach designates a player to take this 2-minute penalty and
the game continues with one player less.
5. On the penalty bench, any influence on the game (including
coaching/trainer instructions) is prohibited.
6. A player serving a time penalty may not be substituted or replaced until his
time penalty has expired.
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 87. A player on a time penalty who commits a cautionable or dismissable
offense during his time penalty is permanently excluded from the game
and may not be replaced or substituted.
8. For the duration of the time penalty, the goalkeeper's position must be
taken by another player who is also clearly marked as the goalkeeper.
9. Penalty times are recorded and displayed by the official penalty time timer.
The time penalty only starts as soon as the person concerned is in the
penalty box and the game continues.
10. Stopping the timekeeping and the half-time break interrupt the time
penalty. Nevertheless, the time penalty continues to run as soon as the
game is restarted.
11. A time penalty ends automatically as a team penalty when a goal is
conceded. The team playing short-handed may then replenish, but not with
the player who received the time penalty.
12. After serving the time penalty, the player/coach may re-enter the
pitch/coaching area.
13. For all Gamechangers & Minutes, the general principle is that time
penalties are carried over into the last 3 minutes of each half as personal
penalties, but end there as team penalties. This means that the last 3
minutes are always started at full strength.
R 12. Red Card
1. By showing the red card, the referee can impose a disciplinary penalty in
which a player must leave the pitch and the technical area for the
remainder of the match, may not be replaced by another player and is
excluded from further participation in the match on the respective league
match day.
2. The disciplinary penalty may be imposed in particular if a player commits a
further infringement of the rules after a time penalty has been imposed, for
gross foul play, for assault on another person or for offensive, insulting or
disrespectful conduct.
3. Red cards can also be imposed on substitutes, managers and coaches.
The principle of the team penalty mentioned in the time penalties also
applies here.
4. In the event of a red card, the team concerned plays 2 minutes
short-handed or at least until the opposing team scores a goal.
5. For all Gamechangers & Minutes, the general principle is that red cards
are transferred as personal penalties to the last 3 minutes of each half, but
end there as team penalties. This means that the last 3 minutes are always
started at full strength.
R 13. Penalty
1. In the event of a foul/intentional handball in the penalty area, the referee
must award a Penalty.
2. To take the penalty, a player may run alone from the center line of the pitch
towards the opposing goalkeeper and attempt to score a goal.
3. The goalkeeper must remain in his penalty area until the penalty taker has
touched the ball for the first time. The scorer and goalkeeper must not be
disturbed or irritated, so that the other players are on the field but must not
disturb either player due to their position.
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 94. The shooter has only one shot attempt, which must be completed within 10
seconds.
5. If the shot does not make it into the goal, for example due to a save by the
goalkeeper, the penalty is over and play continues with a kick by the
opposing team.
6. A penalty that is defended for a potential corner is not counted as a corner
kick.
7. If the shooter is fouled by the opposing goalkeeper before the shot attempt
is completed, the penalty is retaken and the goalkeeper is penalized in
accordance with R 11 or R 12.
R 14. Cross Bar Challenge
1. If a match is to be decided according to R 5.2.d. LiRu by a Crossbar
Challenge, the ball is kicked from the center line.
2. If the first shooters of both teams hit the crossbar in the first round, each
team selects additional (or the same) shooters for the next round until one
team wins a round.
3. The players - with the exception of the shooter and the two goalkeepers -
must stay behind the shooter outside the center circle.
R 15. Complaining to Referee
A complaint to the referee about a decision is left solely to the captain of the
respective team. If other players, managers or coaches complain, the player,
manager or coach concerned will be given a time penalty if this happens
again. Even without a repeat offense, complaining, especially when entering
the field for substitutes, coaches and managers, can also be punished
immediately with a time penalty if the intensity is appropriate. This is at the
discretion of the referees.
R 16. Manager/Coach - Ref Challenge
Every manager or coach watching the game from the sidelines has the option
of requesting a VAR challenge once per game. To do so, he must throw the
flag provided for this purpose onto the pitch within approx. 10-15 seconds or,
in case of doubt, immediately (e.g. in the Plus 1, 3 Play and 1 on 1 game
modes) before the game is resumed (after the scene in question) following an
interruption. The referees will allow play to continue and will be able to view
the scene in question on a monitor during the next interruption and confirm or
change the decision they made on the pitch. However, it would also be
possible, if the situation allows, for the referee not to wait for the next stoppage
in play, but to interrupt the game immediately.
What is important here is that the principle applies that if the images do not
clearly refute the referees, the decision made on the pitch remains valid. The
decision therefore remains in the hands of the referees on the pitch. The
challenge is not renewed in the event of a success, a failure, if the scene no
longer needs to be reviewed because the team that wanted to appeal has
gained an advantage, e.g. scored a goal, or if the challenge is not carried out
in accordance with the rules, e.g. if the flag was thrown for a situation that is
excluded from the challenge
It is also important to note that mistakes made by your own team, such as the
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 10incorrect execution of a shoot-in, cannot be challenged. It is also not possible
to subsequently challenge an advantage given by the referees, e.g. for
handball or foul play.
In addition, the match management reserves the right to order its own
proactive VAR check in the event of technical errors (e.g. with the hall clock or
the signal tone) or infringements of the rules by the referees.
R 17. BALLER LEAGUE GAMECHANGER
1. At the start of the 12th (from 11:00) minute of the game, a 60-second visual
countdown begins and ends with a signal tone
2. When the signal sounds, the game is interrupted - regardless of the game
situation. The game is resumed 15 seconds after the announcement of the
game changer. The referees are instructed to keep the interruption as short
as possible, but to blow the whistle again after 15 seconds at the latest.
3. If there is a penalty during the countdown, both the game clock and the
countdown are stopped.
4. As long as the ball has left the foot of the player of the attacking team
before the end of the signal, a potential goal counts.
5. In all cases, play continues with the team in possession of the ball at the
end of the 12th minute taking the goal kick.
6. For all Gamechangers & Minutes, the general principle is that time
penalties are carried over into the last 3 minutes of each half as personal
penalties, but end there as team penalties. This means that the last 3
minutes are always started at full strength.
7. A wheel of fortune or similar is then used to select a rule change that
affects both teams equally for the remaining three minutes of the first half.
8. The wheel of fortune or similar is spun by a person designated by the
organizer in advance of the game and can display the following rule
changes:
a.
"The Line": In the last 3 minutes, the rule applies that goals scored
from in front of the offside line count double. Shots that are deflected by an
opposing player within the offside zone also count. The goal will also count
double for light touches by teammates, unless the teammate plays the ball
in a controlled manner, e.g. deliberately keeping his foot in. The usual rules
of the game remain unchanged; the clock can be stopped during
interruptions.
b.
"PlusOne": The game starts in 1vs1 plus goalkeepers, who may not
leave their penalty area (see note below) and may only open the game at
the beginning of an attacking attempt, but may not be played on afterwards
(even if the pass is unintentional, e.g. by dribbling; however, uncontrolled
defensive actions are excluded from this). If the goalkeeper commits an
offense that has an influence on the further course of the game, the
opposing team must be awarded a penalty. The goalkeeper may leave his
penalty area for the penalty. Offside still counts in this form of play. If a goal
is scored, both teams may add one more player each, up to a maximum of
five outfield players. In addition to a shoot-in, the game can also be
continued with a dribbling-in of the players in 1 vs. 1 and 2 vs. 2 (plus
goalkeeper). If an offense is punished with a "free kick"
, this is to be taken
with the 5-meter distance by dribbling or normal play in 1 vs. 1 or 2 vs. 2
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 11(plus goalkeeper). From a possible 3 vs. 3 there is again normal shooting
in. All potential offenses that would result in a time penalty (e.g. emergency
brake or repeated complaining) are to be punished with a penalty for the
opponent.
*Note: Not every departure from the penalty area necessarily results in an
infringement of the rules. Only if the goalkeeper plays the ball or decisively
interferes with or irritates the shooter, etc., does a violation of the rules
occur. This means that only active interference is punishable, but not
passive interference. If the goalkeeper commits an offense in this regard,
the opposing team must be penalized with a penalty.
There is no active interference if the goalkeeper is still inside the penalty
area at the moment of the shot, even if the goalkeeper steps or slides out
of the penalty area during his defensive action, as long as the goalkeeper's
contact with the ball for defense continues to take place inside the penalty
area.
c.
"3 Play": Each team now only plays with three players (including the
goalkeeper). The goalkeeper may be substituted and the player closest to
their own goal line ("last man") may touch the ball with their hand in the
penalty area. Offside still counts in this form of play. If a goal is scored, play
continues immediately from the goal line with the defending team in
possession of the ball. In addition, a shot clock of 30 seconds applies to
each attacking phase. A new attacking phase only occurs in the event of a
controlled change of possession. In this case, the shot clock is reset. If a
team has used up its 30s, the game is restarted with a direct free kick or
with a pass (if the ball is out of bounds when the shot clock expires) for the
opposing team at the place where the ball is at the end of the shot clock.
R 18. BALLER LEAGUE MINUTES
1. At the start of the 27th minute of the game (from 26:00), a 60-second
visual countdown begins and ends with a signal tone.
2. When the signal sounds, the game is interrupted - regardless of the
game situation. The game is resumed 15 seconds after the
announcement of the game changer. The referees are instructed to
keep the interruption as short as possible, but to blow the whistle again
after 15 seconds at the latest.
3. If there is a penalty during the countdown, both the game clock and the
countdown are stopped.
4. A virtual wheel of fortune is then used to select a rule change that
affects both teams equally for the remaining three minutes of the
second half.
5. In all cases, play is restarted with a goal kick by the team in possession
at the end of the 27th minute.
6. For all Gamechangers & Minutes, the general principle is that time
penalties are carried over into the last 3 minutes of each half as
personal penalties, but end there as team penalties. This means that
the last 3 minutes are always started at full strength.
7. As long as the ball has left the foot of the player of the attacking team
before the end of the signal, a potential goal counts.
8. The wheel of fortune is played through a monitor and can display the
following rule changes:
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 12a.
b.
c.
"1:1": The game is played 1 vs. 1. The two players may not enter
the opponent's half, with the exception of the center circle when in
possession of the ball, and must finish within 15 seconds (counting
as soon as the ball reaches their own half). However, the ball must
be in constant motion and rolling after the first touch by the
attacking player (after a defensive action or finish). If the ball comes
to a standstill before the goal is scored, possession of the ball
changes. Defending with the hands is not permitted (intentional
handball is meant, unintentional handball is not punishable unless
the body area is deliberately increased). If a ball is deflected out of
bounds, the defending player retains possession of the ball. The
same applies if the ball touches the ceiling during the defensive
action but remains in the player's own half. If a goal is scored,
possession of the ball changes hands. If the ball is blocked by the
opponent and comes back into the shooter's half, the shooter may
shoot again. In the event of an infringement, play can be stopped
by the referee.
*For clarification: In this case, the ball may only be picked up
outside the center circle, as this still counts as part of the attacking
zone of the previously defending player and the opponent's defense
results in at least a temporary change of possession. However, if
the ball bounces off the post or crossbar, there is no temporary
change of possession and the center circle is therefore the
attacking zone of the last player to shoot. If the ball goes out of
bounds in the defending player's own half, the defending player has
possession of the ball; if the ball goes out of bounds in the
opponent's half, the shooter has possession of the ball again. The
same applies if the ball hits a post or crossbar. If the ball is
deflected into the opponent's goal during defense, the goal counts.
A deliberate handball to prevent a goal automatically counts as a
goal.
If a player is injured, the game can be interrupted by the referee
and the time stopped.
"Fair play": If a player commits a foul, intentional handball (this
explicitly does not include unintentional handball with an immediate
goal sequence by the same player) or unsportsmanlike conduct
such as complaining or jamming the ball by a player, manager or
coach or an offense that results in 2 minutes or a red card, he is
automatically sent off for the rest of the game and may no longer
participate in the game. The player may not be replaced by another
player, i.e. the team must play the remainder of the match
short-handed
"Fast Forward": As soon as the ball crosses the halfway line into
the opponent's half, the attacking team may no longer play the ball
back into their own half and control it there. In the event of an
infringement of the rules, possession changes (direct free kick at
the place of the illegal contact with the ball in the team's own half or,
in the case of goalkeepers in the penalty area, on the penalty area
line). If the ball is kicked for a corner or out of bounds in the team's
own half, a direct free kick is taken from the center of the penalty
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 13area. A resulting corner still counts and the free kick is then also
taken. However, if the corner caused is the third corner, the direct
free kick does not count and play continues with the execution of
the penalty.
R 19. Primetime
Primetime takes place between two matches on each match day. Each of the
12 teams nominates a player for this. Different challenges are set from match
day to match day, which decide which team receives an additional point in the
table.
C. Disciplinary Rules (DiRu)
R 1. Responsibility of the Baller League Disciplinary Commission (BL-DC)
1. The BL-DC is responsible for all incidents on the match days, on the Final
Four Day, for appeals against match results, for sanctions due to violations
of the LiRu and PiRu, in particular in the case of sporting offenses and/or
unsportsmanlike conduct, as well as for all disputes in connection with the
implementation of the BALLER LEAGUE in accordance with R 14 LiRu.
2. The members of the BL-DC are appointed by the organizer. They are not
liable for any damage caused by their decisions or omissions.
R 2. Procedure und Decisions
1. Apart from the organizer and the matchday management, the Bl-DC can
be called by the team managers.
2. Corresponding entries/applications can be submitted to the matchday
management on the matchday, outside of matchdays exclusively by e-mail
lasse@ballerleague.de,josh@ballerleaguer.de, sebastian@ballerleague.de
3. In appropriate cases and in the event of only a minor breach of regulations,
the Bl-DC may discontinue the proceedings - possibly subject to
conditions.
4. Decisions of the BL-DC can be made in any form - including verbally -
, do
not require any justification and are incontestable.
R 3. Permissible Penalties
1. The following penalties are permitted:
a. Warning;
b. Imposing a ban on participation for individual persons, for a limited
period or permanently;
c. Suspension for league match days, temporary or permanent;
d. Withdrawal of points;
e. Disqualification from league play, either temporarily or permanently;
f. Withdrawal of the championship.
2. A sanction is also possible if the referee has not noticed a case of blatantly
unsportsmanlike conduct by a player and has therefore not made a
positive or negative decision on the facts.
3. The execution of a sentence in accordance with no. 1. b. and c. may be
suspended on probation. The period may also be extended and probation
Rulebook BALLER LEAGUE, Page 14may be revoked if a further offense is committed during the probation
period.
R 4. Special Cases
1. In the event of a sending-off (red card), the player or coach is provisionally
suspended until a decision is made by the BL-DC, without any special
procedure or notification being required.
2. Anyone who undertakes to influence the course and/or result of a league
match by knowingly making incorrect decisions or otherwise influencing it
without authorization with the intention of gaining an advantage for themselves
or someone else will be punished for unsportsmanlike conduct.
3. Unsportsmanlike conduct is also deemed to exist if someone behaves in a
politically, extremist, obscenely offensive or provocatively insulting manner or if
someone violates the dignity of a person or a group of persons through
derogatory, discriminatory or denigrating statements or actions with regard to
origin, skin color, language, religion, disability, age, gender or sexual identity
or behaves in any other way in a racist and/or inhumane manner.
4. If several persons of the same team violate no. 2 or 3 at the same time,
penalties according to R 3. DiRu can also be imposed on the team concerned.
