2026 Season

Break the Box. Play Your Game.

PREAMBLE

The Roundbox League is more than a football competition. It is a celebration of Ghanaian spirit, built on the values of patriotism, respect, honour, and community. Every participant — player, coach, official, and supporter — is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the unity, dignity, and vibrant energy of Ghana. Through football, we rise together.

CHAPTER I — OBJECTIVES & GOVERNANCE

1.1 Objectives

The Roundbox League is a structured and competitive six-a-side football league established to:

i.       Provide entertainment and a competitive platform for talented players.

ii.      Engage young people in regular sports and physical activity.

iii.     Promote health, well-being, and football development in Ghana.

1.2 Governance

1.2.1 The Roundbox League Organising Committee (the “Committee”) is responsible for the general management of the league, including scheduling, rule enforcement, and dispute resolution.

1.2.2 Any situation not expressly addressed in these regulations shall be resolved at the Committee’s discretion. All affected teams shall be notified of any such rulings in writing.

CHAPTER II — TEAM STRUCTURE & PARTICIPATION

2.1 Team Composition

Each team must comprise the following:

i.       An Owner or President who serves as the team’s primary representative to the league.

ii.      A roster of up to twelve (12) registered players.

iii.     Up to two (2) Team Managers and at least one (1) registered Coach.

iv.    One (1) additional player may be nominated by the Team Manager on each match day to serve as a substitute (“Chairman”).

v.      All participants are required to observe sporting fairness toward every person involved in league play and to accept the decisions of match officials, even where there is disagreement with a particular ruling.

2.2 Team Branding & Registration

2.2.1 Each team must present the following upon registration:

i.       An official team logo, colour scheme, and tagline.

ii.      An active social media presence on at least one platform.

iii.     A full set of customised match-day kits (jersey, shorts, and socks).

iv.    A registered Coach.

2.2.2 Registration requirements:

i.       All applications must be submitted electronically via the designated registration form before the season commences.

ii.      Player registration requires full legal name, date of birth, playing position, and a portrait or passport-style photograph.

2.3 Media Day

2.3.1 Media Day is a mandatory pre-season event during which players, coaches, and team officials engage with the media through interviews, press conferences, and photo sessions.

2.3.2 The purpose of Media Day is to:

i.       Allow teams to share their vision, expectations, and goals for the upcoming season.

ii.      Generate excitement among supporters and enhance public engagement with the league.

iii.     Produce official content for league and team media channels.

2.4 Player Eligibility

2.4.1 Only aspiring professional footballers are eligible for registration. Players who do not meet this criterion may be rejected at the Committee’s discretion.

2.4.2 Team names may not be changed during the season under any circumstances.

2.5 Kit & Equipment Compliance

i.       All players must wear officially registered team jerseys bearing clearly visible squad numbers and the player’s legal name on the reverse. Nicknames or abbreviations are not permitted unless the legal name is also displayed.

ii.      Goalkeepers must wear kit colours that are visually distinct from those of all outfield players and the match officials.

iii.     Teams are responsible for coordinating jersey colours prior to match day to avoid colour clashes. In the event of a clash, the away team must change.

iv.    Non-compliance with kit regulations may result in a fine of GH¢200 or a technical defeat, at the Committee’s discretion.

2.6 Match-Day Eligibility

2.6.1 The Team Manager or Coach must submit an eligible match-day squad list to the Committee no later than midnight (00:00) on the Saturday preceding each match day.

2.6.2 The squad list must include no fewer than seven (7) and no more than twelve (12) players drawn from the team’s registered roster, plus a maximum of one (1) Chairman nomination.

2.6.3 Players who are not included on the submitted squad list may not participate on the corresponding match day.

2.6.4 Failure to submit the squad list by the stated deadline may result in the team being excluded from the match day at the Committee’s discretion, with the match recorded as a default loss (0:4).

CHAPTER III — FEES & FINANCIAL REGULATIONS

3.1 Registration Fee

3.1.1 Each team must pay a non-refundable registration fee of GH¢3,000 before the season commences.

3.1.2 This fee grants access to all league competitions, administrative services, and pre-season activities including Media Day.

3.1.3 Teams that fail to pay the registration fee by the published deadline shall be excluded from the season.

3.1.4 All fees are non-refundable.

3.2 Match-Day Payment

3.2.1 Failure to meet match-day financial obligations shall result in a technical defeat and a fine of GH¢5,000.

3.3 Outstanding Debt & Player Transfers

3.3.1 If a team withdraws from the league with outstanding financial obligations, its players may not join another team unless the player individually settles one-tenth (1/10) of the total outstanding debt, subject to a minimum payment of GH¢500.

3.3.2 Player transfers may only take place during an officially designated transfer window.

3.3.3 All fines must be settled within two (2) business days of issuance.

3.4 Player Withdrawal & Transfers

3.4.1 A player may withdraw from a team at any time; however, transfers to another team may only occur during the designated transfer window.

3.4.2 A player may only depart a team if at least eight (8) other players have made competitive appearances for that team during the current season.

CHAPTER IV — MATCH FORMAT & GENERAL RULES

4.1 Match Format

4.1.1 All matches are played in a 6+1 format: six (6) outfield players and one (1) goalkeeper per side.

4.1.2 The league follows a double round-robin format in which each team plays every other team twice.

4.1.3 A match may not commence or continue if a team has fewer than five (5) players available (excluding players serving time penalties). If a team’s available players fall below this threshold due to players deliberately leaving the pitch, the referee is not required to stop play; otherwise, the match shall be suspended and the Committee shall determine the outcome.

4.2 Match Scoring & Default

4.2.1 If a team fails to appear for a match, appears late, or fails to present a valid squad, the match shall be recorded as 0:4 against the offending team and 4:0 in favour of the opposing team.

4.2.2 The same default scoreline applies if a match result is subsequently overturned by the Committee or the RBxL-DC.

4.3 Match Duration

Each match is divided into two halves as follows:

First Half: 17 minutes of regular play + 3 minutes of Turbo Mode = 20 minutes

Half-Time Break: 5 minutes

Second Half: 17 minutes of regular play + 3 minutes of Turbo Mode = 20 minutes

Total Match Time: 45 minutes

4.4 Schedule

4.4.1 All matches are played between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Sundays at Graceland Sports Complex.

4.4.2 Round 1 runs from May to June 2025. The Round 2 schedule shall be determined and communicated in June.

4.5 Points System

League standings are determined by the following points allocation:

Result

Points

Win - 3

Draw - 1

Loss - 0 

4.5.1 In the event that two or more teams finish on equal points, standings shall be determined by the following tiebreakers, applied in order: (a) goal difference, (b) goals scored, (c) head-to-head record, (d) fair play record (fewest disciplinary points).

4.6 Team Captaincy

4.6.1 Each team must designate a captain for every match. The captain shall wear a distinguishing armband at all times during play.

4.6.2 If the captain is substituted, the armband must be transferred to another player on the pitch immediately.

4.6.3 Only the captain is permitted to address the referee regarding match decisions.

4.7 Player Equipment & Safety

4.7.1 Players may not use or wear any equipment deemed dangerous by the match officials. The wearing of jewellery of any kind — including necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and leather or rubber bands — is strictly prohibited. Covering jewellery with adhesive tape is not an acceptable alternative.

4.7.2 All players shall be inspected by match officials prior to kick-off. Any player found in violation shall not be permitted to take the pitch until compliance is achieved.

4.8 Substitutions

4.8.1 Each player may be substituted in and out an unlimited number of times during a match.

4.8.2 Substitutions are executed “on the fly” by handshake within the designated substitution zone (at the height of the centre line), without interruption of play.

4.8.3 If a team is found to have more than the permitted number of players on the pitch, the following applies:

a)     If the additional player influences play to the team’s advantage, or if a goal is scored during the infringement, play shall be stopped. The offending team must play with one fewer player for a period of two (2) minutes. The coaches or managers may select which player on the pitch serves the team penalty; however, the personal penalty is recorded against the player who entered without authorisation.

b)     Play is restarted with a direct free kick for the opposing team from the position of the ball at the time play was interrupted.

c)     If the additional player does not influence play, no team penalty is imposed; the player must simply leave the pitch immediately.

d)     If a goal is scored without influence by the additional player, the goal shall stand.

4.9 Goalkeeper

4.9.1 The goalkeeper may handle the ball only within the penalty area. If the goalkeeper handles the ball outside the penalty area, a direct free kick is awarded.

4.9.2 The goalkeeper may handle a deliberate back-pass from a teammate only within the penalty area. If the goalkeeper handles a deliberate back-pass, a direct shootout (penalty) is awarded to the opposing team.

4.10 Throw-Ins

4.10.1 When the ball completely crosses the touchline, either in the air or on the ground, play is restarted by a throw-in taken by a player of the opposing team.

4.10.2 The throw-in must be executed from the point where the ball crossed the touchline, using both hands, delivered from behind and over the head, in accordance with standard football throw-in procedure.

4.10.3 A goal may not be scored directly from a throw-in. If the ball enters the opponent’s goal directly from a throw-in without being touched by another player, play is restarted with a goal kick. If the ball enters the thrower’s own goal directly, the goal shall stand.

4.10.4 All opposing players must maintain a minimum distance of two (2) metres from the point of the throw-in.

4.11 Penalty (Shootout)

4.11.1 A penalty is awarded for fouls or deliberate handballs committed inside the penalty area.

4.11.2 The designated penalty taker starts from the centre line and advances one-on-one toward the goalkeeper.

4.11.3 The goalkeeper must remain within the penalty area until the penalty taker touches the ball.

4.11.4 No other players may interfere with or attempt to distract either the penalty taker or the goalkeeper.

4.11.5 The penalty taker has one attempt and a maximum of ten (10) seconds to complete the shot.

4.11.6 If the shot is saved or missed, the penalty is concluded and the defending team restarts play with a goal kick. A save that deflects the ball out of play does not result in a corner kick.

4.11.7 If the goalkeeper fouls the penalty taker before the shot is taken, the penalty shall be retaken and the goalkeeper penalised in accordance with these regulations.

4.12 Coach’s Challenge (VAR)

4.12.1 Each team is entitled to a maximum of two (2) challenges per match. Challenges allow a Coach or Team Manager to request a video review of a disputed match decision.

4.12.2 A challenge must be indicated by the Coach or Team Manager within approximately fifteen (15) seconds of the disputed incident and always before play has resumed following the situation in question.

4.12.3 Play is not interrupted immediately upon a challenge. At the next stoppage, the referees shall review the disputed incident on the available monitor. If circumstances permit, the referees may stop play immediately to conduct the review.

4.12.4 A decision may only be overturned if the video evidence clearly disproves the original ruling. If the footage is inconclusive, the on-field decision stands. The final determination rests exclusively with the match referees.

4.12.5 A challenge is consumed regardless of outcome. Successful or not, the team’s remaining challenge count is reduced by one.

4.12.6 Challenges are not permitted in the following circumstances:

a)     The challenge concerns an error made by the challenging team itself.

b)     The challenge disputes a referee decision made after advantage was played.

c)     The challenge is raised after play has already resumed.

CHAPTER V — DISCIPLINE, CARDS & CONDUCT

5.1 Card System

Three categories of card are used in the Roundbox League: Yellow, Orange, and Red.

5.1.1 Yellow Card (Caution)

A yellow card serves as a formal caution for minor infringements or unsporting behaviour.

5.1.2 Orange Card (Time Penalty)

An orange card carries a two-minute time penalty. The following rules apply:

i.       Orange cards are issued for serious fouls, including denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity (for example, by deliberate handball).

ii.      A player may receive more than one orange card in a single match. Depending on the nature of the offence, the referee may escalate to a red card following a time penalty.

iii.     Players must serve their penalty on the penalty bench within their team’s technical area.

iv.    Time penalties may also be issued to substitutes, managers, and coaches. In such cases, a player on the pitch must be designated to serve the two-minute team penalty, and the team plays with one fewer player for the duration.

v.      When a goalkeeper receives an orange card, an outfield player must assume the goalkeeping position and be clearly identified as such for the duration of the penalty.

vi.    A player serving a time penalty may not be substituted or replaced until the personal penalty has expired.

vii.   A time penalty ends automatically as a team penalty when the opposing team scores a goal. The penalised team may then return to full strength; however, the player who received the orange card may not re-enter until the remainder of their personal penalty time has elapsed.

5.1.3 Red Card (Expulsion)

A red card results in immediate expulsion from the match. The following rules apply:

i.       The expelled player must leave both the pitch and the technical area for the remainder of the match and may not participate in any further fixtures on the same match day.

ii.      Red cards are issued for serious offences, including but not limited to: a second foul following a time penalty; dangerous or violent play; physical aggression toward any person; fighting; and the use of offensive, insulting, or discriminatory language.

iii.     Time penalties may also be issued to substitutes, managers, and coaches, with the team penalty rule applying as described above.

iv.    Following a red card, the offending team plays with one fewer player for two (2) minutes or until the opposing team scores, whichever occurs first.

5.2 Communication with Match Officials

5.2.1 Only the team captain is permitted to address the referee regarding match decisions.

5.2.2 If any other player, manager, or coach addresses the referee in a manner deemed inappropriate, a time penalty may be issued upon a second occurrence.

5.2.3 In serious cases — particularly where a substitute, coach, or manager enters the field of play to dispute a decision — an orange card may be issued immediately without prior warning, at the referee’s discretion.

5.3 Referee Authority

5.3.1 Each match is officiated by one or more referees appointed by the Committee.

5.3.2 Referees have full authority over all match proceedings and may issue cards, stop play, or take any other action necessary at their discretion.

5.3.3 Referee decisions are final on the field of play.

5.3.4 Formal complaints regarding officiating must be submitted in writing to the Committee within twenty-four (24) hours of the conclusion of the match.

5.4 Code of Conduct

5.4.1 All participants are required to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play at all times.

5.4.2 Any form of misconduct, aggressive behaviour, or violation of fair play shall result in disciplinary action, which may include fines, seasonal suspension, permanent league ban, or team-level sanctions, as determined by the Committee.

5.4.3 The following conduct is considered a serious breach and shall attract severe penalties:

–       Dangerous or violent play

–       Physical aggression toward any person

–       Fighting

–       Use of offensive, insulting, or discriminatory language

5.5 Disciplinary Commission

5.5.1 The Roundbox League Disciplinary Commission (RBxL-DC) is responsible for adjudicating all disciplinary incidents arising on match days and during Final Four events, including appeals against match results, sanctions for breaches of the Code of Conduct, and all disputes related to the implementation of the league.

5.5.2 Members of the RBxL-DC are appointed by the Committee.

CHAPTER VI — TURBO MODE & GAMEPLAY VARIANTS

Turbo Mode is the defining feature of Roundbox League football. It transforms the final three minutes of each half into a high-intensity, format-altered phase designed to deliver maximum entertainment, drama, and unpredictability. Every match is built around this moment.

6.1 Turbo Mode Activation

6.1.1 Turbo Mode activates at the 17th minute of the first half and the 37th minute of the second half (i.e., with exactly three minutes of regular time remaining in each half).

6.1.2 At the 17th and 37th minute marks, a visual countdown is displayed for spectators and broadcast. When the countdown concludes, the referee stops play immediately regardless of the game situation, and Turbo Mode begins on the referee’s whistle. The interruption is kept as brief as possible.

6.1.3 In all cases, play restarts with a goal kick taken by the team that was in possession of the ball at the moment Turbo Mode was triggered.

6.1.4 If a penalty is being taken at the moment Turbo Mode would otherwise activate, both the game clock and the Turbo Mode countdown are paused until the penalty is concluded. Turbo Mode then activates immediately after.

6.1.5 The Turbo Mode variant for each half is determined by the Committee before matchday and published in advance. For the first five match days of the season, the assignment is as follows: Triangle Phase is played in the first half, and One Strike is played in the second half. From match day six onwards, the assignment may be varied at the Committee’s discretion and will be communicated to all teams in advance.

6.1.6 Cards and time penalties carry over into Turbo Mode as personal penalties only. All team penalties end at the point Turbo Mode begins. This means both teams always enter Turbo Mode at full permitted strength for the format in play.

6.2 Triangle Phase

Principle

Triangle Phase is a 3-a-side format in which each team fields three players, one of whom must be the designated goalkeeper. The remaining two are outfield players. The objective is to score as many goals as possible within the three-minute Turbo Mode window.

Player Selection

Each team selects three players from its match-day squad to participate in Triangle Phase. The selection must be confirmed to the referee before Turbo Mode begins. The goalkeeper may be substituted at any time during Triangle Phase, provided the replacement is clearly identifiable as goalkeeper by wearing the goalkeeper jersey and gloves.

Restart After a Goal or Goal Kick

After a goal or when the ball goes out of play behind the goal line, play restarts once the referee signals. The defending team restarts from within their own penalty area in possession of the ball. The game clock may be stopped by the referees at their discretion until play officially resumes.

Shot Clock

Each team has a 30-second shot clock during its attacking phase. The shot clock resets only upon a controlled change of possession. If the shot clock expires without a shot on goal, the opposing team restarts play with a direct free kick from the position of the ball, or with a goal kick if the ball was out of play.

Discipline During Triangle Phase

Offences that would ordinarily result in an orange card time penalty are instead punished with a penalty awarded to the opposing team. No time penalties are served during Triangle Phase. All other rules of the game apply. The game clock may be stopped during stoppages at the referee’s discretion.

6.3 One Strike

Principle

One Strike is a 1-on-1 format in which a single outfield player from each team competes head-to-head against the opposing goalkeeper. The format is designed for maximum individual pressure, skill, and entertainment. Each team fields one outfield player and one goalkeeper.

Field Zones and Player Movement

Both outfield players must remain within their own half of the pitch at all times, except when entering the centre circle in possession of the ball during an attacking run. Goalkeepers must remain within their penalty area. Entering the opponent’s half without possession is not permitted.

Shot Clock

Once the ball enters the attacking player’s own half, a 15-second shot clock begins. Within this time, the attacking player must attempt a shot on goal. If the shot clock expires without a shot, the opposing team restarts play from within their own penalty area.

Restart of Play

After a goal, possession transfers to the opposing outfield player. Play resumes from the new defending player’s penalty area. All restarts, including those following a save, a deflection out of play, or a shot clock expiry, must originate from within the player’s own penalty area.

Deflections and Possession

If the ball is deflected out of play behind the goal line or the touchline within the defending player’s own half during a defensive action, possession remains with the defending player. If after a save or a rebound off the post or crossbar the ball enters the opponent’s half or goes out of play in the opponent’s half, possession returns to the attacking player. If the ball is deflected directly into the opponent’s goal during a defensive action, the goal stands.

Handball and Illegal Interference

A deliberate handball to prevent a goal results in an automatic technical goal awarded to the attacking player. If a player illegally prevents a goal attempt or interferes with the attacker from the centre circle or the opponent’s half, a technical goal is similarly awarded.

Substitutions During One Strike

Substitutions may be made between sequences of play. At all times it must be clear which player is active and responsible for the next shot or save. If an improper substitution attempt visibly distracts the attacking player or causes the ball to be blocked, a technical goal is awarded to the opponent. Corner kicks are not counted during One Strike.

6.4 Additional Turbo Modes

The Roundbox League will introduce additional Turbo Mode variants across the season and in future seasons. New formats will be announced to all teams in advance of the match day on which they are first played. All additional Turbo Mode variants are governed by the same activation rules set out in Rule 6.1 and shall be published as addenda to this chapter.

CHAPTER VII — ADMINISTRATIVE & FINAL PROVISIONS

7.1 Content Ownership & Media Rights

7.1.1 By registering for the league, all teams and players consent to being recorded, photographed, and broadcast in any format or medium.

7.1.2 The Roundbox League reserves full and exclusive rights to use all media content produced during league activities for promotional, commercial, or documentation purposes.

7.1.3 Teams may share official footage on their own social media channels, provided they do not misrepresent match decisions or incite public criticism of match officials or the league.

7.2 End-of-Season Awards

The following awards may be presented at the close of each season, at the Committee’s discretion:

1.     Most Valuable Player (MVP)

2.     Top Scorer

3.     Best Goalkeeper

4.     Best Team (Performance)

5.     Fair Play Award (Discipline & Conduct)

6.     Best Coach

7.3 Match Forfeiture & Force Majeure

7.3.1 It is not permissible for a team to voluntarily forfeit a league match. Any team that fails to fulfil a scheduled fixture without legitimate cause shall have the match recorded as a default loss (0:4) and may face further sanctions from the RBxL-DC.

7.3.2 If a match cannot be played because a team is prevented from participating due to force majeure — including but not limited to natural disaster, civil unrest, government restrictions, or other circumstances genuinely beyond the team’s control — the match shall be rescheduled at a date and time determined by the Committee.

7.3.3 In the event of a dispute as to whether force majeure has occurred, the determination shall rest with the RBxL-DC, whose decision is final.

7.4 Amendments & League Rights

7.4.1 The Committee reserves the right to amend these regulations at any time before or during the season.

7.4.2 All teams shall be notified of any amendments through official league communication channels.

7.4.3 All amendments take effect upon notice unless otherwise stated.

All teams and players are bound by these regulations upon registration.

The Committee retains final authority on all disputes.