Rules of the League

The league season runs from 1st August 2025 through to 31st May 2026. Fixtures are organised into three blocks across the year to balance the calendar and allow space for cup competitions.

All fixtures will be confirmed and published on 7th July 2025, including which block each game belongs to. Fixture blocks may be used for cup rankings/seedings where applicable.

• Fixture changes: Any proposed reschedule must be agreed by both clubs and confirmed with league admins.
• Ground/venue changes: Must be communicated to the opposition and league admins as early as possible.
• Kick-off times: Clubs should agree kick-off times in advance and communicate promptly if anything changes.

To maintain fairness and transparency, all players must be registered digitally before appearing in any game. Registration requires basic details (name, email, selfie, team) and proof of eligibility.

Eligibility is open to current Man v Fat members, former members within 18 months, and players who meet BMI requirements of over 27.5 (as defined by the league). Players must be registered by 8pm on the Thursday before matchday. There is no cap on squad size.

• Match eligibility: Any unregistered player who takes part will be treated as ineligible.
• Responsibility: Each club is responsible for ensuring their players are correctly registered before playing.
• Identity: A player must register under their correct name. Deliberate misrepresentation may trigger discipline.

Transfers are permitted within the official window of 15th December to 15th January. During this time, players can move clubs once their registration is updated.

Individual player transfers outside the window may be considered under exceptional circumstances, on a case-by-case basis. Conditions may be attached to any approved transfer.

Clubs may nominate five First Team players eligible to represent the Development team. However, only two nominated players may feature in any single Development fixture.

• Pre-registration: Crossover players must be pre-registered for transparency.
• Tracking: Participation is tracked to protect fairness across the division.
• Spirit of the rule: Development football is for development — misuse may trigger review.

Development teams are designed to provide opportunities for players to progress. Any registered Development player may be selected for the First Team, provided they are registered for the First Team through the online player registration form by Thursday of game week.

To maintain balance, a maximum of three Development players may be included in a First Team matchday squad. If a Development player is selected for three consecutive First Team fixtures, they are considered permanently transferred and cannot drop back down unless re-registered in the next transfer window.

There is no limit to squad size on a matchday, and substitutions are unlimited on a roll-on, roll-off basis. Matches are played over 90 minutes (2×45), with additional water breaks agreed by both sides if required.

• Respect: Clubs are expected to act in good faith, respect opposition, and support match officials.
• Equipment: Teams should bring an alternative kit colour/bibs if needed to avoid clashes.
• Late arrival: If a team is delayed, clubs should communicate early. League may apply discretion.

Any cancellation made within five days of a scheduled match will result in a 3-0 forfeit, unless exceptional circumstances apply (league discretion). Rearranged fixtures must be agreed promptly and communicated with league officials.

Following each match, teams must submit electronic records within 48 hours. This includes goalscorers, bookings, a team sheet, and a squad photo (taken by the opposition where possible). Results are checked against registrations.

• Ineligible players: Using an unregistered/ineligible player may result in a forfeit and/or sanctions.
• Non-submission: Progressive sanctions apply — warning (first), club fine (second), and potential forfeiture for repeat offenders.
• Accuracy: Deliberate misinformation may trigger disciplinary action.

Discipline is taken seriously to protect player welfare and the integrity of the league. The minimum on-field sanctions are: straight red card = 2-match ban, two yellow cards = 1-match ban. Each red/yellow incident is also subject to a £20 league fine.

Zero tolerance: MFFL operates a zero-tolerance policy on body shaming, discrimination, abuse of officials, threats, intimidation, and personal attacks. This includes mocking or criticising a player’s body, weight, appearance, or weight-loss journey — regardless of intent.

Reporting Misconduct

• Who can report: Club admins, match officials, or league admins.
• Timeframe: Reports should be submitted within 48 hours where possible.
• Evidence: Video, written statements, or supporting information should be provided where available.

Retrospective Review

The league may review incidents retrospectively where there is a report of: serious foul play, violent conduct, threatening behaviour, discrimination, or actions believed to endanger player safety or undermine league standards. This may occur whether or not the incident was sanctioned on-field.

Disciplinary Process

1. Notification: The club admin will be notified in writing of the allegation and the type of offence being considered.
2. Evidence window: Both clubs will have the opportunity to submit relevant evidence within a stated timeframe.
3. Statement opportunity: The player/club may submit a written response before a decision is made.
4. Panel review: A neutral disciplinary panel will determine (a) whether an offence occurred and (b) the appropriate sanction.
5. Written outcome: The decision and reasoning will be issued in writing, including appeal rights.

Sanction Guidance (Indicative Ranges)

The league retains discretion based on severity, intent, impact, and prior conduct. These ranges provide structure and consistency.

• Two yellow cards: 1 match
• Straight red (standard serious foul play): 2 matches
• Violent conduct (off-the-ball / excessive force / striking / stamping): 3–6 matches
• Repeat violent conduct: 5+ matches or season suspension
• Abuse of officials / threatening behaviour: 3–5 matches
• Discrimination or body shaming: 2–4 matches (minimum 2)
• Serious discriminatory abuse or intimidation: 4+ matches or season suspension
• Repeat offences of any category: Sanctions may be increased

Appeals

• Deadline: Appeals must be submitted in writing within the stated timeframe (normally 72 hours).
• Grounds: Appeals should be based on procedural fairness, new evidence, or proportionality of sanction.
• Independent appeal panel: Appeals will be reviewed by neutral representatives not involved in the original decision.
• Outcome: The panel may uphold, vary, or overturn the decision.
• Finality: Appeal outcomes are final under MFFL internal processes.

The league expects clubs to resolve minor disputes respectfully where possible. Where that cannot happen, the league can step in to support fair outcomes.

• Match disputes: Should be raised with league admins within 48 hours, with supporting information.
• Behavioural complaints: Handled through the disciplinary process above.
• Social media: Clubs and players are expected to avoid public escalation. Serious breaches may be treated as misconduct.

To support league operations, clubs pay a £60 registration fee. This funding supports systems, online platforms, admin costs, and end-of-season events such as finals days.

• Fees and fines: Clubs are responsible for paying fines incurred by their players/officials.
• Non-payment: Persistent non-payment may result in sanctions (including points deductions or removal from competition).
• Communication: Club admins are expected to respond promptly to league communications.

MFFL is community-led. Admins are volunteers. Please respect response times and keep communications clear and constructive.

Player welfare is a priority. Clubs are responsible for arranging pitches and match officials and should ensure appropriate safety measures at their venue.

• First aid: Clubs are strongly encouraged to have access to basic first aid provisions on match day.
• Insurance: MFFL is a community-run league and does not provide individual player injury insurance. Players participate at their own risk.
• Serious injuries: Any serious injury should be reported to the league so welfare support can be offered and patterns can be monitored.