Double Headers (Updated for Season 2025-2026)

Please use this guidance if you are asked to play a double header in order to complete the league season. This will only apply to competitive football (U12+ or PHYL cup if H&A group stage):

How it works:

In the event of bad weather or repeated unplayed games, a double header may be required where the same 2 teams play 2 shorter games instead of the usual 1 full length game on the same day at the same location. The below detail outlines the rules around completing these.

• Fixtures:
o Hosting team should be the team who was due to play at home first in the original set of fixtures, unless the upcoming already scheduled game is the return game where this team should host
o Hosting team are responsible for the pitch booking
o Both Full Time fixtures should be set for the same date by the Divisional Secretary, with the selected home team’s game set for the standard time (updated by the Home Team where applicable), and the reverse game set for a 6pm kick off time (a) to ensure it is clear which game is which and b) to make it easily identifiable to allocate the same referee to both games (if applicable)
o On Full Time, enter scores/statistics in the usual way for each game. You may receive 2 SMS’ from Full Time, we suggest ignoring these and use the Matchday App or Full Time to avoid any issues with score conflicts.
o If applicable, the hosting team should contact the referee as usual, and make them aware that it will be a slightly longer game

• Matches
o Each “half” is played as a single game, with the 1st “half” as the first game and the 2nd “half” as the second game
o Each “half” is played for longer (30 minute half is played for 35 minutes to complete 1 game, 35minutes are played for 40minutes, 40m to 45m and 45m to 50m)
o Teams can do a short “Half time” if needed within each shorter game if agreed by both teams

• Costs
o Pitch cost to be covered by the home team (games should be able to be played within the usual pitch booking time window)
o Referee fee (if applicable) is multiplied by 1.5 and is shared between the teams (example £30 original fee, x1.5 £45, shared £22.50)

All other rules are standard, please refer to main rules if required.