Rules & Terms & Conditions

Legal Disclaimer

Last updated: 26 January 2026

Applies to: All teams, players (18+), referees, volunteers, and league organisers involved in the Nottingham Weekday Night Korfball League (“the League”).

The League exists to provide a safe, inclusive, competitive mixed‑gender korfball environment. By registering (as a team, individual player, or referee) and/or participating in any League activity, you agree to comply with these Rules & Terms & Conditions.

1) League Overview

Format: Double round‑robin (each team plays every other team twice), weekly fixtures across multiple halls, three 1‑hour slots per hall.
Match Duration: 50 minutes + 10 minutes changeover.
Timings: Earliest start 6:30pm; latest finish 9:30pm.
Adults Only: Players must be 18+.
No Shot Clocks: The League does not operate shot clocks.
Officials: All matches are refereed. MVPs are selected by referees after each match.
Team Colours & Bibs: Teams are allocated a colour; teams should bring bibs. Emergency bibs may be provided.

2) Korfball Rules for the League

The League follows a simplified, accessible rules framework designed for adult mixed‑gender play without shot clocks. A full rulebook will be provided and maintained by the League before the first fixture. Key principles are below:

2.1 Mixed‑Gender & Rotations

Korfball is played in mixed teams. Players are matched by gender on court (girls mark girls, boys mark boys) to ensure fair and safe play.
Teams should aim to field a balanced line‑up each week to maintain the standard korfball match‑up structure.
Substitutions are permitted during stoppages and must maintain appropriate match‑ups.

2.2 Scoring, Possession & Restarts

Goals count as 1 point and must be submitted via the post‑match form by the team captain (or delegate) the same night.
After a goal, the non‑scoring team restarts per the referee’s instruction.
Ball out of play, infringements, and restarts follow standard korfball practice. Referees may apply advantage to maintain flow.

2.3 Contact & Conduct

Korfball is a non‑contact sport. Deliberate or dangerous contact is prohibited.
Respect the Referee: Decisions are final. Dissent, abusive language, or harassment is unacceptable.
Repeated or serious infringements may result in time penalties, player removal (temporary or match), or referral to League organisers.

2.4 Safety

Players must not participate under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, or while unfit to play (including acute injury/illness).
Jewellery should be removed/taped; nails trimmed; suitable footwear required.
Any suspected concussion or serious injury: stop play and follow referee guidance. The match may be abandoned if safety cannot be assured.

2.5 Game Management

Matches start promptly; teams should be courtside 5 minutes before the slot.
Captains must assist referees by getting the team match ready, bib colours, and ball readiness.
The teams who are scheduled to play the first match of the evening should arrive 10 minutes before the allotted time to support the referee in setting up the court.
Timekeeping: Referee whistles at 50:00; 10‑minute changeover enforced.

3) Referee Rules & Terms

Referees are central to match quality and safety. By signing up to referee, you agree to the following.

3.1 Training & Preparation

You must read and adhere to the League’s Referee Pack (rules summary, positioning, signals, game flow, safety, MVP process).
Join the League’s communication channels (e.g., WhatsApp) and maintain prompt communication on scheduling and match‑night updates.

3.2 Match‑Night Duties

Arrive 15 minutes early, check court safety, set the court up (including posts and floor markings), confirm team colours and captains, start on time.
Officiate fairly and consistently under the League rules; prioritise flow and player safety.
Post‑match: confirm score, select MVPs, submit results promptly.
Post-last game: get the last teams to support you in putting the posts away and removing the markings from the floor

3.3 Safety & Environment

Referees share responsibility for a safe playing environment (alongside teams/players and venues).
If conditions are unsafe (floor, equipment, conduct), the referee may delay, pause, or abandon the match and must notify the League.

3.4 Communication & Cancellations

If you cannot referee an assigned match, provide ample notice (minimum 48 hours where possible).
Late cancellations may impact future allocations and payment.

3.5 Independence, Payment & Tax

Referees are independent contractors, not employees of the League.
Payment: £15-£20 per match. Referees must send an invoice to receive payment (this can be free text in an email, nothing fancy!)
Referees are solely responsible for their own tax, National Insurance, and any required registrations.
The League may withhold or delay payment if the match is not completed, results are not submitted, or invoices are missing/incorrect.
If a team cancels or forfeits a match with less than 48 hours’ notice, the forfeiting team is responsible for:
- Their own match fee
- The opposing team’s match fee
- The full referee fee for that match
If a match is cancelled on the night due to a team no‑show, the assigned referee will still be paid.
If a match is cancelled by the League (e.g., hall issues, equipment failure, weather cancellations) and the referee has not yet been required to attend, the referee will not be paid.
If a referee cancels with insufficient notice or repeatedly cancels, the League may withhold payment for that fixture and adjust future assignments.

3.6 Termination

The League reserves the right to terminate referee allocations/partnerships at any time, including (but not limited to) breaches of rules, unsafe conduct, repeated late cancellations, or failure to communicate and comply with League processes.

3.7 Liability Waiver (Referees)

By refereeing, you acknowledge the inherent risks associated with indoor sport and agree that you will:
- Follow League rules and safety guidance.
- Exercise reasonable care and judgement at all times.
- Not hold the League liable for injuries or losses arising from normal participation, except where required by law.
This waiver does not limit liability where unlawful to do so (e.g., for death/personal injury caused by negligence as applicable under UK law).

4) Teams & Players — Responsibilities & Terms

4.1 Team & Player Eligibility

Adults only: 18+.
Teams must have a captain responsible for communications and match‑night admin (scores, MVP confirmations, bib colours).
Players must be fit to play; if injured, ill or otherwise unfit, they should not participate.

4.2 Respect & Conduct

Treat referees, opponents, volunteers, and organisers with respect.
Abusive language, harassment, discrimination, or dangerous play may lead to suspension or removal from the League.

4.3 Safety & Fitness to Play

Teams/players share responsibility for safe participation: appropriate footwear, jewellery taped/removed, nails trimmed.
Do not play under the influence of alcohol/illegal substances.
Report hazards, injuries, or unsafe conditions to the referee immediately.

4.4 Payments & Financial Commitments

Match fee: £56 per team per match (unless otherwise updated by League).
Teams agree to prompt payment per the League’s published schedule/invoice cycles.
By registering, teams/players commit to completing the full season unless otherwise agreed in writing.

4.5 Forfeits & Costs

If a team forfeits a match (no‑show or cancels), the forfeiting team:
- Covers its own match fee and
- Covers the other team’s match fee (to avoid penalising the attending team).
Repeat forfeits may result in removal from the League; fees already paid are non‑refundable.

4.6 Results, MVPs & Admin

Teams must submit results immediately post‑match via the League process.
Referees select MVPs; teams should respect and accept the decision.
Teams must ensure player lists are accurate and available on request.

4.7 Liability Waiver (Teams & Players)

By participating, teams and players acknowledge the inherent risks of indoor sport and agree:
- You play at your own risk.
- The League is not responsible for personal property loss/damage or injuries arising from normal participation, except where required by law.
- This waiver does not limit liability where unlawful to do so (e.g., for death/personal injury caused by negligence as applicable under UK law).

5) Discipline, Suspensions & Disputes

The League may issue warnings, suspend players/teams, or remove participants for conduct that endangers safety or breaches these terms.
Disputes should be raised politely and promptly via the League’s contact channel.
Referee decisions are final during matches. Post‑match reviews may be considered at the League’s discretion.

6) Scheduling, Changes & Cancellations

Fixtures are rotated to distribute early/late slots fairly.
The League may adjust schedules, venues, or timings due to hall availability, safety, or operational reasons.
If the League cancels a match, fees will be credited or rescheduled where possible.

7) Insurance & Equipment

The League maintains basic insurance appropriate to community sport.
Teams/players are responsible for their own personal insurance if desired.
Equipment (posts, balls, bibs) is managed by the League. Do not move posts or modify court markings without approval.

8) Data & Communications

The League will use registration and contact details to manage fixtures, results, MVPs, schedules and news.
WhatsApp groups and email lists are used for fast communication; please keep notifications on or check regularly.
We may publish limited match information (scores/MVPs) on the website/social media.

9) Fees, Refunds & Non‑Payment

Fees are set to cover hall hire, referees, equipment, insurance and admin.
Non‑payment may result in suspension from fixtures until settled.
Refunds are not typically offered once schedules are confirmed, except where the League cancels and cannot reschedule.

10) Safeguarding & Welfare (18+ League)

Although this is an 18+ league, welfare remains a priority.
Bullying, harassment or discriminatory behaviour is not tolerated.
Report any concerns to the League organisers immediately.

11) Photography & Media

The League may capture photos/videos for promotional purposes.
If you prefer not to be photographed, inform the organiser before your match and we will accommodate where reasonable.

12) Amendments & Acceptance

The League may update these Rules & Terms at any time to improve safety, clarity or operations.
Continued participation after updates constitutes acceptance.
The current version will always be available on the website.