HOW IT WORKS

Operating in a round-robin format, the Morning Star five-a-side league will, in its first season, consist of six teams who will play each other twice - once at the venue of choice of Team A and once at a venue chosen by Team B. A fixture list will be produced for the season and it will be the home team's responsibility to arrange a suitable time and venue with the away side. Because it is unrealistic to expect teams to be able to compete at a set time every week, the league will run using this website for teams to arrange matches, allowing three weeks for every round of games to complete. Teams must be based in the London area and entry is free. Trade unions, media publications and not-for-profit organisations are particularly encouraged to sign-up.

RULES

• Each team will have one goalkeeper and four outfield players. Unlimited substitutes are permitted but exchanges are only allowed when the ball is out of play.

• Teams can feature as many players as they like in their squad, as long as any one player hasn't already turned out for any of the other league teams.

• Games can be played either indoors or outdoors and must have a clearly marked goal area and goal posts.

• A toss of a coin decides which team kicks off - with the other side getting the second half underway - and, following each goal, a centre kickoff resumes play.

• A step into the opposition's area will result in the ball being returned to the goalkeeper. All goals that are scored by players in the opposition area are void. A step into the players' own area will result in a penalty for the opposing team.

• Penalties are taken from the penalty spot and the taker has a maximum of two steps to convert his penalty.

• The ball must be kept below head height. Failure to do this will result in a freekick for the opposition.

• A freekick is awarded for every foul.

• Shin guards are encouraged but not essential.

• Violence, racism or any form of discrimination against players will result in instant disqualification.

• Finally, the golden rule. All games must be undertaken in a fair and socialist-driven manner. Without a referee, each game will obviously be open to interpretation. Teams signing up to the league must do their upmost to avoid confrontation and confusion.