All Must Play

Games have four 10-minute quarters. In the 1st and 3rd quarters the clock stops at 5:00 for substitutions (this isn’t a time-out), splitting each of those quarters into two 5-minute periods.

How it works

• Squad of 10: every player must play one 5-minute period in both the 1st and 3rd quarters.
• Squad of 11 or 12: the coach chooses when (or whether) to play the 11th and 12th players, outside the 1st and 3rd quarters.
• Squad of 9 or fewer: a set rotation schedule is used for the 1st and 3rd quarters, and the coach gives the table officials a numbered list before the game.
• If a player is injured or fouls out and the team has fewer than 10, the coach decides who fills in, sharing minutes fairly.

Why?

It makes sure every player gets real game time and makes games more competitive. Player welfare always comes first: coaches can make reasonable adjustments for medical conditions or injuries.

The rule doesn’t apply when a Conference team plays a Premier team in a promotion playoff or cup game.