Exeter & District
Youth Football League
Mini Football Rules |
Click on the links below to view details on the Laws of the Game:
Guidance for the Laws of Mini-Soccer The Laws have been piloted and aim to be simple and as near to 'real' football as possible. The games require only a 'game-leader' who is urged to be as flexible as possible with the youngest children. The children will need the Laws explained to them as the game proceeds (e.g. handball, in/out of play). It will also be necessary to demonstrate in certain instances how to re-start the game (e.g. throw-ins). The FA Laws for Mini-Soccer: Introduction For both boys and girls over the age of six and under the age of ten [Updated by The FA Council on 15th May 2008] Please note: Where Leagues operate Under 11 Mini-Soccer events, they must follow these Laws Please remember: Under 7's or Under 8's are not permitted to play in leagues where results are collected or published or winner trophies are presented, this is deemed to be detrimental to the development of the player and the game and will not be sanctioned. Except where other provisions, in these Laws, are made, the Laws of Association Football apply. Each Law is numbered to correspond with the appropriate Law of the Game. These Laws are mandatory unless special permission is granted by The Football Association. WARNING: Please ensure that The FA Goalpost safety guidelines are observed. Size of Pitch Under 7s-8s
Under 9s-10s
Other pitch dimensions
Where the appropriate facilities are available, the FA would encourage leagues and competitions to use the smaller number of players at the youngest age group. Players must play with and against players only from their own age range, as per Football Association and Competition rules. Each team must not have a squad greater than double the size of the team per age. Any number of substitutes, without being named, may be used at any time with the permission of the referee or game leader. Entry into the field of play will only be allowed during a stoppage in play. A player who has been replaced may return to the playing area as a substitute for another player.
The Authority of the Referee Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which they have been appointed. Powers and Duties The Referee:
Decisions of the Referee
Law 6: Timekeeper/Scorer/Assistant Referee Duties A person may be nominated to assist the referee to:
In any one day, no player shall play more than the stipulated period given below:
Each league/competition will determine its own playing time within the maximum time permitted. The half time interval must not exceed 5 minutes. [Please refer to Standard Code of Rules for Youth Leagues] Law 8: Start and Restart of Play Procedure A kick-off is taken at the centre of the playing area to start the game and after a goal has been scored, opponents must be 4.5m (5 yards) away from the ball, and in their own half of the field. The ball must be played forward. Special Circumstances A dropped ball to restart the match after play has been temporarily stopped inside the penalty area takes place on the penalty area line parallel to the goal line at that point nearest to where the ball was located when the play stopped. Law 9: Ball In and Out of Play The ball is out of play when:
The ball is in play at all other times, including when:
Goal Scored A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement of the Laws of the Game has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal. Winning Team The team scoring the greater number of goals during a match is the winner. If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals are scored, the match is drawn. Competition Rules For matches ending in a draw, competition rules may state provisions involving extra time, or other procedures approved by the International FA Board to determine the winner of a match. Please note this must be included within the maximum participation time. There is no offside. In Mini-Soccer all free kicks are direct. A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences in a manner considered to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:
A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences:
Penalty Kick A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above offences is committed by a player inside his/her own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play. A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the goalkeeper:
For all these offences, the free kick should be taken from the penalty area line, parallel with the goal line, at the nearest point to the offence. Cautionable Offences A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he/she commits any of the following seven offences:
Sending Off Offences A player is sent off and shown the red card if he/she commits any of the following seven offences:
For all free kicks opponents must be 4.5m (5 yards) from the ball A penalty kick is awarded for offences, as described in Law 12 Position of the Ball and the Players All players except the defending goalkeeper and kicker must be outside the penalty area and at least 4.5m (5 yards) from the penalty mark. The ball must be kicked forward. Infringement/Sanctions If a player or players commit an offence at the taking of a penalty kick his/her team shall not be allowed to gain an advantage (i.e. the kick is retaken or the goal is disallowed depending on which team offended) If a player of both the defending and the attacking teams offend, the kick shall be retaken. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. A throw-in is awarded:
Procedure At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:
Throw-in
The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. If he/she does, a free kick will be awarded against them. The ball is in play immediately when it enters the field of play. Procedure A player of the defending team kicks the ball from any point within the penalty area. Opponents must remain outside the penalty area and at least 4.5m (5 yards) from where the kick is taken until the ball is in play. The opposing players must remain at least 4.5m (5yards) from the ball until it is in play. The kicker may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. If he/she does, a free kick is awarded against them. The ball is in play immediately when it enters the field of play. |