LAWS FOR SMALL SIDE FOOTBALL FOR PLAYERS

BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS OVER THE AGE OF 6 & UNDER THE AGE OF 10

ON 1ST SEPTEMBER

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.

PLAYING AREA
The number of players and size of playing area per age range is:

The penalty area extends 10yd(915m)) from the goal line across the full width of the playing area regardless of its size. The penalty area can be marked by cones on the sideline or by one or two markers across the playing area. There are no restrictions on the number of players allowed in the penalty area.

(b) Penalty Mark
The penalty mark is on the edge of the penalty area opposite the centre of the goal.

(c) Goal
The goal size for all age groups is 12' by 6' (3.6m by 1.8m).

WARNING:
In view of a number of accidents that have occurred it is necessary to ensure that portable goals of any size are either pinned or weighted to prevent them from toppling forward.

THE BALL

The ball should be no larger than size 4. Size 3 is recommended for Under 8's.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Players must play with and against players only from their own age range - within a two-year age band. Players should not be allowed to begin to play until the Season of their 7th birthday (at 31^st August).
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 that asks the permission of the referee.
A player who has been replaced may return to the playing area as a substitute for another player.

PLAYING EQUIPMENT
Players are required to wear shin-guards.

REFEREES
A referee shall be appointed to officiate in each game. He shall have the same powers and duties as laid down in the Laws of the Game.

TIMEKEEPER/SCORER

An independent Timekeeper/scorer may be appointed to assist the referee. This official shall: -
(a)         record goals scored;
(b)         act as timekeeper and signify half-time and full-time by an agreed signal;
(c)         suspend time on the referee's instructions for all stoppages and add that time to the end of each half;
(d)         supervise the use of "flying" substitutes if permitted by the Rules of a competition.

DURATION OF GAME
No player shall play more in any one day than the stipulated period outlined below. Within this maximum the recommended duration of games is provided.

Recommended Number        Max. duration of participation
of Minutes each way                   per day per player

Over 6 and Under 8       10 minutes                   45 minutes

Over 8 and Under 10      15 minutes                   60 minutes 

START OF PLAY

A kick-off is taken at the centre of the playing area to start the game and after a goal has been scored.

BALL IN AND AND OUT OF PLAY
As per the usual rules of Association Football

METHOD OF scoring
As per the usual rules of Association Football

OFFSIDE
There is no offside.

FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
As per the usual rules of Association Football

FREE KICKS

All free kicks are direct and the opposition must be at least 3yd (2.25m) away.

PENALTY KICKS

Penalty kicks are taken from a mark at the edge of the penalty area opposite the centre of the goal.

THROW IN
As per the usual rules of Association Football

GOAL KICK
Goal kicks are taken from the edge of the penalty area. The opposition must be at least 3yd (2.25m) away and the ball must be kicked out of the penalty area.

CORNER KICKS
The opposition must be at least 3yd (2.25m) away.