The Football Association Laws for Mini-Soccer For Players
(both boys and girls over the Age of 6 and under 10)
(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. To play in a KO Cup game or a game where points are awarded, or results collected, a player must have achieved the age of 8 on or before 31st August.
Except where other provision, 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.
Law 1 Playing Area
WARNING
Please ensure that The FA Goalpost safety guidelines are observed.
Under 10s/9s |
Under 8s/7s |
|||
Metres |
Yards |
Metres |
Yards |
|
Width |
Min. 27.45 |
Min. 30 |
Min. 18.30 |
Min. 20 |
Max. 36.60 |
Max. 40 |
Max. 27.45 |
Max. 30 |
|
Length |
Min. 45.75 |
Min. 50 |
Min. 27.45 |
Min. 30 |
Max. 54.90 |
Max. 60 |
Max. 45.75 |
Max. 50 |
|
Penalty Area
Length 9.15m – 10 yards; Width 16.47m – 18 yards.
Penalty Mark
The penalty mark is 7.32m (8 yards) from the Goal Line opposite the Centre of the Goal.
Halfway Line
The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The centre mark is indicated at the mid-point of the halfway line.
Goal Size
The distance between the posts is 3.6m (12ft) and the distance between the lower edge of the cross bar and the ground is 1.88m (6ft).
Law 2 The Ball
The ball should be size 4 for U9/U10.
Size 3 for Under 8s.
It should be safe and made of leather or another suitable material
Law 3 Number of Players
Number per Team, including Goalkeeper |
|
| Under 10s/9s | 6 v 6 or 7 v 7 |
| Under 8/7 | 4 v 4, 5 v 5, 6 v 6 or 7 v 7 |
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.
Law 4 Playing Equipment
Players must wear shin guards and goalkeepers must wear a distinguishing playing strip. Shin guards must be covered entirely by the stockings.
Law 5 Referees
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:
- Enforces the Laws of the Game
- Controls the match in co-operation with the assistant referees/time keeper
- Ensures that the ball meets the requirements of Law 2
- Ensures that the players’ equipment meets the requirements of Law 4
- Stops, suspends or terminates the match, at their discretion, for any infringements of the Laws
- Stops, suspends or terminates the match because of outside interference of any kind
- Stops the match if, in their opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that they are removed from the field of play
- Ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play
- Allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalises the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time
- Takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and/or sending-off offences
- Takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may, at their discretion, expel them from the field of play and its immediate surrounds
- Ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the field of play
- Restarts the match after it has been stopped
Decisions of the Referee
The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final.
The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his/her discretion provided that play has not restarted.
Law 6 Timekeeper/Scorer/Assistant Referee
Duties
A person may be nominated to assist the referee to:
a) Record goals scored
b) Act as timekeeper and signify to the referee by an agreed signal when the time of each half has expired
c) Suspend time on an instruction from the referee for all stoppages and add that time to the end of
each halfd) Supervise the use of rolling substitutes
e) Carry out any other duties as prescribed by the referee
If an independent timekeeper/scorer is not nominated, these duties are the responsibility of the referee.
Law 7 Duration of the Game
In any one day, no player shall play more than the stipulated period outlined below.
- Under 7 & Under 8s: 40 minutes
- Under 9 & Under 10s: 60 minutes
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 the 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. In Mini Soccer a goal cannot be scored directly from a start or restart of play.
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 the point nearest to where the ball was located when the play stopped.
Law 9 Ball In and Out of Play
Ball Out of Play
The ball is out of play when:
- It has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air
- Play has been stopped by the referee
Ball In Play
The ball is in play at all other times, including when:
- It rebounds from a goal or post, crossbar or corner flag post and remains in the field of play
- It rebounds from either the referee or an assistant referee when they are on the field of play
Law 10 Method of Scoring
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.
Law 11 Offside
There is no offside.
Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct
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:
- Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
- Trips or attempts to trip an opponent
- Jumps at an opponent
- Charges an opponent
- Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
- Pushes an opponent
A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences:
- Tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before
touching the ball - Holds an opponent
- Spits at an opponent
- Handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his/her own penalty area)
- Plays in a dangerous manner
- Impedes the progress of an opponent
- Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands
- Commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player
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:
- Takes more than 6 seconds to release the ball from his/her hands
- Touches the ball again with his/her hands after it has been released from his/her possession and has not touched any other player
- Touches the ball with his/her hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a team mate
- Touches the ball with his/her hands after he/she has received it directly from a throw in taken by a team mate
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:
- Is guilty of unsporting behaviour
- Shows dissent by word or action
- Persistently infringes the Laws of the Game
- Delays the restart of play
- Fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick or free kick
- Enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission
- Deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission
Sending Off Offences
A player is sent off and shown the red card if he/she commits any of the following seven offences:
- Is guilty of serious foul play
- Is guilty of violent conduct
- Spits at an opponent or any other person
- Denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity, by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his/her own penalty area)
- Denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or penalty kick
- Uses offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
- Receives a second caution in the same match
Law 13 Free Kicks
For all free kicks opponents must be 4.5m (5 yards) from the ball.
Law 14 Penalty Kicks
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.
Law 15 Throw-in
A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.
A throw-in is awarded:
- When the whole of the ball passes over the touch line, either on the ground or in the air
- From the point where it crossed the touch line
- To the opponents of the player who last touched the ball
Procedure
At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:
- Faces the field of play
- Has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line
- Uses both hands
- The throw-in is awarded to the opposing team, if any of these requirements are not carried out
- Delivers the ball from behind and over their head
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.
Law 16 Goal Kick
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.
Law 17 Corner Kicks
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.
9v9
During the 2002-03 season a number of leagues approached The FA regarding the possibility of moving to 9v9 at under 11.
The FA organised a number of Regional Mini-Soccer Consultation Meetings to review Mini-Soccer and to discuss ideas for the future development of the game.
The consultation also lead to the introduction, within FA rules, for the 9v9 game for children who have reached the age of 10 on 31st August.
The 9v9 option is available from U11-U14.
When 9v9 is played The FA recommends the following:
Follow 11v11 laws of the game, except:
- Size of pitch: use junior size pitch 80 x 50 yards and junior goals 16’ x 7’.
It has been agreed by The FA that for season 2008/09, the use of any sized goals will be permissible for the 9v9 game, whilst a transitional period continues to exist in this format of the game. However, there is recognition that the 16’ x 7’ goals are most suitable during matches and as such clubs should be encouraged to make the most of the Football Foundation’s funding to gain this size of goal.
From season 2009/10, only goals sized 16’ x 7’ will be permissible.
- Substitutes: Maximum squad of 18 with repeat substitutions allowed
- Playing Time: Maximum 35mins each way
- Anything not covered above, FA standard code of rules for youth leagues apply.
The FA hopes that, where facilities allow leagues will make use of the 9v9 option to assist the players’ development.
The Responsible Football Coach/Manager Code of Conduct for Football
- Coaches/Managers must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport
- Coaches/Managers must place the well being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance
- Coaches/Managers must adhere to all guidelines laid down within the Constitution and the Rules of The Football Association
- Coaches/Managers must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect
- Coaches/Managers must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward
- Coaches/Managers must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
- Coaches/Managers must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate is appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players
- Coaches/Managers should, at the outset, clarify with the player (and, where appropriate, their parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach
- Coaches/Managers must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player
- Coaches/Managers must always promote the appropriate Code of Conduct and positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) to players, parents and spectators alike. Never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of the prohibited substances or techniques
- Coaches/Managers must consistently display high standards of behaviour and experience and be a role model for players, parents and spectators
Goalpost Safety
Remember to use all equipment, not just goalposts, safely at all times.
The Football Association, along with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Health and Safety Executive and the British Standards Institution, would like to draw your attention to the following guidelines for the safe use of goalposts. Too many serious injuries and fatalities have occurred in recent years as a result of unsafe or incorrect use of goalposts. Safety is always of paramount importance and everyone in football must play their part to prevent similar incidents occurring in the future.
- For safety reasons goalposts of any size (including those which are portable and not installed permanently at a pitch or practice field) must always be anchored securely to the ground.
- Portable goalposts must be secured as per the manufacturers instructions
- Under no circumstances should children or adults be allowed to climb on, swing or play with the structure of the goalposts
- Particular attention is drawn to the fact that if not properly assembled and secured, portable goalposts may overturn
- Regular inspections of goalposts must be carried out to check that they are properly maintained
- Portable goalposts should not be left in place after use. They should be dismantled and removed to a place of secure storage
- Nets should only be secured by plastic hooks or tape and not by metal cup hooks. Any metal cup hooks should be removed and replaced. New goalposts should not be purchased if they include metal cup hooks that cannot be replaced
- Goalposts which are “home made” or which have been altered from their original size or construction should not be used. These have been the cause of a number of deaths and injuries
- There is no BS/CEN or PAS standard for wooden goals and it is unlikely that wooden goals will pass a load or stability test. The FA recommends that wooden goals should be replaced when necessary with compliant metal or plastic goalposts
For reference, you should note that The FA and BSI developed a standard for future purchases of mini-soccer goalposts – BS8462 (2005). Copies of this standard are available from BSI.
The FA together with representatives from the industry, sports governing bodies and Government have prepared guidelines for pitch users and pitch providers together with technical parameters for goalpost manufacturers. It is anticipated that details of these will feature on the FA’s website.
