The following laws appy to Small Sided Football In England. If you are looking for the rules of Futsal, click here.

General Principle

The Normal laws of Association Football apply with exceptions

 

The Pitch

 

Small Side Football may be played with or without barriers. 

 

Dimensions:

 

The pitch must be rectangular.  The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.

 

Length:

minimum 25m

maximum 50m

Width:

minimum 16.5m

maximum 35m

 

For 7 a side football the following dimensions are recommended

Length:

minimum 50m

maximum 60m

Width:

minimum 30m

maximum 40m


Pitch-Size Guidelines

Pitch Markings

 

The pitch is marked with lines.  These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.

 

The two longer boundary lines are called touchlines.  The two shorter lines are called goal lines.

 

All lines are 8cm wide.

 

The pitch is divided into two halves by the halfway line.

 

The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line.  A circle with a radius of 3 m is marked around it.

 

If barricades are used to surround the playing area, where possible an opening should be provided at the point of the halfway line and the touch line.

 

A penalty area is defined at each end of the pitch as follows:

 

A semi circle of 8m radius shall be drawn from the centre of each goal line.  The extremities of these semi-circles should reach the goal-line, barrier or wall regardless of whether or not the goal posts encroach onto the playing area.

 

Penalty Mark

 

A penalty mark is drawn 6 m from the midpoint between the goal posts and equidistant from them.

 

The Corner Arc

 

Where barriers do not surround the playing area a quarter circle with a radius of 25cm from each corner is drawn inside the pitch.

 

Goals

 

Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line.

 

They consist of two upright posts equidistant from each corner and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar.

 

The distance (inside measurement) between the posts is maximum 5m, minimum 3m and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is maximum 2m minimum 1.20m.

 

Both goal posts and the crossbar have the same width and depth of 8cm.  Nets, made of hemp, jute or nylon, are attached to the posts and crossbars behind the goals.  The lower part is supported by curved bars or some other adequate support.

 

Safety

 

The goals may be portable but they must be anchored securely to the ground during play as per Health and Safety requirements.

 

Playing Surface

 

Where natural turf is not used the surface must be smooth and flat and non-abrasive.  The use of wood or artificial material is recommended. 

The Ball

 

Qualities and Measurements

 

The ball is:

 

  • spherical
  • made of leather or other suitable material
  • size appropriate to the age group playing

 

Replacement of a Defective Ball

 

If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:

 

  • the match is stopped
  • the match is restarted by dropping the replacement ball at the place where the first ball became defective

 

If the ball bursts or becomes defective while not in play:

 

  • the match is restarted according to the Laws

 

The ball may not be changed during the match without the permission of the referee.

 

  

LAW 3

 

The Number of Players

 

A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than seven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.

 

Substitution Procedure

 

Substitutes may be used in any match played under the rules of an official competition at FIFA, confederation or national association level.

 

The maximum number of substitutes permitted is three.

 

The number of substitutions made during a match is unlimited. A player who has been replaced may return to the pitch as a substitute for another player.

 

Substitutions should take place when there is a break in play, or during play if the  second official is involved in refereeing the game.

 

A substitution is one that is made when the ball is in or out of play for which the following conditions must be observed:

 

  • The player entering the playing area may not do so until the player leaving the playing area has passed completely over the boundary line
  • Where barricades are used the players must use the opening onto the playing area
  • A substitution is complete when the substitute enters the playing area from which moment he becomes a player and the player he is replacing ceases to be a player
  • A substitute is subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referee whether called upon to play or not

Changing Places with the Goalkeeper

 

Any of the other players, or substitutes, may change places with the goalkeeper.  The following conditions must be observed:

 

  • referee must be informed before the change is made
  • change may only be made during a stoppage in play
  • The replacement goalkeeper must wear a jersey which distinguishes him from all other players

Infringements/Sanctions

 

 

If, while a substitution is being made, a substitute enters the pitch before the player being replaced has completely left:

 

  • play is stopped
  • the player being replaced is instructed to leave the pitch
  • the substitute is ‘sin binned’ for the agreed period.
  • Play is restarted by an indirect free kick to be taken by the opposing team from the place where the ball was situated when the game was stopped.  However, if the ball was inside the penalty area, the indirect free kick is taken on the penalty area line, at the place nearest to the position of the ball when play was stopped

 

Where barricades are used if, while a substitution is being made, a substitute enters the pitch or a player being replaced leaves it from a place other than the recognised opening in the barricades:

 

  • play is stopped
  • the substitute is ‘sin binned’ for the agreed period.
  • play is restarted by an indirect free kick to be taken by the opposing team from the place where the ball was situated when the game was stopped.  However, if the ball was inside the penalty area, the indirect free kick is taken on the penalty area line, at the place nearest to the position of the ball when play was stopped

 

A match should not be considered valid if the playing strength of either team is reduced by more than two players (for five –a-side) and by three for (six and seven –a side)

LAW 4

 

The Players’ Equipment

 

Safety

 

A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player, including any kind of jewellery. Jewellery, which is potentially dangerous and cannot be easily removed, should be taped.

 

Basic Equipment

 

The basic compulsory equipment of a player is:

 

  • A jersey or shirt
  • Shorts or track suit trousers 
  • If thermal undershorts are worn under shorts, they should be of the same main colour as the shorts
  • Socks
  • Shinguards
  • Footwear – which is subject to local conditions

 

 

Shinguards

 

  • are covered entirely by the socks
  • are made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic or similar substances)
  • provide a reasonable degree of protection

 

Goalkeepers

 

  • the goalkeeper is permitted to wear long trousers
  • each goalkeeper wears colours which easily distinguish him from the other players and the referees

 

Infringements/Sanctions

 

For any Infringements of this Law:

 

  • the player at fault is instructed by the referee to leave the pitch to correct his equipment or to obtain any missing item of equipment.  The player may not return to the pitch without first reporting to the referee, who then checks that the player’s equipment is now correct.  The player is only allowed to re-enter the match when the ball is out of play.

·         Players can return to play whilst the ball is in play if a second official has checked the equipment. If no second official is present the player must wait for a break in play in order  for the referee to check the faulty equipment.

 


LAW 5

The Referee

 

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 he has been appointed, from the moment he enters the locality where the pitch is situated until he leaves.

 

Powers and Duties

 

The Referee:

 

  • enforces the Laws of the Game
  • 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
  • keeps a record of the match and provides the appropriate authorities with a match report which includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players, and/or team officials and any other incidents which occur before, during or after the match
  • acts as timekeeper
  • stops, suspends or terminates the match for any infringement of the Laws or due to any kind of outside interference
  • takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offences
  • takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them from the playing area and its immediate surrounds
  • ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the pitch
  • stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is removed from the pitch
  • ensures any player bleeding from a wound leaves the playing area
  • allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured
  • ensures that any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2
  • Make use of timed suspensions to exclude temporarily players guilty of infringements of the laws.
  • In the absence of a second official, the referee should make excluded players aware of the end of their period of suspension

Decisions of the Referee

 

The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final.

 


LAW 6


Match Official

 

Duties

 

The duties of the Match Official are to assist the referee in the control of the game in the following areas: -

 

·         Control of the substitution procedure, ensuring that the player to be replaced has left the FOP before the substitute is allowed to enter the FOP

·         Check the equipment of all the substitutes entering the FOP

·         Ensure that a player sent from the FOP by the referee, to replace any missing or defective equipment is checked before being allowed back on to the FOP

·         If a player has been sent from the FOP by the referee to have a ‘blood injury’ treated that the bleeding has stopped before that player is allowed back on to the FOP

·         Keep a full record of the match details

·         Act as the timekeeper for any player who has been given a temporary suspension from the game

·         Report to the referee any misconduct by any of the team players or officials in the technical / bench / substitute area

·         Carry out any other duties as requested by the referee

 

LAW 7

 

The Duration of the Match

 

The duration of the game shall be divided into two equal periods ofover five and up to 25 minutes each period subject to the following:

 

(a)                 Allowance shall be made in either period for time lost through stoppages as decided by the referee.

(b)                 The duration of either half shall be extended to enable a penalty kick to be taken. 

At half time the interval shall not exceed five minutes except by consent of the

Referee.

(c)                 Competition rules may allow for a game to be played in its entirety without a half time interval or requirement to change ends.

 

 

 

 

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 the match.


 

LAW 8

 

Start of Play

 

Preliminaries

 

The choice of ends is decided by the toss of a coin.  The team winning the toss decides which goal it wishes to attack in the first half of the match.

 

The other team takes the kick-off to start the match.

 

 

Kick-off

 

A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play:

 

  • at the start of the match
  • after a goal has been scored
  • at the start of the second half of the match
  • at the start of each period of extra time, where applicable

 

A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.

 

Procedure

 

  • all players are in their own half of the field
  • the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least 2m from the ball until it is in play
  • the ball is stationary on the centre mark
  • the referee gives a signal
  • the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward
  • the kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player

 

After a team scores a goal, the other team takes the kick-off.

 

Infringements/Sanctions

 

If the kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player:

 

  • an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred. For any other infringement of the kick-off procedure the kick-off is retaken.

 

Dropped Ball

 

A dropped ball is a way of restarting the match after a temporary stoppage

Procedure

 

The referee drops the ball at the place where it was located when play was stopped, unless it was in the goalkeepers possession, when the goalkeeper shall, at the referee’s signal, return the ball into play by throwing the ball from any point within the Penalty Area.

 

Play restarts when the ball touches the ground.

 

Where barricades are in use and a drop ball is required the referee shall drop the ball 2m from the barricade at the appropriate point.

 



Infringements/Sanctions

 

The ball is dropped again:

 

  • if it is touched by a player before it makes contact with the ground
  • if the ball leaves the pitch after it makes contact with the ground, without a player touching it

LAW 9

 

The 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
  • when playing indoors, it hits the ceiling


Ball In Play

 

The ball is in play at all other times including when:

 

  • it rebounds from a goal post, the crossbar, or the barricades onto the pitch
  • it rebounds from the referee when on the pitch

 

Decisions

 

When a match is being played on an indoor pitch and the ball accidentally hits the ceiling, the game is restarted by an indirect free kick awarded to the opposing team to the one which last touched the ball.

 

The indirect free kick should be taken from the point at which the ball began to rise. Should this occur in the penalty area, the free kick should be taken from the penalty area line nearest to where the offence was committed.

The exception to this rule is when the ball hits the ceiling following a deliberate ‘save’ (as opposed to a clearance) by the goalkeeper. In this case teams should play on)

 

Height of ball restrictions – If a height restriction is to be introduced the competition rules should identify the height above which an indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team.

If a height infringement occurs within the penalty area and is committed by the defending team an indirect free kick should be awarded on the penalty area line nearest to where the offence took place.

The exception to this rule shall be when the ball rises above the designated height restriction resulting from a save or block performed by a goalkeeper. Play should continue in this circumstance.

Should another player then play the ball whilst it is at a height above the designated height restriction this will result in an indirect free kick to the opposing team

                                     

 

LAW 10

 

The Method of Scoring

 

Goal Scored

 

Except otherwise provided by these Laws, a goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, unless it has been thrown, carried or intentionally propelled by the hand or arm by a player of the attacking side, the goalkeeper included.

 

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 to determine the winner of a match.

 

LAW 11

 

Offside

 

There is no offside. 

LAW 12

 

Fouls and Misconduct

 

Fouls and misconduct are penalised as follows:

 

Direct Free Kick

 

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following six offences in a manner considered by the referee 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, even with the shoulder
  • strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
  • pushes an opponent

 

A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences:

 

  • holds an opponent
  • spits at an opponent
  • slides in an attempt to play the ball when it is being played or attempted to be played by an opponent (sliding tackle), except when the match is being played on a natural grass playing surface
  • handles the ball deliberately, except for the goalkeeper in his own penalty area

 

A direct free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred.

 

 

 

Penalty Kick

 

A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits any of the aforementioned offences inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball but provided that it is in play.

 

Indirect Free Kick

 

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper commits one of the following offences:

 

  • touches or controls the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate
  • touches or controls the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a kick-in taken by a team-mate
  • touches or controls the ball with his hands or feet, in the penalty area, for more than four seconds
  • Height of ball restrictions (optional modification)– If a height restriction is introduced the competition rules should identify the height above which an indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team. If a height infringement occurs within the penalty area and is committed by the defending team an indirect free kick should be awarded on the penalty area line nearest to where the offence took place.

    The exception to this rule shall be when the ball rises above the designated height restriction resulting from a save or block performed by a goalkeeper. Play should continue in this circumstance. Should another player then play the ball whilst it is at a height above the designated height restriction this will result in an indirect free kick to the opposing team.

An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred, if, in the opinion of the referee, a player:

 

  • plays in a dangerous manner
  • deliberately impedes the progress of an opponent when the ball is not being played
  • prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands
  • commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player

 

The indirect free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred, unless this was in the penalty area, in which case the indirect free kick is taken from the penalty area line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.

Disciplinary Sanctions


The use of temporary time suspensions (‘sin bins) and the exclusion of a player arising from the issuing of a red card are the disciplinary sanctions for use in small-sided football. Match officials should employ the use of temporary timed suspensions in all cases traditionally regarded as cautionable offences. Yellow cards are no longer to be used in small-sided football.

The options for a match official imposing disciplinary sanctions are therefore;

 

  • Player shown a blue card and temporarily suspended from play
  • Player issued with a second blue card and permanently excluded from play
  • Player issued with a red card and permanently excluded from play


A blue card offence should always be accompanied by a temporary suspension from play.

The period of timed suspension should be on the following tariff. The release of players from a temporary suspension should be at the direction of the Referee or a Match Official if one is available.


Length of playing period

Period of suspension

Up to 8 mins per half

2 minutes

Up to 15 mins per half

4 minutes

Up to 25 and above per half

5 minutes



Temporary Timed Suspensions – Procedures

 

A player temporarily suspended from play will be shown a blue card by the match official and informed as to the length of time he/she will be suspended from play.

 

The player is obliged to leave the pitch and remain in a designated ‘sin bin’ area for the required suspension area. Separate ‘sin bin’ areas should be identified for each