Small Sided Football - Laws of the Game

The Number of Players

A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than the following number of players and substitutes for each format:

5-a-side = 5 players per team and 3 substitutes (total of 8 players)

6-a-side = 6 players per team and 3 substitutes (total of 9 players)

7-a-side = 7 players per team and 3 substitutes (total of 10 players)

Substitution Procedure

The maximum number of substitutes permitted is three.

The number of substitutions made during a game 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. This will be determined by the Competition Rules.

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

• The referee must be informed before the change is made
• The 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 playing area before the player being replaced has completely left:

• play is stopped
• the player being replaced is instructed to leave the playing area
• 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 playing area 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

Validity of a Match – Playing Numbers

A match should not be considered valid if the playing strength of either team is permanently reduced by:

• More than two players for 5–a-side,
• More than two players for 6-a-side
• More than three players for 7–a-side.

However this should only apply when players are permanently excluded or lost through injury rather than within the ‘Sin Bin’ for a two minute suspension.