West Sutton Little League

Rules of Mini Soccer for Little Leagues

Each game will be played according to the Mini-Soccer playing rules as stipulated by the Football Association except where otherwise stated in these Rules. The following rules will apply to all leagues playing mini soccer (i.e. 7-aside).

All Players

• Any number of substitutes may be used at any time with the permission of the game leader / referee. Players may re-enter the game and all substitutes must play a minimum of half a game. As far as possible there should be equal playing time for each player.
• The ball should be no larger than a size 4.
• Each game will consist of two halves of 25 minutes. The half time interval is a maximum of 5 minutes.
• The kick off is taken at the centre of the playing area to start the game and after a goal is scored. Opponents must be 4.5 metres away and in their own half.
• There is no offside.
• Throw ins should be taken in the normal way.
• At corner kicks the opposition should be at least 4.5 metres away.
• All free kicks are direct and the opposition should be at least 4.5 metres away.
• Penalty kicks are taken from the penalty spot, which is 7.3 metres from the centre of the goal.

Goalkeepers

• can handle the ball in the penalty area and there are no restrictions on the number of steps they may take when handling the ball.
• The six second rule applies*
• Back passes cannot be handled*
• may not handle the ball directly from a throw taken by his/her team mate*
• cannot touch the ball again with his/her hands after it has been released from his/her possession and has not been touched by any other player*
• cannot handle the ball outside the penalty area
• can kick the ball on the ground but may then be challenged by opponents

*The penalty for infringement is a free kick taken from the 10 yard line nearest the point where the offence occurred.

Goal-kicks

• are taken anywhere within the penalty area – the opposition should be at least 4.5 metres away and outside the penalty area
• ball must be kicked out of the penalty area
• There are no restrictions regarding the number of players allowed in the penalty area during play.