Junior Football in Cairns and Districts

Laws of Small-Sided Football Under 7-8

  • The field of play
    30 metres x 20 metres
  • Goal size
    Minimum 1.80 metres wide x 0.90 metres high
    Maximum 2.00 metres wide x 1.00 metres high
  • Goal Type
    Goals, markers or flags can be used as goals.
  • Markings
    Markers or painted line markings.
  • Penalty area
    No penalty area
  • The ball
    Size 3
  • The number of players
    It is recommended that teams be made up of the numbers of players listed below with all children encouraged to receive equal playing time.
    Under 7 & 8 years of age – 5 v 5 (no goalkeeper)
    Maximum of two substitutes nominated. Unlimited number of substitutions (interchange) can be used during the entire game. The coach or parent is allowed to make the substitutions (interchange) while the ball is in play, but must wait until the substituted player has left the field.
  • Goalkeeper
    No Goalkeeper. Game leaders, coaches and managers should continually discourage children from permanently standing in front of the goal. All players should be encouraged to move with the ball.
  • Duration of the game
    2 x 20 minutes (Half time break 5 minutes) This may be flexible depending on implementation format.
  • Start of play
    Game is started with a kick forward to a team-mate from the middle of the halfway line. A goal can not be scored with a direct kick from the kick-off. It must touch a team-mate or opposition player to be counted as a goal.
  • Re-start after a goal
    A player from the team that conceded the goal, will kick, pass or dribble the ball into play from anywhere along the goal line.
    Upon a goal being scored defenders should retreat and line up along the halfway line and can move once the ball is in play.
  • Ball crossing the touch line
    Kick, pass or dribble ball into play from touch line. For quick decision making a ready, set, go countdown should be used.
    Defenders should be 4.5 metres away from the ball. If the player kicks the ball into the goal without a team-mate touching the ball, it is no goal; when it deflects off a defender into the goal, it is a goal.
  • Ball crossing the goal line after touching the defending team last
    Corner kick from corner arc or junction of the touch and goal line.
    Defenders should be 4.5 metres away from the ball.
  • Ball crossing the goal line after touching the attacking team last
    A player from the defending team will kick, pass or dribble the ball into play from anywhere along the goal line.
    Defenders should retreat and line up along the halfway line and can move once the ball is in play.
    • .
  • Offside
    No offside.
  • Fouls and misconduct
    For acts of fouls and misconduct a free kick is awarded. All free kicks are indirect, with defenders 4.5m away from the ball, with exception of a penalty kick (outlined below). Fouls and misconducts include the act or attempt to kick, trip, strike, push, holds, tackle from behind, contact before touching the ball, abusive language, handles ball or play dangerously towards an opponent or official.
    A Penalty kick is awarded for deliberate hand ball or serious acts of fouls and misconduct occurring in the attacking half. A penalty kick will be taken from an 8m spot with an empty goal – all other players must stand behind the half way line
    Most fouls and misconduct at this level are not deliberate and intentional and often caused by lack of coordination or skill. Game Leaders should give advantage to the attacking team, be fair to both teams and continue play, limiting stoppages.
  • Method of scoring
    A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the line. Where cones are used as goals, a goal is scored when the ball passes through the cones without touching or knocking them over.
  • Referee
    A game leader is used as the referee. This person’s main role is to keep the game moving fluently, limit stoppages and assist players with all match restarts. This person can be a club official, parent, older child / player or beginning referee.
  • The official recording of competition tables, statistics and playing of finals is not permitted at this age. At all times the focus of these games should remain on player development and providing the best experience possible through participation and enjoyment for the players. This environment will be created by clubs, officials, game leaders and parents.



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