General rules

On the most part, our 7-a-side playing rules are the same as regulation 11-a-side rules with the following exceptions/modifications:

  • We strongly advise all players to wear shin pads and long socks
  • Kick-offs are indirect and can go either forward or backward
  • All free-kicks are indirect
  • There are no offsides, however players deemed to be intentionally moving into or standing in offside positions will still be penalised
  • The goalkeeper can’t drop-kick the ball directly from their hands
  • Proper throw-in rules apply
  • Goal-kicks must be taken from the ground, the ball must not be moving, and can be placed anywhere inside the penalty area
  • Opposition players must be at least 5m away from any free-kick or kick-off
  • Start, half-time, and full-time will be signalled via the referee’s whistle
  • The game starts and ends on the referee’s whistle

Substitutions

  • Teams can have up to 3 rolling subs
  • Substitutions must be made during natural breaks in play, such as throw-ins or corners
  • Players subbing on should not enter the field of play until the player subbing off has left the pitch

Penalties

  • All penalty kicks are taken from the top of the goal area directly in front of goal and 8m from the goal line
  • The goalkeeper must be on the line when the penalty is taken
  • Strikers must wait for the referee’s whistle before proceeding to take the penalty