7-a-side Competition Regulations

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

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

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

In the unlikely event that the referee needs to take further action the following cards may be applied:

Blue card

Yellow card

Receiving player must leave the pitch for at least 4mins
The player can’t be replaced during this time
Same player receiving two yellows cards = red card, and player cannot return to the game with team playing with one player less

Red card

Receiving player must leave the pitch for the remainder of the game
If a substitute is shown a red card, the on-field players must reduce their numbers accordingly
The player can’t be replaced during this time