2nd version Mini Soccer League Handbook complete

HUNTINGDONSHIRE MINI SOCCER LEAGUE

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LAWS OF THE GAME LAW 1 – PLAYING AREA Halfway Line

The field of play is divided into two halves by the halfway line. The centre mark is indicated at the mid-point of the halfway line. This is also used as the retreat line when restarting play with a goal kick. Pitch sizes will be: Under 7 & Under 8 (5v5) · Pitch length 40 yards · Pitch width 30 yards Under 9 & Under 10 (7v7) · Pitch length 60 yards · Pitch width 40 yards All other pitch marking shall be as defined in The FA Guide to Pitch and Goalpost Dimension (Copy of which is attached at the end of this section). If you cannot comply with the above requirements you will need to notify and seek approval of League Management Committee of any variation before utilisation of the pitch for any League or Cup match. Goal Size The distance between the posts is 12ft (3.66m) and the distance between the lower edge of the cross bar is 6ft (1.83m). LAW 2 – THE BALL The ball should be the following size depending on the age group. It should be made of leather or other suitable material. · U7, U8 & U9 Size 3 · U10 Size 4 LAW 3 – NUMBER OF PLAYERS Maximum Number per Team U7 & U8 5v5 U9 & U10 7v7 A match may not START if either team consists of fewer than four (5v5) or five (7v7) players. The minimum number of players in a team for a match to CONTINUE is also four (5v5) or five (7v7). Matches can begin 5v4 (5v5) or 7v6 (7v7) but the importance and ethos of Mini-Soccer should be upheld wherever possible and the development of the children should come before the score line. Players must play with and against players only from their own age range, as per Football Association and Competition rules. Each team must not have a squad greater than double the size of the team per age. Any number of substitutes, without being named, may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. A player who has been replaced may return to the playing area as a substitute for another player. All team members should receive equal playing time where possible, with a best practice recommendation of at least 50% per player for each game.