Anglesey Junior League Rules & Constitution

CONSTITUTION AND RULES 2022/23
1. Name & Constitution.
a) The League shall be known as Cynghrair Pêl droed Iau Ynys Môn Anglesey Junior Football League and shall consist of Clubs who the Management Committee shall consider eligible and whose headquarters are within an area defined by the North Wales Coast Football Association. The League shall affiliate to the North Wales Coast Football Association and all member Clubs must be affiliated to their Association in which their ground is situated. The League shall be divided into a number of divisions as required and approved by the Management Committee.
All clubs affiliated to this League shall be located within the boundary of the Isle of Anglesey whose boundary runs along the Island side of the Menai Straits as defined by the NWCFA. Any club located outside this boundary shall only be allowed to participate in this League if it can be proven that there is no league structure for that particular age group within its own locality.
The Anglesey Junior Football League has its own Regional Boundary as defined by Rule 1.2.1of the NWCFA Association.
b) All Clubs affiliated to this league must have attained the minimum Club Accreditation Standard as
set out by the FAW Trust
2. Officers.
The following officers shall be appointed annually by the Clubs and the Management Committee, viz: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Hon. General Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Fixture Secretary, Hon. Referees Appointment Secretary and Child Safeguarding Officer, all of whom shall be members of the Management Committee in addition to those mentioned in Rule 3. The Annual General Meeting may elect a Patron, President, and not more than FIVE Vice Presidents, who shall be considered members of the Management Committee and shall have full voting powers. All appointed Secretaries shall attend the Management Committee meetings and will have voting powers unless there is a conflict of interest. Any vacancies arising shall be filled by the Management Committee.
Nominations for the officers must be received by the General Secretary at least 21 days before the date of the Annual General Meeting, no nominations will be accepted from the floor at the Annual General Meeting. Nominees are not able to vote for the position they have elected to stand for, even if they are members of the Management.
All appointed Officers and elected members above, including those appointed under Rule 3, shall sign and abide by the League’s Code of Conduct.
Nominations for Vice Presidents have to be received 21 days before the date of the AGM.
3. Management.
The League shall be managed by the Management Committee consisting of at least FOUR and up to a maximum of TEN independent members, to be appointed annually by the clubs, and a Representative from the North Wales Coast Football Association, who shall be allowed to attend any Committee or Sub-Committee meeting and shall have full voting powers. It may be permissible to elect a Member from the clubs if the Management positions are not filled. The club member would have to stand aside in a conflict of interest concerning their own club. Any member, who fails to attend THREE consecutive meetings of the Management Committee without rendering a written explanation which is acceptable to the remaining members, will have deemed to have resigned. A notice of vacancy will be notified to member clubs for nominations to fill the vacancy.
All members of the Management, Officers and active Life Members are required to be DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked, and must also accept the League’s Code of Conduct.
4. Life Members.
Any person who has rendered 20 years extra-meritorious services to the Anglesey Youth & Junior Football League may be elected Life Member or Hon. Life Member at the Annual General Meeting. Both Life Members and Hon. Life Members shall be allowed to attend any Committee or Sub-Committee meeting with Life Members ONLY having full voting powers. Nominations have to be received 21 days before the date of the AGM.
5 Auditors.
An Independent Auditor shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting who shall be responsible for the due audit of accounts annually for presentation to the Annual Meeting.
6 Meetings.
a) The Management Committee shall have jurisdiction over all matters whether specially provided for in these rules or not and will meet as and when required. They shall have power to appoint any sub-committee, but such delegation shall be duly expressed by Minute. A quorum of any sub-committee shall be two-thirds of its members unless otherwise ordered. Any infringement of the League rules shall be dealt with in such manner as the Management Committee or Sub-Committee shall deem fit. In the event of voting at any meeting of the Management Committee or Sub-Committee being equal, the Chairman of such meeting shall have a casting vote.
Any Club failing to attend the Annual General Meeting and any other meeting will be fined £20.00 per meeting.
b) “A Sub-Committee will be appointed to determine which, if any, of cancelled, postponed,
, re-arranged fixture(s) which have been actioned by a Club or Clubs (and not sanctioned by the
league) to be referred to the Disciplinary Committee.”
c) “In the event of a Club appearing before a Disciplinary Committee for more than one charge at
the same Disciplinary Meeting and the first charge being proven guilty and a suspended
penalty being given to the Club, the suspended penalty will come into force in the event of any
subsequent charge(s) being found guilty at the same meeting.
7 Accounts.
All monies, other than club deposits, received by the Secretaries of the League shall be placed in a current account at a suitable Bank or Building Society. Withdrawals shall only be made by the signature of any two of the following: Chairman, Hon. General Secretary and Hon. Treasurer, who shall also be trustees for and on behalf of the Committee and League of all assets, cups, monies and other property which may hereafter come into the possession of the League.
8 Applications & Resignations.
a) Applications for membership shall be made to the Hon. General Secretary on or before the date arranged for the Annual General Meeting.
b) No club/team shall be accepted into the League after the Annual General Meeting except to replace any team that has withdrawn from the League.
c) Clubs/Teams intending to resign from the League must do so on or before the date of the Annual General Meeting, otherwise this will result in the Club deposit being forfeited and a fine of £50.00 will be imposed.
d) All claims by such Clubs against the League must be submitted in detail by this date.
e) Any Club/Team resigning from the League after the Annual General Meeting will forfeit both their membership fee and club deposit and will also be fined a sum of £50.00.
9. Team Fees.
a) All Teams shall pay an annual subscription, the amount will be decided by the Management Committee for acceptance at the Annual General Meeting by the member Clubs.
b) i. The Team fee is inclusive of entry into all domestic Cup competitions and shall be
paid annually at the Annual General Meeting or at the latest by 31st August each year.
c) New Clubs/Teams in membership, having been accepted at the Annual General Meeting, shall pay a deposit of £10.00 per Team by way of guarantee. The deposit will be refunded when they cease being members having fulfilled their obligations to the League.
d) All Clubs must take out Public Liability Insurance as arranged by the NWCFA
10. Annual General Meeting.
The Annual General Meeting shall be held in the month of June/July of each year. A Treasurers statement of account will be submitted and any amendments of the rules will be discussed in accordance with Rule 11. The election of Secretaries and the Management Committee will take place in accordance with Rule 2, 3 and 4 and any other matter that has been placed on the Agenda. Any matter that is not on the Agenda will NOT be discussed.
At the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting called for that purpose, it shall be competent for a majority of those entitled to vote and are in attendance, to exclude from membership any club whose conduct has been deemed objectionable. All objections shall first be communicated in writing to the Management Committee who shall hear such evidence as to prove a prima facie case before submitting their recommendations to the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting.
11. Alterations to Rules.
No alteration of or addition to the League’s rules shall be made except at the Annual General Meeting. No Special Meeting shall be convened unless a requisition has been received by a
majority of clubs in membership of the League in writing and signed by those clubs or by a direct request of such a meeting by the Management Committee. Any such request must contain the full nature of any suggested alteration or amendment of the rule(s) contemplated. Upon receipt of such a requisition under this rule, the Hon. General Secretary shall call the Special General Meeting by
giving the member clubs and Management members at least seven days notice of the time and place of such meeting and the notice shall fully describe the nature of the motion proposed. No other matters shall be discussed. Any amendments to ’Rule’ shall be declared carried if voted by two thirds of those present eligible to vote.
The same proceedings shall apply to the Annual General Meeting, except all proposals for rule changes must be submitted to the Hon. General Secretary before the 1st of May each year.
12. Fixtures.
a) i The start of the season will be on the first Saturday after the new Secondary school year
in September has begun. The season ends at the last Saturday in May or a date
determined by the League in conjunction with the FAW.
ii Clubs are not allowed to hold their own Festival/Tournaments on the same day(s) as the
date (s) chosen for the Anglesey Junior League Festival.
iii All fixtures shall be arranged on a system to be decided upon by the Hon. Fixtures
Secretary and shall not clash with the conference dates of any FA of Wales or NWCFA
competitions relevant to the League.
b) All fixtures to be played on the date given by the Hon. Fixture Secretary, only exceptions
to be;
i. NWCFA games,
ii. Unplayable pitches ie: Council/Landlord cancelling fixtures,
iii. Where a league fixture has been set for a midweek day/d ate and due to circumstance the
fixture cannot be played on the day/date, the said fixture, with the prior sanction of the
fixture secretary and where both teams are in mutual agreement, can be rearranged.
This ruling does not apply to Saturday fixtures or cup games.
c) Teams shall not mutually agree to play a match in lieu of a League match; if a match is
played then it must be a League match.
d) Both the home and away teams are to inform the league-in writing/email in the event of a fixture not being played. Teams failing to fulfil a fixture without rendering a satisfactory explanation in writing, may have THREE points deducted and will be liable to a fine not exceeding £50.00, out of which the disappointed team may be awarded such compensation as the Management Committee may deem reasonable. Another date may be arranged for the match to be played.
e) If the abandonment is the fault of a team, the matter will be dealt with under Rule 6. Where a team is found guilty, the Committee may (1) Impose a fine up to £50.00, (2) Allow the result to stand, (3) Order the game to be replayed, (4) Deduct THREE points. Singlely or a combination of the above.
f) i Clubs requiring free dates must apply in writing/email to the Fixture Secretary also copied to the General Secretary, 28 days prior to the said date, giving all relevant information i.e. names of players, schools, event, tournament etc. This also applies to any mid-week games which may take place.
ii A maximum of THREE free dates per team per season will be allowed.
iii Any team wishing to play a friendly, or enter a tournament during the playing season,
which could interfere with its obligation to the League or other competitions, shall also
comply with the above before applying to the Area Association and the Welsh Association
for permission.
iv The Hon General Secretary, in consultation with the Hon. Fixtures Secretary, will then
decide whether permission will be granted for the requested open dates.
The home team to confirm fixture with the away team at least 2 days prior to match. Failure
to do so will result in a fine of £5.00.
g) All letters of postponement/cancellation must reach the Hon. General Secretary within 7 days of the fixture date. Failure to do so will result in the Club incurring a fine of £5.00.
h) The Hon. Fixture Secretary can amend/change/re-arrange any teams fixtures (including any team who has a free week) providing the concerned Club Secretaries are given 4 days prior notice.
i) All Clubs must inform the Hon. Fixture Secretary if any of their teams (and which ones) have entered the NWCFA cup competition by 31st August. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £25.00.
j) Saturday matches will kick off at 10:30am and midweek matches at 6:30pm. If TWO teams are at home on the same day, the kick off times will be at the discretion of the Hon. Fixture Secretary. Mid week fixtures must be played on the day stipulated or Rule 12 d) will apply.
k) A fully completed team sheet must be made available to the opposing team for inspection prior to kick-off. If an official Referee is in charge of the match, then a copy of each team sheet must be given to him prior to kick-off. Failure to comply will result in the defaulting Clubs being fined the sum of £10.00.
l) i A team manager at any time before, during or after a match can request to see the opposition ID forms to authenticate the players registered on the team sheet. Therefore ID forms must be carried at all times.
ii The ID forms must comply with Rule 16 and have been franked with the League stamp. If
there is any query about the ID forms or none compliance with the request, Rule 26 must be
applied.
iii Any player not having an ID form cannot play. The matter will be dealt with by the
Management Committee under Rule 19 and Cup Rule 5, in addition any Club failing to
produce their ID forms when requested at a match will have a fine not exceeding £25.00.
m) The minimum number of players in a team to allow a fixture to be played to be 9(nine) any figure lower could be deemed as a welfare issue.
o) Any team not fulfilling their League fixtures will be fined the sum of £50.00
13. Champion Club.
At the end of each season’s competition, the club scoring the largest number of points shall be declared the champion club. THREE points will be awarded for a win, ONE for a drawn result. Should two or more clubs be equal on points, then the teams shall play off to decide the Champion club and/or the Runner-up club. The format of the play off(s) shall be determined by the Management Committee.
14. Definition of Players.
a) Players shall be non-contract players and shall be under the age of the division they intend to play before midnight on the 31st August in each year.
b) Age groups as at midnight on the 31st August to be:
i Over five years - under seven years
ii Over seven years - under nine years
iii Over nine years - under eleven years
iv Over eleven years - under thirteen years
v Over thirteen years - under fifteen years
vi Over fifteen years - under seventeen years
c) i. Whilst a player remains on a roll of a recognised School, priority must at all times be given
to School or School organisations, activities in accordance with recommendation of the
memorandum of Schoolboy or School games.
Please note that AJFL fixtures take precedence over any Academy fixtures or
arrangements. This means that in the event of a clash the player(s) involved would have to
choose to play for their club or attend the Academy in this instance.
d) A player who is over seven years and under sixteen years before midnight on the 31st August in any playing season will not be permitted to play in a team involving players whom are more than two years older than him/herself.
e) Up to SIX substitutes may be used in each League Match, except to replace a player who has been sent off.
f) Under 13’s, Under 15’s and Under 17’s age groups will be allowed to operate a roll on roll off format for their substitutes as per NWCFA rules.
g) All substitutions to be made during breaks in play with the permission of the match referee.
h) Girls up to the age as per FAW rules will be allowed to register provided there is no girl’s league for them to play in.
15. Players Eligible to Play.
Any player of a Club (as defined in Rule 16) shall be eligible to play provided he/she has not taken part in a League Match for another Club or remains on the League’s register for another Club, his transfer must be obtained from the Club with whom he/she has registered.
16. Registration of Players.
All players will be registered to the league through Comet. i. A Junior player shall only play for a club located within its area regional boundary
as defined by the Area Association, within which the junior player resides.
The boundary for the Isle of Anglesey runs along the Island side of the Menai Straits.
Any exemption is to be considered and granted by the Area Association concerned and
whose rules shall include details of their area and regional boundaries. Any exemption in
relation to players and age groups in which they participate shall be considered by the
Junior Leagues in which the player participates and shall be in accordance with the criteria
set by the FAW from time to time.
17. Transfers. All transfers will be dealt with through Comet.
18. Approach of Players.
Approach of players will be dealt with through Comet
19. Playing Ineligible Players.
Any Club found playing ineligible players will have THREE points deducted, be liable to a fine not exceeding £75.00 and the match may be ordered to be replayed.

20. Duration of Matches.
Under 7 years of age- 10 minutes each way - size 3 football to be used.
Under 9 years of age- 20 minutes each way - size 3 football to be used.
Under 11 years of age - 20 minutes each way - size 4 football to be used.
Under 13 years of age - 30 minutes each way - size 4 football to be used.
Under 15 years of age - 40 minutes each way - size 5 football to be used.
Under 17 years of age - 40 minutes each way - size 5 football to be used.
Roll on/ Roll off substitutions.
a) A mini player: i.e under 7’s, under 9’s and under 11’s can only play a maximum of 60 minutes sanctioned match time in one 24 hour period. For under 7 years of age this must be broken down into a maximum of 15 minute individual periods of play or games.
21. Late Starts.
A Club responsible for causing a late start whether the match is completed or not shall be liable to a fine of 10p per minute for the first ten minutes and 20p per minute thereafter.
The Referee must report any Club causing a late start to the Hon. General Secretary within 3 days of the match and he must also inform the defaulting club(s) that he is reporting the late start. Referees failing to report a late start will also be dealt with by the Management Committee.
22. Results of Matches.
a) The home team shall complete the events of the match on Comet, together with the names of the scorers for both teams.
23. Match Referee.
a) The Hon. Fixtures Secretary will arrange Referees appointments for Cup finals
b) The Referees fee will be at a scale approved by the NWCFA at their Annual General Meeting. This fee to be paid by the HOME club.
c) In the event of no qualified Referee being appointed or not turning up then the two Clubs must agree amongst themselves to appoint a Referee from amongst their midst with preference given to any qualified Referee present. The person appointed in these circumstances takes over the responsibilities and duties of the Referee.
If a referee has not been appointed or has had to pull out of an appointment to a fixture (for whatever reason) and, in the opinion of the League, permitting the fixture to go ahead would incur Health & Safety concerns, and or, any other concerns, The Chairman, General Secretary or Fixtures Secretary may cause the game to be postponed and the game would be re-arranged at the discretion of the League. The clubs to which the fixture has been assigned are not allowed to cancel the fixture without the permission of the aforementioned.
d) If changing facilities are available the referee has to have access to separate changing facilities to the teams or any other person. In the event of there being no changing facilities available to the referee, the referee has to be informed before he/she has begun their journey to the venue.
24. Grounds.
All Clubs may have their ground and facilities inspected. All Clubs are responsible for finding their own ground and must notify the Hon. General Secretary of the ground. The minimum size of the ground shall be 80yds x 50yds with a maximum of 120yds x 80yds. It is the duty of each Club
to make certain their playing fields are in a suitable playing condition. Nets MUST be used in all age groups. The HOME club is responsible for notifying the Referee and their opponents of the location of the ground and dressing rooms 2 days prior to the match.
All clubs must have their grounds ready for the start of the season. If the ground is not available, Clubs must be expected to play their ‘home’ fixtures away and be liable for the costs incurred.

25. Club Colours.
Each club in the League shall register its colours with the Hon. General Secretary. In the event of two teams having the same or similar colours, then the HOME team must change.
26 Protest, Claims and Complaints.
All protest, claims or complaints must reach the Hon. General Secretary within SEVEN days of the match (Sundays & Bank Holidays excluded).
All protests, claims or complaints must be signed by the Secretary and accompanied by a fee of £20.00 which will be treated as a deposit pending the hearing of the protest, claim or complaint. The fee may be declared forfeited if the protest, claim or complaint is not sustained by the Management Committee. Similarly, if the protest, claim or complaint is upheld, then the deposit fee will be returned. Similarly, if the protest, claim, or complaint is deemed to be frivolous by the Management Committee, then the protest fee will be forfeited.
Any misconduct by players, officials or spectators must also be reported to the Hon. General Secretary, within SEVEN days (Sunday & Bank Holidays excluded) of the incident, who will then forward all the relevant documentation to the Disciplinary Secretary of the NWCFA, to be dealt with under their rules. Upon their decision, the Management Committee will then deal with the matter. Any club, official, spectators or players found guilty will have the right of appeal to the NWCFA in accordance with the Association’s Rule 20.
Any player, club member or spectator found guilty by the NWCFA of any offence likely to bring the League into disrepute will be dealt with by the Management Committee of the League who shall have plenary powers.
Any official failing to report a caution or sending-off of a player or any other relevant misconduct will be reported to the NWCFA.
27. Match Day Requirements.
a) The home club is liable to supply match balls.
b) It is the responsibility of each club to have a suitable and adequate First Aid Kit available for each team on match days. Failure to do so will be dealt with by the Management Committee. Buckets and wet sponges will not be permitted for health reasons (cross contamination of body fluids). Water in a bottle is permitted.
c) There must be Two Responsible Adults available per team at all Youth, Junior and Mini games/festivals. Both manager and assistant manager (coaches) must have a Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate DBS, an FAW Leaders coaching award and a valid first Aid Certificate, it is also advisable to have attended a welfare course. Having Two coaches with the required certificates would ensure that there would be at least one available on match days, in the event of sickness, work commitments etc. to the other coach. If only one coach is available then another responsible Adult with at least a DBS Certificate must accompany the fully certified coach. Both Adults shall be deemed responsible for their players behaviour. If neither first choice coaches are available then every effort has to be taken within the club for other qualified coaches to step into the breach. That is, if the under 14’s coaches are not available then it would be in order that, providing they do not have a game, other qualified coaches from other age groups within the club could help out. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the offending Club appearing before the Management Committee.
d) Should the named manager or assistant manager of any team not be available for whatever reason, then all teams of Clubs entering the League must ensure that they have sufficient responsible adults available at all times to comply with the above paragraph. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the offending Club appearing before the Management Committee.
e) All adult volunteers having contact with children MUST have a valid and in date DBS check via
the FAW Safeguarding Department inclusive of their unique FAW number.
The FAW DBS card/badge to be worn at all times during Training and on Match days, if no
card/badge has been received then a copy of the DBS certificate has to be carried with the person.
This includes Managers/coaches, assistant managers/coaches, Safeguarding officers & First aiders within the Under 16 and below age groups.
28. Players selected to play in Representative Matches.
Any player selected to play in any match organised by the League, failing or refusing to play without sufficient reasons shall be judged to be guilty of misconduct and be dealt with by the Management Committee. Any Club which is found to have encouraged or instigated such conduct on the part of the player, shall also be deemed guilty of misconduct and shall be dealt with by the Management Committee.
Any team who has TWO or more players selected for a League Representative match shall have the right to cancel their match for that day. The Management Committee may decide which other matches shall be regarded as Representative matches.
29. Guarantee of Safe Custody of League Trophies.
The safe custody of all the League trophies shall be the responsibility of the League officials who will also undertake sole responsibility to place any inscription and insurance of the trophies on an annual basis. Any Cup or Shield won by a Club must be returned to the Hon. General Secretary by the 30th November each year or at a later date determined by the league. The winning club must provide a written guarantee for it’s safety whilst the Cup or Shield is in their possession which shall be a personal one of such member of the Clubs Committee as shall be in office at the time the Cup or Shield was won. In the event of such guarantee not having been given, then such shall be implied by these rules as being binding against such Committee members in the Following season, of lost or damage to such Cup or Cups for total loss £750.00. For damage to the Cup(s), such amount as will thoroughly repair and make good such damage. Clubs are strictly prohibited from placing any inscription upon the Cup or Cups they may hold, under a severe penalty assessed under the foregoing rule, or the sum of £200, whichever the Management Committee may decide.
30. Mementoes.
The League and Cup winning Teams and runners up will be presented;
Under 13-15 mementoes
Under 15s & Under 17s – 17 mementoes

31. Recommendation of Players.
Club Team Managers may recommend players during the season to the Football Development Officer, the elected representative Team Managers of the League and to the Youth Committee of the NWCFA.
32. Child Protection.
a) Clubs which include a player(s) under18 years of age in their teams. All Officers, Management and Committee members (in any capacity) as well as Team Manager, Coaches, First Aid staff, Safeguarding Officer and/helpers of other members the Club (in any capacity) who are frequently in close proximity of such players must be:
Vetted under the Disclosure and Barring Service and hold an F.A.W. Safeguarding Card and
register with the Child Safeguarding Officer of the League.
b) Clubs must comply with the relevant rules of the NWCFA regarding Child Protection. The League’s Child Safeguarding Officer shall work closely with the League Clubs and the NWCFA to ensure compliance with the Act. Clubs are reminded that in law, a person who is 17 years and 364 days old is a YOUNG PERSON.
c) Team Managers and Coaches must attend the relevant courses and hold at least a Football Leaders Coaching Award or above prior to the commencement of each season, a copy of the relevant certificate MUST be submitted to the Child Safeguarding Officer of the League, together with DBS issue date, Date of Birth, F.A.W. Number, copies of First Aid Certificate (work First Aid Certificate accepted), Football Leaders Award or above and Safeguarding and Child Protection Certificates.
Failure to provide the relevant copies requested above may result in the team or
Club being suspended until all paperwork has been registered.
33. Infringement of Other League Rules.
a) Any Club or its officials not fulfilling their obligations to the League may be disbarred from membership of the League for TWO years.
b) Any other infringement to the League rules shall, where no specific penalty is named, be dealt with as the Management Committee shall decide.
34 Fines.
a) All fines to be paid within 14 days of receipt of notification, failing which an administration charge of £10.00 will be added for each subsequent 7 days, to a maximum of 21days.
b) Thereafter the fine of £10.00 will be added and the offending Club/Team shall not take any further part in League or League Cup fixtures until such time that the account is cleared or the Club/Team has been dealt with by the Management Committee.
c) Any Club failing to reply to correspondence from the League within 14 days shall be liable to a fine of £10.00.
35. Breach of Rules.
Any breach of rules of the League or action likely to bring the game or the League into disrepute discovered by an official, or Management Committee member to be reported in writing to the Management Committee of the League where this matter will be acted upon, a fee not exceeding £50.00 could also be applied. The Management Committee of the League are empowered to cancel or withdraw the registration of any player, club or team officials in the Anglesey Youth and Junior Football League if they so wish.
36 Insurance.
All teams and clubs in the League must have Public Liability and Personal Accident cover to play in the League.
CUP RULES
1. RULES.
These rules shall apply to all the League’s Cup competitions. The matches shall be played under the rules of the Football Association of Wales and in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
2. ENTRY.
The Cup competitions will be open to all registered clubs in membership of the League depending on the age group of the teams concerned.
3. ADMINISTRATION.
The Management Committee shall have the power to:
a) Allot the Cups for competition as they deem appropriate.
b) Withhold a Cup from any competition for any reason.
c) Arrange the ‘rounds’ and the grounds to be used for the Final ties.
d) Deal with any other matter not provided for under these rules.
4. FULFILMENT OF TIE.
a) Any club failing to play their Cup Match on the appointed date shall be adjudged to have lost the tie and may also be liable to a maximum fine of £25.00. All correspondence must reach the Hon General Secretary within FOUR days (Sundays & Bank Holidays excluded). Failure to abide with this rule will result in a fine of £5.00 being imposed.
b) In the event of the Anglesey Youth & Junior League introducing a League format for a Memorial shield or cup with the top teams then playing against each other to determine a winner, then the rules to be adhered to will be as per the League rules in “RULE 12 FIXTURES” and NOT as rules stated in a Knock out cup tie competition.
c) The Management Committee shall have jurisdiction over all matters whether specially provided for in these rules or not and will meet as and when required.
5. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYER(S).
a) No player shall play for more than one competing club in the competition unless that player’s club has withdrawn from the League SEVEN days prior to the conference date. Any player must be a registered player of the competing club SEVEN days prior to the conference date of the tie.
b) In the event of a postponed or abandoned Cup-tie, only those players registered and not prevented by reason of suspension from playing on the date of the original tie shall be considered eligible for the rearranged match.
6. VENUE & DECIDING OF CUP TIES.
a) The Clubs shall be draw in pairs and the first Club drawn shall have the choice of ground, up to an including the semi-finals.
b) Byes shall be drawn at the discretion of the Management Committee.
c) If the match ends in a draw, then a period of extra time (as defined below) shall apply until a winner is found. If a period of extra time does not bring about a winner, the winning club shall be decided by taking of penalties as defined by the Football Association of Wales.
Under 13 - 5 minutes each way.
Under 15 - 10 minutes each way.
Under 17 - 10 minutes each way.
d) The Management Committee will have the right to change venues for any Cup matches, which are continually postponed due to pitch conditions.
e) Dates and venues of final ties shall be determined by the Management Committee, who shall have the Management thereof.
f) The Management Committee shall have the power to play Cup ties in any round on a Home and Away basis. Cup-ties played on a Home and Away basis (up to and including semi finals), the following shall apply: If the two teams score the same number of goals in the two matches, each goal scored away shall count twice. The team that scores the most goals away from home shall qualify for the next round. If this procedure does not bring a decision i.e. if the two teams have scored the same number of goals at home and the same number away,
extra time as laid down by the F.A. of Wales guidelines for the age group concerned shall be
played. If during extra time, both teams scored the same number of goals, the goals scored by
the team playing away from home shall count double and they shall be declared the winners.
If no goals are scored in extra time, then the match result will be determined by the taking of
penalty kicks as defined by the F.A. of Wales.
7. PROTESTS.
a) Any objections to the eligibility of a player to play in a cup match must be received by the Hon General Secretary within four days (Sunday & Bank Holidays excluded) after the date of the match. This objection must be in triplicate and signed by the club Chairman and Secretary and accompanied by a cheque for £20.00. This amount will be forfeited if the objection is not upheld and returned to the protesting club if the objection is sustained. Should the objection be found to be frivolous, then the protesting club will be liable to a further fine of £5.00.
b) Similarly, any club found guilty of playing an ineligible player shall be adjudged to have lost the match and the tie awarded to the non-offending team. The offending club shall be liable to a fine of £20.00.
c) Should the Management Committee have any doubt as to the qualification of a player competing in a cup competition, they shall have the power to call upon such a player and the club he plays for to prove to the satisfaction of the committee that the player is properly qualified according to the rules. If no satisfactory proof is received, the Management Committee may disqualify such a player and remove the club from the competition.
8. SUBSTITUTES.
SIX substitutes will be permitted in any Cup match. In all Under 13’s, Under 15’s and Under 17’s League Cup Competitions, clubs will be allowed to operate a roll on roll off format for their substitutes in accordance with NWCFA rules.
 
SEASON 2022/2023

INTRODUCTION
The Football Association of Wales (“FAW”) recognises that children do not perform the same as adults in an 11-a-side game. Therefore, a modified version is required to meet the developmental needs of young players while maintaining all the features and essence of the full game. Small Sided Football is recognised by the FAW as the only form of football in Wales for children under 13 years of age.

WHAT IS SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL
Small Sided Football is a modified version of the 11-a-side game. It gives children the chance to play real football, for a real team, whilst experiencing an enjoyable and fun introduction to football through small-sided games.

MEETING THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN
All available research shows that children have more fun and learn more playing a game within smaller teams. Small Sided Football is therefore ideal for boys and girls in terms of maximizing their enjoyment and technical/skill development.
IF CHILDREN ARE TO ENJOY AND TAKE PART IN
FOOTBALL THEY NEED TO:
 Take an active part in the game and have fun without any pressure from parents, coaches or
managers.
 Learn to play within a team.
 Understand and observe the rules of football.
 Develop the skills and techniques to play football.
 Be able to take part whatever their ability.
 Have plenty of contact with the ball.

KEY VALUES OF SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL
Small Sided Football is for boys and girls aged 5 to 13 of all abilities who are interested in football. The FAW believes that children should learn how to compete to win fairly, skilfully and within the rules of the game. At this age striving to win is more important than the outcome, winning is not everything, making the effort is.

SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL:
 Recognises that children do not perform and compete as adults and therefore its rules are
adapted to meet the needs of children.
 Has all the features of real football for children.
 Recognises the value of competitiveness for children and provides an appropriate environment.
 Sets a standard and a framework of behaviour on and off the pitch.
 Is for boys and girls regardless of their ability.
 
SEASON 2022/2023

SKILL DEVELOPMENT
 There is more contact with the ball in Small Sided Football leading to a better technique. In 11v11
the ratio of ball to outfield players is 1:20, because there are fewer players in Small Sided Football each player has more regular contact with the ball. More contact with the ball helps players practice technique and develop technique into a skill through 1v1 competition.
 Decision making is easier and occurs more often because of the small numbers involved. As a result, the players will gain a greater understanding of the game. The basic football situations are easier to see and simpler to solve.
 Because the ball is never far away from the player, the chance of developing concentration is greatly increased. Playing 11-a-side football, many children lose interest in the game because the ball goes out of their immediate vicinity, and they quickly become bored spectators.
 Fewer players, more space and simpler decisions will encourage more movement of players
whatever the situation.
 More contact leads to more participation and usually, more enjoyment, success is easier to
achieve.

SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL IS THE BASIS OF ALL FOOTBALL Small-sided games have been played for hundreds of years in the street, the playground, or on the beach and many professional teams use them as the basis for their coaching. They invariably lead to basic football situations, such as, 1v1, 2v2 and 3v3 so typical of the 11-a-side game. Small Sided Football, through its dynamic tempo, produces more vigorous exercise than 11-a-side football and so helps to improve children’s core components of fitness – speed, agility, balance and coordination.

ORGANISATION OF SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL
The general aim of Small Sided Football is to provide a safe, supervised environment for children to enjoy their introduction to the game.
1. PLAYING SURFACE
1.1 Small Sided Football pitches must be specifically laid out on any suitable open spaces
or conventional grass or synthetic surface pitches which can be converted for Small Sided Football.
1.2 There must be no debris or dangerous hazards either on the field of play or in the
immediate surrounding area.
1.3 Markings must be laid out with the use of conventional lines, marker discs or small
cones.

2. PLAYING EQUIPMENT
2.1 Children must wear footwear suitable to the surface being played on.
2.2 All children must wear suitable shin guards.
2.3 All jewellery must be removed.
2.4 Opposing teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other – either
football shirts or bibs can be utilised. Each goalkeeper must wear colours that are distinguishable from the other players. For under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 age groups, there is no requirement for shirts or bibs to carry numbers for matches.
2.5 Wearing glasses in football - The FAW recommend that players who need prescription lenses wear Polycarbonate lenses when playing football, although we recognise that this may not be possible for all children and Match Officials should be more lenient with younger players. It is important to note as stated in the Laws of the Game “A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous”. It is the Match Officials  
SEASON 2022/2023

duty to ensure the safety of all participants. As such, if they feel the glasses/frame pose a risk to other players and/or the wearer, they may not allow the glasses to be worn. Match Officials should ensure that if a request has been made to wear glasses or goggles, that as per the Laws of the Game they should be checked and must not be a danger to the wearer or any other player.
2.6 Wearing hearing aids in football - Players are permitted to wear hearing technology during football matches provided they are comfortable and securely fitted. The decision on whether to wear a hearing aid during a match is up to the player, not the game leader or referee. However, the game leader or referee has a responsibility under Law 4 of the Laws of the Game that if a device of this nature becomes loose when playing they will have to request that the player leave the field of play in order for it to be made secure.

3. ORGANISATION OF MATCHES, FESTIVALS AND FUN DAYS
3.1 The FAW believe that the game of Small Sided Football provides children with the
necessary introduction to competition. The game itself is a sufficient skill development challenge for children.
3.2 As a consequence, no league or cup competition must be organised (or will be
sanctioned) involving players in Academic school year six (6) and below.
3.3 Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 - matches are played on a festival/round robin format with
a minimum of four teams playing at a central venue, and a minimum of 3 teams at a club-based venue. Leagues and Coaches should ensure suitable breaks are provided between games.
3.4 Clubs that enter multiple teams at small-sided festivals are expected to a mix of player abilities across all teams. For example, there should not be an ‘A’ and ‘B’ team made up of perceived strong and weaker players. This is to help ensure a positive playing experience for all participants within small-sided football where the focus should be on fun and skill development.
3.5 Under 12 and 13 - matches are played on a ‘Home and Away’ basis as determined by
the organising League.
3.6 League and cup competitions may be organised for the 9v9 Small Sided Football format
where children from Academic Year seven (7) and eight (8) are involved. For the avoidance of doubt, if leagues operate a two-year age band and a 9v9 fixture involves a Year 6 player, the offer must be non-competitive. All league programmes must be
approved annually by the relevant Area Association.
3.6.1 Under 12 - To help with phased introduction of competitive football for this age group, Leagues can organise a maximum of 20 weeks of formal competition. For the remainder of the season, matches must be non- competitive. At this age group, Leagues must commence their season with an initial non-competitive block of fixtures to ascertain team ability prior to structuring an appropriate competitive offer. It is also important to note that Leagues can organise a number of fixtures during the same week. For example, a League could operate a fixture programme of 24 competitive matches over a period of 20 weeks. All junior leagues must submit their fixture programme to the relevant area association for approval to avoid excessive competitive matches.
3.6.2 Under 13 – Where single age bands apply, Leagues can adopt a full competitive offer at this age group. Leagues operating two-year age bands
involving under 12 players, must provide an initial block of non-
competitive fixtures followed by a maximum 20 weeks of competition.  
SEASON 2022/2023

3.6.3 Within single age bands, any Under 12 players with existing permission to play up one year, will be permitted to play in the fully competitive offer at Under 13.

3.6.4 Where there is a single age band at under 13, Leagues can offer non-
competitive 11v11 fixtures from 1st March in order to support the transition into Junior Football (U14-U17).

3.7 Resources are available via the FAW Trust Small-Sided Football micro-site to assist with
fixture schedules, pitch layouts and competition formats.

4. SEASON STRUCTURE
4.1 Leagues can organise a calendar of matches that may commence in August and should
conclude no later than June 30th.
4.2 Leagues can introduce a winter break or an alternative football offer such as Futsal.

5. POSITIVE MATCH DAY CULTURE
5.1 The FAW want to improve the match day culture and off-pitch behaviour of parents,
coaches and guardians. As part of the campaign, the following practices must be introduced:
5.1.1 Smoking banned from the side-line.
5.1.2 Supportive side-lines where spectators are encouraged to applaud and
praise both teams’ efforts but not shout, call out in a negative way or coach. 5.1.3 Coaches may support players through questions that prompt them to think
for themselves but must not continually shout instructions during matches.
5.1.4 All players in the squad should have a minimum of 50% playing time
when participating in matches.
5.1.5 To help provide adequate playing opportunities and to grow the game,
clubs are encouraged to field more than one team if practically possible. Teams should not be made up of more than double the playing numbers for their respective age groups (for example, the under 8 age group that play the 5v5 format should have a maximum of 10 players per team).
5.1.6 All squad members to benefit from the experience of playing in all positions, including goalkeeper for the under 8 to under 11 age groups.
5.1.7 If teams are low on players and cannot field the correct number, then the other team should provide the additional player(s) or withdraw players to make the numbers even for the under 6 to under 11 age groups.
5.1.8 ‘Behind the Line, Behind the Team’. Leagues/clubs must:
 Create a ‘Buffer zone’ that runs parallel to the pitch, ideally 2 metres
from both touchlines, a smaller buffer zone can be used where space doesn’t allow 2 metres.
 Buffer zone should be marked by cones or additional marked line.
 Only players, designated coaches and 1st Aider allowed within zone.
 All other spectators must watch from behind the buffer zone lines.  
SEASON 2022/2023

 NO spectators are allowed to stand on the goal line or behind the goal.

6. OTHER FOOTBALL OFFERS
6.1 All formats of the game that include players of small-sided game age must follow the
principles set out in this document (e.g. Futsal, walking football).

7. HEADING / CONCUSSION
7.1 Heading is rarely observed in games involving players aged 11 and under. Coaches
should continue to emphasise dribbling, passing, retaining the ball and building from the back. To reduce further the instances of heading within games coaches should encourage short corners and short free kicks that remain below head height. New rules changes have been introduced in this document to further decrease the amount of time the ball is in the air (such as a throw in replaced with a pass in for the under 9 age group and below, and goal keepers in the under 11 age group and below are no longer able to kick the ball out of their hands).
7.2 At under 12 and 13 heading may become more likely within the game. However, coaches should continue to encourage a style of play which limits the number of longer passes in the air.
7.3 Heading practice must not form part of training for boys and girls aged under 11 and
under.
7.4 Heading practices are a low priority for boys and girls in the under 12 and 13 age
groups. When introducing the specific technique of heading for these age groups, The FAW advise: - a maximum of 10 minutes of any duration training session and a maximum of 4 headers in one bout, using self-serve over short distances.
7.5 Age-appropriate size, weight and the correct pressure of the ball must be used.
7.6 If a player sustains a head injury, or suspected head injury, through a collision or
heading drill, they must not be permitted to return to the pitch and the coach must advise the parent/guardian to seek medical advice. Concussion symptoms may vary and can include dizziness, headache, or unsteadiness. Please refer to the FAW
concussion guidelines for a comprehensive list of signs and symptoms of concussion: https://www.faw.cymru/files/4215/4331/2848/FAW_Concussion_G.pdf. A player
who is not in an enhanced care setting must rest fully for 14 days and be symptom
free before they are able to resume a graded return to football activities.
 
SEASON 2022/2023

THE RULES OF SMALL-SIDED FOOTBALL
The rules are simple and as near to real football as possible. A game leader, who is urged to be as flexible as possible with the players must supervise the game from the touchline for the under 11 age group and below - this could be a coach, team helper or a qualified referee. For the avoidance of doubt, no person should be officiating the game on the pitch. Rules are explained as the game proceeds (e.g. hand ball). It may also be necessary to demonstrate in certain instances how to restart the game (e.g. a throw in, corner kicks). A referee is introduced at the under 12 age group (the 9v9 format).

1. PLAYERS ELIGIBLE
1.1 Small-Sided Football is for boys and girls in Academic Years one (1) to eight (8).
1.2 Mixed football (boys and girls playing together) is permitted for Academic Years one
(1) to eleven (11).

2. AGE GROUPS
2.1 Must be a minimum of a one academic year and a maximum of two academic years. 2.2 A Small-Sided player is permitted to play in the age group directly one year above
irrespective of any format changes. The age groups that a player is eligible to play in are set out in the table below:

Age as of August
Academic Eligible age Playing Non Competitive /
31st of the relevant Single or Two-Year
year groups Format Competitive
playing season

5
1 Single
Under 6
4v4

Two-Year
Under 7

6
2 Single
Under 7
4v4
Two-Year
Under 8
5v5 Non-Competitive Football
Festival / Round Robin Format

7
3 Single
Under 8
5v5
Two-Year
Under 9

8
4 Single
Under 9
5v5
Two-Year
Under 10
7v7
9
5 Single
Under 10
7v7

Two-Year
Under 11

6 Single
Under 11
7v7
10 **
Two-Year
Under 12
9v9 *Non-Competitive

11
7 Single
Under 12

Max 20 weeks competitive offer
Two-Year
Under 13 ***Max 20 weeks
competitive offer
12
8 Single
Under 13
9v9 ***Fully competitive

Two-Year
Under 14
11v11 Fully competitive

*1 For the avoidance of doubt, if Leagues operate two-year age bands and an under 12 9v9 fixture involves a Year 6 player, the offer must be non-competitive.
** If a League operates single age band divisions, and at under 12 want the offer to include competitive matches, no player from academic year 6 would be permitted to participate.
*** Leagues operating two-year age bands at under 13, involving under 12 players, must provide an initial block of non-competitive fixtures followed by a maximum 20 weeks of competition. Leagues can  
SEASON 2022/2023

only run a fully competitive offer at Under 13 within a single year age band with all players in academic year 8.

2.3 For the purposes of age groupings, an Academic year begins on the 1st September and ends on the 31st August of the following year. Academic year one (1) is the year in which a player reaches his / her 6th birthday.
2.4 Clubs are encouraged, if practically possible, to run single age group teams as this will help us grow the game and band players together who, in the main, are of similar age, size and football ability. It is recognised, however, that this may not be possible due to limited player numbers.
2.5 If leagues run single age band divisions, we would encourage players to play within their relevant age group, however, we do want players participating within a suitable environment and therefore, there are circumstances when an individual playing up an age group should be considered by the club:
2.5.1 If a player attends an FAW Licenced Academy at Under 8 – Under 11 only, or an FAW Trust Girls Development Centre (any junior age group).
2.5.2 Physical attributes – if the player continually dominates the opposition
physically
2.5.3 If player has existing permission to play up one year by the relevant
League.
2.5.4 If a club does not have a team at a specific age band, players are elegible
to play one year up in accordance with regulation 2.1.
2.6 If a Junior League feels that based on a player's ability or physicality, he or she should be playing down one-year group, permission to play down must be gained annually in accordance with FAW Rule 88.
2.7 Where clubs operate single age bands, entire teams are not ordinarily permitted to move up and age group or have a large number of their players move up on mass. This approach could benefit some players but may also disadvantage others within a team. If a Club feels it would be of benefit for an individual to play up an age group, permission must be requested annually to the relevant League Secretary detailing the reasoning. The League Secretary will then report to the relevant Area Association with the League's recommendation if the request should be approved or rejected .

2.8 From the 2023-24 season and where leagues operate two-year age bands, the playing format must reflect the youngest age group of players. For example, an Under 10 two- year age band consisting of Under 9 players should be 5v5 and not 7v7.  
SEASON 2022/2023

3. TEAM SIZE, PITCH SIZE, BALL SIZE, GOAL SIZE AND PLAYING DURATION
3.1 Must be implemented as below in the table:

Playing format

Ball Size

Max No of Pitch Size Maximum Maximum
Age GK or Goal Area Goal Size
players per (length x Playing Game
Group no GK (length x (height x width)
team width) Duration Duration
width)

U6
4 v 4
8 No GK
28 x 20

3
Height: Min 3ft Max 4 ft / Width: Min 4ft Max 6ff 40 mins
10 mins

U7
4 v 4
8 No GK
28 x 20

3
Height: Min 3ft Max 4 ft / Width: Min 4ft Max 6ft 40 mins
10 mins

U8
5 v 5
10 GK
35 v 25
7x12
yards 3
4 x 8 ft 50 mins
15 mins

U9
5 v 5
10 GK
35 x 25
7x12
yards 3
4 x 8 ft 50 mins
15 mins

U10
7 v 7
14 GK
44 x 40
10 x 15
yards 4
6 x 12 ft 60 mins
20 mins

U11
7 v 7
14 GK
44 v 40
10 x 15
yards 4
6 x 12 ft 60 mins
20 mins

3.1.2 Under 6 and 7 - The FAW suggest using rectangle shaped goals, but Pop-Up Goals
(4ft or 6ft) may be used.
3.1.3 Pitches should be marked out to the size detailed in the above table. This may
not be possible at every venue. For this reason, a degree of flexibility will be allowed. Pitches should not differ more than 5 yards in length and/or width.
3.1.4 Clubs that have a number of teams at a specific age group are expected to have a mix of player abilities across all teams, for example there should not be ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams made up of perceived strong and weaker players. This help ensure a positive playing experience for all participants within small-sided football where the focus should be on fun and skill development.

3.2 THE GOAL AREA
3.2.1 Must be marked by conventional lines or cones on the touchline and a
small number of marker discs on the playing area (refer to 3.1 for area sizes).

3.3 PLAYING DURATION
3.3.1 Under 6 and 7 – Game duration should not exceed 10 minutes. There is no half
time. For example, Leagues could organise 4 x 10-minute games in accordance with the maximum playing duration of 40 minutes.
3.3.2 Under 8 and 9 – Game duration should not exceed 15 minutes. There is no half time. For example, Leagues could organise 5 x 10-minute games or 3 x 15-minute games in accordance with the maximum playing duration of 50 minutes.  
SEASON 2022/2023

3.3.4 Under 10 and 11 – Game duration should not exceed 20 minutes. A half time interval should be taken if exceeding 15 minutes of play. The duration of half time should not exceed 5 minutes. For example, Leagues could organise 3 x 20- minute games or 4 x 15-minute games in accordance with the maximum playing duration of 60 minutes.
3.3.5 It is recommended that a Small Sided player should not exceed the playing
duration detailed in the above table in a 24-hour period.
3.3.6 When training, coaches should ensure player welfare is the paramount
consideration and take a common-sense approach to ensure practice is appropriate for the children for whom they are responsible.

4. SUBSTITUTES
4.1 Any number of substitutes may be used at any time (Rolling substitutes).
4.2 Players may re-enter the game.
4.3 All players in the squad should participate in a minimum of 50% of the total playing time
during a match day. For example, at U8 where there is a total maximum playing duration of 50 minutes, all players must participate in at least 25 minutes (50%) of the total game time available.
4.4 Under 6, 7, 8 and 9 - No substitute must not be waiting longer than 5 minutes before
they are involved in the match.
4.5 Under 10 and 11 – No substitute must not be waiting longer than 10 minutes before
they are involved in the match.

5. KICK OFF
5.1 Is taken in the centre of the playing area to start the game and after a goal has been
scored.
5.2 The opposition must be 3 yards away from where the ball is placed.
5.3 A goal may not be scored directly from the kick-off

6. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY METHOD OF SCORING
6.1 Laws 9 (Ball in and out of play) and 10 (The method of scoring) apply to Small Sided
Football.

7. OFF-SIDE
7.1 There is no offside (Law 11) in Small Sided Football.

8. PASS IN / THROW IN
8.1 Under 6, 7, 8 and 9 – The method of restating play when the whole of the ball passes
over the touchline is by a pass in.
8.2.1 The ball must be stationary from the point where it left the pitch before it
is kicked to restart play.
8.2.2 The ball must not be kicked overhead height.
8.2.3 A goal may not be scored directly from a pass in.
8.2.4 The opposition must be 3 yards away from where the ball is placed.
8.2 Under 10 and 11 – Throws ins are introduced. Although Law 15 (The Throw In) applies and the throw in should be taken in the normal way, game leaders can show flexibility.

9. CORNER KICKS
9.1 Law 17 (The Corner Kick) applies to corner kicks except the opposition must be at least
3 yards away.  
SEASON 2022/2023

10. FREE KICKS
10.1 Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) applies to free kicks although they are all indirect and
the opposition must be at least 3 yards away.

11. GOALKEEPERS
11.1 Can handle the ball in their goal area and there are no restrictions on the number of
steps they may take holding the ball.
11.2 The Goalkeeper can leave the goal area but cannot handle the ball outside the goal
area.
11.3 When handling the ball in the goal area, goalkeepers can throw the ball out of their
hands or kick the ball on the ground but can then be challenged by opponents. Drop kicks are not permitted.
11.4 In all age groups a retreat line is introduced, and the opposition players must be a minimum of 10 yards away from the point where the goalkeeper has the ball to encourage build up play.

12. GOAL-KICKS
12.1 The ball must be stationary and from the ground.
12.2 The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
12.3 Under 6 and 7 - Are taken anywhere on the goal line.
12.4 Under 8, 9, 10 and 11 – Are taken from any point within the goal area
12.5 Under 8, 9, 10 and 11 – Opponents must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in
play.
12.6 In all age groups a retreat line is introduced, and the opposition players must be a
minimum of 10 yards away from the point where the goal-kick is taken.

13. PLAYERS IN THE GOAL AREA
13.1 There are no restrictions regarding the number of players allowed in the goal area
during open play.

14. PASS BACK TO GOALKEEPER
14.1 Under 8 and 9 – A goalkeeper can pick the ball up (in the goal area) if It passed to
him/her from a teammate.
14.2 Under 10 and 11 - A goalkeeper cannot pick up the ball (in the goal area) if It has been
passed to him/her by a teammate.  
SEASON 2022/2023

15. 9V9 SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL (U12 & U13)

For the under 12 and under 13 age groups, the 9v9 format is mandatory from the 2022/2023 season.

15.1 PLAYING FORMAT
15.1.1 The Playing Format for 9v9 football must be implemented as below:

Age Group
Max no
GK or no GK
Goal Area
Ball
Size Goal Size Match Duration

Playing Pitch Size
of (length x width) (height x
Format (length x width)
players width)

U12
9 v 9
18 GK
Length: 64 yards
Width: 44 yards 12 x 28 yards
Penalty spot 9 yards 4
7 x 16 ft 70 mins
(35 min halves)
U13
9 v 9
18 GK
Length: 64 yards
Width:
Min: 44 yards Max: 54 yards 12 x 28 yards
Penalty spot 9 yards 4
7 x 16 ft 70 mins
(35 min halves)

15.1.2 Competition Structure

Age as of August 31st of Competitive Offer

Academic
the relevant playing
year
season

Under 12
Single age band 7
Initial block on non-competitive matches followed by a maximum of 20 weeks competition.
Under 12
Two-year age band 6&7
Non-Competitive matches only. No player in academic year 6 can play in a competitive format.
Under 13
Single age band 8
Fully competitive 9v9 offer. Any existing U12 players with approval to play up one year will be permitted to play in this format.
Under 13
Two-year age band 7&8
Initial block on non-competitive matches followed by a maximum of 20 weeks competition.

15.2 SQUAD SIZE
15.2.1 Teams at the under 12 and 13 age groups can have a match day squad cap of up
to a maximum of 18 players, all of whom are eligible to play (teams can use all 9 substitutions – please refer to 15.7). Teams are capped at signing 20 players.

15.2.2. A match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than six (6) players.

15.3 An 11v11 pitch can be adapted for the 9v9 format, utilising the width of the penalty area (44 yards) and the distance from penalty box to penalty box for the 9v9 pitch length or  
SEASON 2022/2023
(64 yards). At under 13’s, the width of the pitch can be extended to a maximum of 54 yards.
See diagrams for guidance:  
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SEASON 2022/2023  
SEASON 2022/2023

15.4 GOAL SIZE
15.4.1. The goal size is 16-foot (width) x 7 feet (height).

15.5 PENALTY AND GOAL AREAS
15.5.1 The Penalty area must be 28 yards wide and 12 yards from the goal line.
A penalty spot should be marked 9 yards from the goal line.
15.5.2 A Goal Area is not necessary, but goal kicks are to be taken approximately
4 yards from the goal line. A painted marker 4 yards from each post is sufficient for guidance.
15.4.3 For dedicated 9v9 pitches a goal area can be marked out. This is to be 4 yards from the goal line and 4 yards from each goal post towards the corner.

15.6 MATCH DURATION
15.6.1 A match must be a maximum of 70 minutes, split into two halves of 35 minutes.
The duration of half time should not exceed 15 minutes.
15.6.2 If leagues operate a two-year age band and a 9v9 fixture involves a Year 6 player
then the Match duration should not exceed 60 minutes.

15.7 SUBSTITUTES
15.7.1 Any number of substitutes may be used at appropriate breaks in play
with the permission of the referee, a player who has been replaced may re-enter the game (rolling substitutes).
15.6.2 All players in the match day squad should have a minimum of 50% playing
time when participating in matches.

15.8 KICK OFF
15.8.1 Is taken in the centre of the playing area to start the game and after a
goal has been scored.
15.8.2 The opposition must be a minimum of 7 yards away from where the ball
is placed.

15.9 BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY AND THE METHOD OF SCORING
15.9.1 As per the ‘FIFA Laws of the Game’ - Law 9 (Ball in and out of play) and 10 (The
method of scoring) apply to 9v9 Small Sided Football.

15.10 OFF-SIDE
15.10.1 As per the ‘FIFA Laws of the Game’ - Law 11 ‘Off-Side’ applies to 9v9 Small Sided
Football.

15.11 THROW IN
15.11.1 As per the ‘FIFA Laws of the Game’ - Law 15 ‘The Throw in’ applies to 9v9 Small
Sided Football.

15.12 CORNER KICKS
15.12.1 As per the ‘FIFA Laws of the Game’ - Law 17 ‘The Corner Kick’ applies to 9v9
Small Sided Football.  
SEASON 2022/2023

15.13 FREE KICKS
15.13.1 As per the ‘FIFA Laws of the Game’ - Law 12 ‘Fouls and Misconduct’ applies to
9v9 Small Sided Football.

15.14 GOALKEEPERS
15.14.1 Can handle the ball in their penalty area and there are no restrictions on the
number of steps they may take holding the ball.
15.14.2 The Goalkeeper can leave the penalty area but cannot handle the ball outside
the penalty area.
15.14.3 The Goalkeeper can throw or kick the ball out of their hands; the Goalkeeper
can also kick the ball on the ground but can then be challenged by opponents. 15.14.4 Pass Back to Goalkeeper - A goalkeeper cannot pick up the ball (in the goal area)
if it has been passed to him/her by a teammate.

15.15 GOAL KICKS
15.15.1 The ball must be stationary and from the ground (refer to 15.5.2 for location).
15.15.2 The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
15.15.3 Opponents must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.

15.16 PLAYERS IN THE GOAL AREA
15.16.1 There are no restrictions regarding the number of players allowed in the goal
area during open play.

15.17 THE REFEREE
15.17.1 Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the rules
of 9v9 Small Sided Football and the ‘IFAB Laws of the Game’.

For further info on the laws of the game please refer to the ‘IFAB Laws of the Game document’.