Rules for Small Sided Football, including Five-a-side football

LAW 1

The Pitch

Small Side Football may be played with or without barriers.

Dimensions:

The pitch must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.

Length:minimum 25 m
maximum 42 m

Width:minimum 15 m
maximum 25 m

Pitch Markings

The pitch is marked with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.

The two longer boundary lines are called touchlines. The two shorter lines are called goal lines.

All lines are 8cm wide.

The pitch is divided into two halves by the halfway line.

The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 3 m is marked around it.

If barricades are used to surround the playing area, an opening should be provided at the point of the halfway line and the touch line.

A penalty area is defined at each end of the pitch as follows:

A semi circle of 8 m radius shall be drawn from the centre of each goal line. The extremities of these semi-circles should reach the goal-line, barrier or wall regardless of whether or not the goal posts encroach onto the playing area.

Penalty Mark

A penalty mark is drawn 6 m from the midpoint between the goal posts and equidistant from them.

The Corner Arc

Where the playing area is not surrounded by barriers a quarter circle with a radius of 25cm from each corner is drawn inside the pitch.

Goals

Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line.

They consist of two upright posts equidistant from each corner and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar.

The distance (inside measurement) between the posts is maximum 5m, minimum 3m and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is maximum 2m minimum 1.20m.

Both goal posts and the crossbar have the same width and depth of 8cm. Nets, made of hemp, jute or nylon, are attached to the posts and crossbars behind the goals. The lower part is supported by curved bars or some other adequate support.

Safety

The goals may be portable but they must be anchored securely to the ground during play.

Surface of the Pitch

Where natural turf is not used the surface must be smooth and flat and non-abrasive. The use of wood or artificial material is recommended.


LAW 2

The Ball

Qualities and Measurements

The ball is:

spherical
made of leather or other suitable material
size 4 or 5
in indoor playing areas a five-a-side (felt) ball may be used

Replacement of a Defective Ball

If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:

the match is stopped
the match is restarted by dropping the replacement ball at the place where the first ball became defective

If the ball bursts or becomes defective while not in play:

the match is restarted according to the Laws

The ball may not be changed during the match without the permission of the referee.


LAW 3

The Number of Players

A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than seven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.

Substitution Procedure

Substitutes may be used in any match played under the rules of an official competition at FIFA, confederation or national association level.

The maximum number of substitutes permitted is three.

The number of substitutions made during a match is unlimited. A player who has been replaced may return to the pitch as a substitute for another player.

A substitution is one which is made when the ball is in or out of play for which the following conditions must be observed:

the player entering the playing area may not do so until the player leaving the playing area has passed completely over the boundary line
where barricades are used the players must use the opening onto the playing area
a substitution is complete when the substitute enters the playing area from which moment he becomes a player and the player he is replacing ceases to be a player
a substitute is subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referee whether called upon to play or not

Changing Places with the Goalkeeper

Any of the other players, or substitutes, may change places with the goalkeeper. The following conditions must be observed:

referee must be informed before the change is made
change may only be made during a stoppage in play

Infringements/Sanctions

If, while a substitution is being made, a substitute enters the pitch before the player being replaced has completely left:

play is stopped
the player being replaced is instructed to leave the pitch
the substitute is cautioned and shown the yellow card
play is restarted by an indirect free kick to be taken by the opposing team from the place where the ball was situated when the game was stopped. However, if the ball was inside the penalty area, the indirect free kick is taken 2m from the penalty area line, at the place nearest to the position of the ball when play was stopped

Where barricades are used if, while a substitution is being made, a substitute enters the pitch or a player being replaced leaves it from a place other than the recognised opening in the barricades:

play is stopped
the offending player is cautioned and shown the yellow card
play is restarted by an indirect free kick to be taken by the opposing team from the place where the ball was situated when the game was stopped. However, if the ball was inside the penalty area, the indirect free kick is taken 2m from the penalty area line, at the place nearest to the position of the ball when play was stopped

A match should not be considered valid if the playing strength of either team is reduced by more than two players.


LAW 4

The Players’ Equipment

Safety

A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player, including any kind of jewellery.

Basic Equipment

The basic compulsory equipment of a player is:

a jersey or shirt
shorts – If thermal undershorts are worn, they are of the same main colour as the shorts
socks
shinguards
footwear – which is subject to local conditions

Shinguards

are covered entirely by the socks
are made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic or similar substances)
provide a reasonable degree of protection

Goalkeepers

the goalkeeper is permitted to wear long trousers
each goalkeeper wears colours which easily distinguish him from the other players and the referees

Infringements/Sanctions

For any Infringements of this Law:

the player at fault is instructed by the referee to leave the pitch to correct his equipment or to obtain any missing item of equipment. The player may not return to the pitch without first reporting to the referee, who then checks that the player’s equipment is now correct. The player is only allowed to re-enter the match when the ball is out of play.


LAW 5

The Referee

The Authority of the Referee

Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed, from the moment he enters the locality where the pitch is situated until he leaves.

Powers and Duties

The Referee:

enforces the Laws of the Game
allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalises the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time
keeps a record of the match and provides the appropriate authorities with a match report which includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players, and/or team officials and any other incidents which occur before, during or after the match
acts as timekeeper
stops, suspends or terminates the match for any infringement of the Laws or due to any kind of outside interference
takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offences
takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them from the playing area and its immediate surrounds
ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the pitch
stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is removed from the pitch
ensures any player bleeding from a wound leaves the playing area
allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured
ensures that any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2

Decisions of the Referee

The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final.


LAW 6

Assistant Referee

Duties

Two assistant referees may be appointed. Where appointed their duties, subject to the decision of the referee are to indicate:

when the whole of the ball has passed out of the field of play
which side is entitled to a kick in, goal clearance or corner kick

Assistance

The assistant referees also assist the Referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

In the event of undue interference or improper conduct, the referee will relieve an assistant referee and make a report to the appropriate authorities.

LAW 7

The Duration of the Match

The duration of the game shall be divided into two equal periods of up to 25 minutes each period subject to the following:

Allowance shall be made in either period for time lost through stoppages as decided by the referee.

The duration of either half shall be extended to enable a penalty kick to be taken.
At half time the interval shall not exceed five minutes except by consent of the
Referee.

For matches ending in a draw, competition rules may state provisions involving extra time or other procedures approved by the International FA Board to determine the winner of the match.



LAW 8

Start of Play

Preliminaries

The choice of ends is decided by the toss of a coin. The team winning the toss decides which goal it wishes to attack in the first half of the match.

The other team takes the kick-off to start the match.

The team which wins the toss takes the kick-off to start the second half of the match.

In the second half of the match the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals.

Kick-off

A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play:

at the start of the match
after a goal has been scored
at the start of the second half of the match
at the start of each period of extra time, where applicable

A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.

Procedure

all players are in their own half of the field
the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least 3m from the ball until it is in play
the ball is stationary on the centre mark
the referee gives a signal
the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward
the kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player

After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team.

Infringements/Sanctions

If the kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred. However, if this offence is committed by a player in his opponents’ penalty area, the indirect free kick shall be taken 2m from the penalty area line from the place nearest to where the infringement occurred.

For any other infringement of the kick-off procedure the kick-off is retaken.

Dropped Ball

A dropped ball is a way of restarting the match after a temporary stoppage which becomes necessary, while the ball is in play and provided that immediately preceding the stoppage it has not passed over the touch line or goal line, for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game.

Procedure

The referee drops the ball at the place where it was located when play was stopped, unless it was in the goalkeepers possession, when the goalkeeper shall, at the referee’s signal, return the ball into play by throwing the ball from any point within the Penalty Area.

Play restarts when the ball touches the ground.

Where barricades are in use and a drop ball is required the referee shall drop the ball 2m from the barricade at the appropriate point.

Infringements/Sanctions

The ball is dropped again:

if it is touched by a player before it makes contact with the ground
if the ball leaves the pitch after it makes contact with the ground, without a player touching it


LAW 9

The Ball In and Out of Play

Ball Out of Play

The ball is out of play when:

it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line, whether on the ground or in the air
play has been stopped by the referee
when playing indoors, it hits the ceiling

Ball In Play

The ball is in play at all other times including when:

it rebounds from a goal post, the crossbar, or the barricades onto the pitch
it rebounds from the referee when on the pitch

Decisions

When a match is being played on an indoor pitch and the ball accidentally hits the ceiling, the game is restarted by a kick-in, awarded to the opposing team to the one which last touched the ball.

The kick-in is taken from a point on the nearest touchline to the intersection between either touch line and the imaginary line that runs parallel to the goal line and the place below where the ball hit the ceiling. Where barricades are in use the ball is to be placed 2m from the point on the nearest barrier to the intersection between either the barrier and the imaginary line that runs parallel to the goal line and the place below where the ball hit the ceiling.


LAW 10

The Method of Scoring

Goal Scored

Except otherwise provided by these Laws, a goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, unless it has been thrown, carried or intentionally propelled by the hand or arm by a player of the attacking side, the goalkeeper included.

Winning Team

The team scoring the greater number of goals during a match is the winner. If both teams score an equal number of goals or if no goals are scored, the match is drawn.

Competition Rules

For matches ending in a draw, competition rules may state provisions involving extra time or other procedures to determine the winner of a match.


LAW 11

Offside

There is no offside. Players may place themselves in any part of the playing area outside of the penalty area.


LAW 12

Fouls and Misconduct

Fouls and misconduct are penalised as follows:

Direct Free Kick

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following six offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:

kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
trips or attempts to trip an opponent
jumps at an opponent
charges an opponent, even with the shoulder
strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
pushes an opponent

A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences:

holds an opponent
spits at an opponent
slides in an attempt to play the ball when it is being played or attempted to be played by an opponent (sliding tackle), except when the match is being played on a natural grass playing surface
handles the ball deliberately, except for the goalkeeper in his own penalty area

A direct free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred.

Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits any of the aforementioned offences inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball but provided that it is in play.

Indirect Free Kick

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper commits one of the following offences:

touches or controls the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate
touches or controls the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a kick-in taken by a team-mate
touches or controls the ball with his hands or feet, in the penalty area, for more than four seconds

An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred, if, in the opinion of the referee, a player:

plays in a dangerous manner
deliberately impedes the progress of an opponent when the ball is not being played
prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands
commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player

The indirect free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred, unless this was in the penalty area, in which case the indirect free kick is taken 2m from the penalty area line at the place nearest to where the infringement occurred.

Play within the Penalty Area

Only the defending goalkeeper is allowed within the penalty area except where a penalty kick is awarded, and then only the player taking the kick can enter the penalty area. If a goalkeeper leaves the penalty area he is treated as any other player.

Punishment for infringement

By the attacking side – a direct free kick at a point 2 metres outside the penalty area nearest to where the infringement occurred.

By defending side – a penalty kick.

(Note: Referees should distinguish between accidental and intentional entry into or exit from the penalty area. Only deliberate actions when the player either plays the ball or tries to play the ball should be penalised. Accidental entry or exit which has no effect on the play should be ignored).

Goalkeeper returning the ball into play

After holding the ball the goalkeeper must return the ball into play by throwing the ball from any point within the Penalty Area.

Punishment for infringement

An indirect free kick shall be taken by a player of the opposing team from a point 2 metres outside the penalty area nearest to where the infringement occurred.

Disciplinary Sanctions

Cautionable Offences

A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following offences:

is guilty of unsporting behaviour
shows dissent by word or action
persistently infringes the Laws of the Game
delays the restart of play
fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, kick-in, free kick or goal clearance.
enters or re-enters the pitch without the referee’s permission or infringes the substitution procedure
deliberately leaves the pitch without the referee’s permission

For any of these offences, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred. If the offence was committed within the penalty area the indirect free kick is taken 2m from the penalty area line at the place nearest to where the infringement occurred. A caution is also given provided that a more serious infringement of the Laws has not been committed.
Sending-Off Offences

A player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following offences:

1.is guilty of serious foul play
2.is guilty of violent conduct
3.spits at an opponent or any other person
4.denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
5.denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick
6.uses offensive, insulting or abusive language
7.receives a second caution in the same match

If play is stopped because a player is sent off the pitch for offence 6 or 7, without having committed any additional infringement of the Laws, the game is restarted by an indirect free kick, awarded to the opposing team, to be taken at the place where the infringement occurred. However, if the offence is committed in the penalty area, the indirect free kick is taken 2m from the penalty area line at the place nearest to where the infringement occurred.

Decisions

A player who has been sent off may not take any further part in the match nor may he sit on the substitutes’ bench, where provided.


LAW 13

Free Kicks

Types of Free Kicks

Free kicks are either direct or indirect.

For both direct and indirect free kicks, the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken and the kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player.

The Direct Free Kick

if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponent’s goal, a goal is awarded

The Indirect Free Kick

a goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player before it enters the goal

Position of Free Kick

all opponents must be at least 5 m from the ball until it is in play unless standing on the line defining his own Penalty Area
the ball is in play after it has been touched or played

Infringements/Sanctions

If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than the required distance:

the kick is retaken

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, taken from the place where the infringement occurred. However, if this offence is committed within 2m of the penalty area, the indirect free kick is taken 2m from the penalty area line at the place nearest to where the infringement occurred

Signals

Direct Free Kick: the referee keeps one arm horizontal pointing in the direction the kick has to be taken
Indirect Free Kick: the referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising his arm above his head. He maintains his arm in that position until the kick has been taken and the ball has touched another player or goes out of play


LAW 14

The Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded against a team which commits any of the offences for which a direct free kick is awarded, inside its own penalty area and while the ball is in play.

A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.

Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of each half or at the end of each period of extra time.

Position of the Ball and the Players

The ball:

is placed on the penalty mark

The player taking the penalty kick:

is properly identified

The defending goalkeeper:

remains on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts, until the ball has been kicked

The players other than the kicker are located:

inside the pitch
outside the penalty area
behind or to the side of the penalty mark
at least 5m from the penalty mark

Procedure

the player taking the penalty kicks the ball forward
he may not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player
the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward
whether or not a goal is scored from the kick the player concerned must leave the Penalty Area immediately after taking the kick and before taking any further part in the play.

When a penalty kick is taken during the normal course of play, or time has been extended at half-time or full time to allow a penalty kick to be taken or retaken, a goal is awarded if, before passing the goalposts and under the crossbar:

the ball touches either or both of the goalposts, and/or the crossbar and/or the goalkeeper

Infringements/Sanctions

If any of the following situations occur:

A player of the defending team infringes this Law:


the kick is retaken, only if a goal is not scored
the kick is not retaken if a goal is scored

A team-mate of the player taking the kick infringes this Law of the Game:

the kick is retaken if a goal is scored
the kick is not retaken if a goal is not scored

The player taking the kick infringes this Law of the Game after the ball is in play:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred, unless this was in the penalty area, in which case the indirect free kick is taken 2m from the penalty area line at the place nearest to where the infringement occurred


LAW 15

The Kick-In

A kick-in is a method of restarting play.

A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-in.

A kick-in is awarded:

when the whole of the ball passes over a touch line, either on the ground or in the air, or hits the ceiling
from the place where it crossed the touch line or 2m into the playing area adjacent to where the ball left the playing area when barricades are in use
to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball

Position of the Ball and the Players

The ball:

has to be stationary on the touch line; or 2m into the playing area from the barrier where barricades are in use
is kicked into play in any direction

The player taking the kick-in:

has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line at the moment of kicking the ball; or
must stand between the ball and the barricade where in use

The players of the defending team:

are at least 5m from the place where the kick-in is taken

Procedure

the player taking the kick-in may not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player
the ball is in play immediately after it is kicked or touched

Infringements/Sanctions

The kick-in is retaken by a player of the opposing team if:

the kick-in is taken incorrectly
the kick-in is taken from a position other than the place where the ball passed over the touch line or where indicated by the referee where barricades are in use
any other infringement of the Law occurs

LAW 16

The Goal Clearance

A goal clearance is a method of restarting play.

A goal may not be scored directly from a goal clearance.

The goal clearance is awarded when:

the whole of the ball, having last touched a player of the attacking team, passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10

Procedure

the ball is thrown from any point within the penalty area by the goalkeeper of the defending team
opponents remain outside the penalty area
the goalkeeper does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player
the ball is in play when it is thrown directly beyond the penalty area

Infringements/Sanctions

If the ball is not thrown directly beyond the penalty area:

the goal clearance is retaken

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time, before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred, unless it was committed in the penalty area, in which case the indirect free kick is taken 2m from the penalty area line from the place nearest to where the infringement occurred

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper receives it back from a team mate:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken 2m from the penalty area line from the place nearest to where the infringement occurred


LAW 17

The Corner Kick

A corner kick is a method of restarting play.

A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team.

A corner kick is awarded when:

the whole of the ball, having last touched a player of the defending team, passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10

Procedure

the ball is placed inside the corner arc at the nearest corner
opponents remain at least 5m from the ball until it is in play
the ball is kicked by a player of the attacking team
the ball is in play when it is kicked or touched
the kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player

Infringements/Sanctions

An indirect free kick is taken by the opposing team if:

the player taking the corner kick plays the ball a second time before it has touched another player. The indirect free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred

For any other infringement:

the corner kick is retaken

Where the playing area is surrounded by barricades the corner kick is replaced by a kick-in at a point 2m inside the playing area at the corner nearest the point where the ball left the playing area.



Procedures to Determine the Winner of a Match

The Golden Goal Procedure

During the period of extra-time played at the end of normal playing time the first goal is declared the winner
If no goal is scored the match is decided by kicks from the penalty mark

KICKS FROM THE PENALTY MARK PROCEDURE

Taking kicks from the penalty mark is a method of determining the winning team where competition rules require there to be a winning team after a match has been drawn

Procedure

the referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken
the referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss takes the first kick
the referee keeps a record of the kicks being taken
in principle each team takes five kicks, depending on the circumstances described hereafter
the kicks are taken alternately
the names of the players taking the kicks are announced to the referee by the captains of each team before the kicks from the penalty mark are taken and must be among those included on the list of players submitted before the match. Only those players on the pitch at the completion of the game are eligible to take part in Kicks from the Penalty Mark
where a player(s) has been sent off by the referee the opposing team must reduce the number of players to equalise the participants in each team prior to the Kicks from the Penalty Mark commencing
if, before both teams have taken five kicks, one has scored more goals than the other could score, even if it were to complete its five kicks, no more kicks are taken
if, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same number of goals or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken in the same order, until one team has scored one goal more than the other from the same number of kicks
any player who has been sent off may not take part in the kicks from the penalty mark
any eligible player may change places with his goalkeeper
only the eligible players and match officials are permitted to remain on the pitch when kicks from the penalty mark are taken
all players, except the player taking the kick and the two goalkeepers, must remain in the opposite half to that where the kicks are being taken