Under 9s Rules Summary

All teams should have a full copy of the WJYFL mini soccer rules, however, the following provides a
summarised version of the main areas which most often require clarification. The summary also covers
guidance on the administration of matches, which if followed, helps the games run smoothly.
Laws Summary
Normal laws of football apply, except as stated below:
1. The format is seven-a-side for Under 9’s and 10’s and five-a-side for Under 7’s and 8’s.
2. Matches will be of 15 minutes each wayfor under 9’s and 10’s and 10 minutes each way for under 8’s and 7’s.
3. There is no offside.
4. Substitutions are on a “Role on role off” basis.
    Managers should wait for a break in the play and notify the Referee that they wish to make a substitution.
    Managers should ensure that the player being substituted has left the field of play before the substitute
    enters the field of play. Substituted players can re enter the game.
5. At kick offs, Corners and Free Kicks, Opposition players must stand 4.5 metres from the ball.
    All free kicks are direct. Goals cannot be scored with direct shots from a kick off.
6. Goal Kicks can be taken from anywhere in the penalty area. Opposition players must retreat to the half way line.
7. The Pass back to the Goalkeeper rule applies. If a passback occurs, a direct free kick is to be awarded to
    the opposition on the edge of the Penalty area nearest to the point where the Goalkeeper handled the ball.
8. Ball Size : Size 3 balls are to be used for all mini soccer matches. Under 7’s up to and including under 10’s.
9. Substitutions – Players leave pitch at the shortest point
10.Managers & Coaches can receive Yellow or Red Cards
11.Goal Kicks do not have to leave the penalty area. The ball is live as soon as it is kicked.
12.Free Kicks where a defensive wall is formed, Offensive players have to be 1 metre from the wall
Confirmation of normal rules (As stated above, normal rules of Football apply, but the following are areas for clarification).
1. At Kick Offs the ball can move in any direction.
2. Normal foul throw rules apply.
3. The deliberate back pass rule will be enforced.
    Goalkeepers can come out of their areas. Goalkeeper drop kicks are permitted.
4. All players must wear shin guards covered by their Socks.
5. Normal disciplinary rules apply, yellow and red cards will be issued if the referee deems it appropriate.
League Rules
1. Team Officials should register their team for the day at least 15 minutes prior to their first Kick off time.
2. At registration, each team should pay their match fees and hand over their team registration sheet, together
    with the players registration documents. Receipt details should completed & stamped by the the centre.
    The sheet will be stamped by the centre administrator so that no more names can be added and returned to the team rep.
3. At the end of each game, both team Managers should sign the Referees Card to confirm the result.
    Managers should also enter the result in the spaces provided on their registration sheet, which should be
    signed and handed into the centre administrator after their second game, with the receipt torn off.
4. All teams should carry their players’ league registrations with them at all games, and will exchange them
    with their opponents prior to each game. They should also be available on request to Opposition
     Management and League Officials.
5. All teams should carry an alternative strip/bibs. In the event of a colour clash, the first named team should change colours.
6. Prior to the start of each game, both teams should provide a suitable matchball to the Referee, who will choose the match
    ball.
Behaviour
1. Managers are reminded that they are responsible for the behaviour of both their Players and Spectators.
2. Foul and abusive language will not be tolerated. Offenders will be asked to leave the ground.
3. In the event of injuries play will be stopped at the Referees discretion. Only two adults should move
    onto the field of play to attend the player. No other adults should move onto the field of play.
4. In the interests of Safety Managers and Parents should ensure that Children do not
   swing on goals.
5. Managers and spectators are asked support both teams in a positive and friendly manner.
6. Spectators should stand behind the Respect barriers. Mangers should stand in the Technical Areas.
The above is for quick reference, League rules, as detailed in the official handbook,
and Mini Soccer rules, as detailed in the Mini Soccer handbook, apply in all instances.