Guidelines - Under 6 & 7

Under 6 & 7 Mode Of Competition For 2009

At this year's Mode of Competition meeting the following was approved for the Under 6 & 7 games for 2009. Matches will generally be organised by Clubs and games conducted intra-club. Gala Days may be organised between Clubs from time to time for inter-club matches as the season progresses. The CDSFA guidelines in introducing Small Sided Games (SSG) are as follows:-

1. FIELD SIZE:

The field of play should be rectangular. The stipulated field size is 30m x 20m. Fields may be marked with lines, cones or similar (witches hats are not recommended as they fall over). There are no internal markings, however for dedicated fields a halfway line is useful. Generally fields can be set up anywhere including: across mini fields; 6 - 8 fields can fit on main fields which may now have less usage on Saturday/Sunday mornings; or in other spaces currently not used. Generally fields would be set up in pairs to suit the recommended squad size (see below).

Goals: Min. 1.80m x 0.90mMax. 2.00m x 1.00m

Rectangular folding goals or Pop Up goals are recommended. Poles are also acceptable. Cones or witches hats can be used but are not recommended.

2. BALL:

Approved & licensed size 3 ball shall be used.

3. DURATION OF GAME:

Under 6: two periods of 15 minutes;
Under 7: two periods of 15 minutes;
There will be a 5 minute break between each half.

It is suggested that a ground co-ordinator use an air-horn or similar to signal the simultaneous start, half time, restart and finish of all games.

4. NUMBER OF PLAYERS:

Under 6: 4 v 4 plus a maximum of two (2) interchange players;
Under 7: 5 v 5 plus a maximum of two (2) interchange players:

If a team is short of players they may borrow from any other team. If necessary a team may take the field with one player short.

Where possible all players in attendance at a game should receive equal playing time.

5. SIZE OF PLAYING SQUAD:

For coaching and game day purposes, playing squads should be multiples of the above team numbers. The recommended playing squad size is two (2) teams so that on match day the squad is divided into two small sided teams.

Under 6: Minimum of 8 players and maximum of 12 players per squad;
Under 7: Minimum of 10 players and maximum of 14 players per squad.

6. PLAYING RULES:

All games shall be played under modified FFA SSG rules:-

Play should be as continuous as possible with no stoppages. Interchange may be made at any time without stopping the game;
There is no off-side;
The game is started with a kick off on the halfway line or mark;
The team kicking off will be determined by the referee by toss of coin or which hand is the whistle etc;
When a goal is scored, play will restart from the goal line at a spot 5m from the side of the goal post;
The following restarts can be started with a pass or a dribble:
- sideline kick in (when the ball travels over the sideline);
- goal kicks (when the ball travels over the goal line);
- kick offs (except at start of game which must be passed to a teammate);
Corner kicks and indirect free kicks must be kicked into play (no dribbling);
All free kicks are indirect kicks;
All opposition players must stand at least 4.5m from the kicker at every restart;
The ball must be touched twice before a goal can be scored from any restart;
The team taking a restart should recommence play as soon as possible;
Where goal posts are not available, cones may be used. Where cones are used a goal is scored when the ball passes over the goal line and between the cones, without knocking the cones over;
It is not in the spirit of the game to have a player permanently stationed in the goal area as an attacker or defender. The game leader should ensure that they discourage any team using the wrong tactic ;
When the difference in score between the two teams reaches three or more goals at any point in the game, the losing team is allowed to restart from the half way line when a goal is scored against them instead of from their own goal line.

7. REFEREEING:

Before each match starts both teams will agree on a person to act as the "GAME LEADER";
The game leader's role is to assist the players from both teams during the game;
The game leader's main role is to keep the game moving fluently and with minimal breaks. In particular this applies to restarting the game, when the ball is out or a goal scored by keeping opponents 4.5m away from restarts and applying a "ready-set-go" countdown;
Any player who continually fouls opposition players should be counseled by the game leader regarding his/her behaviour;
The game leader must be fair to both sides.

8. ON-FIELD COACHING:

On-field coaching is NOT PERMITTED.
Let the children play; Coaches (and parents) are to have minimal involvement in the game.

9. GRADING:

There is no grading as such. It is recommended that Clubs give their squads a rating during the season using a scale of 1 to 4 with 1 being stronger than 4 for the purposes of better matching teams in any inter club matches or gala days etc.