Football Rules (7-a-side)

1.       PLAYERS & EQUIPMENT

• A team can have a maximum of 12 players for any one game – 7 players, of which one must be a goalkeeper, and 5 substitutes. A minimum of 5 players are required for the game to go ahead.
• All players must be 16yrs and over (In the Mens PFTM)
• All Youth Master Players must be no older than the playing age category on August 31st
• All players must wear the same colour shirts (except GK). Bibs will be available if required.
• All Players in the Mens PFTM are advised to wear shin guards and knee high socks. All players playing without shin pads play at their own risk.
• All Youth Master Players are required to wear shin guards.
• Footwear; Moulded boots or Astro turf trainers, no metal studs are permitted.

2.       REFEREES

Please respect the referee, remember the cause you are playing for. Dissent will not be tolerated. All refereeing decisions are final.

3.       DURATION OF THE MATCH

Each game will be 12minutes straight through (PFTM Youth Masters may vary).

4.       SUBSTITUTES

• Unlimited substitutions are allowed as long as the referee is made aware of the changes.
• Substitutes must enter and leave the field of play at the referees discretion.
• Substitutions can only be made when play has stopped.

5.       BORROWING PLAYERS

There is a minimum amount of players required for a game to go ahead. 7 a side = minimum of 5. If a team has 7 players they are not allowed to borrow players to be substitutes.

If a team does not have enough players they may wish to borrow a player from another team. In this case the team must get permission from the opposition. This must be witnessed by the organiser/referee.

If a team has 7 players of their own, they cannot borrow players to be substitutes.

All the following circumstances must be witnessed by the referee/organiser

a)     If they agree, the game will go ahead as normal.

b)     If they disagree, then the team will have to play with the minimum players or forfeit the game.

c)     If they disagree, a 5 – 0 win is awarded and a friendly game played, with both teams having it chalked down as game.

6.       FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

• The referee will deal with all fouls and misconduct which will be punished accordingly.
• Slide tackles are allowed within laws of the game.
• Any free kick is direct and the defending team must retreat at least 5 yards from the ball (where possible).

7.       DISCIPLINE

All caution details are reported to the coordinator at the end of each game.

• Verbal Warning
• 1st offence, Yellow Card
• 2nd Yellow Card in a game = Red Card - player will play no further part in the game

Straight Red Cards – Result in a 2 match suspension.

'Play For The Memory' reserves the right to prohibit any player, team or club from taking further part in competitions.

Spectators are to be supportive to their team and responsible for the way they engage with other supporters. We expect supporters to support in an inclusive manner, create a positive atmosphere and to never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour. Spectators who are unable to adhere to this may be asked to leave with any dependents and/or reported.

8.       PENALTY AREA

Any player is allowed in the penalty area. An offence by a defending player in the penalty area will result in a penalty kick (1 steps maximum Mens, 2 step Youth Masters).

9.     GENERAL PLAYING RULES

• Goalkeeper distribution and area rules are as in 11 a side.
• The back pass rule applies – a free kick shall be awarded to the attacking team - 2 yards outside the penalty area.
• A goal can be scored directly from any kick off.
• There are NO OFFSIDES.
• There are NO HEAD HEIGHT restrictions.
• For all other rules the laws of Association Football will apply.

Code Of Conducts

We have individual Respect codes of conduct for:

• Young Players
• Adult Players
• Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials
• Spectators and Parents/Carers
• Match officials

Please email; info@playforthememory.com to request a copy