Here are a few details concerning Playing Formats, Times, and Dimensions.
Playing Formats / Times / Dimensions…
Duration of Matches
Matches shall be played to the following durations:
Under 7 & 8 – 20 minutes each half
Under 9 & 10 – 25 minutes each half
Under 11 & 12 – 30 minutes each half
Under 13 & 14 – 35 minutes each half
Under 15 & 16 – 40 minutes each half
Under 17 & 18 – 45 minutes each half
The Referee has the authority to reduce the duration time played by 10 minutes each way due to inclement weather or where the elements may reduce the light to complete League or Cup fixtures. Both teams’ managers to be informed before kick-off.
Extra Time – Knock-out cups & Play-off matches
EXTRA TIME IS NOT PLAYED IN ANY COMPEITITION ORGANISED BY THIS LEAGUE
If the scores are equal after normal time, penalties shall be taken in accordance with F.I.F.A. Rules to decide the winner .
In the under 7 to under 11 age group Trophy Events Finals if the scores are still equal after extra time there shall be no penalties.
The Cup will be shared equally by the two finalists.
In the under 12 to under 18 age group Cup-Finals if the scores are still equal after normal time there shall be penalty kicks in accordance with F.I.F.A. Rules to decide the winner.
Maximum Playing Time
The FA sets out maximum lengths of time a player can play in any one day as follows:
Under 7 & 8 – 40 minutes per day (60 mins if tournaments and trophy events / festivals)
Under 9 & 10 – 60 minutes per day (90 mins if tournaments and trophy events / festivals)
Under 11 & 12 – 80 minutes per day (120 mins if tournaments and trophy events / festivals)
Under 13 to 16 – 100 minutes per day (150 mins if tournaments and trophy events / festivals)
Under 17 to 18 – 120 minutes per day (180 mins if tournaments and trophy events / festivals)
It is the responsiblity of the parent/carer or organisation to ensure the child does not exceed this.
Match Balls
Should be safe and made of leather or another suitable material.
Recommended sizes are as follows:
Under 7 to 9 – size 3
Under 10 to 14 – size 4
Under 15 & over – size 5
Please advise the Referees Secretary if the home team fails to provide a satisfactory match ball, nets or flag posts.
Goal Sizes
| Age Group | Format | Goal Size |
|---|---|---|
| U7 & U8 | 5v5 | 12ft x 6ft |
| U9 & U10 | 7v7 | 12ft x 6ft |
| U11 & U12 | 9v9 | 16ft x 7ft (21ft x 7ft permitted) |
| U13 & U14 | 11v11 | 21ft x 7ft (24ft x 8ft permitted) |
| U15 to U18 | 11v11 | 24ft x 8ft |
Pitch Sizes
| Age Group | Format | max length | min length | max width | min width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U7 & U8 | 5v5 | 40yds | 30yds | 30yds | 20yds |
| U9 & U10 | 7v7 | 60yds | 50yds | 40yds | 30yds |
| U11 & U12 | 9v9 | 80yds | 70yds | 50yds | 40yds |
| U13 & U14 | 11v11 | 100yds | 90yds | 60yds | 50yds |
| U15 & U16 | 11v11 | 110yds | 90yds | 70yds | 50yds |
| U17 & U18 | 11v11 | 130yds | 100yds | 100yds | 50yds |