Please note that these apply to all small sided games organised by Sassco. This includes 5, 6, 7 and above -a-side.
TEAM WEAR (IMPORTANT)
- Identical shirts must be worn by your Team (apart from goalkeeper)
- Shorts colour must match each other players’ on your team. The same with socks.
- For example, if your team has white shorts and red socks, then all your team should wear the same. We film and photograph the event and always make it look professional. It would be helpful if members of your own side-lines could take some photos as well and send in.
GOALKEEPER AREA
- The goalkeeper is NOT allowed outside his own marked area (a semi-circle or square box) and outfield Players are not allowed in. If an outfield Player enters the opposition’s area then a goalkeeper’s throw out is given.
- If any outfield Player enters his own area then a penalty is given. If the Player was pushed in the area then a penalty does not apply. It is the referees’ own interpretation if he wishes to give a penalty when a Player accidentally enters his own area. If the Player is clearing a ball then a penalty will apply. If the goalkeeper steps outside the area or his momentum takes him out of the area when he is making a save then a penalty will apply, unless the referee interprets it as an accident.
BACK PASSES ARE BANNED
- Deliberate back passes are not allowed – even headers. If a Player deliberately passes back to the goalkeeper then a free kick is awarded from the position of where the Player passed back to the goalkeeper. The referee can allow each team a “free pass” in that there will be no foul given, but the rule will be explained.
PENALTIES
- Penalties are taken 1 metre from the edge of the box. There are no markings, so the referee can make judgement. One step is allowed.
FREE KICKS
- Free kicks are all direct and can be taken quickly unless the referee specifies.
- Distance from a wall (if the kicker is not taking quickly) is 2.5 metres (approx. 3 yards)
- Free kicks for fouls near the goal area are taken approx. 2.5 metres (3 yards) from the goal area (this allows the defending Team to make a wall).
CORNER KICKS, THROW INS AND CENTRE BALLS
- As well as from direct free kicks, goals can be scored direct from corner kicks and any other dead ball situation – even throw-ins
TACKLES AND SHIN PADS
- Sliding tackles are not allowed. There is no strict caution for this but all dangerous tackles will be penalised.
- All Players must wear shin pads. The referee may prevent a Player from playing if he does not comply. This is for Player safety.
CAUTIONS AND SIN BIN
- Red card sending off will apply in the same way as in an 11-Player game and a “SIN BIN” can be operated. Teams must not argue with the referees.
ROLL ON ROLL OFF SUBS
- Unlimited roll on and off substitutes are allowed – referee must be informed of any changes.
DRAWN GAMES IN KNOCK OUT STAGES
- Penalties will be taken, but these are sudden death immediately.
- Coin toss to decide who chooses first team to kick.
- As no marking are on the lines, the spot will be approx. half a metre from the edge of the goal box.
PITCH AREAS
The pitch used is essentially a quarter of a full size pitch. The Downhill Hub pitch have blue markings for the surrounding pitch. The goal area is a bit more complicated. The goal area is separated by a yellow line and the closes area to the edge has two white lines available. The part closer to the middle of an 11-a-side pitch doesn’t. This means the goal area is marked out as shown below.
The black dotted line shows the goal area to be used. As you can see the left side goal is marked out without the need of marking, becuase the yellow line intersects with two white lines, therefore making a natural goal area. The other side (closest to the half way line on the 11-a-side pitch) needs the small goal lines marked out, therefore we use rubber stripes to show this, with markings to show the goal edge, intersecting with the yellow line.
GOAL AREA MARKERS
Unfortunately, the pitch markings are too small or large for 6-a-side, so we have had to modify the goal area to show the edges. This is in the form of an L shaped rubber piece, which is layed on the corner edges. Not the best situation, but the best solution.
