1. Age Group

• Players must be Under 10 on 31 August of the current season.

 

2. Format of Play

• 7 v 7 (6 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper)

• Rolling substitutions allowed at any stoppage (with referee awareness)

• All players should receive equal playing time across the festival

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3. Match Duration 

• Matches of 6-10 minutes each way (dependant on number of teams)

• No extra time or penalties in festival play

 

4. Retreat Line

• A retreat line must be used:

  • Marked halfway between the halfway line and goal line

• Applies when:​

  • Goal kick is taken

• Opposition players must retreat behind the line until:

  • The ball is played out

• Goalkeepers cannot kick the ball directly over the retreat line

 

5. Goalkeeper Rules

• Goalkeepers may:

  • Throw, roll, or pass the ball from the ground

• Goalkeepers must not:

  • Drop-kick or punt the ball

 

6. Offside

• No offside is applied

 

7. Fouls & Discipline

• All fouls are penalised with direct free kicks

• No indirect free kicks

• No sin bins or cards (referees manage behaviour through explanation and encouragement)

• Persistent or dangerous play may result in a player being temporarily removed at referee discretion

 

8. Heading

• Heading is not allowed

• If a player deliberately heads the ball:

  • An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposition

• Accidental contact should be managed with common sense

 

9. Kick-Offs & Restarts

• Opponents must be 5 yards from the ball at kick-off

• Goals can be scored directly from kick-off

• Throw-ins are used (no kick-ins)

 

10. Respect & Environment

• All coaches and spectators must follow The FA Respect Code

• Support from the sidelines only (no coaching during play)

• Referees’ decisions are finaL

• Any form of abuse from coaches or parents towards the referee will not be tolerated.