7-A-Side Rules | Junior Midweek 7's Youth Football League

⚽ Junior Midweek 7s Youth League

Matches are 50 minutes long: 2 x 25-minute halves with a 5-minute half-time break.
If kick-off is delayed, halves or half-time may be shortened.
Each team may have up to 10 players and 3 coaches/officials in the technical area.
A minimum of 4 players per team is required to start a match.
Teams must be pitch-side 10 minutes before kick-off for ID checks by the referee or a league official.

Each team must bring 2 fully pumped match balls.
Substitutes must wear bibs or jackets to cover their shirts when off the pitch.
Each team must have a first aid kit available at all matches.
Ball sizes:
- U11 to U14: Size 4
- U15 to U18: Size 5
Shin pads are mandatory and must be correctly sized — no mini shin pads allowed.
Players may wear shorts or tracksuit bottoms, but all must be in matching tops.
No jewellery is allowed during matches.
Astroturf boots or moulded studs only. No metal studs or blades.
Goalkeepers must wear a different colour top to outfield players.

Rolling subs are allowed when the ball is out of play. The referee must be informed.
If kits clash, the away team must change.

If a team is 5 minutes late, they may forfeit the match, although the game may still be played.
At the final whistle, teams must vacate the pitch promptly.
Team talks and debriefs must be held away from gates and playing areas.
1 official per team must remain on the pitch until all players have left it.

Kick-Offs: Taken from the centre spot. Players cannot shoot directly from kick-off.
Free Kicks: All are direct. Opposition players must be at least 6 yards away.
Corners: Taken from the corner of the pitch. Opposition players must be at least 6 yards away.
Kick-Ins (Replaces Throw-Ins): When the ball goes out of play on the side line, the team awarded possession will kick the ball back into play from the touchline.
- The ball must stay below waist height of the tallest player.
- Opponents must be 2 yards away.
- Players cannot score or shoot directly from a kick-in.
- The kick-in must be taken within 5 seconds to keep play moving.
Penalties: Taken from the penalty spot or the edge of the area (referee will confirm before kick-off). All players must be at least 6 yards away.

All coaches and club representatives must be registered and have physical or digital ID cards.
Players must be registered at least 24 hours before matchday.
Match fees must be paid by 6pm, 7 days prior to the fixture.
Late payment may result in the fixture being cancelled or the team forfeiting the match.
Repeated late payments may lead to points deductions, suspension, or removal from the league.

Spectators must stay in designated areas and not near player/official entry gates.
No spectators allowed on the pitch at any time.
Respect must be shown to players, referees, and fellow spectators.
Represent your club to the highest standards.
Never criticise players, coaches, or referees publicly.
No abusive, insulting, or offensive language.
Accept referee decisions — mistakes happen, even with officials.
Team managers are responsible for the behaviour of their players and fans.
Only positive encouragement should be directed toward the pitch.
Referees will score teams’ sporting behaviour after every match (including fans).

A blue card = 2-minute sin bin (only in-play time counts). Team plays with one fewer.
2 blue cards = red card (player sent off).
Sin bins are used for dissent. Substitutes showing dissent may receive a yellow card.
Yellow and red cards may be issued where necessary, but fair play is always encouraged.
Persistent offenders may face league disciplinary action. Team officials should address issues early to avoid escalation.

Match reports must be submitted digitally within 24 hours of the fixture finishing.