Small Sided Football - Laws of the Game

Appendix A: Notes on the Laws for Small Sided Football - Modifications

Provided the principles of these laws are maintained, the Laws may be modified in their application for matches, including for players with disabilities as outlined below.

Any or all of the following modifications are permissible:

• Size of the playing area
• Size, weight and material of the ball
• Width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground
• The duration of the periods of play
• Substitutions
• Height of ball restrictions – If a height restriction is to be introduced the competition rules should identify the height above which an indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team. If a height infringement occurs within the penalty area and is committed by the defending team an indirect free kick should be awarded on the penalty area line nearest to where the offence took place. The exception to this rule shall be when the ball rises above the designated height restriction resulting from a save or block performed by a goalkeeper. Play should continue in this circumstance. Should another player then play the ball whilst it is at a height above the designated height restriction this will result in an indirect free kick to the opposing team
• Access to penalty areas being restricted only to goalkeepers. Entry into the penalty area by a defender results in a direct free kick from the penalty mark; entry into the penalty area by an attacker results in the goalkeeper being given possession of the ball to re-start the game.
• After the goalkeeper has distributed the ball, he/she may only receive a pass if the ball has either touched an opponent or if the ball has been touched by at least two of the goalkeeper’s team-mates.
• Goalkeepers can only distribute the ball through underarm throws. Goalkeepers are not allowed to kick the ball deliberately unless in the process of making a save.
• Competition Rules may allow the ball to be returned to the defending goalkeeper once the ball has crossed the goal line
• Players are not permitted to hold onto barriers when in place to shield the ball and should be penalised by the referee for holding and a direct free kick awarded.

Other formats of Small Sided Football

The Football Association has the ability to sanction other formats of Small Sided Football. The principles of any approval by the FA shall be based upon,

• The normal Laws of Association Football apply with exceptions
• The game should take into full account the health and safety of the players and officials