West of Scotland Youth Football League          

Developmental Football      

Match Rules

The rules for Development Football should be kept to a minimum except as provided within these rules.  The laws of the game as stated by FIFA and the International FA Board shall apply subject to the following:

Soccer Sevens (8 years and beyond)

1.            The Field of Play

The field of play and its characteristics are determined according to the attached diagram. 

2.            Goalposts

Soccer Sevens goals (4.9 m x 1.8 m) will be used.

3.            Teams

Teams will comprise 6 outfield players plus a goalkeeper.  Team squads may consist of up to 10 players with rolling substitutions used throughout the match. Players who have been substituted may return to the field of play as often as necessary.  All team members should receive equal playing time where possible. In the event of an obvious mismatch, the weaker team, as jointly agreed by the respective team leaders, may field extra players

4.            The Ball

Age groups 8, 9 and 10 should play with a size 3 football.

Age groups 11 and 12  should play with  a size 4 football.

5.            Offside

There is no offside rule.

6.            Duration of the Game

The duration of the game shall be 2 x 20 minutes with a 5 minute interval.  Flexibility should prevail.  The team leaders have joint discretion to reduce this in the event of poor weather conditions, pitch conditions or an obvious mismatch.

7.            Match Supervisor

A match supervisor will officiate from a designated area on the touchline or the field of play, no other adult will be allowed on the field of play.  Match supervisors are not allowed to coach.  Both clubs to supply a Match supervisor with each club expected to ‘officiate’ one half of the game. 

8.            Kick-ins/Throw-ins

Age groups 8 and 9 should use kick-ins which shall be indirect in nature.

In the event of the ball going out of play, a kick-in will be awarded. At all kick-ins and the taking of free kicks all opposition players must be 6 metres from the ball.

Age groups 10 and 11 should take throw-ins.

In the event of the ball going out of play, a throw-in will be awarded. At all throw-ins and the taking of free kicks all opposition players must be 6 metres from the ball.

9.            Re-start

Play shall be re-centred after a goal has been scored with the opposing team at least 6 metres from the ball.

10.        Equipment

All players must wear shin-guards.  Metal studs are suitable for grass fields only.  Glasses may be worn provided they have safety frames and lenses. 

11.        Pass back

For age groups 8 and 9, the pass back law does not apply.

For age groups, 10 and 11 the pass back law does apply.

12.        Penalty Kicks

For Age Groups 8 & 9, penalty kicks shall be taken 7 metres from the goal line.

For Age Groups 10 & 11, penalty kicks shall be taken 9 metres from the goal line.

13.        Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers may kick or throw the ball out as preferred.  However, in an effort to prevent long passes prevailing, they should be encouraged to restrict these to a minimum.  Goalkeepers attempting to gather the ball by hand may not be challenged.

14.        Coaches

Team coaches will stand on the same side of the field.

15.        Behaviour

Team coaches should substitute players displaying unacceptable behaviour.

NOTE:   At the end of every game, team coaches should encourage both teams to shake hands. 

Developmental 11-a-side Football (Optional for 12 years and beyond)

1              The Field of Play

The field of play and its characteristics are determined according to the laws of the game.

All matches will be played in accordance with the laws of the game.

2.            Goalposts

Goalposts should meet the requirements of the Laws of the Game.

3.            Teams

Teams will comprise 10 outfield players plus a goalkeeper.  Team squads may consist of up to 16 players with rolling substitutions used throughout the match. Players who have been substituted may return to the field of play as often as necessary.  All team members should be involved in the game for a minimum of one 20-minute period.  In the event of an obvious mismatch, the weaker team, as jointly agreed by the respective team leaders, may field an extra player.

4.            The Ball

A size 4 ball shall be used.

5.            Offside

The offside law will apply.

6.            Duration of the Game

Each game shall consist of 2 x 30-minute periods. The team leaders have joint discretion to reduce this in the event of poor weather conditions, pitch conditions or an obvious mismatch.

7.            Match Supervisor / Referee

In an effort to prepare the young players for the 11-a-side game, an official referee or match supervisor will be appointed with authority to enforce the rules of play and, considering the educational importance for the participants, ensure fair play. 

8.            Throw-ins

Throw-ins will be taken as normal.

9.            Re-start

Play shall be re-centred after a goal has been scored.

10.        Equipment

All players must wear shin-guards.  Metal studs are suitable for grass fields only.  Glasses may be worn provided they have safety frames and lenses.

11.        Pass back

The pass back law will apply.

12.        Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers attempting to gather the ball by hand may not be challenged.

13.        Coaches

Team coaches will stand on the same side of the field.

14.        Behaviour

Team coaches will substitute players demonstrating unacceptable behaviour.

NOTE:   At the end of every game, team coaches should encourage both teams to shake hands.