Match Day Rules
Every Dragons age group plays the game a little differently — smaller pitches, shorter games and rules that grow with the players. Pick your child's age group below to see exactly how their matches are run.
Rules by age group
Pick your child's age group to see how their games are played — team size, ball, match length and pitch measurements. Anything marked with a star is explained in the notes underneath.
Under 7
Born 2020- Number of players on pitch
- 5
- Half court press
- All
- Kick in / dribble in for all throw ins*1
- Yes
- Changes to dribble in rules*2
- Yes
- 4 goal rule / 6 goal rule*3
- Yes
- Rolling substitutes
- Yes
- Ball used
- #3
- Duration
- 12 mins
- Offside
- No
- Penalty spot (distance from goal line)
- 6 yds
- Wall distance for free kicks
- 4 yds
- Penalty area dimensions
- 8 yds x 6 yds
- Yellow / red cards
- No
- Back pass rule*4
- Yes
- 5 second goalkeeper rule
- No
- Minimum players registered per team
- 8
- Maximum players on match day
- 9
- Scoring from kickoff / restart
- No
Rule notes
Kick in / dribble in rule
At U7 and U8, for restarts for throw ins, players can also restart play by either a kick in or dribble in — so this season, only dribble in from sidelines for throw ins, and dribble in not from corners, free kicks, goalkicks, etc.
Changes to dribble in rule
This season at U7 and U8, players can no longer restart play from all dead ball situations with a dribble in. Dribble in now ONLY for throw ins.
4 goal rule / 6 goal rule
If a team goes up by 4 goals in any game, the losing team can add an extra player while the scoreline remains a 4 goal difference. If a team goes up by 6 goals, the losing team can add another extra player. EG. at 4-0 at U8 it becomes 5v6 and at 6-0 it would become 5v7.
Backpass rule
While the backpass rule will apply at U7 and U8, referees should start by reminding players and coaches of the no back pass rule and allowing play on rather than awarding a free kick. After 2 reminders in the same game, a free kick can be awarded.
Special instructions
- All players and coaches are to abide by all the laws of the game as set out by FIFA except where modified above.
- For any competitions in knock out stages, the goal keeper who is in goal at the final whistle must remain in goals for any penalty shootout. He can be changed before the final whistle, but not after. If competition is centrally timed then when the horn blows the game ends and the ball is dead, even if in the air.
- All matches must start on time when multiple matches are played at a venue. They must finish at the allotted time regardless of how many minutes have been played.
- If a referee is absent or running late the coaches of the teams must start the match on time without them.
- For any clashes of colour the away team (right hand side of fixtures) must wear bibs.
- Goal keepers must be a different colour to outfield players.
- All teams must bring the correct size balls to matches.
- If 2 or more teams tie in any group or league table the Champion or runner up will be determined by head to head. If this is still a tie a one off game will be played to determine the winner.
- Parents must stand on the opposite sides of the pitch to the coaches and substitutes.
Still have a question about how a game is run? Contact the club and we'll point you to the right coach.