U12-U16 MWFA matches operate under modified Laws of the Game:

Duration of Match/Ball Sizes:

 

U12 MWFA Playing Rules

Under 12 competitions in 2024 will play according to all standard FIFA rules for 11v11 football with the exception of the two scenarios below.

  1. The distance for the opposition to stand at all set pieces will be reduced to 5m due to the reduction of field size.
  2. Opposition must be 10m back from the penalty area before the ball is in play after a goal kick or the goalkeeper has possession of the ball in their hands. The goalkeeper is not allowed to kick or dropkick the ball from their hands due to the reduction of field size.


Number of Players:
9v9 including Goalkeeper, Max of 5 substitutes

Field Size: Length 60 (min) to 70 (max); Width: 40 (min) – 50 (max). Penalty area: 10, x 20m; penalty spots 7m from goal line

Offside rule: The offside rule will be included in the Under 12 competition as it is an integral rule to the game of football.

Free-Kicks: Opponents must be at least 5 metres away from the ball when a free kick is taken. Direct free kicks will apply.

Kick Offs: Opponents must be at least 5 metres away until the kick is taken.

Penalties: In accordance with FIFA LOTG, a penalty kick will be awarded if a player commits a direct free kick offence inside their penalty area.

Goal kick: Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere within the penalty area. The ball is in play once it leaves the penalty area. Opponents must remain at least 10 metres from the penalty area until the ball is in play.

Goalkeeper: The goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball anywhere in the penalty area. To restart play after a save or gathering the ball with their hands, the ball must be thrown or rolled from the hands or played from the ground with their feet, within 6 seconds. The goalkeeper is not allowed to kick or dropkick the ball from their hands.

Corner kicks: Opponents must be at least 5 metres away from the ball until it is in play. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves. A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick.

Discipline: Red or Yellow cards will be issued to players in Under 12 competitions.

Throw-ins: Player faces the field of play, has part of each foot on the ground either on or behind the touch line, uses both hands and delivers the ball from behind and over their head. The thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. The ball is in play once it enters the field of play. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw in.

 

25 Metre Rule (Under 13s – Under 14s):

The purpose of the 25m Rule is to facilitate younger age groups playing out from the back with reduced pressure when they are awarded a goal kick or free kick in their penalty area.

The Clearance Zone is a rectangular area bounded by the touchlines, the goal line and an imaginary line parallel to and 25m from the goal line. This line must be indicated by cones, poles or other marking to assist the referee. Referees are expected to undertake a field check which should include ensuring that the Clearance Zone has been marked out. If there are no cones/poles set up to indicate the Clearance Zone, the referee is required to ask the home team for them to set up the Clearance Zone.

The 25m Rule applies to the U13 through U14 age groups and is in operation for goal kicks and also for free kicks awarded to the defending team in the penalty area.

For clarity:

The following diagram illustrates the 25m rule process: