Formats / Rules

Game Formats

Football Age Groups

	U8/U9	U10–U11	U12–U13	U14	U15	U16	Seniors
Pitch size	¼ pitch	½ pitch	½ pitch	½ pitch	Full pitch	Full pitch	Full pitch
Duration (per half)	20 mins	25 mins	30 mins	30 mins	35 mins	40 mins	45 mins
Players on field	7	9	9	11	11	11	11
Offside?	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Subs / max	Interchange 4 subs	Interchange 5 subs	Interchange 5 subs	Interchange 5 subs	Interchange 5 subs	Interchange 5 subs	5 subs
Ball size	Size 3	Size 4	Size 4	Size 5	Size 5	Size 5	Size 5

Miniroos U8-U11 Referee (Game Leader)

MiniRoos — Game Leader Responsibilities

MiniRoos

Game Leader responsibilities

In MiniRoos, there are no referees — only Game Leaders helping kids understand the rules and enjoy the game.

Create a positive & fun environment

Promote enjoyment, participation, and player development
Be enthusiastic, approachable, and encouraging

Facilitate game flow

Keep the game moving with minimal stoppages
Use instructions before using the whistle
Apply advantage where appropriate

Support learning & development

Help players understand the rules
Be patient and flexible with players learning the game

Ensure safety & fairness

Monitor for dangerous behaviour and involve coaches as needed
Enforce player number rules and distances
Conduct the game safely and fairly

Model respectful behaviour

Encourage sportsmanship from all participants
Focus on development, not just winning
Remain professional and substance-free

U8-11 MINIROOS

MiniRoos Match Rules

A simple visual guide for parents, coaches and Game Leaders.
QUICK GUIDE DOWNLOAD

When the goalkeeper gets the ball (including goal kicks)

May handle the ball anywhere inside the penalty area.

Must restart play within 6 seconds.

Restart must be:

Thrown

Rolled

Played from the ground with their feet

When the ball becomes “in play”

U8–U9: The ball is in play when it moves out of the penalty area.

U10–U11: The ball is in play when it leaves the penalty area or when the goalkeeper places it on the ground.

What the goalkeeper is not allowed to do

Cannot kick the ball directly from their hands.

Cannot drop kick the ball.

Opposition retreat rule

When the goalkeeper has the ball, opponents must be at least 10 metres outside the penalty area.

They cannot enter the penalty area until the ball is in play.

Backpass rule

The goalkeeper cannot pick up the ball if a teammate deliberately kicks it to them.

Result: Indirect free kick to the opposition.

Ball crossing the touch line

Throw-in: Opponents must be at least 5 metres away, and a goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.

Corner kick: Ball is placed inside the corner arc nearest where it crossed the line.

Opponents must be at least 5 metres away.

The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.

A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.

Ball crossing the goal line after touching the attacking team last

Goal kick from anywhere inside the penalty area.

Opponents must remain at least 10 metres outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.

Game Leaders should not restart play until all opposition players are at least 10 metres away.

The ball is in play once it is kicked directly out of the penalty area.

Fouls and misconduct

Indirect free kicks are awarded for handball, fouls and misconduct.

Opponents must be at least 5 metres away.

A goal can only be scored if another player touches the ball before it enters the goal.

For deliberate or serious acts in the penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded from the 8 metre mark.

Only the goalkeeper is in position to defend.

All other players must be outside the penalty area and at least 5 metres behind the penalty mark.

Examples of fouls and misconduct

Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent

Trips or attempts to trip an opponent

Jumps at an opponent

Charges at an opponent

Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent

Pushes an opponent

Tackles from behind to gain possession

Makes contact with the opponent before the ball

Holds an opponent

Spits at an opponent

Handles the ball deliberately

Plays in a dangerous manner

Impedes the progress of a player

Fields

Upcoming

June 2026