Appendix

The OMGFL Rules Appendix supersedes the equivalent rule section in the FA issued ‘Standard Code of

Rules(Youth)’ which the league adheres to.

Points

For matches where points are recorded they will be awarded as follows:

3 points for a Win

2 points for a Draw (score and no-score draw)

1 point for a defeat

0 points if a match is awarded by the League Disciplinary Committee

Postponements

A match may be postponed for the following legitimate reasons:

Waterlogged pitch

School Event

A postponement form must be completed by each side for any postponement. The postponement form may be downloaded from the league website. Proof must be provided by the team responsible for postponing a fixture for their reason. If a pitch is waterlogged a photo is required. If a School event is taking place, then a letter from the School must be sought and a list of the players involved must be accompany the letter.

The following are invalid reasons for a postponement:

Not enough players available

It is raining, snowing, too windy

The Manager is unable to attend the fixture

My goalkeeper is unable to play

I do not have a Referee

It is snowing here and we are not prepared to travel

The Council called the fixture off on Tuesday

I have already informed my team the match is off.

Before it is agreed that the fixture can be postponed every effort must be made to play. Options available that must be tried are:

Delaying the kick off

Reversing the fixture (it is not acceptable to refuse to reverse a fixture)

ALL postponements require a ‘Match Postponement Form’ to be completed by both Managers. Failure to comply will result in a Scale B fine.

Section A – Small sided / 5 a-side / 7-a-side

The Laws for Small sided football shall apply as set out by The Football Association. This section should be read in conjunction with Section 8 D.

Please note the following: -

Playing Area

Number of players.

Duration of play.

Substitutions.

Offside.

Re-start of play

Facilities and equipment

Recorded Result Difference

1. Playing Area.

The League does expect Member Clubs to adhere to the FA guidelines where possible.

It is the responsibility of the home team to ensure that the playing surface is in good condition and suitable for play.

Shown below are pitch sizes recommended by The FA for 5 a-side; for use at U7 & U8 age groups, and 7-a-side; for use at OMGFL U9 to U11 age groups.

Age
Grouping / Suggested Pitch Size in Yards / Suggested Size of Goal Posts / Pitch dimensions in Yards / Pitch dimensions in Metres
Length / Width / Length / Width
Length / Width / Height / Width / Max / Min / Max / Min / Max / Min / Max / Min
U7-U8 / 40 / 30 / 6ft / 12ft / 40 / 40 / 30 / 30 / 36.6 / 36.6 / 27.45 / 27.45
U9-U11 / 60 / 40 / 6ft / 12ft / 60 / 50 / 40 / 30 / 54.9 / 45.75 / 36.6 / 27.45

Penalty area U7-U8: 14.63m/16 yards wide and 8.23m/9 yards deep

Penalty area U9-U11:16.47m/18 yards wide and 9.15m/10 yards deep

Penalty mark U7-U8:6.40m/7 yards from the centre of the goal.

Penalty mark U9-U11:7.32m/8 yards from the centre of the goal.

Halfway line U7-U8: The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The centre mark is indicated at the mid-point of the halfway line. The half-way line is also used as the retreat line when restarting play with a goal kick.

Halfway line U9-U11: The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The centre mark is indicated at the mid-point of the halfway line. A centre circle or other marks to indicate a 5 metre radius around the centre mark is optional. The half-way line is also used as the retreat line when restarting play with a goal kick.

2. Number of Players.

For U7-U8: Number of players is five versus five. A match day squad can be formed with a maximum of 12 players.

For U9-U11: Number of players is seven versus seven. A match day squad can be formed with a maximum of 14 players.

The minimum number of players required to start a game is 5. If a team is reduced (by injury or sending offs) to less, the game will be abandoned. The management committee shall review all abandoned matches and where it is to the advantage of the competition and does no injustice to either club, shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In cases where the management committee are satisfied that the match was abandoned due to the conduct of one club or its supporters they shall be empowered to award the points for the match to the opposition and/or take any other action they deem necessary. In cases where a match is abandoned due to the action of both clubs or their supporters then the management committee shall take such action as they consider appropriate. Any action taken by the management committee may be in addition to any disciplinary action taken by the appropriate County Football Association.

3. Duration of play for games will be: -

Under 7/8
Under 9
Under 10 / 10 minutes each way
15 minutes each way
20 minutes each way
Under 11 / 25 minutes each way
Under 12
Under 13 / 25 minutes each way
30 minutes each way
Under 14 / 35 minutes each way
Under 15 / 40 minutes each way
Under 16 / 40 minutes each way
Youth / 45 minutes each way

For small sided matches, we encourage the playing of a second friendly game.

Please note that maximum playing times must be taken into consideration and that match time is not to be reduced to play a friendly.

4. Substitutions may return to the field of play with the permission of the referee i.e. rolling subs.

5. The off-side rule shall not apply.

6. Re-start of play in small sided games will commence once an opponent is at least four and a half metres (5 yards) away from the ball.

7. It is the sole responsibility of the first named team to ensure that: -

Toilet facilities are available (failure to provide toilet facilities will result in a Scale E fine)

The playing surface is in a good, safe condition.

Arranging a referee at their own expense. (Failure to provide a referee will result in a Scale C fine)

Match balls: Two balls of the correct size (i.e. size 3 for U7 to U9’s, size 4 for U10 to U11’s are available. (Failure to provide suitable match balls will result in a Scale A fine)

8. The maximum goal difference between the two teams shall not exceed 9 goals at U10 and U11 for recording purposes. Scores recorded can be: 9-0, 10-1, 13-4 etc.

Section B – 9-a-side

The Laws for 9 a-side football shall apply as set out by The Football Association.

This section should be read in conjunction with Section 8 D.

Please note: This does include the offside rule and will require that each team supply a linesman to assist the match referee. (Failure to supply an assistant will result in a Scale A fine)

Playing area and equipment.

Number of players.

Duration of play. (see section A (3))

Substitutions.

Offside.

Match Officials

Recorded Result Difference

1. Pitch and goal sizes

The League does expect Member Clubs to adhere to the FA guidelines where possible.

It is the responsibility of the home team to ensure that the playing surface is in good condition and suitable for play.

Shown below are the sizes recommended by The FA for 9-a-side; for use at OMGFL U12 & U13 age groups.

Age
Grouping / Suggested Pitch Size in Yards / **Suggested Size of Goal Posts / Pitch dimensions in Yards / Pitch dimensions in Metres
Length / Width / Length / Width
Length / Width / Height / Width / Max / Min / Max / Min / Max / Min / Max / Min
U12-U13 / 80 / 50 / 7ft / 16ft / 80 / 70 / 50 / 40 / 73.2 / 64 / 45.75 / 36.6

** We encourage the use of 7ft x 16ft goalposts but where these are not available 7ft x 21ft may be used.

Goal area: 12.8m/14 yards wide and 3.65m/4 yards deep.

Penalty area: 29.2m/32 yards wide and 11.9m/13 yards deep. Each penalty area must contain a mark 8.2m/9 yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant from them.

Centre Circle: The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. Flag posts may be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1m/1 yard outside the touch line. The centre mark is made at the midpoint of the halfway line. A centre circle with a 7-yard radius is optional.

Corner Arc: A flag post, not less than 1.5m/5 feet high, with a non-pointed top and a flag is placed at each corner. A quarter circle with a radius of 1m/1 yard from each corner flag post is drawn inside the field of play. (Failure to mark pitch correctly will result in a fine of £10 per offence)

The League does expect Member Clubs to adhere to the above FA guidelines where possible.

It is the responsibility of the home team to ensure that the playing surface is in good condition and suitable for play.

Match balls: The home team shall provide at least two balls fit for play. The size of the football to be used is size 4 for those playing U12 to U13. (Failure to provide match balls will result in a Scale A fine)

Equipment

Corner posts with flags complying with FA regulations shall be provided by the home team. (failure to provide corner flags will result in a Scale A fine)

A set of Assistant Referee’s flags shall be made available by the home team for the match Referee to use. (failure to provide assistant referee flags will result in a Scale A fine)

Nets must be provided for the goals by the home team. (failure to provide nets will result in a Scale A fine)

Facilities: Changing facilities must be made available. (Failure to provide changing facilities will result in a Scale A fine)

Toilet facilities: Toilet facilities must be available. (Failure to provide toilet facilities will result in a Scale E fine)

2. Number of players that will form a 9 a-side team on match day shall not exceed 14 and must not be less than 7. The minimum number of players required to start a game is 7. If a team is reduced (by injury or sending offs) to less than 7 the game will be abandoned.

The management committee shall review all abandoned matches and where it is to the advantage of the competition and does no injustice to either club, shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In cases where the management committee are satisfied that the match was abandoned due to the conduct of one club or its supporters they shall be empowered to award the points for the match to the opposition and/or take any other action they deem necessary. In cases where a match is abandoned due to the action of both clubs and supporters then the management committee shall take such action as they consider appropriate. Any action taken by the management committee may be in addition to any disciplinary action taken by the appropriate County Football Association.

3. Duration of play for games will be as detailed in Section A3.

4. Substitutions may return to the field of play with the permission of the referee i.e. rolling subs.

5. The off-side rule shall apply as per current FA rule. Please note that assistants only act as assistants to the referee, it is the referee who decides if an infringement has occurred.

6. In the event the League has not allocated a Referee, one must be supplied by the home team at their own expense (Failure to supply a Referee will result in a Scale C fine). Each team will supply one assistant referee. (Failure to provide an assistant will result in a Scale A fine).

7. The maximum goal difference between the two teams shall not exceed 9 goals at U12 for recording purposes. Scores recorded can be: 9-0, 10-1, 13-4 etc.

Section C – 11-a-side

If a team at U14, U15 or U16 has registered as a 9 aside team then that team shall have a squad maximum of 12 players registered, if 13 or more players are registered the team shall default to a 11v11 format.

The Laws for 11 a-side football shall apply as set out by The Football Association.

This section should be read in conjunction with Section 8D.

Please note: This does include the offside rule and will require that each team supply a linesman to assist the match referee. Failure to provide an assistant will result in a Scale A fine. Failure to provide a referee will result in a Scale C fine.

Playing area and equipment.

Number of players.

Duration of play. (see section A (3))

Substitutions.

Offside.

Match Officials.

1. Playing Area and Equipment.

The League does expect Member Clubs to adhere to the FA guidelines where possible.

It is the responsibility of the home team to ensure that the playing surface is in good condition and suitable for play.

Shown below are the sizes recommended by The FA for 11 a-side; for use at OMGFL U14 to U16 age groups.

Age
Grouping / Suggested Pitch Size in Yards / **Suggested Size of Goal Posts / Pitch dimensions in Yards / Pitch dimensions in Metres
Length / Width / Length / Width
Length / Width / Height / Width / Max / Min / Max / Min / Max / Min / Max / Min
U14 / 90 / 55 / 7ft / 21ft / 100 / 80 / 60 / 50 / 91 / 72.8 / 56 / 45.5
U15-U16 / 100 / 60 / 8ft / 24ft / 110 / 90 / 70 / 50 / 100.6 / 82.3 / 64 / 45.5

** 11 a-side U14 minimum goal size 7ft X 21ft, U15-U16 minimum goal size 8ft 24ft.

Goal area: 18.32m/20 yards wide (5.5m/6 yards from the inside of each goalpost towards the nearest corner) and 5.5m/6 yards deep.

Penalty area: 40.32m/44 yards wide (16.5m/18 yards from the inside of each goalpost towards the nearest corner) and 16.5m/18 yards deep. Each penalty area must contain a mark 11m/12 yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant from them. An arc of a circle with a radius of 9.15m/10 yards is drawn outside the penalty area from each penalty mark.

Centre Circle: The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. Flag posts may be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1m/1 yard outside the touch line. The centre mark is made at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 9.15m/10 yards is drawn around the centre mark.

Corner Arc: A flag post, not less than 1.5m/5 feet high, with a non-pointed top and a flag is placed at each corner. A quarter circle with a radius of 1m/1 yard from each corner flag post is drawn inside the field of play. (Failure to mark pitch correctly will result in a Scale A fine per offence)

The League does not currently specify pitch dimensions but would expect Member Clubs to adhere to the above FA guidelines where possible.

It is the responsibility of the home team to ensure that the playing surface is in good condition and suitable for play.

New generation rubber infill pitches will be permitted, with prior consent of the League Management Committee, provided the artificial turf meets the following conditions:

The artificial turf meets any of the applicable FIFA quality standards for artificial turf, currently corresponding to the “FIFA Recommended 2-Star Standard”, the “FIFA Recommended 1-Star Standard” in accordance with the “FIFA Quality Concept - Handbook of Test Methods and Requirements for Artificial Turf Football Surfaces” dated February 2005 as well all requirements under the applicable national laws and regulations; and (b) the artificial turf has passed all the necessary tests (laboratory and field tests) and, in the case of “FIFA Recommended 2-Star Standard” or “FIFA Recommended 1-Star Standard”, has obtained the required FIFA licence; and (c) the artificial turf has passed all the necessary yearly tests confirming that it still meets the applicable FIFA quality standards. Such tests must be conducted by a FIFA accredited laboratory; and (d) the surface of the artificial turf must be of a green colour.

Match balls: The home team shall provide at least two balls fit for play. The size of the football to be used is: size 4 for those playing U14 and size 5 for U15 and U16. (Failure to supply suitable match balls will result in a Scale A fine)

Equipment:

Corner posts with flags complying with FA regulations shall be provided by the home team. (Failure to supply corner posts will result in a Scale A fine)

A set of Assistant Referee’s flags shall be made available by the home team for the match Referee to use, if requested. (Failure to provide assistant flags will result in a Scale A fine)

Nets must be provided for the goals by the home team. (Failure to provide nets will result in a Scale A fine)

Facilities: Changing facilities must be made available. (Failure to provide changing facilities will result in a Scale A fine)

Toilet facilities: Toilet facilities must be available. (Failure to provide toilet facilities will result in a Scale E fine)

2. Number of players that will form an 11 a-side team on the match day shall not exceed 16 and must not be less than 9 for 11v11, and 7 for 9v9. The minimum number of players required to start a game is 9 for 11v11 and 7 for 9v9. If a team is reduced (by injury or sending offs) to less than 7 for 9 aside matches and 9 for 11 aside matches the game will be abandoned.

3. Duration of play for games will be as detailed in Section A3.

The half time duration shall not exceed 10 minutes. Whilst a half time break is important to allow players to recover, it is also recognised that during the depths of winter standing around soaking wet in the freezing cold is also not fun; so, common sense should prevail here.

4. Substitutions may return to the field of play with the permission of the referee i.e. rolling subs.

5. The off-side rule shall apply as per current FA rule. Please note that linesman only act as assistants to the referee, it is the referee who decides if an infringement has occurred.