Summary

Seven-a-side football is a dynamic variant of the sport played with two teams of seven players each on a smaller pitch. It retains the fast-paced action of the traditional game while allowing for more space and individual skill to shine.

Rules & Regulations

1. All the matches will be played on a  Knock out basis. 
 

2. The field 
a. The match will take place on a natural grass. 
b. The field will have small dimensions of 40 X 20 mtr. suitable for 7-a-side games. 
c. There will be a penalty area on the field. 
d. A half line will be present 
 

3.  Players 
Teams consist of 6 players plus a goalkeeper and 3 substitutes, a total of 10 registered players. 
A player from a younger age group can participate in an older age category if they haven't played in that category before. 
Substitutions can be made freely, but only among the 10 registered players. 
Teams must have a minimum of 4 players; otherwise, the opposing team wins the match. 
 

4.  Player Equipment 
Players must wear jerseys and shorts as proper football attire. 
Shin guards and stockings are compulsory for player safety. Referees can ask players to leave the field if they are not properly equipped. 
Proper sports shoes with studs are allowed, while barefoot players are not permitted. 
Jerseys should have a distinct colour to differentiate the opponent and the goalkeeper. 
 

5. Duration of the match 
The match duration is limited to a maximum of 20 minutes, each half lasting 10 minutes. The teams will switch sides at halftime unless the organiser decides to reverse this arrangement. 
 

6. Goalkeeper 
Every team is required to have a goalkeeper. 
 

7. Scoring 
Goals can be scored from any part of the playground. 
Offside rules are not applicable in this tournament. 
There are no specific scoring zones, halves, or restricted areas for scoring. 
Headers are allowed, without any limitations, in this tournament. 
 

8. Points tabulation and walkover 
A team earns 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. 
If a team receives a walkover in the league, they will be awarded 3 points, and the average goal of the opposing team will be considered. 
If a team fails to report within 5 minutes after the scheduled start time, a goal is awarded against the defaulting team for every 5-minute interval. If there is a delay, the opponent will be granted a walkover. 
 

9. Grouping and Qualification 
Each group will have more than 2 teams. 
The team that finishes first in each group qualifies for the next round (based on the number of teams participating). 
If two teams in a group have equal points, the following criteria will determine qualification: 
Result of their previous match against each other. 
Goal average. 
Goals scored. 
Goals conceded. 
A toss will be held for a Golden Penalty kick. The captain of the toss-winning team decides whether to kick or save (only one kick). 
 

10. Tie Breaker: for knock-out stage round 
Each team will have the opportunity to take 3 penalty kicks from the penalty mark. ​ ​In other words, the sudden death rule will be in effect until the referees make decisions based on time considerations. 
In the case of a tie in the semi-final or final matches, an extra play of 5 minutes will be allotted. If a decision is still not reached, a tiebreaker will be used, followed by sudden death, if necessary, as outlined in clause 9.C.5. 
Penalty kicks or tiebreaker kicks will be taken from the penalty spot. 
 

11. Infringement 
If a team exits the playing field in protest during the match, they will be disqualified from the tournament. 
Only players and organising officials/ staff are allowed to enter the field during the match; no one else may do so. 
In the case of repeated yellow card offences by the same player: 
The first yellow card will serve as a warning. 
Upon receiving a second yellow card, the player will be suspended for 2 minutes. 
If a player accumulates 3 yellow cards, it will be considered a red card offence. The player will disqualified from participating for the remainder of the match, and no substitution will be permitted. 
A red card will result in the player's suspension for the remaining duration of the same match. The severity of the offence will be evaluated by the committee to determine the extent of the suspension. 
If a player is found to not be a student of the respective school, the team will be disqualified from the tournament 
The referee's decisions during the match are final. No protests will be entertained regarding factual matters concerning the referee's decisions. 
 

12. Start & Restart the Match 
The starting position for a direct kick is from the centre point/spot. 
Instead of throwing, a kick-in will be used, but it will be an indirect kick (with a maximum height limit up to the knee level), except for U-10, with no height limit. 
During a free kick, opponents must stand or form a wall at a minimum distance of 5 yards. Failure to do so may result in the referee issuing a yellow card, by clause 11. C. 
Age group of 12 yrs players are not permitted to perform volley kicks as a goalkeeper. 
 

13. General 
The kick-off shall be taken directly. 
A goal kick shall be taken directly. 
A corner kick shall be taken directly. 
The goalkeeper's kick or throw-in shall be taken directly. 
A throw-in or kick-in shall be taken indirectly. 
The Offside rule does not apply. 
A penalty kick shall be awarded for any penal offence committed inside the penalty area. 
Direct and indirect free kicks shall be awarded according to the rules of the game or the referee's decision. 
Rolling substitutions are allowed; however, the first player must leave the field before the substitute can. 
Failure to do so will result in a yellow card (clause 11.c) and an indirect free kick from where the player entered. 
If a substitute player touches the ball while the match is in progress and the ball is in play, a direct kick or penalty kick shall be awarded.

 

Venue Name

VIBGYOR Kids and High - Vadodara

Venue Address

Padra Road, Bhayli, Bill, Vadodara, Gujarat, 391410, India