U10s Match Rules
Purpose
To provide children with a fun, safe and positive experience through a match program that further develops their basic football skills and introduces technical and tactical concepts
Spirit of the game
To give all available players a game of football in which they have every opportunity to gain possession of the ball and safely dispose of it by kick or handball
The game
A modified match program with no premiership points, no finals, no ladders, no match results (scores), no player names published and no representative teams
Playing ground - 90m x 60m The field is divided into three equal zones
Officials - One field umpire, two goal umpires
The ball - Synthetic Size 2
The team
12-a-side: 4 forwards, 4 centres, 4 backs Interchanges can be made at any time but all players must play at least 3 quarters of the match
Zones/Positions
Players will be instructed by the umpire to stay in their correct positions Rotate players to provide opportunities in several positions
Transition
When a team moves the ball from the back zone to the forward zone, it must be touched by a player from the centre zone, or a free kick will be paid to the opposition team at the point where the ball entered the end zone
Scoring - Only forward zone players can score
Possession Rule
Once the ball is possessed, other players may apply a hold and release (restraint) or block by standing in the path of the opponent with the ball. Decide doubtful cases with ball-ups.
Playing time - 4 x 12 minute quarters, no time on
Start and restarting play
A ball-up is conducted between 2 centre players of similar height as nominated by the umpire. The umpire should nominate different pairs of players for subsequent ball-ups after goals are scored
Scrimmage and field ball ups
Field ball ups are contested by 2 players of similar height (selected by the umpire) after all other players have been sent back to their positions
Full possession
In relation to all ball ups the following full possession rule applies as follows:
-a player contesting a ball up may not grab the ball and play on,
-the player must knock, palm or punch the ball to a team mate or open ground, and may not play the ball again until it has been touched by another player or hit the ground
Out of bounds From a kick
Aa free kick is awarded against the player who last kicked the ball. If there is doubt, or if the ball came off hands or a body, the umpire shall call a ball up 5m in from the boundary
Contact/bumping
Players cannot bump an opponent, knock the ball out of an opponent's hands, push the player in the side, steal the ball from another player or smother an opponents kick
Tackling
Players can “Hold and Release” a player in possession of the ball by grabbing his or her jumper with one or 2 hands. There is strictly no bumping, slinging or deliberately bringing a player to the ground. Grabbing the arms or applying a wrap around tackle are prohibited. If a player in possession of the ball is held and released without a prior opportunity to dispose of the ball, they have 3 seconds to dispose of it by handballing or kicking. If a player in possessionof the ball has had prior opportunity before being held and released, a free kick is awarded against him or her. When the player is held and released the umpire acknowledges the hold has been applied and instructs the player in possession to dispose of the ball within 3, 2, 1 seconds (counting backwards). A player cannot be held and released again within that 3 seconds. Players cannot knock the ball out of an opponents hands, push the player in the side, steal the ball from another player, or smother an opponents kick
Shepherding - Not permitted.
Barging - Not permitted.
Marking
A mark is awarded irrespective of the distance travelled to any player who catches the ball directly from the kick of another player
Bouncing - Only one bounce is permitted
Distance Run - A player running with the ball must bounce it within 10 metres
Kicking off the ground - Not permitted unless accidental
Distance penalty
A 10m advancement may be awarded to a player after a mark or a free kick if he or she has been hindered by an opposition player. This could include such acts as overstepping the mark, wasting time and abusive language and behaviour
Order off rule
To be applied at the umpires discretion. Bad language, poor sportsmanship and disrupting umpiring decisions should be actively discouraged
Coaches
The coach is allowed on the ground to provide immediate feedback to players