midgets

Game Times
With the exception of 8^th grade games, timing is controlled by the sounding of a hooter. All games must start and finish on time. No allowances are made for stoppage time due to injury etc.

Grade	Kick off	Duration of each half	Half time
5^th and 6^th	8:00	12 minutes	3 minutes
7^th	8:30	15 minutes	3 minutes
8^th	8:30 or 9:15	20 minutes	3 minutes

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Grounds setup and equipment
Two “DUTY” teams will be shown on the draw for each week for setting up of goals before the start of the games. These teams need to report to the ground at 7:30 to do this.
At the end of 7^th grade games each team needs to take one of the small goals and return to the gear room.
8^th grade teams are responsible for placing their own goals on the fields just prior to the kick-off of their games.
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Fixtures
Are issued in a round by round basis to allow for the regrading of teams as necessary. These will be available a week before the beginning of each round from the control room and on the club website.
Fixtures are date controlled – in the event of cancellation games will be added to the end of the round where possible.
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Cancellations
Any decision to cancel games is made by the Midget Convenor and usually based on restrictions that the council may put on the fields. A message will be on the club answerphone AFTER 6:30am on a Saturday morning if games are cancelled. For coaches that have supplied cellphone numbers, cancellation information will be sent to them via text message.
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Match results
At the conclusion of the game a score card needs to be completed by each team and placed in the box at the control room. This is to ensure fair grading of the teams not for maintaining competition league tables. Please ensure your score cards are returned each week.
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Safety
All players must wear shin pads at all times when playing and ensure that they are covered entirely by their socks. Players should not wear any jewellery or watches.
The goal posts are designed solely for the purpose of goals. There are obvious safety issues involved with the use of moveable goals and children MUST NOT swing on them.
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Team Sizes
Young players must enjoy their participation in the game in order to develop their skills. Fewer numbers of players involved in any game leads to more touches of the ball and consequently earlier development of ball skills for players at an early age. Most teams have more than the required number of players however it is important to maintain the correct number of players involved in the game at any time.
5^th thru 7^th grade teams consist of 5 players per team with no goalkeeper. (real or psuedo)
8^th grade teams consist of 7 players including a goalkeeper.
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Substitutions
Rolling substitutes are used in midget soccer and any number of changes can be made. Changes should be made during a stoppage in play. Coaches should ensure that every child enjoys the maximum available playing time in each game.
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Coaching
For 5^th thru 7^th grade teams one coach per team is allowed, but not required, to be on the field to instruct the children. The coach should stay clear of the area of play and ensure that the game flows as much as possible.
In 8^th grade the coach is required to stay on the sideline and not enter the field of play.
Coaching and encouragement from parents and spectators should be done from the outside lines of a normal field. No spectators should be behind the goal during a game.
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Refereeing
This should be undertaken by one of the coaches from each team taking control of one half of the game each. Where possible it is encouraged to use an older player to referee the game and allow the coaches to concentrate on assisting their teams. Refereeing decision should be based on allowing the game to flow and the children having fun.
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Field sizes
5^th thru 7^th Grade play on a reduced field approx 30 metres long by 20metres wide.
8^th grade teams play on a ¼ size field.
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Ball sizes
All midget teams play with a size 3 ball
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Out
For a ball to be out, the entire ball must cross the line. A ball on the line is still considered in play. This applies also with the scoring of goals.
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Goal kicks
Are taken approx. 1 - 2 metres out from the goal line and the ball must be kicked from the ground. It is important in 5^th thru 7^th grade games that the attacking team retreats to ½ way until the ball is played. 8th grade must be at least 10 metres from the ball. The kick may be taken by any member of the defending team. The player taking the kick must play the ball to another player.
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Corner kicks
Are to be taken from the corner on the small sized field. The player taking the kick must play the ball to another player.
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Free kicks
A free-kick should be given if a player deliberately commits an offence and the opposing team will not lose an advantage by play continuing. The defending team must be 7 metres from the ball at the taking of a free-kick. The player taking the kick must play the ball to another player.
All free kicks in 5^th – 7^th grade are indirect. The kicker and any other player must touch an indirect kick before a goal can be scored.
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Throw ins
In 5^th and 6th^h grade there should be no restrictions on how the player throws in the ball. In 7^th and 8^th grade the throw should be taken correctly however it is more important that the game flow rather than a lot of time be taken on throw-ins at younger ages. The player must throw the ball to another player.
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Hand balls
These are inevitable in younger ages however should only be penalised if it is deliberate or the offending team receives an advantage from the handball. The offending team is penalised by a free kick against them. If the offence happens within 7 metres of goal this should be treated as a penalty kick.
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Off-sides
Are not penalised in these age groups however players should be encouraged not to wait for the ball in a blatant offside position. In 8^th grade a blatant off-side should be penalised by an in-direct free kick against the offending team. A blatant off-side would be defined as an attacking player deliberately goal sitting or waiting for the ball in an off-side position. It is not where an attacking player may run into an off-side position during the course of play.
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Penalty kicks
These do not apply in 5^th – 7^th grade. In 8^th grade if a penalty is awarded in the game, then it will be taken 7m from the centre of the goal and as a free shot without any player other than a goal-keeper from the defending team interfering with the shot.
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Goals
A goal is scored when the whole of the ball crosses the goal line between the goal posts and under the cross bar.
Under 8^th grade, goals can be scored only from within the opposition’s half.
Goals cannot be scored directly from a throw-in, in-direct free kick, kick off or goal kick.
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Coaches conduct
Whilst it shouldn’t have to be said, it is expected that all coaches will conduct themselves in a proper manner, demonstrating good sportsmanship and fair play at all times. Any disputes between coaches should be referred to the midget convenor and not argued on the sideline in front of the children.

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