OPERATIONS Age groups : U10’s / U12’s / U14’s Field dimensions : 90m x 50m Field layout in thirds: • U10s & 12s : 25m / 40 / 25 • U14s : 30m / 30 / 30 Size 3 synthetic footballs (Yellow) 8 week competition 8 players on field / 2 on bench • Players per zone/team = 2 Forwards, 4 Centres and 2 Defenders • Players must start each term in their respective zone and free to move around once the term has commenced 5 minute pre-game warm up with coaches Game played in three periods. Players to rotate after each period 13 minute thirds with a 2 minute break between terms = 43 minutes Boys only / Girls only teams – NO MIXED ‘Clubs’ run through all age groups to connect teams One coach per club – e.g ‘Flyers’ coach to look after team across U10 – U14’s Coach designated to umpire Only forwards can kick goals and must wear the wristband provided “Game Changer” designated by team with 3 mins to go in the term – Dark/black wristband Scoring – A team scores 1 point by winning a 3rd. Scores reset at the start of each period SCORING Only forwards can kick goals A goal (6 points) is awarded when the ball is kicked between the two major goal posts If the ball is touched before passing the two major posts or passes between the minor posts, 1 point is awarded Team with highest score at the end of each third receive 1 point • E.g. In the first 3rd Team A scores 22 points Team B scores 16 points. Team A receive 1 point for winning that period. Scores reset at the beginning of each third Allows for ‘soccer scores’ rather than blowouts In the instance of a draw (regular scoring) at the end of three periods, the game will go to ‘Golden Goal’: • Rock paper scissors to select which team kicks first • Players line up (single file) behind one of the forward zone lines (alternating team order) • The ball can bounce on the ground before passing through the goals • If the ball hits a post, no score to be counted • Whilst a player lines up to kick, other players can provide supportive cheers – no players are to be heckled or booed, this breaches the spirit of the game SCORING (continued) • Both teams will each have three attempts on goal, each attempt to be taken by a different player • Winning team will be determined by the best result from the three attempts taken • If a winner cannot be determined by the first round, each team selects a different three players and the umpire moves the kicking position to the corner of the sideline and forward line for a second round (three attempts/team in alternating order still) ‘Game Changer’ (1 player per team) is brought into play with 3 minutes to go of the third period • ‘SUPER GOALS’ – worth 10 points and can only be scored by this player when the ball is kicked from outside the forward third • A player must be nominated as the ‘Game Changer’ at the break before the final period commences – the Umpire needs to know who to expect • The nominated ‘Game Changer’ needs to be on the bench and subbed on with 3 minutes left when the ‘alert’ rings – wristbands must be worn to identify this player • NOTE: The ‘Game Changer’ is not required to spend the third period on the bench but must be rested prior to being subbed on at the end of the third period • The nominated ‘Game Changer’ player is to change each round RULES Start / Restart play • To commence the game, the Umpire will ball up from the centre of the field • The ruck contest (at all ball ups) is non-contact • Players in the ruck are permitted 2-2 steps, not a full run up • One player from each team will be matched by height to participate • Players contesting cannot grab the ball from a ruck contest • Players to start inside their zones until the ball up occurs • Kickout from ‘top of the square’ (10m out) after a goal or point – players cannot play on, they must kick the ball into play Out of Bounds • When the ball goes out of bounds a free kick is awarded against the team to last touch the ball • A player cannot kick for goal from an ‘out of bounds’ • Umpire to ball up if last touch cannot be determined Tackling • Modified tackling – Players can hold/bear hug an opponent in possesion of the ball with their hands between shoulder and knees only • Players cannot push in the back or throw another player to the ground • A sling tackle will result in a free kick to the tackled player Mark • A free kick is awarded to any player who fairly catches a kick by another player (known as a mark) • The ball is not required to travel a minimum distance Kicking the ball off the ground • Players are not permitted to deliberately kick the ball off the ground • If a player deliberately kicks the ball off the ground, a free kick will be awarded to the other team RULES (continued) Bouncing the ball • A player in possesion of and running with the ball is permitted to bounce the ball once before kicking or handballing • The ball must be bounced once the player travels 10m Order Off Rule / Report • Players may be ordered from the field for rough play or abusive language • Time period will be at the unpires discretion • If the umpire deems that a reportable offence has been committed, the offending player will be sent off and a set penalty will be provided • In extreme cases involving intimidating/threatening behaviour the umpire may, at their discretion, call off the game Spirit of the game • The umpire has the right to award a 15m penalty, send off, or supply an official warning to a player that displays un-sportsman like behaviour such as taunting the opposition or rough play .