Football 7-A-Side Rules

1. Number of Players
   • Each team: 7 players (including goalkeeper)
   • Minimum to start: 5 players
   • Substitutions: Rolling substitutions are allowed (unlimited).
   • A substituted player may re-enter the match.
2. Player Equipment
   • Jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards, and football boots (no metal studs on turf).
   • Goalkeeper wears a color different from other players and referees.
3. Duration of the Match
   • Two halves of 15 minutes each (total 30 minutes).
   • Half-time: 5 minutes.
   • Extra time (2 × 2 minutes) may be played.
   • If still tied, penalty shoot-out (best of 3 or 5).
4. Kick-off and Restart
   • Kick-off taken from center circle, ball must move forward.
   • Opponents must stay 6 meters away from the ball.
   • No direct goal allowed from kick-off.
5. Offside Rule
   No offside in 7-a-side football (unless otherwise specified by competition).
6. Fouls and Misconduct
   • Standard FIFA fouls apply (kicking, pushing, tripping, handball, etc.).
   • Yellow card: Warning.
   • Red card: Dismissal, team plays with 6 players for 2 minutes, then may replace the sent-off player.
7. Free Kicks
   • All free kicks are indirect unless inside penalty area.
   • Opponents must stay 5 meters from the ball.
8. Penalty Kick
   • Taken from 8 meters from the goal line.
   • All players except kicker and goalkeeper stay behind the ball.
9. Goalkeeper Rules
   • Goalkeeper may use hands inside the penalty area only.
   • Goalkeeper cannot pick up a back pass from a teammate’s foot.
   • Goal kicks are taken by hand or foot from inside the penalty area.
10. Throw-ins, Goal Kicks, and Corner Kicks
    • Throw-in: Two hands from behind and over the head, feet on ground.
    • Goal kick: Ball must leave penalty area before another player touches it.
    • Corner kick: Taken from the nearest corner; opponents must stay 5 m away.
11. Discipline and Fair Play
    • Respect referees and opponents at all times.
    • Repeated or aggressive fouls may result in suspension.
    • Teams must field registered players only.
12. Competition Formats
    • League: 3 points for win, 1 for draw, 0 for loss.
    • Knockout: Extra time + penalties if tied.
    • Tiebreakers: Goal difference → Goals scored → Head-to-head → Fair play record → Draw.