Bolton Bury & District Junior Football League
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Pitch Line
Rules
RULES FOR 9 v 9 MINI-SOCCER
RULES FOR MINI-SOCCER
RULES FOR 11-a-side FOOTBALL
RULES FOR GIRLS
RULES FOR CUP COMPETITIONS
Registrations
All teams must have paid their Annual Subscription by the November meeting.
Playing Area
Maximum: 240 feet x 150 feet (80 yds x 50 yds)
Minimum: 210 feet x 135 feet (70 yds x 45 yds)
It is recommended that the playing area for this league should be 210 feet (70 yds) x 150 feet (50 yds) for under 11’s And 225 feet (75yds) x 165 feet (50 yds) for under 12’s
Where space allows a line of cones must be marked out a minimum of 1 metre from the edge of the touchlines. All parents’ spectators must stand behind the cones leaving only the manager, the assistant and the substitutes between the cones and the pitch. No parent, players, spectators or officials are allowed to stand behind the goal line.
Penalty Area
The penalty area extends 12yards from the goal line and 20yds wide and anywhere within this area the goalkeeper may pick the ball up.
Penalties
Penalties shall be awarded when an infringement takes place within the penalty area.
Penalty Spot
The penalty spot is 10yards from the goal line in between the goal posts.
Goal sizes
The goal sizes MUST be 16 feet wide x 7 feet high and safely fixed to the ground.
Ball size
Balls used must be:
Size 4 for Under 11s & Under 12’s
Numbers
Each team must not have a squad greater than 16 registered players
Substitutes
5 substitutes may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. A player who has been replaced may return as a substitute for another player.
Safety
All players MUST wear shin guards. All portable goals must be either pinned or weighted down to prevent them from falling.
Referees
If the appointed referee fails to appear, both teams must nominate a person to referee the whole of the game. This person if 18 years of age or over, must hold n FA approved CRB certificate and a qualification in Child Protection. If under 18s years of age must have an FA approved qualification in child protection. It must then be decided, by the toss of a coin, who shall officiate and once agreed that referee shall for that game have the status and authority of a registered referee. If the person nominated is not prepared to referee the full game each nominated person shall officiate one half each. If there is a qualified referee prepared to officiate the game he/she shall have preference over the non-qualified nominees.
Start of Play
A kick-off is taken at the centre circle to start the game and after a goal has been scored.
Offside
There are no offside’s
Throw-ins
Regulation throw –ins must be taken.
Free-kicks
All free kicks are direct and the opposition must be at least 5 yards away from the ball.
Goal kicks
In open play, the Goal Keepers can kick the ball out of their hands. If the ball goes out of play for a goal kick, then the ball must be kicked off the ground.
Goalkeepers
Passing back to the goalkeeper for the keeper to pick up is not allowed. In the event of a pass back that the keeper picks up, a free kick should be taken from the penalty area line, parallel with the goal line at the nearest point to the offence.
Playing Times
Under 11s and Under 12s: 30 minutes each way.
Cancellations
Games can only be called off under exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of the fixture secretary (SEE RULE 10C). In the event of bad weather causing the cancellation the home team MUST give the opposition at least 2 hours notice.
Results
The winning team manager shall be responsible for phoning in the result, in the event of a draw both managers should phone in. The fixture secretary must receive all results by 6pm on the Saturday.
Photo sheets
No fixtures will take place until the fixture secretary has received a completed photo sheet with copies of birth certificates for each player. These sheets will then be checked and signed by the fixtures secretary. The managers of each team will be responsible for presenting the opposing team manager his copy of the photo sheet before each game and it will be kept until the end of the game where upon it will be returned. Any queries arising from these sheets must be mentioned by the time the sheets are returned and to the fixtures secretary within 24 hours if any action is required. Any team not producing their laminates must be reported to the age group secretary within 24 hours. Any team violating this rule (RULE 10 I) MAY HAVE POINTS DEDUCTED. The photographs of each player must be up-to-date. Changing players from team to team IS NOT allowed.
Points
Points awarded are three points for a win and one point for a draw. Goal difference does not count, in the event of a tie to determine the championship, a play off will take place.
Phoning
It is up to the home manager to contact the opposition manager and the appointed referee by the Wednesday before the game to confirm the fixture, give directions and confirm team colours.
Venues
Should a fixture be in doubt because of the pitch, it must be remembered that it is not where it is played that matters, but that it must be played even if it means playing the same team twice away from home.
Transfers
A player may transfer once, be it to another club or to another team in his club. A player registered with one team may not play for any other team even within the same club. Any player found doing so shall be considered ineligible and the management committee shall carry out the appropriate action. (Exceptional circumstances will be considered by the fixture secretary before a game is played if special reasons exists)
Promotion and Relegation
In order to give a variety of opposition each season, as a general rule, 3 teams will go up and 3 teams will go down. However, due to team changes etc.. the fixture secretary will review each team individually at the end of the season to ensure that teams are suitably placed.
Registrations
All teams must have paid their Annual Subscription by the November meeting.
Playing Area
Under 7’s and Under 8’s: Minimum 30yds x 40yds (90 feet x 120 feet), Maximum 35yds x 50yds (105 feet x 150 feet).
Under 9’s and under 10’s: Minimum 35yds x 50yds (105 feet x 150 feet), Maximum 40yds x 60yds (120 feet x 180 feet).
Where space allows a line of cones must be marked out a minimum of 1 metre from the edge of the touchlines. All parents / spectators must stand behind the cones leaving only the manager, the assistant and the substitutes between the cones and the pitch. No parent, players, spectators or officials are allowed to stand behind the goal line.
Penalty Area
The penalty area extends 10yards from the goal line and across the whole width of the pitch and anywhere within this area the goalkeeper may pick the ball up.
Penalties
Penalties shall be awarded when an infringement takes place within an area the width of the goal posts to the edge of the penalty area.
Penalty Spot
The penalty spot is 10yards from the goal line in between the goal posts.
Goal sizes
The goal sizes MUST be 12 feet x 6 feet.
Ball size
Balls used must be: Size 3 for Under 7s and 8s, Size 4 for Under 9s, 10s.
Numbers
Each team must not have a squad greater than double the size of the team. (i.e. 7players = 14 squad members).
Substitutes
Any number of substitutes without being named may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. A player who has been replaced may return as a substitute for another player.
Safety
All players MUST wear shin guards. All portable goals must be either pinned or weighted down to prevent them from falling.
Referees
If the appointed referee fails to appear, both teams must nominate a person to referee the whole of the game. This person if 18 years of age or over, must hold n FA approved CRB certificate and a qualification in Child Protection. If under 18s years of age must have an FA approved qualification in child protection. It must then be decided, by the toss of a coin, who shall officiate and once agreed that referee shall for that game have the status and authority of a registered referee. If the person nominated is not prepared to referee the full game each nominated person shall officiate one half each. If there is a qualified referee prepared to officiate the game he/she shall have preference over the non-qualified nominees.
Start of Play
A kick-off is taken at the centre circle to start the game and after a goal has been scored.
Offside
There are no offside’s
Throw-ins
There are no foul throws for u7’s and u8’s but managers should ensure that all players are instructed how to throw in correctly and every effort must be made by the players to throw correctly. U9’s and above will be penalized for foul throws.
Free-kicks
All free kicks are direct and the opposition must be at least 5 yards away.
Goal kicks
In open play, the Goal Keeper can kick the ball out of their hands. If the ball goes out of play for a goal kick, then the ball must be kicked off the ground. (Under 7s exempt from this – they may kick out of their hands all of the time).
Goalkeepers
Passing back to the goalkeeper is allowed apart from when a goal kick is taken. The receiving player cannot pass straight back to the goal keeper.
Playing Times
Under 7s: 20 minutes each way, Under 8s: 20 minutes each way, Under 9s: 25 minutes each way, Under 10s: 30 minutes each way.
Cancellations
Games can only be called off under exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of the fixture secretary (SEE RULE 10C). In the event of bad weather causing the cancellation the home team MUST give the opposition at least 2 hours notice.
Results
The winning team manager shall be responsible for phoning in the result, in the event of a draw both managers should phone in. The fixture secretary must receive all results by 6pm on the Saturday.
Photo sheets
No fixtures will take place until the fixture secretary has received a completed photo sheet with copies of birth certificates for each player. These sheets will then be checked and signed by the fixtures secretary The managers of each team will be responsible for presenting the opposing team manager his copy of the photo sheet before each game and it will be kept until the end of the game where upon it will be returned. Any queries arising from these sheets must be mentioned by the time the sheets are returned and to the fixtures secretary within 24 hours if any action is required. Any team not producing their laminates must be reported to the age group secretary within 24 hours. Any team violating this rule (RULE 10 I) MAY HAVE POINTS DEDUCTED. The photographs of each player must be up-to-date. Changing players from team to team IS NOT allowed.
Points
Points awarded are three points for a win and one point for a draw. Goal difference does not count, in the event of a tie to determine the championship; a play off will take place.
Phoning
It is up to the home manager to contact the opposition manager and the appointed referee by the Wednesday before the game to confirm the fixture, give directions and confirm team colours.
Venues
Should a fixture be in doubt because of the pitch, it must be remembered that it is not where it is played that matters, but that it must be played even if it means playing the same team twice away from home.
Transfers
A player may transfer once, be it to another club or to another team in his club. A player registered with one team may not play for any other team even within the same club. Any player found doing so shall be considered ineligible and the management committee shall carry out the appropriate action. (Exceptional circumstances will be considered by the fixture secretary before a game is played if special reasons exists).
Promotion and Relegation
In order to give a variety of opposition each season, as a general rule, 3 teams will go up and 3 teams will go down. However, due to team changes etc.. the fixture secretary will review each team individually at the end of the season to ensure that teams are suitably placed.
Registrations
All teams must have paid their Annual Subscription by the November meeting.
Playing Area
Maximum: 90 yds x 60 yds, Minimum: 75 yds x 45 yds. Where space allows a line of cones must be marked out a minimum of 1 metre from the edge of the touch lines. All parents / spectators must stand behind the cones leaving only the manager, the assistant and the substitutes between the cones and the pitch. No parent, players, spectators or officials are allowed to stand behind the goal line.
Goal sizes
The goal sizes Minimum 7ft x 21ft, Maximum 8ft x 24 ft.
Ball size
Balls used must be: size 4 for Under 11s, 12’s, 13’s,14’s. size 5 for all other age groups.
Numbers
Each team can have registered up to 18 players at any one time. All players should have numbered shirts, preferably without any duplication.
Substitutes
5 named substitutes may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. A player who has been replaced may return as a substitute for another player.
Safety
All players MUST wear shin guards.
Referees
If the appointed referee fails to appear, both teams must nominate a person to referee the whole of the game. This person if 18 years of age or over, must hold n FA approved CRB certificate and a qualification in Child Protection. If under 18s years of age must have an FA approved qualification in child protection. This referee shall for that game have the status and authority of a registered referee. The home team shall pay the official the fee of £16 immediately after the match, but each team is responsible for half the payment.
Start of Play
A kick-off is taken at the centre circle to start the game and after a goal has been scored.
Offside
As per F A rules
Throw-ins
As per FA rules
Free-kicks
As per FA rules
Goal kicks
As per FA rules
Playing Times
Under 11s and under 12’s: 30 minutes each way. Under 13’s and under 14’s 35 minutes each way.
Cancellations
Games can only be called off under exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of the fixture secretary (SEE RULE 10C). In the event of bad weather causing the cancellation the home team MUST give the opposition at least 2 hours notice.
Results
The winning team manager shall be responsible for phoning in the result, in the event of a draw both managers should phone in. The fixture secretary must receive all results by 6pm on the Saturday. The results card must be submitted by both teams and must be received within 4 days from the day of the game by the age group secretary.
LAWS OF THE GAME.
LAW 15. ALL OPPONENTS MUST STAND NO LESS THAN 2 METRES FROM THE POINT AT WHICH THE THROW IN IS TAKEN.
A PLAYER WHO REMOVES HIS JERSEY WHEN CELEBRATING A GOAL MUST BE CAUTIONED FOR UNSPORTING BEHAVIOUR.
The removal of the jersey after a goal has been scored is unnecessary and players must avoid such excessive displays of celebration. Removal of the jersey is defined as "Removing the jersey over the head".
Photo sheets
No fixtures will take place until the fixture secretary has received a completed photo sheet with copies of birth certificates for each player. These sheets will then be checked and signed by the fixtures secretary The managers of each team will be responsible for presenting the opposing team manager his copy of the photo sheet before each game and it will be kept until the end of the game where upon it will be returned. Any queries arising from these sheets must be mentioned by the time the sheets are returned and to the fixtures secretary within 24 hours if any action is required. Any team not producing their laminates must be reported to the age group secretary within 24 hours. Any team violating this rule (RULE 10 I) MAY HAVE POINTS DEDUCTED. The photographs of each player must be up-to-date. Changing players from team to team IS NOT allowed.
Points
Points awarded are three points for a win and one point for a draw. Goal difference does not count, in the event of a tie to determine the championship; a play off will take place.
Phoning
It is up to the home manager to contact the opposition manager and the appointed referee by the Wednesday before the game to confirm the fixture, give directions and confirm team colours.
Venues
Should a fixture be in doubt because of the pitch, it must be remembered that it is not where it is played that matters, but that it must be played even if it means playing the same team twice away from home.
Transfers
A player may transfer once, be it to another club or to another team in his club. A player registered with one team may not play for any other team even within the same club. Any player found doing so shall be considered ineligible and the management committee shall carry out the appropriate action. (Exceptional circumstances will be considered by the fixture secretary before a game is played if special reasons exists)
Promotion and Relegation
In order to give a variety of opposition each season, as a general rule, 3 teams will go up and 3 teams will go down. However, due to team changes etc.. the fixture secretary will review each team individually at the end of the season to ensure that teams are suitably placed.
Registrations
All teams must have paid their Annual Subscription by the November meeting.
Playing Area
Under 10’s and Under 11’s Small sided - Minimum 35yds x 50yds (105ft x 150 ft), Maximum 40yds x 60yds (120ft x 180ft). Under 12’s and Under 13’s 9 v 9 - Minimum 45yds x 70yds (135ft x 210ft), Maximum 50yds x 75yds (150ft x 225ft). Under 14’s 9 v 9 - 50yds x 80 yds (150ft x 240ft). All 11 v 11 - Maximum: 90 yds x 60 yds, Minimum: 75 yds x 45 yds. Where space allows a line of cones must be marked out a minimum of 1 metre from the edge of the touchlines. All parents / spectators must stand behind the cones leaving only the manager, the assistant and the substitutes between the cones and the pitch. No parent, player, spectators or officials are allowed to stand behind the goal line.
Penalty Area
As per Appendix B or C
Penalties
As per Appendix B or C
Penalty Spot
The penalty spot is 10yards from the goal-line in between the goal posts.
Goal sizes
As per appendix B or C
Ball size
Balls used must be: Size 3 for Under 7s and 8s. Size 4 for Under 9s, 10s, 11s, 12s, 13s, 14s.
Numbers
As per Appendix B or C
Substitutes
Any number of substitutes without being named may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. A player who has been replaced may return as a substitute for another player.
Safety
All players MUST wear shin guards. All portable goals must be either pinned or weighted down to prevent them from falling.
Referees
For 7 v 7 and 9 v 9, If the appointed referee fails to appear, both teams must nominate a person to referee the whole of the game. This person if 18 years of age or over, must hold n FA approved CRB certificate and a qualification in Child Protection. If under 18s years of age must have an FA approved qualification in child protection. It must then be decided, by the toss of a coin, who shall officiate and once agreed that referee shall for that game have the status and authority of a registered referee. If the person nominated is not prepared to referee the full game each nominated person shall officiate one half each. If there is a qualified referee prepared to officiate the game he/she shall have preference over the non-qualified nominees. For 11 v 11 If the appointed referee fails to appear, both teams must nominate a person to referee the whole of the game. This person if 18 years of age or over, must hold n FA approved CRB certificate and a qualification in Child Protection. If under 18s years of age must have an FA approved qualification in child protection. This referee shall for that game have the status and authority of a registered referee. The home team shall pay the official the fee of £16 immediately after the match, but each team is responsible for half the payment.
Start of Play
A kick-off is taken at the centre circle to start the game and after a goal has been scored.
Offside
There are no offside’s
Throw-ins
Regulation throw ins must be taken
Free-kicks
All free kicks are direct and the opposition must be at least 5 yards away.
Goal kicks
In open play, the Goal Keeper can kick the ball out of their hands. If the ball goes out of play for a goal kick, then the ball must be kicked off the ground.
Goalkeepers
As per Appendix B or C
Playing Times
Under 10s: 30 minutes each way. Under 11s: 30 minutes each way. Under 12’s, 13’s and 14’s 35 minutes each way.
Cancellations
Games can only be called off under exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of the fixture secretary (SEE RULE 10C). In the event of bad weather causing the cancellation the home team MUST give the opposition at least 2 hours notice.
Results
The winning team manager shall be responsible for phoning in the result, in the event of a draw both managers should phone in. The fixture secretary must receive all results by 6pm on the Saturday.
Photo sheets
No fixtures will take place until the fixture secretary has received a completed photo sheet with copies of birth certificates for each player. These sheets will then be checked and signed by the fixtures secretary The managers of each team will be responsible for presenting the opposing team manager his copy of the photo sheet before each game and it will be kept until the end of the game where upon it will be returned. Any queries arising from these sheets must be mentioned by the time the sheets are returned and to the fixtures secretary within 24 hours if any action is required. Any team not producing their laminates must be reported to the age group secretary within 24 hours. Any team violating this rule (RULE 10 I) MAY HAVE POINTS DEDUCTED. The photographs of each player must be up-to-date. Changing players from team to team IS NOT allowed.
Points
Points awarded are three points for a win and one point for a draw. Goal difference does not count, in the event of a tie to determine the championship, a play off will take place.
Phoning
It is up to the home manager to contact the opposition manager and the appointed referee by the Wednesday before the game to confirm the fixture, give directions and confirm team colours.
Venues
Should a fixture be in doubt because of the pitch, it must be remembered that it is not where it is played that matters, but that it must be played even if it means playing the same team twice away from home.
Transfers
A player may transfer once, be it to another club or to another team in his club. A player registered with one team may not play for any other team even within the same club. Any player found doing so shall be considered ineligible and the management committee shall carry out the appropriate action. (Exceptional circumstances will be considered by the fixture secretary before a game is played if special reasons exists)
Promotion and Relegation
In order to give a variety of opposition each season, as a general rule, 3 teams will go up and 3 teams will go down. However, due to team changes etc.. the fixture secretary will review each team individually at the end of the season to ensure that teams are suitably placed.
1. The Cup Competitions will be referred to as the Chairman’s and / or Players Cups. All matches in these cups will be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game and all the league rules of the Bolton, Bury and District Junior Football league. Additional Cup Competition rules are set out below.
2. All teams registered to play in this league from U9’s upward will be eligible to play in the Chairman’s Cup.
3. All teams progressing through the first round of the Chairman’s Cup will not be eligible to play in the Players Cup.
4. All teams failing to progress through the first round of the Chairman’s Cup will be entered into the draw for the players cup.
5. Rules 3 and 4 will only be applicable providing there is more than one division in that age group.
6. For all 11 – a – side games all players must have played a minimum of 3 league games for their team before being eligible to play in a cup game.
7. In the event of scores being level at the end of normal time, five minutes each way extra time will be played for teams up to and including U10’s. Seven minutes each way extra time will be played for teams of U11’s and above. If scores are still level at the end of extra time then the winners will be decided by the taking of penalty kicks in accordance with FA laws
8. Any player having played for a team in the competition will not be eligible to play for any other team in the same competition irrespective of age group.
9. Any team failing to fulfil its cup fixture on the designated date except for weather or events that it has no control over may be expelled from the competition.
10. Both teams are responsible for paying half the referees fees.
11. The result of the game will be phoned to the age group secretary by the winning team.
12. If a game is postponed the age group secretary will determine when it will be played.
13. Any team found guilty by the parent FA of causing a game to be abandoned will be expelled from the cup competition by the league.
14. The management committee will make the final decision concerning any matters not covered in these rules or in the league rules, subject to league rule 16.


