Pulse Summer Soccer (PSS)
Junior Summer Soccer Rules – September 2025
PART 1: COMPETITION STRUCTURE
1.1 Competition Overview
Pulse Summer Soccer (PSS) is a junior 7-a-side football competition with unlimited interchange. The competition prioritises fitness, fun, and enjoyment over results. Premierships are awarded to the team atop the ladder after the final round.
1.2 Grading and Re-Grading
Teams will be initially graded based on age group, self-assessed skill level, and historical performance.
After the first three rounds, the PSS Committee may re-grade teams to ensure fairness and competitive balance.
Re-grading takes effect immediately. Points are retained; goals for/against are halved and rounded up where necessary.
Further re-grading is unlikely to occur unless teams withdraw from the competition.
The Committee’s decisions on grading are final.
1.3 Match Details
Field of Play
Matches are held at Seymour Shaw 1 Stadium.
Pitch size: approx. 45m x 34m.
Goalposts: approx. 5m x 1.8m.
Goal areas are clearly marked by cones and/or turf colour changes.
Ball Sizes
U7–U9: Size 3
U10–U12: Mid-bounce Size 4
U13 and up: Mid-bounce Size 5
Official Deploy match balls used when available.
Player Attire
Matching team shirts (supplied by PSS) are compulsory.
Attire must comply with FIFA equipment regulations (boots, shin guards, long socks).
Match Duration
Matches: 2 x 20-minute halves.
Half-time: approx. 2 minutes.
For colour clashes, reversible shirts must be turned inside-out (e.g., Blue vs. Black).
Borrowing Players
Borrowing requires prior approval from both opposing team and PSS management.
Breaches result in forfeiture.
Teams may add players (up to a total of 12) if eligibility is met.
1.4 Match Procedures
Pre-Match
Teams must confirm their fixture and field assignment.
Only two team officials are permitted on the field. All others must remain in the grandstand or outer area.
Post-Match
A team official must confirm and sign off on the match score with the referee.
Weather Policy
Seymour Shaw 1 remains open in most weather conditions.
Unless notified otherwise, teams must attend scheduled matches to avoid forfeits.
1.5 Points System
Win: 3 points
Draw: 1 point
Loss: 0 points
Bye: 3 points (no goal adjustment)
Forfeit: 3–0 win awarded to non-forfeiting team
Ranking Order:
Points
Goal difference
Goals scored
Head-to-head result
1.6 Injuries
All injuries must be reported via an Incident Form (available from the canteen or Committee).
1.7 Judiciary
2 yellow cards (same game) = 1-match suspension
Red card = 1-match suspension + possible Judiciary Panel appearance
The Judiciary Panel:
Minimum 3 committee members.
Reviews cases of violent, abusive, or disreputable behaviour.
May ban players from current and future competitions.
May deduct team points.
Decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
PART 2: MATCH RULES
2.1 General
FIFA Laws of the Game apply unless modified herein. Where conflict arises, PSS rules prevail.
2.2 Match Commencement
Teams must have at least 4 players to start.
5-minute grace period allowed before forfeiture.
Matches commence on referee’s whistle, or PA system announcement.
2.3 Half-Time & Full-Time
Half-time: ~2 minutes
Match ends on referee’s whistle.
Matches abandoned after 10 minutes will stand. If less than 10 minutes played, match will be ruled a draw.
2.4 Interchange (Substitutions)
Unlimited interchanges allowed during stoppages.
Must be approved by the referee and conducted at halfway.
Excessive or time-wasting substitutions may be disallowed.
2.5 Restarts
Kick-Ins
Replace throw-ins.
Ball placed on touchline.
Opponents must stand 5m away unless quick restart is taken.
No goals may be scored directly.
Goal Kicks
Opponents must be 5m away.
Ball must not cross halfway line on the full.
Corner Kicks
Same 5m rule as above.
Quick restarts permitted.
Free Kicks
All are indirect unless a goal-scoring opportunity is denied (then a penalty is awarded from 10m).
Defensive walls allowed if kick is within 5m of goal.
Offside
No offside rule; however, "blatant offside" play is deemed unsporting and penalised by free kick.
2.6 Goalkeeper Rules
Handling permitted only within goal area.
Goalkeeper cannot kick/throw ball over halfway line on the full from a restart/Goal Kick.
Must stay within goal area.
2.7 Misconduct
Sliding and Playing the Ball from the Ground
· Strictly no sliding is permitted at any time.
Any player who is off their feet, whether on the ground, slide tackling or attempting a bicycle kick, performing a diving header—will be penalised.
This rule is in place to ensure the safety of all players and maintain the spirit of the game.
Yellow Card
2-minute suspension, no substitution.
Red Card
Dismissal for remainder of match, no substitution.
Additional Sanctions:
No slide tackles (automatic yellow card).
Dangerous tackles = Serious Foul Play.
5 yellow cards = 1-match suspension.
Judiciary Panel reviews all send-offs.
The Judiciary Panel’s decision is final.
PART 3: CODES OF CONDUCT
3.1 General Code (All Participants)
All participants (players, referees, spectators, etc.) must:
Comply with PSS rules.
Show respect regardless of gender, race, background, etc.
Avoid abusive or violent conduct.
Avoid intoxication or bringing alcohol on-site.
Uphold the reputation of the competition and venue.
3.2 Players
Respect referees, teammates, and opponents.
Play fairly and uphold the spirit of the game.
3.3 Team Contacts
Must:
Be over 18 years of age.
Ensure team compliance with all PSS rules and codes.
Be the liaison with the PSS Committee.
Abide by Child Protection legislation.
Assign a responsible substitute contact if unavailable.
3.4 Referees
Understand and enforce both FIFA and PSS rules.
Maintain impartiality and fairness.
Record and report match details accurately.
3.5 Spectators
Encourage positive behaviour.
Stay off the playing field at all times.
3.6 Committee Members
Act impartially and professionally.
Treat all issues raised seriously and confidentially.
3.7 Breaches and Penalties
Serious or repeated violations will be referred to the Judiciary or Committee for resolution.
Possible Outcomes:
Caution
Suspension
Loss of points
Team/player expulsion
Bans from future competitions
Appeals:
All decisions are final. No appeals will be considered.