MiniRoos Laws of the Game – Under 6 & Under 7
Version: 2025 | Effective From: September 2025 | Approved by: Sharks FC Committee
1. Match Format
Element | Rule |
Team Size | 4-a-side |
Half Duration | 15 minutes per half |
Total Duration | 30 minutes (plus short break) |
Goal Type | Portable goals only |
Goalkeeper | Not permitted |
Note: Players must not permanently or persistently stand in front of the goal to act as a goalkeeper. Game leaders, coaches, and team officials must actively discourage such behaviour.
2. Restart Procedures
1. 2.1 Ball Crossing the Touch Line (Side Line)
• No throw-ins shall occur.
• A player from the opposing team to the one who last touched the ball must:
- Place the ball on the touch line.
- Restart play by passing or dribbling the ball into play.
• Opponents must stand at least five (5) metres away from the ball until it is in play.
• A goal cannot be scored directly from this restart. The ball must touch a teammate before a goal can be scored.
2. 2.2 Ball Crossing the Goal Line
• No corner kicks shall occur.
• Regardless of who last touched the ball, a player from the team whose goal line the ball crossed must:
- Place the ball anywhere along their goal line.
- Restart by passing or dribbling the ball into play.
• Opposing players must retreat to the halfway line until the ball is in play and may only move once the ball is in play.
• A goal cannot be scored directly from this restart. The ball must touch a teammate before a goal is valid.
3. Offside
There is no offside rule applicable in Under 6 and Under 7 MiniRoos matches.
4. Fouls and Misconduct
• All fouls and acts of misconduct result in an indirect free kick.
• An indirect free kick means a goal can only be scored after the ball touches another player.
• Opponents must be at least five (5) metres away from the ball when the kick is taken.
3. 4.1 Common Scenarios
• Many fouls or handball incidents arise from lack of coordination, not malice or intent. In such cases, advantage should be played where appropriate, especially in favour of the attacking team.
• In cases of deliberate or serious foul play:
- The Game Leader must pause the match, explain the infraction to the player, and encourage learning by making clear that the action was incorrect and should not be repeated.
5. Game Leaders and Officials
Game Leaders, Coaches, and Managers must prioritise fun, learning, and development. They must reinforce a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment. Game Leaders hold discretion in interpreting the above laws in a child-appropriate, non-punitive, and development focused manner.
6. Legal Applicability
These Laws are binding on all players, team officials, match leaders, and parents involved in MiniRoos Under 6 & Under 7 matches hosted under the Sutherland Sharks FC jurisdiction. The Club reserves the right to revise or update these Laws, subject to changes in Football Australia’s MiniRoos guidelines or governing body mandates.
7. Acknowledgement
By participating in MiniRoos Under 6 & Under 7 matches, all parties agree to comply with these Laws in good faith and with the spirit of junior football development.