Welcome to the Mini-Football
Rule Book
Mini Football Ethos:
Mini Football is for the development of football for children through fun.
No conflict is intended between this booklet and these handbooks and in all cases they take precedence over this booklet.
Should the administration for the Mini Football League revert back to the Senior Management Committee, for whatever reason, then this booklet may become wholly or partly redundant.
August 2009
Jon Larsen
Mini Football General Secretary
Bridgend and District Mini Football
Page(s)
1. Senior Management Committee Details 3
2. Mini Management Committee Details 4
3. Mini Football Member Clubs 5 - 8
4. Rules 9 - 17
6. Notes 2
Senior Management Committee Details
Chairman
Mr. Peter Bissmire
6, Heol Llansantffraid, Sarn, Bridgend, CF32 9NP
Tel: (01656) 724289
Vice-Chairman
Mr. John Griffiths
33, Llywyn Helig, Kenfig Hill, Bridgend, CF33 6HN
Tel: (01656) 744339 : 07733 126826
General Secretary
Mr Gary Warner
43, Coronation Street, Aberkenfig, CF32 9PS
Tel: (01656) 723050
Junior Registration Secretary
Robert Carpenter
15 Y-Lan,
Pencoed, Bridgend, CF35 6SA
Tel: 01656 863363
Mob: 07734 967965
Chairperson
Mrs. Jean Owen
18, Sea View, Cefn Road, Cefn Cribwr. CF32 0BD
(01656) 744544
Vice-Chairman
Mr Stewart Miller
07525 715755
Email: stewart-miller@hotmail.com
Financial Secretary
Mrs Della Bassett
66, Hillcrest. Brynna, Pontyclun, CF72 9SL
Tel: (01443) 226686
General, Fixture & Registration Secretary
Mr Jon Larsen
4, Min yr Awel, Pen Y Fai, Bridgend, CF31 4GJ
Tel: (01656) 669923
Mob: 07730 678540
Email: jg_larsen@yahoo.co.uk
MINI FOOTBALL MEMBER CLUBS
Secretary – Steve O’Neil
16, Woodland Way, Sarn, Bridgend, CF32 9AQ
Tel: (01656) 723767
Ground: Pandy Park
Mini Football& Fixtures Contact – Steve O’Neil
Tel: (01656) 7723767
Email: soneillww@aol.com
Bettws Juniors F.C.
Secretary: Neil McEachen
The Old Post, Bettws Rd, Bettws, CF32 8TB
Tel: (01656) 725381 Mob 07887530804
Ground: North Site, Bettws
Mini Football & Fixture Contact – Sarah Dawe
Tel: 01656 729922 Mob: 07977248487
Email: sarahdawe1@live.co.uk
Brackla F.C.
Secretary – Mark Hulme
6 Maes Tanrallt, Brackla , Bridgend, CF31 2LR
Mob: 07702122146
Ground – Brian Drew Field
Mini Football & Fixture Contact – Stewart Miller
Mob: 07525715755
Email: stewart-miller@hotmail.com
Bridgend Town F.C. (Juniors)
Secretary – Terry Boyle
40, The Chase, Brackla, Bridgend CF31 2JJ.
Tel: (01656) 657632 Mob: 07853056243
Ground – Litchard Park and Coychurch Road
Mini Football & Fixture Contact – Richard Edwards
Tel: (01656) 646951 Mob: 07551 379244 or 07801689746
Email: richandadele@btconnect.com
Brynna FC
Secretary – Donna White
1, St Julius Crescent, Llanharan RCT CF72 9SF
Tel: 01443 228767 Mob: 07902531458
Email: white_donna2@sky.com
Ground – Brynna Welfare Ground
Mini Football& Fixtures Contact – Nigel Foster
Tel: 01443 228194 Mob: 07802230067
Email: nigelfoster46@yahoo.co.uk
Bryntirion Athletic Junior F.C.
Secretary – Mike Pennell
29, Ton Glas, Bryntirion, Bridgend. CF31 4EH
Tel: (01656) 668903 Mob: 07787 534930
Email: mikepennell1@aol.com
Ground – Bryntirion Park
Mini Football & Fixture Contact – Brian Gough
Tel: (01656) 659527 Mob: 0798560069
Email: bryelevan@tiscali.co.uk
Caerau A.F.C.
Secretary – Andrew Watts
44, Kings Terrace, Nantyffyllon, CF34 0HD
Tel: (01656) 736813
Ground – Caerau Welfare Park
Mini Football & FixtureContact – Pam Watts
Tel: (01656) 736813 Mob: 07947 923190
Email: wattsfamily753@btinternet.com
Cefn Cribwr Boys and Girls Club
Secretary – John Griffiths
33, Llwyn Helig, Kenfig Hill, Bridgend CF33 6HN.
Tel: (01656) 744339
Ground – Cae Gof
Mini Football & Fixture Contact – Jean Owen
Tel: (01656) 744544
Email: johngriff66@talktalk
Garw A.F.C.
Secretary – Paul James
11, David Street, Blaengarw, Bridgend, CF32 8AD.
Tel: (01656) 871906 Mob: 07976 140857
Ground – Blandy Park
Mini Football Contact – Jackie Harris
Email: jackie4garwgirls@aol.com
Gilfach Goch F.C.
Secretary – Robin Jones
239, High Street, Gilfach Goch CF39 8SH
Tel: 01443 673066 Mob: 07532056563
Email: djdaffy1@aol.com
Ground – Abercerdin School Field
Mini Football & Fixture Contact – Joanne Turner
Tel: (01443) 677595 Mob: 07796 013726
Email: j.turner466@btinternet.com
Llangeinor Rangers
Secretary – John Lewis
2, Heol Tynton, Llangeinor, CF32 8PP
Mini Football & Fixture Contact – Steve Fedyszyn
Tel: (01656) 741026 Mob: 07977514389
Email: spfconstruction@aol.co.uk
Llangynwyd Rangers Juniors
Secretary – George Bruce
6, Cwrt Y Fedwen, Maesteg, CF34 9GH.
Tel: (01656) 731503 Mob: 07599058819
Email: secretary@llanrangers.org
Ground – Llan Rangers Playing Field
Mini Football & Fixture Contact – Darran Thomas
Tel: 01656 737716 Mob: 07650 914060
Email: fixtures@llanrangers.org
Maesteg Park AFC
Junior Secretary – Neil Lewis
7 Cwrt Y Fedwen, Maesteg. CF34 9GH.
Mob: 07788 567492
Email: maestegparkjuniors@talktalk.net
Ground – Tudor Park
Mini Football Contact – Alun Wines
Tel: 01656 737577 Mob: 07527168190
Email: alun89leeds@hotmail.co.uk
Pencoed Youth
Secretary – Mike Lewis
31, Woodland Avenue, Pencoed. CF35 6UW
Tel: (01656) 865122 Mob: 07505767832
Email: m_lewis1@sky.com
Ground – Woodlands Park
Mini Football & Fixture Contact – Lisa Thomson
Tel: (01656) 860887 Mob: 07954 544832
Email: thompsonl1@sky.com
Pen Y Fai F.C.
Secretary – Kevin Butterworth
11, Litchard Terrace, Bridgend, CF31 1PL
Tel: (01656) 652475 Mob: 07917 508720
Ground – Great Western Avenue
Mini Football & Fixture Contact – Martin Holder
Tel: 01656 Mob:
Email: martin@holder91.wanadoo.co.uk
1a Registration of Players and Coaches
In accordance with the Public Liability Insurance policy taken out by the South Wales Football Association, all players, coaches and Committee members must be registered with their chosen club. Unregistered personnel may not have insurance cover under this policy.
1b Registration of Players
All players must be registered by September 30th. Players not registered will be suspended until the Mini Football Committee allows them to play.
All coaches must be registered with the Mini Football General Secretary. They will be issued with a badge which has their name and club stated on it. The badge will also contain a Bridgend and District stamped seal.
2 Registration of Under 11’s
All players who will have reached their eleventh birthday by the 31st August at the end of the season, must register with the Football Association of Wales, using the JUNIOR NON CONTRACT FORM J8. Players not registered in this manner by 31st October of that season will no longer be eligible to play Mini Football. These forms are available from the Junior League Registration Secretary.
3 Coaching Requirements
All coaches must possess the minimum of a Junior Leaders Badge, and have been Criminal Record Bureau checked.
All coaches should be encouraged to undertake additional training on courses such as:
i) Goal keepers course
ii) Emergency First Aid course
iii) Referees course
Note: Courses i) and ii) are required if intending to achieve a higher coaching qualification.
All clubs must submit a completed Mini Football registration form, to the League General Secretary, 3 days before the League’s A.G.M. in June. The General Secretary will post the registration forms at least 1 month prior to this date.
Any club failing to return completed forms by the deadline may be omitted from the first month’s fixtures and fined.
All clubs must submit a Bond of £5 for each squad entered into the League. The General Secretary must receive this bond by October 20th of that season.
Any Club failing to submit the Bond by this deadline may be suspended from future fixtures until payment of the Bond. Additional squads may be entered into the League at any time throughout the season upon payment of the additional Bond.
This Bond is forfeited if any squad withdraws from the League after payment of the Bond.
No Bond is liable for any registered squad withdrawing from the League prior to October 20th of that season.
Squads entered into the League after February 1st will not be subject to this Bond.
Clubs may be required to submit a fee of £0.50 for each player registered with their club. The General Secretary must receive this fee by January 20th of that season.
Any Club failing to submit the Player Bond by this deadline may be suspended from future fixtures until payment of this Bond. Additional players registered after February 1st are not subject to this Bond.
Movement of players from one Club to another should not be prevented, due to the age of the players, throughout the season, unless the player has an outstanding financial commitment to the leaving Club, in which case no other Club may accept the player until the situation has been rectified to the satisfaction of the Mini Management Committee.
In the absence of any such restriction to a transfer, both Clubs should encourage loyalty by the player and discourage any transfer.
The receiving Club must contact the leaving Club as soon as a transfer is known.
No player may register for 2 Mini Football Clubs of the Bridgend and District League at the same time.
“Poaching” of registered players by another Club is to be considered illegal and will result in the offending Club being reported to the Senior Management Committee.
All clubs shall nominate a member of their club who will be considered their Designated Representative.
This Representative may be considered an official contact point between the Mini Management Committee and the Club.
Any club which feels it has grounds for appeal over any decision or fine imposed by the Mini Management Committee must appeal to the Senior Management Committee, in writing, within 2 weeks of any judgment.
a. The game is for boys and girls aged 5 to 11 years (as of midnight 31st August of the previous year) and mixed football is allowed in all age levels.
With permission of the Management Committee, due to a “player’s physical” size, then he/she can play for a different age group.
b. Laws 9 and 10 apply to Mini-Football but there is no offside.
c Team size, pitch size and ball size must be implemented as below in the table.
|
Implementation Date |
Age Group |
Number of Players |
Size of Pitch (length x width) |
Size of Ball |
|
Effective from start of 2009/10 season |
Under 7
|
4v4 No Goalkeepers
|
30x20 yards |
3 |
|
Effective from start of 2009/10 season |
Under 8
|
5v5 Goalkeeper introduced |
30x20 yards |
3 |
d. For under 9’s 10’s and under 11’s, they continue to play with the following structure below.
Nos of players: Maximum of 8v8
Size of pitch: Maximum of 60X40 yards
Size of ball: Maximum size 4
Size of goal: Maximum 12feet X 6 feet
Size of penalty area: 10 yards across full width of pitch
Although the maximum goal size is stated as 12 feet X 6 feet, it is highly recommended that at U7 a smaller goal be utilised. This can be achieved by using cones, or by placing 12X6 goal face down, or using a specific smaller goal (such as pop-up goal).
Goal areas for U7 & U8’s should be laid out as follows:
|
Age Group |
Distance from Goal Line to Edge of Area (Length) |
Width of Penalty Area |
|
Under 7
|
NO Goal Area |
NO Goal Area |
|
Under 8
|
5 yards |
10 yards |
d. Any number of substitutes may be used at any time with permission of the game leader. Players may re-enter the game and all substitutes must have a period of play. As far as possible there should be equal playing time for each player.
e. The ball should be no larger than Size 4; Size 3 ball is to used for all Under 7's and 8's.
Players are required to wear shin-guards.
g. The goal area extends 10 yards for the goal line across the full width of the playing area regardless of its size. Cones on the touchline or one or two marker discs can either mark the goal area.
h. Each game should last for a maximum of 20 minutes. Half-time need not be taken. Games of 10 minutes in total are recommended for the younger players.
i. The kick-off is taken in the centre of the playing area to start the game after a goal has been scored.
j. Although Law 15 applies and the throw-in should be taken in the normal way, game leaders can show flexibility.
k. Law 17 applies to corner kicks except the opposition should be at least 3 yards away.
l. Law 12 applies to free kicks although they are all indirect and the opposition should be at least 3 yards away.
m. Goalkeepers:
· Can handle the ball in the penalty area and there are no restrictions on the number of steps they may take when holding the ball.
· The goal keeper may leave the penalty area, but cannot handle the ball outside the penalty area.
· Under 7’s, 8’s and 9's may kick the ball out of their hands but the Under 10's and Under 11's are only allowed to throw the ball. But they can kick the ball on the ground but may then be challenged by opponents even in their own goal area.
n. Goalkicks:
o. There are no restrictions regarding the number of players allowed in the penalty area.
p. Players can pass the ball to their own goalkeeper, for the goalkeeper to handle the ball.
q. Whenever a club can enter 2 squads, from the same age group, into the League, every effort should be made to produce squads of equal playing ability.
r. Players and officials must have access to Dressing and Washing facilities at all venues.
t. Buffer Zones. When laying out the mini pitches, you should do so in such a way that the spectators are only allowed along one side of the pitch. They should be discouraged from standing behind the goals or on the areas which separate the pitches from one another. On the one side where the spectators are allowed to stand, you must create a two meter buffer zone, which is to be denoted by a second line of cones. Only players, coaches and the first aiders, are allowed inside the buffer zone.
FRIENDLY MATCHES
No such games will be played without the permission of the League. Permission is also required for all friendly matches and to play matches outside the South Wales F.A. area, from The South Wales Football Association.
Sanction will not be given for clubs to participate in a ‘competitive’ tournament, which involves Semi-finals and a Final.
A Club affiliated to the SWFA shall not play matches with any Club not affiliated to a registered Football Association.
For Friendlies
1st permission – from the Mini Football Committee
2nd permission – from the Management Committee
3rd permission – from the SWFA with correspondence from the Management & Mini Football Committee. When permission is granted from the SWFA then their sanction must be forwarded to the Management Committee.
For Fundays
1st Permission – from the Mini Football Committee
2nd Permission – from the Management Committee
3rd Permission – from the SWFA with correspondence from the Management & Mini Football Committee. When permission is granted from the SWFA then their sanction must be forwarded to the Management Committee.
All clubs to contact the above by letter or by email.
The Fixtures Secretary of the Mini Football League Fixtures will publish fixtures periodically.
Fixtures are confirmed on receipt of the published fixtures. Contact MUST be made by the away Club if for any reason they are unable to make the fixture.
All clubs must attend every official League fixture. Leave of absence may be applied for to the Mini Management Committee provided that 3 weeks notice is given.
No club outside the Bridgend and District League may participate in official League fixtures.
No age group of any club may cancel an official League fixture, for reasons of insufficient players, if they have 4 or more eligible players available for the fixture.
No member club of the Bridgend and District League is permitted to enter or host a competitive Tournament. This type of Tournament is defined as a Tournament that has Semi Finals and a Final to achieve an outright winner of an age group.
In the case of any club not being able to honour a league fixture, every reasonable effort must be made to inform the opponent(s), or host in the case of a Tournament, as soon as possible.
If the opponent(s), or host, cannot be contacted then the League Secretary must be contacted immediately.
In all cases, except due to adverse weather or poor playing surface, the Mini Football League Secretary must be informed of any cancellation.
Failure to contact the opponent(s), or host, may result in a fine of £5 being imposed on the offending club.
This fine will be waived if the Mini Football League Secretary was informed of the situation prior to the agreed Kick Off time.
In the event of an age group of a club failing to attend official League fixtures on 3 consecutive occasions, except due to adverse weather or poor playing surface, then that squad may be suspended from future fixtures until the club can satisfy the Mini Management Committee fixtures will be honoured.
13 Guidance Notes for Fixture Secretaries
You are doing a crucial job and no club can function efficiently without your efforts and the greater your effort the more your club will benefit.
Try to develop a good working relationship with your counterparts in all other clubs. Your job will be made easier if everyone cooperates.
Always try to be helpful – It may be you requesting help one day.
Ensure your coaches are made aware of the kick-off times you have quoted to the opponents and to try to erect the goals by this time.
If 2 age groups are playing consecutively, the first group should be made aware of their time limit.
This group should also be reminded of the knock-on effect of any delay in their proceedings – Time not playing is time wasted.
If an opponent cancels a fixture then contact alternative Fixture Secretaries and request entry into their fixtures.
These Fixture Secretaries being contacted should try to accommodate these requests provided it is not detrimental to the original fixture.
If in doubt, contact the Mini Football League Fixture Secretary who should be able to offer some guidance.
‘Free Weeks’, which appear in the Official Fixtures posted by the League, are dates you may choose your own opponents. You are encouraged to contact clubs outside the Bridgend and District League in order to:
· Introduce some variety for your players.
· Develop friendly links with other Leagues.
· Monitor your club’s strength on a wider scale.
A General Meeting of all Member Clubs shall be held every 8-10 weeks and all clubs must ensure the Designated Representative attends. Alternative personnel may deputize for a Designated person if he/she cannot attend.
Each member club has 1 vote at all General meetings, irrespective of how many personnel are in attendance from any 1 club.
A club is liable to sanctions if a representative from any club does not attend the General Meeting for 2 consecutive months.
These sanctions may take the form of a fine, suspension from fixtures or arrangements of fixtures contrary to the club’s best interest.
The date, time and venue of each General Meeting will be announced in the previous month’s minutes.
The first meeting of the season will be communicated to all Club Secretaries. This date of the first meeting for each season will be set by the Mini Management Committee, or the Chairperson in the absence of, and will be arranged to convene just prior to the start of the official Mini Football season.
These will convene at a date set by the Chairperson each month.
The items to be discussed will cover relevant items raised at the preceding General Meeting.
At 60% of the members of the Mini Management Committee must be present.
Minutes will be taken at all meetings.
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at the end of every season and will take place prior to the AGM of the Senior Management Committee.
All Designated Representatives must attend the AGM of the Mini League.
Failure by any club to ensure a representative attends the AGM may result in a fine of £20 being imposed on the club.
The Chairperson and General Secretary are automatically elected.
At least 3 additional personnel are required, from 3 separate clubs.
The League believes that players, coaches and parents should, at all times, act in a way which promotes the following codes of conduct.
1. Develop team respect for the ability of the opponent and the judgment of Game Leaders and opposing coaches.
2. Encourage players to learn the laws of the game and to adhere to them.
3. Set a good example and gain the respect of the players by being generous when it is due.
4. Be reasonable on the demands, on players’ time and energy.
5. Avoid overplaying players.
6. Encourage players to set better personal standards of discipline.
7. Remember the game is for the players’ enjoyment, to win is not the aim of Mini Football.
8. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on good coaching principles.
9. Be prepared at all times to learn from other people’s experience.
10. Control your temper on and around the pitch.
Do not over react
Do not show ill feelings
Do not take unfair advantage of any player.
11. Set an example to your players:
Applaud good play by your team and members of the opposing team.
Be friendly to parents of the opposing team.
Do not question publicly the Game Leader’s decision.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse.
12. Coaches are required to abide by decisions of the Mini Football Committee
1. Players will be properly dressed, eg suitable footwear for the type of pitch.
2. Learn the laws of the game and abide by them.
3. Make a personal commitment to keep themselves fit at all times.
4. Never argue with a Game Leader’s decision.
5. Control your temper on the pitch
Do not over react
Do not show ill feelings
Do not take unfair advantage of any player.
6. Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit so will your own.
7. Do not listen to comments from spectators. Concentrate on your own and team’s performance.
8. Co-operate with your team mates, coach and Game leader, for without them you do not have a game.
9. If you are disciplined by the Game Leader or your coach accept it without question.
1. Do not force an unwilling child to participate in football.
2. Encourage your child to play by the rules
3. Teach your child the importance of effort and team work.
4. Help your child improve skills and learn the positive attitude to the game.
5. Set an example to your child
Applaud good play by your team and members of the opposing team.
Be friendly to parents of the opposing team.
Do not question publicly the Game Leader’s decisions.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse.
Recognise and value the importance of coaches.
It must be remembered that the behaviour of coaches, spectators and players is ultimately the Club’s responsibility.
The League will not tolerate verbal or physical abuse or any behaviour which brings the game of Football into disrepute.
Useful Telephone Nos.
Name Details Tel Nos.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.