The county receives a number of enquiries at this time of year regarding age related rules in youth and open age football.
Many leagues have the rules in their handbook but are merely following those laid down by the FA.
The following are the rules that raise the most issues and also are sometimes misquoted.
1) Under 8’s and Competitive Football
To play in a knockout cup game or a game where points are awarded, or results collected, a player must have achieved the age of 8 on or before 31st August. This also applies to summer tournaments.
In simple terms under 8’s cannot play in games where results are collected and or published. We appreciate that leagues may need to grade teams in order that they are playing against teams of a similar ability but they are not permitted to publish those results in any form. Clubs are also reminded that they cannot publish these results on their websites. This rule was new at the start of season 2008-09 and whilst there were a number of breaches of the rule, most were as a result of not being aware of the full implications of the rule.
2) Children permitted to play mini soccer only
A child who has not attained nor will have attained the age of ten as at midnight on 31st August in a playing season shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match between sides of more than seven players in that playing season. They are only allowed to play in accordance with the rules of mini soccer.
Players who would normally play under 10 football cannot play 11 v 11 or 9 v 9.
3) Players playing above their age group
Players are not permitted to play in matches where any other player is older or younger by 2 years than that person subject to meeting the criteria of the above rules. Players playing in under 18 football must be 15 by 31st August in a playing season.
4) Mixed football
Up to the age of 11 a child may play in matches involving both boys and girls subject to meeting the criteria of the above rules
In addition leagues can apply for dispensation for mixed football up to the age of 14 subject to an application to the FA. This must be re-applied for at the start of each season. Further information on this can be obtained from the County FA.
5) Open age football
To play in open age football a player must have achieved the age of 16. The county is aware that there were a number of breaches of this rule last season and ask open age leagues to be vigilant when signing young players. There are also FA guidelines which advise against adults playing with under 16’s (download, right)
Hopefully the above clarifies the relevant rules but should you have any queries contact the County FA.
More detailed information on these rules are available from the link (right)