How are the rules adapted for each format?

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SAFA's grassroots Laws of the Game are recommendations, not hard and fast rules: coaches and organisers can adapt them to the age, skill and venue. 4v4 / 5v5 7v7 9v9 Penalty area Cones 3 m (4v4) or 4 m (5v5) from each corner Cones 10 m from each corner Marked area Penalty spot 4 m / 5 m 8 m 9 m Opponents back at restarts 3 m / 4 m 6 m 6 m Free kicks All direct All direct Offside None Only inside 8 m of the goal line Only inside 13 m of the goal line Other points: 4v4 can be played without goalkeepers (keep-ball, passing games or small goals), or as 3 outfield players plus a goalkeeper. In 5v5 one of the five is the goalkeeper. Teams are boys and girls together. In 7v7 a penalty is given only if the referee considers a serious foul was committed in the box. In 9v9 the centre circle has a 6 m radius. The goalkeeper can handle the ball inside the marked penalty area.

	4v4 / 5v5	7v7	9v9
Penalty area	Cones 3 m (4v4) or 4 m (5v5) from each corner	Cones 10 m from each corner	Marked area
Penalty spot	4 m / 5 m	8 m	9 m
Opponents back at restarts	3 m / 4 m	6 m	6 m
Free kicks		All direct	All direct
Offside	None	Only inside 8 m of the goal line	Only inside 13 m of the goal line