What other rules are different in small-sided games?
Rule- Scotland
- Scottish FA
- Scottish Youth FA
- Player Journey
- Small-sided games
- Born 2014-2020
- Ages 6-12
- 2026
- Parents
The Scottish FA's 2026 small-sided rules change several Laws to keep the ball on the ground and in play:
| Rule | 4v4 and 5v5 | 7v7 | 9v9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offside | No | No | Yes, normal rules |
| Pass-back to goalkeeper | Not penalised | Not penalised | Penalised, normal rules |
| Ball over the touchline | Kick-in or dribble-in | Kick-in with a short pass | Throw-in |
| Free kicks | All indirect, opponents 3m away | All indirect, opponents 6m away | Opponents 6m away |
| Corners | Kick-in or dribble-in | Opponents 6m away, short corners encouraged | Opponents 6m away, short corners encouraged |
| Goalkeepers | None in 4v4. In 5v5 one player may act as goalkeeper | Goalkeepers throw or pass from the ground. No kicking from hands | Kicking from hands allowed, but throwing or passing is encouraged |
After a goal in 4v4 and 5v5, the scoring team drops back to halfway and the other team restarts from their penalty area by dribbling in or passing forward. From 7v7 up, play restarts with a kick-off and opponents 6 metres away.
Added 21 Oct 2026