GLOBAL FIVE5 / 5-a-Side Rules
What to expect — 5v5 format, games, goals, etc.
Five-a-side soccer is the most popular small-sided version of soccer and is played around the world. Five-a-side provides over 300% more touches, shots, passing and dribbling opportunities compared to even an 8v8 format and is universally accepted as an exceptional development format for youth players.
The game consists of four (4) outfield players and a goalkeeper.
Goals are 12 x 6.
Field dimensions no greater than 35 yds x 55 yds.
All free kicks are indirect.
Indirect kick-ins instead of throw-ins.
Goal kicks are passed in from anywhere inside the goal box and must be played within 5 seconds.
5 yards back from any free-kick situation.
No offside.
Penalties from 5 yards and keeper must stay on the line.
24 minute games – 2 minute halftime.
Subs “on the fly” as long as the player being substituted is off the field at halfway (8 player roster).
Teams trailing by more than 4 goals can put 1 additional player on the field. This additional player must be removed if the deficit is reduced to 3 goals. This scenario can be repeated throughout the same game.