Restrictions for Under 6s Football - Message from SHCFA
From http://www.sheffieldfa.com
Over the past few weeks it has come to the attention of the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA that a number of clubs and teams are looking to set up friendlies and tournaments for young players aged 6 and under.
The County FA needs to remind ALL clubs that FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION rules ONLY allow competitive or friendly games between affiliated teams/clubs to be played where the player/players are aged 6 by midnight on the 31st August.
Please find below, the Standard Code of Rules for Youth Competitions, Rule 8 C – Qualification of Players states:
A child who has not attained nor will have attained the age of six 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 of any kind in that playing season.
The relevant age for each player is determined by his or her age as at midnight on 31 August of the relevant playing season.
i.e. Children who are aged 6 as at midnight on 31 August in a playing season together with those who attain the age of 6 during the playing season will be classed as Under 7 players for that playing season. Children who are aged 7 as at midnight on 31 August in a playing season will be classed as Under 8 players for that playing season, and so on.
Notwithstanding the above, a child is permitted to play up in the age group above his or her chronological age group, irrespective of any changes of format or competition structure, save that a child who attains the age of 6 after 31 August is permitted to play only in the Under 7 age group, and may not play in the Under 8 age group, for that playing season.
Young players should be developing their football and general ball skills and coordination through enjoyment and practice.
If the County FA discover that teams/clubs have been playing games against other teams/clubs, this could result in a disciplinary charge being brought against the clubs/teams and where appropriate welfare issues raised.
The County FA would ask clubs/teams to be mindful of this Football Association Rule 8 C and keep the first taste of affiliated football for Under 7s.