1. Field Of Play
1.1 Footy 7s is divided into three zones – Forward, Midfield & Defence.
1.2 The player positions are as follows:
- 2 x Forwards- 3 x Midfielders (one of who can be nominated as the 'Scoring Midfielder')
- 2 x Backs
1.3 The standard size of a Footy 7s field is approximately 80m (Length) x 40m (Width).
2. Match Format
2.1 Mens and Mixed matches consist of 2 x 16 minute halves.
2.2 There will be a one minute break at half-time.
2.3 A match is started and finished by the umpire’s whistle.
3. Teams
3.1 A maximum of 7 players are permitted on the field at any one time.
3.2 A team consists of 2 forwards, 3 midfielders (one of whom can score) and 2 backs.
3.3 Mixed teams must have a minimum of 3 females on the field at any one time. In the case of 6 or less players a team must have a minimum of 2 females.
3.4 A team is permitted to have an unlimited number of players on the interchange bench. Interchange of players is permitted at any time during the game.
3.5 Players are only permitted to play for one team in a Mens or Mixed competition on any particular competition night.
3.6 Teams found to be playing ineligible players relating to rule 3.5 may lose match points.
4. Starting the Game
4.1 The game is commenced with a ball up in the midfield zone between two centre players standing toe to toe. This occurs at the start of each half and after a goal has been scored.
4.2 The centre players contesting the ball up must tap or palm the ball backwards, when the ball is on the way down. Punching and taking possession of the ball are not permitted.
4.3 The remaining centre players stand a minimum of 2 metres away from the ruck contest on the defensive side of the ball up.
4.4 The player who wins possession from the ruck contest has a maximum of 2 seconds to dispose of the ball.
4.5 Players must start in their designated zone after a goal has been scored.
4.6 A kick in between the goal posts occurs after a behind has been scored. The opposition player must be a minimum 5 metres back from the player kicking in. The player kicking in is permitted to play on from the kick-in.
5. Possession Of The Ball
5.1 The ball must be disposed of correctly by handball or kick in each zone for a goal scoring opportunity to occur.
5.2 The kick in after a behind is only permitted to enter the middle and defensive third.
5.3 The minimum distance for a mark to occur is a 5 metre kick. If it is under 5 metres, a call of ‘play on’ occurs.
5.4 A player is only permitted to bounce the ball once while they are in possession of the ball. The ball must be bounced once after 15 metres.
5.5 If the ball is kicked or handballed over two thirds, a free kick will be awarded to the appropriate team on their defensive third line.
6. Gaining Possession Of The Ball
6.1 A turnover occurs in the following instances:
- When the ball goes out of bounds
- When the ball touches the ground due to a poor kick, handball or dropped mark
* The only time the ball can touch the ground is from a ball up contest or when a forward is shooting for goal.*
6.2 If a turnover occurs, the opposing team takes possession of the ball where the ball first touched the ground or went out of bounds.
6.3 The nearest player to where the turnover occurs must take possession of the ball. They can dispose by hand or foot if the turnover occurred on field. For out-of-bounds, the ball must be disposed by kick only.
6.4 The ball must be kicked in from out of bounds. A shot for goal is not permitted.
6.5 A ball up occurs if there is any doubt as to which team caused the turnover.
7. Dispossession Of The Ball
7.1 A player must be caught 'holding the ball' by the 'two handed touch' method. No tackling, bumping or barging is permitted.
7.2 If a player is deemed to have had prior opportunity to dispose of the ball, this is considered 'holding the ball' and a free kick is awarded.
7.3 If a player is considered to have had no prior opportunity to dispose of the ball the umpire calls ‘Touch’ and the player has 2 seconds to dispose of the ball. If the player is unsuccessful in disposing of the ball after this opportunity, a free kick will be awarded.
8. Marking
8.1 A ‘mark’ is awarded if a player controls the ball after it has been kicked a minimum 5 metres without getting touched by another player or hitting the ground.
8.2 There is no type of physical contact permitted in a marking contest. The player in front has every chance to mark the ball. A free kick is awarded against any player initiating contact.
8.3 An opposition player may stand on ‘the mark’. This is the place where a mark or free kick has been awarded.
8.4 The umpire will call ‘play on’ if it is deemed the player has had reasonable opportunity to dispose of the ball.
9. Playing On & Advantage
9.1 The umpire calls ‘play on’ in the following instances:
- When a player who has taken a mark or possession of the ball from a turnover has run over or around ‘the mark’
- When the ball has been touched from a kick still yet to hit the ground
9.2 The umpire is permitted to call ‘advantage’ if the player in possession of the ball initiates the advantage.
10. Scoring
10.1 The Footy 7’s scoring system is as follows:
Goal - 6 points
Behind - 1 point
Super Goal - 9 points (goals kicked by female scoring players in Mixed games)
10.2 The two designated forwards and scoring midfielder are the only players able to score. These players are identified by wearing a coloured sash. A score can only occur through taking a mark, receiving a kick or hand-pass or when they are awarded a free kick.
10.3 A scoring player is able to score if they are awarded a 15 metre penalty which takes them into the scoring zone.
10.4 A goal or behind can still be awarded if the ball touches the ground directly from a shot at goal by a scoring player. If the ball is touched following the shot at goal, a standard turnover occurs from where the ball was touched. If the ball is touched as a kick is made at goal, a point will be awarded opposed to a turnover if the ball crosses the goal-line.
10.5 A team is not able to score directly from out of bounds or from a turnover.
10.6 A team is only able to score inside the forward zone.
11. Game Time
11.1 Teams are to be on the field at the scheduled game time
11.2 Games are started by the umpire's whistle at the scheduled time
11.3 The clock will not be stopped unless injury
11.4 Teams are to have a minimum of 5 players in order for a game to commence
11.5 The following penalties apply for team lateness:
- 1>3 minutes: 1 goal
- 3>5 minutes: 2 goals
- 5>8 minutes: 3 goals
- 8>12 minutes: 5 goals
- 12+ minutes: Forfeit loss
11.6 A forfeit will result in a 60-0 win awarded to the opposition.
*** Please note, multiple forfeits may result in removal from the competition. ***
12. Interchange
12.1 Players may interchange at any time without notifying the umpire. A player must leave the field before the substitution may replace them.
12.2 There is no limit to the amount of substitutions a team can make during a game
12.3 In the case of a player being sent-off, the player is not permitted to return for the remainder of the game. After two minutes of the player being sent-off, the team may then replace them with another player.
13. Points System
13.1 Teams will be awarded 4 points for a win
13.2 Teams will be awarded 2 points for a draw
13.3 In the case of a forfeit, a team will receive 4 points for a win and a 60-0 result
13.4 In the case of a game being abandoned, the result of the game will be decided on a fault basis:
- One team at fault: opposition awarded a 60-0 win
- Both teams at fault: no result and no points awarded
14. Finals
14.1 All finals fixtures will be advised to participating teams and posted online
14.2 Teams participating in finals must ensure they are available for all possible game times
14.3 Finals format will be dependent on the competition/division make-up
14.4 Final ladder positions are determined by total game points. In the case of teams having equal points, higher goal difference will take precedence. If still equal, higher goals for will take precedence.
14.5 In the case of a team being unable to play a finals game, the next highest ranked team will qualify
14.6 In the case of divisions with uneven bye allocation, points will be averaged to determine final ladder positions. (i.e. A team with 1 bye and 30 points from 15 matches (2 points per match) will finish higher than a team with 2 byes and 31 points from 16 matches (1.94 points per match).
14.7 If teams are tied at end of a finals match, extra-time will consist of 2 x 3 minute halves. If scores are tied after extra-time, the first team to kick a goal (Golden Goal) will be deemed victorious
14.8 Players must have played a minimum of 3 games in the regular season to be eligible to play in finals
15. Physical Contact
15.1 Footy 7’s is strictly a non-contact sport. The following actions (intentional or unintentional) are not permitted:
- Holding or grabbing an opponent
- Any form of pushing
- Spoiling with contact
- Bumping- Barging or shepherding
- Touching the ball while another player has possession
- Tripping
15.2 Any physical contact will result in a free kick awarded to the relevant team.
16. Discipline
16.1 A 15 metre penalty will be awarded when a player engages in the following:
- Oversteps the mark
- Time-wasting
- Uses abusive language towards the umpire
- Abusive language in general play
- Threatening behaviour
- Does not return the football directly to the opposition or umpire on request
- Rough play
16.2 In the case of a yellow card offence, a player is sent off for 2 minutes. The player can be replaced immediately. A 2nd yellow card offence in a game is an automatic 1 match suspension.
16.3 In the case of a red card offence, a player is sent off for the rest of the game and receives a minimum 1 match suspension. The player can be replaced after 2 minutes.
Code Of Conduct
The Footy 7s Code of Conduct is in place to ensure that all participants are able to be involved in an enjoyable and safe environment. As a condition of participation, all teams must agree to the following standards:
- Players must demonstrate respect for umpires, other players, spectators and Footy 7s staff.
- The team contact is responsible for the actions of their team.
- The team contact is responsible for communicating all matters regarding participation.
Any breach of the above standards will result in an official warning or immediate dismissal from the competition. Anti-social behaviour, both on and off field, will not be tolerated.
Please note that banned players are not permitted to play for any team or enter the venue during competition.
Two or more players from any one team involved in a breach of the Code of Conduct will result in the team and all individual players facing removal from the competition.
Footy 7s has the right to take any action deemed necessary in the best interests of all participants.
Suspension of Players
The following information relates to the suspension of players:
- When a player is involved in a discipline issue, Footy 7s will decide the length of suspension.
- In the case of a serious incident, a player may receive an extended suspension or be banned from the competition.
- The Competition Manager will confirm suspension details (including additional weeks) to the team contact prior to the next round of the competition.
