What are the 5-a-side football rules?

11-a-side football’s younger sibling, 5-a-side football is the well loved, smaller version of the game that has leagues in place throughout the UK. Played on a smaller pitch and with fewer players, 5-a-side has a slightly different set of rules that help to keep play dynamic, exciting and fair for both teams. With most of the rules shared between 5-a-side and 11-a-side, if you’re a fan of professional football, you’re likely already familiar with most of the rules but, in case you want to refresh your memory, learn the specific differences between the two games or are new to football, we’ll be going over everything you need to know in this blog.

To make sure you’re familiar with all the rules and regulations of 5-a-side football, we’re going to cover everything from pitch size and equipment to players and rules during play. We're also going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about 5-a-side football rules so, whether you’re going to watch a match or are playing yourself, you’ll be completely prepared.

Standard rules of 5-a-side football

Unlike 11-a-side, there is no standardised set of rules for 5-a-side football that is regulated by a registered governing body. Because of this, many clubs and leagues play according to the generally agreed-upon set of rules and make changes according to preference, availability and convenience. Don’t worry, though, these changes are usually minor and will always be agreed upon by both teams before a match is played.

Field and player equipment for 5-a-side football

For fairness and safety, the rules surrounding the equipment needed to play 5-a-side football are quite strict and should always be followed. The equipment will also change depending on the surface being played on, for example, studded football boots should only be worn on grass pitches while standard trainers are recommended for games played indoors or on astroturf, so always consider your specific circumstances! Find a full list of 5-a-side football equipment below:

All players on the pitch should be wearing shin guards over their socks to ensure player safety
As already mentioned, suitable footwear should also be worn by all players
Both teams playing should be dressed in similar colours, or wearing a coloured bib to identify which side they’re playing for
The goalkeeper should be dressed in a way that makes them easily identifiable, separate from the other four players on their team
The goalkeeper should also be outfitted with protective gloves
Selecting the right type of football for the type of game being played (futsal requires a different type of ball) and according to the age of the players is always a good safety measure to take. If you’re unsure which ball you need, visit our blog ‘how to choose a football’.

How long is a 5 a side football match?

Unlike a standard match of 11-a-side football, small side football like 5-a-side does not last the full 90 minutes many football fans are used to. Instead, a typical game of 5-a-side football lasts 50 minutes, with each half lasting 25 minutes. Most matches will also have a 5 minute interval between halves, giving players a short rest to stay hydrated.

Set up and kick-off rules in 5-a-side football

Before you begin play, you should first ensure all players are in place. This is four players and one goalkeeper per team, with substitutes ready and waiting in the case they’re needed. If you’re not sure which formation to use, you can check out our 5-a-side formation templates blog. An impartial referee should also be present in order to start the game, make decisions regarding penalties and ensure the game runs smoothly from start to finish. With everyone in place, the next step is to choose which team will have the first kick-off. This is most often decided by a coin flip, but some pre-planned matches may already have a schedule in place.

For the kick-off itself, there are some additional rules that should be followed. Firstly, kick-off itself should be taken from the centre spot and must not begin until both teams are on their side of the pitch. Secondly, the player selected for kick-off should be the only one within 2 meters of the ball and, once kicked, they must not touch the ball again until it has come into contact with another player or a goal has been scored. All further kick-offs will go on a turn-by-turn basis.

5-a-side football rules for mid-play

Starting from kick-off, there is a list of rules that should be observed consistently when the ball is in play. It is the responsibility of the referee to call out any behaviours or moves that are performed in contradiction to these rules.

Throughout play, players are restricted to the head height rule, which states that the ball may not be above head height during the game. ‘Head height’ varies from game to game and is most often defined as the height of the tallest player, but final rulings always default to the referee
Once a goal has been scored or saved, the goalkeeper must return the ball to play by bowling it past the goalkeeper’s area. This underarm motion ensures the ball will not go over head height
Once the goalkeeper has passed the ball to a teammate, that player cannot pass the ball back to the keeper. According to the passback rule, the ball must be touched by any player on either team before it can be returned to the keeper
The only player who can touch the ball with their hands is the goalkeeper, and they may only do so when within the goalkeeper’s area
Outfield players are not allowed to enter the goalkeeper’s area with the intention of saving the ball, all defensive actions must take place outside of this semi-circle unless performed by the goalkeeper
Substitutions of outfield players are permitted in 5-a-side football at any time, but must be approved first by the goalkeeper. The substitution should take place without pausing play and the new player cannot enter the pitch until the first player has exited
Substitutions for the goalkeeper are restricted to one per game, except in the case of an injury.

Penalties and free kicks

In the case of any rule being broken by players, it is the referee's responsibility to give a penalty. According to 5-a-side football rules, penalties are to be taken as free kicks from the point of the foul.

Observing rules of fair play and red and yellow cards

As a competitive sport, tempers can often run high in 5-a-side football. It’s a given part of football and, without realising, players can break the rules of fair play in a single fit of temper. It's important to remember to behave respectfully to one another, both teams want to win and will play as hard and as well as they can, but showing good sportsmanship is equally as important.

Under no circumstances should one player harm another, whether that be physically or through verbal abuse. Any behaviour of this kind will be treated by the referee and any punishment will be at their discretion
Typical penalties for this include being given a yellow or red card. It is up to the referee to decide which card is suitable for any given discretion
If a player receives a yellow card they must leave the pitch for two minutes, during which they must not be replaced
If a player receives a red card, they must leave the pitch for the remainder of the game and no substitute can be made in their place
In severe and repeated cases, players who break the rules of fair play could face disciplinary action such as a suspension or a ban.

Enjoy 5-a-side football with help from Avec Sport

Whether you play by the 5-a-side football rules laid out above, slightly tweak them to suit the established rules of your league or make up completely new creative rules amongst yourselves for a unique game, enjoy your play.

We have everything you need to enjoy your game of 5-a-side football so, if you need a new football, football bibs or want to outfit your team with a personalised football kit, you’ll find it at Avec Sport.