ALDI MiniRoos Club Football

See all of the mini-roo information: Aldi Miniroos Rules

The following aspects of ALDI MiniRoos Club Football are common across all age groups from Under 6 to Under 11.

Field Layouts

ALDI MiniRoos fields are easy to set up and only take a few minutes. The below diagrams outline how ALDI MiniRoos pitches should look when set up on a full-size football field:

• Under 6 & 7: Up to 8 pitches on a full-size football pitch
• Under 8 & 9: Up to 4 pitches on a full-size football pitch
• Under 10 & 11: Maximum of 2 pitches on a full-size football pitch. Alternatively, 1 pitch can be set up penalty box to penalty box.

Field Markings

Cones, markers, or painted line markings are suitable. This includes the penalty areas in the U8 – U11 age categories.

Start of Play and Re-start after a Goal

Pass to a teammate from the middle of the halfway line. All players must be in their own half of the field of play. Opponents must be at least 5 meters away from the ball until it is in play. The ball must touch a teammate before a goal can be scored.

Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or the touch line on the ground or in the air, or when play has been stopped by the Game Leader.

Effective from 1 January 2015

ALDI MiniRoos Club Football Guidelines

The following aspects of ALDI MiniRoos Club Football are common across all age groups from Under 6 to Under 11:

Field Layouts

ALDI MiniRoos fields are easy to set up and only take a few minutes. The below diagrams outline how ALDI MiniRoos pitches should look when set up on a full-size football field:

• Under 6 & 7: Up to 8 pitches on a full-size football pitch
• Under 8 & 9: Up to 4 pitches on a full-size football pitch
• Under 10 & 11: Maximum of 2 pitches on a full-size football pitch. Alternatively, 1 pitch can be set up penalty box to penalty box.

Field Markings

Cones, markers, or painted line markings are suitable, including the penalty areas in the U8 – U11 age categories.

Start of Play and Restart After a Goal

Pass to a teammate from the middle of the halfway line. All players must be in their own half of the field of play. Opponents must be at least 5 meters away from the ball until it is in play. The ball must touch a teammate before a goal can be scored.

Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or the touch line on the ground or in the air, or when play has been stopped by the Game Leader.

Method of Scoring

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts, and under the crossbar. When goalposts are not available and cones are used for goals, a goal is scored when the ball passes between the cones without touching them, below shoulder height of the player.

Shin Guards

Shin guards must be worn by all players without exception.

Concussion

Any player suspected of suffering from concussion should be examined by a medical practitioner before returning to play. As a general rule; “If in doubt, sit it out”.

Substitutions

Players may be rotated on and off the field at any time during the game. A coach/parent may make substitutions while the ball is in play, ensuring the player is off the field before the substitute goes on. Equal playing time should be a priority ensuring all players regardless of age, gender, and/or ability get to take the field.

Game Leaders

Each game is to be controlled by one Game Leader. The main role of the Game Leader is to keep the game moving fluently, limit stoppages, and assist players with all match restarts. Most importantly, they must create an environment where all players have fun, learn the game, and have maximum involvement.

The Game Leader can be a club official, parent, older child/player, or beginner referee and should always be enthusiastic and approachable. Most importantly, remember the children are learning the game – be flexible and patient.

The Game Leader should:

• Encourage all children to have fun and different children to take restarts
• Ensure the correct number of players are on the field
• Discourage players from permanently over-guarding the goal
• Check all players are wearing shin guards
• Use a “Ready, Set, Go” prompt to encourage quick decisions when restarting play
• Encourage children to dribble or pass the ball to teammates rather than kick the ball long
• Ensure the opposing team is at least 5 meters outside the penalty area for all goal line restarts
• Ensure team officials and parents create a safe, enjoyable, and positive playing environment for the children
• Encourage children to be involved in all aspects of the game, attacking and defending
• Award free kicks as appropriate to help children learn the rules and consequences of committing fouls
• Explain the rules to players and why a free kick has been awarded
• Let the game flow and give instruction to all players on the run where you can
• Praise and encourage both teams
• Be enthusiastic and approachable

Game leaders are encouraged to undertake a free FFA ALDI MiniRoos Certificate prior to the start of the season.