The following rules show only those elements of the rules of soccer which are specific to the small-sided game, where there is no difference the standard set of rules apply.
These rules pertain to the small sided game played under the jurisdiction of the SDFL
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It is very important that all goal frames are secured to the ground to prevent accidents.

Law 1: Field of Play
Markings: The field of play shall be rectangular. (a) 70 yds. long x 50 yds. wide (65 metres x 45 metres) maximum size for 7-a-side but this is the minimum size for 9-a-side. (b) A centre spot (c) The penalty box/goalkeepers area 12 yds. long x 30 yds. wide (d) A penalty spot - 10 yards from the goal line. The Goal:          6 feet high x 16 feet is recommended as the appropriate size.

Law 2: The Ball:      
Up to Under-8:    Size 3      All other age groups:    Size 4

Law 3: The Number of Players:
Seven players from each team allowed on the field of play at any one time up to U-9 (7-a-side) Nine players from each team allowed on the field of play at any one time U-10 (9 -a-side) One player from each team must play as goalkeeper.

Law 4: Substitutions
Each team may use 3 substitutes named on the match card as often as required. Substituted players can be reintroduced back into the game. Substitutions must be made during a break in play and with the consent of the referee. Every effort must be made to give all players a reasonable amount of time on the pitch.

Law 7: Duration of the game: 
Two x 20 minutes, with a five minute half-time break.

Law 11: Offside:           
No offside rule.

Law 13: Free Kick:       
The defenders shall be at least six yards from the ball.

Law 14: Penalty Kick:   
Penalty kicks shall be taken from a mark 10 yards from the goal line.

Law 15: Kick-in/throw-in from the touch line:
Kick-ins instead of throw-ins shall be used for age groups up to under-9. Throw-ins shall be used for under-10. The ball is kicked or thrown from the point on the touch line where it went out of play. The oppostion must retreat at least 6 yards from the ball. Goals cannot be scored directly from a kick-in or throw -in.

Law 16: Goal Kick     
Goal kicks are taken from the ground anywhere inside the penalty box.

The Spirit of the Game.
The laws of the Game shall be implemented by the referee.  The protection of the Spirit of the Game is the responsibility of the team manager and parents/supporters.