6 A Side Football
What is 6-A-Side Football?
The basics of 6 A Side Football are the same as traditional 12 player football, aside from a few basic rule modifications.
Introduction to the rules:
1) Time Frame:
- 40 minute games, 4 ten minute quarters with 2 minutes in between each quarter, and 15 between each half
- 2 minute warning at the end of the second and fourth quarter
2) Alignment and receiver eligibility:
- three players must be motionless and on the line of scrimmage prior to the snap of the ball
- the center can be eligible if he/she is on the line, anyone else who is on the line that is not on the end of the line is not eligible
- Example: T G C The guard in this case is not eligible.
3) Number of players:
- Games are played with two teams of 6 players
- Teams may dress any number of players
4) Conversions:
- Kick through the uprights equals 2 points
- A pass or a run equals 1 point
5) Field Requirements
- The field is 100 yards long with 10 yard end zones and is 40 yards wide
- Hash marks are 13 yards in from the sideline
- Kickoffs are from the 40 (Out of bounds kick off – choice is 20 yards from point kicked)
- Placement of the ball is generally on the 10s where you would place on the 5s in the 12 player game
- The ball is scrimmaged on the 20 after a kick is returned out from the end zone
6) Conversions
- Kick through the uprights equals 2 points
- A pass or a run equals 1 point
Why Play 6-A-Side Football?
- Faster paced game
- Exciting and Enjoyable
- Teaches all of the football fundamentals of tackling, blocking, passing, catching and kicking
- More 1 on 1 coaching
- High participation – everyone touches the ball
- Players are not regulated into one position
- Promotes a more balanced football player
- Cost effective – less equipment needed
- Appeals to less populated areas
- Attractive to smaller schools with limited enrollment – teams may dress as few as 15 players
- Easy to organize
- Encourages female participation and all girl’s leagues
- Excellent form of physical activity
- Develops life skills – co-operation, self discipline, self image
Who plays 6-A-Side Football?
- Six A Side Football has been played in Saskatchewan for over 50 years
- There are 29 schools in Saskatchewan with 6-A-Side programs
- Schools in a number of American States run 6-A-Side Football
- An annual Can-Am Bowl is played between All Stars from Saskatchewan and the United States
Need More Information? Contact us at director@ontariofootballalliance.ca