The Bantam age group is comprised of 10 teams:
Colts
Comets
Eagles
Falcons
Hawks
Panthers
Pioneers
Ravens
Sharks
Tornados
Squads
Each team contains a maximum of 10 players and matches are 7-a-side. If one team has less than 7, teams should be adjusted accordingly – this may mean players swapping teams or children from other teams joining in to make up the numbers.
Season structure
Throughout a season, Bantam teams play each other 3 times (weather permitting). Matches kick off at 9.30, 10.15 and 11.00. Scores are not recorded and no league tables are published for the Bantams. The only competitive tournament in the Bantam section is the One-Day Cup.
One-Day Cup
The One-Day Cup is played on the final Saturday of the season. The 10 Bantam teams are split into 2 groups of 5 and each team plays the other teams in their group once. The top team from each group are the joint One-Day Cup winners. Games last 10 minutes (5 minutes per half).
Substitutes
In all matches rolling substitutions are utilised, meaning players can return to the game at various times throughout the match (due to the short duration this does not apply to One-Day Cup matches where substitutes are restricted to half-time unless there is an injury). Each child is ensured at least half a game.
Referees
Managers from each of the Bantam teams are allocated to referee matches not involving their team in the Bantam section.
Match rules
Back pass
The back-pass rule is not applicable in the Bantams.
Goal kicks
The opposition players should retreat to their half before the kick is taken
Kick-ins
Kick-ins replace traditional throw-ins.
A kick-in is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over a touchline.
The ball has to be stationary on the touchline and can be kicked into play in any direction.
The defending team players should be at least 5 yards from where the kick-in is taken.
The player taking the kick-in may not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player.
The ball is in play immediately after it is kicked or touched.
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposition if the player taking the kick-in plays the ball a second time before another player has touched it.
Heading
Following FA guidance deliberate heading is not permitted.
Free kicks
The opposition wall must be a minimum of 5 yards away from the ball.
Offside
The offside rule does not apply in the Bantam section.
