I played a friendly last Monday against Edenvale and they tried to start the game with 6 players and I had 7 on the pitch. They informed me that next season was 6 aside. I know nothing of this. Can someone please confirm the correct answer. Some sides have 12 signed on, which would have made sense to start 2 teams for a couple of seasons if its 6 aside, what with the 50:50 rule?
I've been looking at the FA rule-book on this, which is very vague.
It says it's possible to play anywhere between 4 and 7-a-side. There is a rule that the maximum squad should not be more than double the number of players on the field i.e 12 for 6-a-side.
Squad of no more than 12 players, team of 6 with 5 roll on / roll off subs - thats according to the 2008/09 seasons handbook, so look out for any change for next season.
If there is no amendment it will make a mockery of the new 50/50 rule because if you have 12 signed on - 1 can't play.