SAMURAI 7’S TOURNAMENT RULES

The Samurai 7’s tournaments follow the FIFA Laws of the Game, with the following modifications:

MATCH FORMAT

  • 7 players per team on the field (including goalkeeper)
  • Maximum squad size: 12 players
  • Rolling substitutions permitted
  • Matches are played as a single continuous period (no half-time)
  • Match duration may vary depending on tournament format

PITCH & SURFACE

  • Approximate pitch size: 62m x 37m
  • 3/4 sized goals
  • 4G artificial surface
  • Footwear: turf shoes or moulded studs only
  • Slide tackles are not permitted

AGE CATEGORIES

Over 40s:

  • All players must be aged 40 or above in the year of the tournament
  • Up to 2 outfield players aged 35+ allowed
  • Goalkeeper may be aged 35+

Over 50s:

  • All players must be aged 50 or above in the year of the tournament
  • Up to 2 outfield players aged 45+ allowed
  • Goalkeeper may be aged 40+

GAME RULES

  • No offside rule applies
  • Goalkeepers may not punt the ball from their hands

POINTS SYSTEM

  • Win – 3 points
  • Draw – 1 point
  • Loss – 0 points

KNOCKOUT FORMAT

  • Drawn matches proceed directly to penalties
    (3 per team, then sudden death)

DISCIPLINE

  • 2 yellow cards = 1 match suspension
  • Red cards result in suspension and may lead to further sanctions

Serious offences may result in bans across all Footy Japan competitions.

 

GENERAL

  • Teams must be ready to play at their scheduled kick-off time
  • Failure to do so may result in a forfeit
  • All matches are officiated by referees
  • The referee’s decision is final

For full governance, please refer to: