This has not been helped by a recent tweet on twitter saying that it is ok for a player to play up within the 2 year age band as defined by the Standard Codes of Rule (SCOR) - Rule 8(B) but without any detail to clarify the context. Therefore, The FA have provided clarification that this is now being allowed but only in exceptional circumstances and with individual cases being judged on its merits and authorised by the County FA CEO.

The understanding is there are 3 "limiting" factors as to what football a child can play:

1. The child's date of birth.
2. The format of game to be played, in the league 5v5 or 7v7.
3. The "reporting" status of the age group.

For example in Leicestershire a player born on 10th August 2005 would qualify as an Under 9 and so could play up to Under 10 under factor 1 (within the 2 years age range) and factor 2 (both ages play 7v7). However, as Under 10 (for this season playing in the Mutual League in Leicestershire & Rutland) is competitive and results can be reported an Under 9 could not play up to Under 10 under factor 3.

Another example could be a child born on 25th December 2006 would qualify as an Under 7 and so could play up to Under 8 on the criteria for factor 1 and 3 but may be limited under factor 2 if the Under 8 are still playing 7v7 (as the Mutual League will be this season). Thinking ahead to next season when an Under 8 player in the Mutual League will be playing 5v5 it would be permitted for and Under 7 to play up under all 3 factors!

The 3 factors are the foundation to work on to comply with the SCOR. If a club believes there are exceptional circumstances which should allow the County FA CEO to authorise a dispensation they will need to make an application via the League in which the player is playing their football. If the result of the player playing up a year will mean them playing in a different League then both Leagues will need to support the application.

Download the file below "Winning v Development". It is a great piece of work sharing the views from both grassroots and the professionals.

If you require further clarification please contact:

Marion Hayton
Senior Football Development Manager (Youth)
E: Marion.Hayton@LeicestershireFA.com  
T: 0116 284 4950
M: 07843 664 751