Official Sand Soccer Rules
Each team must consist of 5 starters, one of whom must be the goalkeeper with the exception of U9/U10 Boys and Girls where each team may have 5 field players plus a goalkeeper (6V6). Only players on the roster may play. All eligible players must be listed on the Soccer on the On the Beach waiver/roster form; players must have a parent signature if the player is under the age of 18.
Substitutions
Substitutions are on the fly. The player being substituted must exit the field prior to the new player entering the field.
Player Equipment
All players must wear the same colors to distinguish themselves from other teams. T-shirts, jerseys, or beach wear will work. Shoes and shin guards are not allowed. Socks, beach soccer socks and tape are legal suggestions. All games will be played with a provided standardized sand soccer game ball. Jersey numbers are not required.
Referees
The referee is responsible for control of the game and his/her decisions regarding facts connected with play are final. Yellow cards and red cards will be enforced. If a player receives a red card he/she must leave the vicinity of the court of play and shall also be denied participation in that teams subsequent match.
Duration of the Game
2 - 12 minute periods separated by 2 minute intermissions to exchange ends.
The Start of Play
The team listed as the away team on the schedule will start with the ball and the home team chooses side. Each team must stay in its own half of the field and the defending players must be at least 5 yards from the ball when it is kicked. After a goal, the team scored upon will kick off. After halftime teams will change sides and the kickoff will be taken by the opposite team to that which started the game. A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick off. A player from the same team must touch the ball first.
Tie Game
In the event of a tie between two teams after the game is complete, the game will be declared a tie. In the event
of a tie during the playoffs there will be a 3 minute golden goal period. If the game is still a draw then there will be a shootout to determine the winner.
Shootouts
Shootouts will consist of 5 shooters from each team. After the five shooters have shot, the team with the most goals wins. Shooters do not have to be on the field of play to participate in the shootout. In the event that the teams are tied after 5 shooters, the kicks will go 1 for 1. All players on each team must kick before any individual player kicks for a second time.
Offside
There are no offside!
Kickoffs
All free kicks including corner kicks are DIRECT. Kick-ins and throw-ins from sidelines are INDIRECT. Kickoffs are
INDIRECT. Any ball played out of bounds on either touchline will result in a throw in or kick in for the team that did not touch the ball last. On any free kick there is a 6 second rule. If the team awarded the kick does not play the ball in 6 seconds the other team will gain possession of the ball at the spot of the foul.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers may handle the ball anywhere within eight yards of their goal. Goalkeepers are allowed to handle the ball if a teammate plays the ball back to them. Goalkeepers must throw balls in for goal kicks. No punting is allowed except for U9/U10 Boys and Girls. Goalkeepers may not throw the ball into the opposition’s goal. If this takes place the opposing goalkeeper will be granted possession of the ball and no goal will be granted.
Corner Kicks
Shall be given when a ball wholly crosses the goal line and last touched by a player of the defensive team. The corner kick must be taken with the feet. The place where the corner is taken must be within 1 yard of the corner flag. A goal may be scored directly off a corner kick. Opposing players must be at least 5 yards from the corner arc.
Free Kicks (CONE RULE)
The referee will award a DIRECT Free Kick (from which a goal can be scored directly against the defending side) where a foul has been committed. The player who received the infraction must take the free kick.
Positioning of Players during Free Kicks
There will be no walls. All opposing players must remain at least 5 yards away from the kicker. If the infraction is
committed in the kicking team's defensive end of the court, an imaginary "no man’s land" sector will be established from the point of the foul to each opponent's goal post. Players of both teams will remain outside of this zone until the free kick is taken. If the infraction is committed in the kicking team's offensive end of the court, players of both teams must position themselves behind, or on the same line as the ball placed at the point where the foul was committed.
Scoring
Win = 3 points
Draw = 1 point Loss = 0 points
Tie Breakers
Head to Head
Most wins
Goal differential (max 4)
Goals for (max 4)
Goals against
Forfeits
Any team found to have played with an ineligible player (not on roster, red carded player, etc) or violating any registration criteria shall have their games subject to forfeiture and not eligible for any playoffs unless specifically authorized by tournament directors.
Spectators
All participants and spectators must also abide by all rules set forth by the Ontario Beach Park and the City of Rochester.
Protests
No games will be protested after the completion of the game. The referee will have the final say on any disputes and will treat each situation in the fairest and most logical way.
Safety and fun is our objective so there will be NO SLIDE TACKLING!
The intent of this tournament is to have fun and benefit Camp Good Days. Please help us as you walk on the beach to keep in mind that our goal is for all to have fun in the sun playing beach soccer. Poor behavior and being ultra- competitive will not be tolerated
Zero tolerance: This applies to all coaches, parents, spectators and referees. Abusive language, violent conduct, fighting, and other actions deemed detrimental to the game will not be tolerated. Parents and Coaches shall not directly or indirectly interact with opposing team or players/coaches during a game that may be construed as negative, hostile or sarcastic. Coaches shall not offer dissent to any call made by the referee at any time. In the opinion of the referee, if an offense occurs, the coach, parent or player will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to return.
Rosters: Players can play on multiple teams if age appropriate, the tournament reserves the right adjust rosters as they see fit to.
Thank you for helping raise awareness and money for Camp Good Days and Special Times. Have fun and play safe!