General


The tournament committee, or any sponsors of the tournament shall not be responsible for expenses incurred by a team or club if the tournament is cancelled in whole or in part.
All decisions of the referee are final and binding. The Tournament reserves the right to decide on all matters relative to the tournament and all decisions are final.

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No Protests Are Allowed.

In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament committee may reschedule a match, change division structure, reduce match duration or cancel a match.

Registration


All teams shall be allowed a maximum of ten (10) players on their roster.


Players must be listed on the roster at registration to be eligible to play; no additions are permitted for injuries, late arrivals, other commitments, ect.


A player may compete on more than one team but the tournament committee cannot give special scheduling consideration to such circumstances..


Players must be born during or after the year indicated by the oldest age group in their division based on Ontario Soccer Association age groups.


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Start of Play

Coaches shall ensure that all players are on scene a minimum of twenty (20) minutes before a scheduled match. A team, which cannot field three (3) players at the scheduled start time, shall forfeit the match. The team forfeiting shall be declared the loser by a score of 3 goals to none.

If no referee is present within ten (10) minutes of the scheduled start time, the match will be rescheduled unless both teams agree to proceed. If the match proceeds, the score shall stand as played without protest.

Tournament Standings

Bracket standings to determine quarter-finalist/semi-finalist/finalist will be based on the following:

Win - 3 Pts Tie - 1 PT Loss - O Pts
Total points ties will be resolved by the following tie-breakers, in order:

1. Head to Head of two teams tied (disregard if more than two teams tied)
2. Team with highest goal differential per match up to three (3) goals, positive only.
3. Total goals scored
4. Least goals allowed
5. If still tied, both teams will proceed to an available field at Field Marshall’s discretion and determine winner by penalty kicks (see bellow format).

Tournament Overtime

Ties in preliminary games will remain a tie.
For quarter-final, semi-final and final matches, ties will be resolved in the following order:
1. One 3 minute “golden goal” overtime in which the winner shall be the first team to score a goal.
2. Penalty Kicks shootout. First round to consist of five players from each team kicking. Any players may kick. If tied after first round, kicks shall be taken one for one. Players cannot repeat until all eligible players have kicked.

Forfeits

Forfeits cause gross inconvenience to opponents and disruptions of schedule. Accordingly, forfeiting teams will be precluded from competition in semi-final and final matches, unless specifically authorized by the OBSB director or administrator under only most unique and/or emergency circumstances. A forfeit will be considered a 3-0 win for the non-forfeiting team.

Teams contemplating the use of players on more than one team must understand both teams may be in action at the same time and special scheduling for teams with duplicate players is not possible.

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LAWS OF THE GAME
(Adapted from the international Beach Soccer Assoc. And by Beach Soccer Worldwide, inc.Octagon Tavares.IBSA, Pro Beach Soccer, S.L. and Beach Soccer Company. They are developed to encourage Fair play and a spectacular game.)

1. Objectives of the Game

The game is provided for leisure, team play, friendship and healthy competition. Fair play is the essence of sand soccer.


2. The Competition Area, the Goals, and the Ball


2.1 Dimensions of the courts: Two sizes will be in use- 25x35 yard courts for most divisions and 30x40 yards for certain adult divisions. Perimeters will be marked with roping affixed to the sand. Substitutes, team delegates, and other spectators shall remain at least six (6) feet from the touchlines.

2.2 Penalty Box: A penalty Box will be delineated by coloured discs in the sand at each end of the court 8 yards out (9 yards on 30x40 courts) from, and paralleling, the baselines. The exact position of a penalty kick shall be form the centre of these imaginary lines.

2.3 Corners and centre of the Court: Corners will be marked with a standard corner flag. A 1-yard quadrant forms the corner area. A cone or flag will be placed on each touchline at midfield.

2.4 Goals: Vary in size by division form 6’ x 8’ to 7 x 18’ based on appropriate age group. Goals are aluminium construction and anchored to the sand at the baselines.

2.5 Ball: Twelve & younger divisions use a size 4; thirteen & older divisions a size 5; inflation pressure is 7lbs. The referee shall stop the match and the clock, and replace any ball showing signs of deformity. Dropping the replacement ball at the centre of the court restarts the match.

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3. The Game: Start, Duration, and its Rules


3.1 Start of Game: The referee will conduct a coin toss, with the winner given the choice of kickoff/court side options. The Kick-off will be made from the centre of the court on the referee’s whistle. Opposing players must remain at least 5 yards away from the ball. The ball must be passed forward. After a goal, the game restarts from the same point. A goal cannot be scored from the kickoff, but only after the ball has been passed once.


3.2 Duration of Game: All games shall employ three 11 minute periods, separated by two minute intermissions to exchange ends. A referee’s whistle ends each period. After the second period, the referee shall conduct a coin toss with same options as for the Game Start. Should the referee stop time for injury or if a team is wasting time, he/she may add extra time at the end of a period.


3.3 How to Win: See tie breaker information in “Tournament Standings” section above.


3.4 Scoring a Goal: A goal shall be scored when the ball entirely crosses over the goal line in the air or on the ground between the goal posts and under the crossbar.


3.5 Out of Play: The ball is considered out of play when the entire ball crosses the goal line or touchline.


3.6 The Pass-Back Rule: The goalkeeper shall not be allowed to touch the ball with his/her hands or arms when a ball is returned to him/her by the same teammate twice consecutively. This includes heading the ball to the goalkeeper or playing the ball from an inbounds pass to the goalkeeper without the ball having touched an opponent. Infraction of the pass-back rule results in the opposing team being awarded a free kick from the centre of the court.


3.7 Offside: There is no offside.


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4. Team Formation


4.1 Number of Players: The game is played by two teams of five players on each team with the exception of Youth U9 and U10 divisions, which will play seven (7) players per side. One of the players on the court for each team shall be the goalkeeper. Both teams must have a minimum of three players on the field to start the match.


4.2 Substitutions: There are no limits on substitutions. The substitute can only enter the court after a player that is being substituted for has left the court at the referee’s position on the halfway line.


4.3 Entering the Court: If a player breaks Rule 4.2 and enters the court before a teammate has left, he/she will receive a yellow card and be suspended for two (2) minutes. In this case, the team of the penalized player will continue to play without a replacement until the two-minute period is over (see Section 7.2: Yellow Cards)


4.4 Substitute Infraction: Restart for violation of Rule 4.2 shall be direct free kick from the centre of the court.


4.5 Minimum Number of Players: The minimum number of players on the court is three (3). The team that remains with less than three (3) players will be declared the loser of that game, regardless of the score at the time that the game was stopped. In this case, the score of the game, for goal average effect, will be 3 - 0 for the winning team.


4.6 Goalkeeper replacement: A goalkeeper may substitute for a field player, after a shirt change. Similarly, a field player may be substituted for a goalkeeper. Such substitutions may only be made during breaks between periods or after a stoppage in play, and after referee notification.


4.7 Goalkeeper ball handing: When the goalkeeper makes a save, or otherwise receives the ball from an in-play situation, he/she can distribute the ball by use of the feet or rolling the ball underhand, side armed or overhand. A goal CANNOT be scored directly from this type of goalkeeper distribution.


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5. Referees


5.1 Referees: The game shall be officiated by a referee located on the halfway line at the touchline. He/she may be seated or standing on an elevated platform or stand on the touchline at midfield. Their decisions are final. The referee will serve as timekeeper and scorekeeper, including controlling suspended players in the “Sin Bin”. The Tournament Committee shall determine, before the game, or during play, if conditions are suitable for safe play. Certain adult divisions may employ two referees on the field.


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6. Player Equipment


6.1 Footwear: It is strictly forbidden to wear any kind of footwear other than what is authorized. Authorized footwear includes bare feet, socks taped up and/or elastic ankle and/or foot wraps.


6.2 Uniforms: Team uniforms are come as you are, but they must be shirts of the same design and colour, with clearly visible identification numbers on the shirts. Playing vests will be supplied to teams that have a colour conflict. Goalkeepers shall wear uniform of contrasting colour with other players and the referee. Use of Plastic goggles for eye protection is allowed.

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7. Fouls and Infractions


7.1 Fouls: If any player commits any of the below infractions, there will be a Direct Free Kick taken from the spot of the infringement. The player who is faulted must take the free kick unless seriously injured and, in such case, his/her substitute shall execute the shot.


The referee shall allow play to continue when a team that has suffered the foul will benefit from such advantage, and shall penalize the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at the time.


It is considered a foul, and Direct Kick is awarded to the opposing team, if a player commits any of the following offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:


1. Kick or trip an opponent
2. Grab, hold, push, charge or intentionally obstruct an opponent
3. Touch the ball intentionally with the hand or arm. This does not apply to the goalkeeper in his/her own area, or if there is no intention of touching the ball with hand or arm.
4. Slide tackle, or jump, at an opponent
5. Playing in a dangerous manner

Any of these infractions committed by the defending team in the penalty area will be punished by a penalty kick.


7.2 Yellow Cards:


The referee shall show a Yellow Card when a player:


1. Commits a serious foul in the interpretation of the referee
2. Shows by act or word, disagreement with the referee’s decision
3. Shows lack of sportsmanship
4. Commits an infraction during a free kick or during a kickoff
5. Enters the court during a substitution before the player being replaced has entirely left the court or enters from an incorrect position


The player shall be suspended for two (2) minutes and the team of penalized player will continue to play without a replacement until the two-minute period is over, as notified by the referee. Suspension will be served in the “Sin Bin” immediately next to the referee’s chair or position. The two-minute penalty will carry over form one period to the next.


7.3 Red Cards:


The referee shall show a Red Card when a player:


1. Receives a second yellow card in one game
2. Intentionally denies with a foul an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent
3. Is guilty of serious foul play
4. Is guilty of violent conduct
5. Uses offensive, insulting or abusive language


The player shall be sent off the field without being able to re-enter the match and shall also be denied participation in the subsequent match, including the final round of competition (quarters. Semi’s or finals). The penalized team shall continue to play without a replacement for two (2) minutes. The referee will report the reason why the player was ejected to the Tournament Committee for possible additional sanctions.


7.4 Unsportsmanlike Behaviour off the Court


If a substitute player, coach or team delegate commits a serious aggression, or offends any spectator or participant of the game (i.e., the referee, players, members of the tournament committee), the referee shall show him/her the Red Card. He/she shall be sent out of the competition area. The individual’s name and reason for the suspension will be reported to the Tournament Committee for possible additional sanctions.


When Play is stopped for unsportsmanlike behaviour, restart will be by a direct free kick at the centre of the field.

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8. Free Kick


8.1 Free Kick: The referee will award a Direct Free Kick (from which a goal can be scored directly against the defending side) where a fouls has been committed. The player who received the infraction must take the free kick. Opponents will approach no closer than 5 yards.


8.2 Positioning of Players During Free Kicks: There will be no walls and opposing players must remain at least five (5) yards 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 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.


Note: The above concept is meant to discourage fouls in the defensive end by awarding basically undefended (except for goalkeeper) direct free kicks.


When taking a Free Kick, Corner Kick, or In-Bounds Kick, a player may place the ball on the spot of the foul and make a small mound to elevate the ball’s position.


8.3 Free Kick Start: A player who takes a Free Kick, or puts the ball in play, may not touch the ball twice consecutively. Breaking this rule will be punished with a Direct Free Kick at the point of infraction.


8.4 Infractions During Free Kicks: If any irregularity occurs when a Free Kick is being taken, the following will apply:


If the team taking the free kick commits the irregularity and the goal is scored, the shot will be repeated.


If the infringing team commits the irregularity, the free kick will be repeated unless a goal was scored, in which case the goal will stand.


8.5 Injury or Interference Restart: Indirect free kick from the centre of the field by team in possession at time of stoppage, or restart as applicable, i.e. ball out of touch

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9. Penalty Kicks


9.1 Penalty Kick: A penalty shot will be given when a foul is committed by an opponent inside the penalty box of the infringing player. The Penalty shot must be taken by the player that suffered the infraction, and is taken from a point in the centre of the goal on the penalty box line.


9.2 Fluid Movement: The player who takes the penalty kick must do it in a continuous movement.


9.3 Goalkeeper Position: When defending a penalty kick, the goalkeeper must position him/herself and can only move on the goal line between both goal posts.


9.4 Infractions During Penalty Kicks: If the team taking the penalty kick commits an irregularity and the goal is scored, the shot will be repeated. If the infringing team commits an irregularity, the penalty kick will be repeated, unless a goal was scored, in which case the goal will stand.


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10. Goalkeeper Restart of Game (Goal Kicks)


10.1 Restart: A goal kick will be awarded when a player of the attacking team plays or deflects the ball over the base line, excluding the goal itself. The goalkeeper shall restart play from anywhere in the penalty area with hands only and has five (5) seconds to do so, from the moment he/she stands and has control of the ball. A goal cannot be scored directly form the restart. In such case, the other goalkeeper shall restart play. If the goalkeeper delays the game, the opposing team shall be awarded a free kick from the centre of the court.


10.2 Goalkeeper Scoring: A goalkeeper cannot score by directly throwing the ball with their hands into the goal of the opposing team. The goalkeeper cannot score if he/she kicks the ball in the air (volley) before it touches the ground after releasing it from their hands. In either event, the opposing team is awarded a goal kick. The goalkeeper can score if he/she puts the ball down on the ground and controls it with their feet during the normal course of play (not during restarts, as stated in Rule 10.1)


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11. Corner Kick


11.1 Corner Kick: Shall be given when a player of the defensive team touches the ball out of bounds through the base line. The corner kick must be taken with the feet. The place where the corner is taken must be within one (1) yard of the Corner Flag. A goal may be scored directly off a corner kick. Opposing players may not approach the player taking the kick closer than five (5) yards. The player executing the kick has 5 seconds to do so after gaining possession of the ball. If the player infringes on his/her 5 seconds, the opponent goalkeeper shall restart play.


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12. Ball In/Out of Play (Touch lines)


12.1 Out of Bounds: A ball is considered out of play when ALL of the ball crosses over the touchline. Restart will be by standard throw-in at the point of infraction. Opposing players may approach no closer than five (5) yards. A goal cannot be scored off a Throw-in. The player shall have 5 seconds to inbound the ball. By infringing this rule, possession will be reversed to the opposing team.