Rules
General
Off the Wall Soccer, 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 canceled in whole or in part. All decisions of the referee are final and binding. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on all matters relative to the tournament and all decisions are final.
NO PROTESTS ARE ALLOWED
In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament Committee may reschedule a game, change the division structure, reduce game duration, or cancel a game.
Registration
● All teams shall be allowed a maximum of 10 players on their roster
● Players must be listed on the roster at registration check-in to be eligible to play; no additions to the roster are permitted after the team has submitted the roster to OWST.
● All teams are co-ed
Players may play UP in age group, but no team can include a player playing DOWN in age. Teams in all divisions must enter the division for the oldest player on their team.
A player may compete on more than one team, but the Tournament Committee cannot give special scheduling consideration to such circumstances.
Start of Play
Coaches shall ensure that all players are on the scene a minimum of 20 minutes before a scheduled game. A team that cannot field 3 players at the scheduled start time shall forfeit the game. The team forfeiting shall be declared the loser by a score of 4 goals to none (4 - 0). If no referee is present within 5 minutes of the scheduled start time, the game will be rescheduled unless both teams agree to proceed. If the game proceeds, the score shall stand as played without protest.
Tournament Standings will be based on the following point scale:
WIN -=3 PTS,
TIE = 2 PTS
GOAL = 1pt
LOSS = 0 PTS
The top 3 teams with the most overall points will be declared as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and will receive awards at the conclusion of the event.
OVERALL MVP = The player with the most points in the tournament will receive a plaque
NOTE: if there is a tie at the end of the tournament the MVP will go to the player that is on the team with the most overall points.
TIEBREAKERS
in the event that there is a tie in overall points after the event, there will be a sudden-death game played, and the first to score will be declared the winner.
A. Objectives of the Game
The game is provided for leisure, team play, friendship, and healthy competition. Fair play is the essence of Off the Wall Soccer.
B. Rules of the Game
Rule 1: The Pitch Dimensions of the field are 60 x 30 feet for all divisions. Perimeters will be the side walls of the inflatable soccer pitch. Substitutes, team delegates, and other spectators shall remain at least 6 feet from the side walls.
1.2 Penalty Area: halfway point in the field
1.3 Corner Area: Corners will not be marked as there are no out-of-bounds. If the ball is kicked over the playing field the ball shall immediately be returned to play by any outside participant and play shall immediately resume.
1.4 Goals: The goals are vinyl construction and anchored to the grass with the rest of the inflatable. The entire goal’s framework is considered active play provided that the ball has not gone out of play.
1.5 Substitution Zone: The Substitution Zone is the area on the the wall that has a porthole to allow players to enter and exit the field, substitutions are unlimited and can be completed at any time during gameplay.
Rule 2: The Ball
All divisions and age groups shall play with a FUTSAL ball designed for indoor matches to keep the ball on the ground, these balls are weighted.
8U and 10U will play with a size 3 ball, 12U and 14U will play with a size 4 ball.
Rule 3: The Players
3.1 Number of Players: The game is played by 2 teams consisting of a maximum of 5 players on each team. One of the players on the field for each team shall be the goalkeeper (SEE GOAL KEEPER SECTION). Both teams must have a minimum of 3 players on the field to start the game. All players on the roster may compete in each game unless sitting out due to a red card from the previous game. All Games are Co-ed
3.2 Substitutions: Substitutions are “on the fly”. There are no limits on substitutions. The substitute shall only enter the field after the player being substituted for has left the field via the Substitution Zone located on the side porthole in the walls of the field.
3.2a Substitute Infringement: If a substitute enters the field before the player has left, they shall leave the field of play and receive a verbal caution. The opposing team is awarded a Direct Free Kick from the center of the pitch. Any player from the opposing team on the field may take this kick. A goal CAN be scored directly from this restart. This is also for playing in a dangerous manner.
3.3 Minimum Number of Players: The minimum number of players on the field is 3. The team that has fewer than 3 eligible players shall 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, shall be 4-0 for the winning team.
3.4 Goalkeeper: Goalkeepers can be any player on the field and do not need to be designated as the "Goalie", the player in the goalbox may progress the ball upfield without any penalty, You may choose to not have a goalie in the box if desired.
Rule 4: The Players’ Equipment
4.1 Footwear: Authorized footwear includes bare feet, cotton socks taped to ankles, elastic ankle and/or foot wraps, beach shoes, and soft-sole tennis shoes/ walking shoes. Cleats of any kind are prohibited from use, if cleats are seen on a player they will be asked to leave the field and may not re-enter the field until the cleats are removed. the use of shin guards is required for this event.
4.2 Uniforms: Uniforms consist of shirts and shorts. you are encouraged to create a fun uniform for your team to wear for this tournament.
Rule 5: The Referees
5.1. The game shall be officiated by a referee whose decisions are final. The referee will serve as the timekeeper.
5.2. Refs will mostly be of youth-age volunteers and are there for fun, ANY YELLING AT THE REFS OR THE OPOSSING TEAM IN A NEGATIVE MANNER WILL BE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Rule 6: The Other Match Official
Additional Match Officials if required.
Rule 7: The Duration of the Match
All matches shall employ ONE 30-minute match with no halftime, each game is strictly scheduled and must start and end on time.
Rule 8: The Start and Restart of Play
8.1. Kick-off Procedure. To start a match the ball will be dropped in the center of the field and gameplay can start, similar to dropping a puck in hockey, or tipoff in basketball.
8.2. After a goal. once a goal is scored, the ball may immediately be kicked from the player in the goalie position, no resetting of the field or stopping the clock.
● A goal CAN be scored directly from the kick-off
8.3. Dropped Ball Procedure: Dropped Ball situations include Injury, Outside Interference, Defective Goal or Defective Ball Restart. If the game is stopped for any of the previously mentioned reasons while the ball is out of play, the restart will take place as soon as the ball re-enters the pitch.
Rule 9: The Ball In and Out of Play
9.1. Ball is out of play:
In the event of the ball being kicked over the walls, the ball may be tossed back in by a spectator, and the game shall immediately resume.
Note: if a spectator throws the ball in a goal, that score will not count.
If the ball comes in contact with an official, the ball may be played, the official is a part of the field and would not be considered interference if the ball hits a referee.
The ball goes directly into the goal
9.2. The ball is in play at all other times when it touches a match official, as well as when it rebounds off a goalpost, the crossbar, or a corner flag post and remains on the pitch.
Rule 10: Determining the Outcome of a Match
10.1 Tournament Overtime: Ties in preliminary games will remain a tie. In the event that there is a tie in overall points after the event for teams placed in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd positions, there will be a sudden-death game played, and the first to score will be declared the winner.
10.2 Forfeits: Any team found to have played with an ineligible player (not on the roster, red-carded player, etc.) or violating any registration criteria shall have their games subject to forfeiture and not be eligible for any pole positions unless specifically authorized by the OWST Tournament Committee under unique circumstances. The team forfeiting shall be declared the loser by a score of 4 goals to none (4-0).
Rule 11: Offside
11.1 There is no offside in Off the Wall Soccer
Rule 12: Fouls and Misconduct
12.1 Direct Free Kick: A Direct Free Kick from the center of the pitch is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits ANY of the following offenses in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:
● Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent;
● Tackles or attempts to tackle an opponent;
● Jumps at an opponent;
● Charges an opponent;
● Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent;
● Pushes an opponent;
● Slides AT an opponent (See ADDENDUM B)
A Direct Free Kick from the center of the pitch is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits ANY of the following offenses:
● Holds an opponent;
● Spits at an opponent;
● Handles the ball, i.e. deliberately carries, propels, or throws it with a hand or arm (accidental handballs will not be considered a handball)
● Holds the ball deliberately with their legs so as to waste time;
● Plays in a dangerous manner;
● Deliberately obstructs an opponent;
● Prevents the goalkeeper from kicking the ball after a goal is scored
● Tackles an opponent before the ball when attempting to win possession;
A Direct Free Kick from the center of the pitch is awarded if a player commits any of the following offenses in their team’s own half of the pitch:
● plays in a dangerous manner (as defined below);
● impedes the progress of an opponent without any contact being made;
● attempts to deceive the referees, e.g. by feigning injury or pretending to have been fouled (simulation);
● is guilty of dissent, using offensive, insulting, or abusive language and/or action(s) or other verbal offenses;
● any other offense not mentioned in the Laws of the Game for which play is stopped to caution or send off a player; A Direct Free Kick to be taken from the center of the pitch is also awarded:
12.2 Yellow Cards:
A player is cautioned (shown a yellow card) if they commit any of the following offenses:
● Is guilty of unsporting behavior;
● Shows dissent by word or action;
● Persistently infringes the Laws of the Game;
● Delays the restart of play;
● Fails to respect the required distance during a kick-off, corner kick, ball inbound, or Direct Free Kick;
● infringes the substitution procedure;
● Is guilty of unsporting behavior;
● Shows dissent by word or action;
● Delays the restart of play;
● Entering the field NOT in accordance with the substitution procedure.
12.3 Red Cards:
A player, substitute, coach, or team delegate is sent off (shown a red card) if they commit any of the following offenses:
● Is guilty of serious foul play;
● Is guilty of violent conduct;
● Deliberately throws objects at anyone in a violent manner;
● Spits at an opponent or anyone else;
● Denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball.
● Denies an opponent moving towards the player‘s goal an obvious goal scoring opportunity by committing an offence punishable by a Direct Free Kick or a Penalty Kick;
● Uses offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures;
● Receives a second caution (yellow card) in the same game;
The individual issued the red card must leave the vicinity of the field (sight and sound) and if a player, shall also be denied participation in that team’s subsequent game. The Referee will fill out a Referee Incident Report and report the reason why the individual was sent off to the Tournament Committee for possible additional sanctions. Any team found to have played with an ineligible player shall have the game(s) that the ineligible player participated in subject to forfeiture.
12.4 Unsportsmanlike Behavior off the Field:
If a player, substitute, coach, or team delegate commits serious aggression, or offends any spectator or participant of the game (i.e., the referee, players, or members of the Tournament staff, or attendees of the event) the referee shall display a red card and send them out of the competition area. The individual’s name and reason for suspension will be reported to the Tournament Committee for possible additional sanctions. When play is stopped for unsportsmanlike behavior off the field, the opposing team will be awarded a Direct Free Kick from the center of the pitch. A goal CAN be scored directly from this restart.
12.5 Misconduct Without A Foul:
The opposing team will be awarded a Direct Free kick from the center of the pitch. A goal CAN be scored directly from this restart.
Rule 13: Free Kicks
13.1 Direct Free Kick: The opposing team shall be awarded a Direct Free Kick from the center of the pitch. The player who has been fouled shall take the kick unless the player is seriously injured in which case their substitute shall take the kick. If no substitute is available, then one of the remaining players will take the kick. The ball is in play when it is kicked or touched. The kicker may touch the ball again even if the ball has touched another player or the side walls. For kicks in a team’s own penalty area – the ball is in play when it leaves the penalty area. NOTE: the defensive team may NOT form a wall.
13.2 Positioning of Players During Free Kicks: All players except the kicker must remain at least 10 feet away from the ball until it is in play. This requirement also applies to Direct Free Kicks taken from the center of the pitch. Players of both teams, except for the defending goalkeeper, will remain outside of the Clear Zone until the ball is in play and cannot play the ball while in the air until one of the following occurs after the kick, which releases all restrictions, and any player may touch or play the ball:
● The defending goalkeeper may protect his/her face with their arms to keep from injury and will not be called a handball.
● The ball leaves the Clear Zone;
● The ball touches the sidewall or grass.
13.3 Free Kick Start:
If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with hands) before it has touched another player:
● Referee stops play and awards a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offense was committed, provided this was in the half of the pitch of the team defending the free kick, or from the center of the pitch if the offense was committed in the team’s own half of the pitch. A goal CAN be scored directly from this restart. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (with hands) before it has touched another player
● The referee stops play and awards a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement was committed. A goal CAN be scored directly from this restart.
13.4 Infringement During Free Kicks:
13.4a: If an infringement is committed by the attacking team in their half of the field, the opposing team will be awarded a Direct Free Kick from the center of the pitch. If in the opposing team's half of the field, the opposing team will be awarded a Direct Free Kick from the location of the touch. A goal CAN be scored directly from this restart.
13.4b: If an infringement is committed by the defending team and a goal is scored, the goal stands and the restart is a Kickoff.
13.4c: If an infringement is committed by the defending team and a goal is not scored, the opposing team will be awarded a Direct Free Kick from where the offense occurred, unless it occurred within the offending team’s penalty area, in which case a Penalty Kick will be awarded. A goal can be scored directly from this restart.
13.4d: If an infringement is committed by both teams, the Direct Free Kick shall be retaken.
Rule 14 The Penalty Kick
14.1 Penalty Kick: Same procedures as grass soccer with the following exceptions:
● All players except the keeper must be outside the penalty area and at least 10 feet behind the player kicking the ball.
● If they are injured and must leave the field, their substitute will kick for them
○ If the offense was not a foul on a particular player (e.g. handball) the penalty kick may be taken by any player or substitute of the team
Rule 15: The Kick-In/Throw-In
15.1 Kick-In:
● A goal CAN be scored directly from a kick-in/throw-in unless the ball was thrown into the playing field by an outside spectator, that goal would not be counted.
Rule 16: The Goal Clearance and Goalkeeper Save
16.1. If the goalkeeper takes the goal clearance using their feet, the play resumes and the goalkeeper CAN advance the ball downfield.
16.2 Goalkeeper Scoring from a Save when the Ball is in Play:
When the goalkeeper makes a save or otherwise receives the ball from an in-play situation, they can distribute the ball by use of the feet. A goalkeeper CAN score directly.
16.5 The Pass Back Rule:
Since the goalkeeper can be anyone on the field the ball may be passed back to the goalkeeper just as you would pass the ball to any other player on the field.
17. After the Goal
Once a goal is scored the scoring team shall return to the halfway point of the field and be ready to play.
17.1 Start of play after a goal
Once a goal is scored the ball may be passed out or progressed down field, once the ball leaves the goal area the ball is in play and the other team may attempt to steal the ball and score again.
MOST IMPORTANT RULE HAVE FUN!