Safety Rules
The objective of these rules is to ensure safe and competitive tournaments played in a friendly fun manner
Walking rule
Teams
Players equipment
Playing area, goals and ball
Duration of play
Three touch rule
Height of ball restriction
Areas of play
Free kicks and penalties
Offside
Substitution procedures
Disciplinary sanctions
Appeals committee
1. Walking rule - Walking is defined as “always having one foot in touch with the ground whilst moving”. The referee will award an indirect free kick against any player who is seen to be not walking while moving. If a team is penalised on five occasions in a match for infringing the walking rule, a blue card will be issued this will result in the award of as penalty kick against them. Each subsequent infringement will result in the award of a further penalty kick.
2. Teams - Teams will comprise 6 players. A maximum number of 4 substitutes is permitted.
3. Players’ equipment - Players must wear designated AstroTurf or moulded studded footwear. Screw-in metal studs and blades are not allowed. All jewellery must be removed or taped over; watches must be removed.. Fitbits must be covered over. Spectacles may be worn. Shinguards must be worn.
4. Playing area, goals and ball - The playing area will be approximately 38mx28m. Goals will be similar in size to standard Futsal goals. A size 4 ball will be used.
5. Duration of matches - The duration of matches shall be divided into 2 equal periods of 6 or 7 minutes.
6. Three touch rule - An outfield player is limited to three touches of the ball uninterrupted by another player touching the ball. A fourth touch will be an infringement and result in the award of an indirect free kick. A player having used three touches should step back two metres from the ball and not obstruct play. Goalkeepers must distribute the ball in an underarm “bowling” motion. Goalkeepers may not kick the ball directly from their hands. Goalkeepers cannot control the ball with their hands from a pass back. Goalkeepers have unlimited touches but are not allowed to run at any point.
7. Height of ball restriction - A height restriction is set at the height of the crossbar. If the ball is kicked by any player above the designated height an indirect free kick will be awarded. If the ball rises above the designated height restriction due to a block/deflection by a player or a block/deflection or save by a goalkeeper, then play should continue without the award of a free kick or penalty. If the ball is going above head height and the keeper chooses to try and play the ball, then the play will continue as normal. Heading the ball is not permitted at all and will result in a free kick.
8. Areas of play - The playing area will include a Goalkeeper Safe Zone (GSZ). A goalkeeper cannot exit the (GSZ). If a goalkeeper exits their area a penalty will be awarded. Access to the GSZ is restricted to goalkeepers. Entry to the (GSZ) by a player will result in the award of a penalty for defending players and an indirect free kick for attacking players.
9. Free kicks and penalties - Infringements outside of the (GSZ) will result in the award of an indirect free kick. Infringements will include over physical contact, barging and excessive use of upper body strength. No Tackling from behind or overzealous tackling will be permitted, this will be at the referee’s discretion. The game should be semi-contact and controlled tackling is allowed. Denying a goal scoring opportunity by any foul means will be punished by the award of a penalty kick. Goalkeepers leaving their (GSZ) or any defender entering the (GSZ) will also be punished by a Penalty kick. Goalkeepers kicking or throwing the ball above head height will be punished by a penalty kick unless the referee deems the touch as a block rather than a deliberate kick. Penalty Kicks – The penalty taker must start their approach no more than one metre from the ball. Kick ins must be taken from behind the touchline but within two metres of the line.
10. Offside - There is no offside.
11. Substitution procedures - The number of substitutions made during a match is unlimited. A player who has been replaced may return to the field of play as a substitute for another player. Substitutions should take place when there is a break in player during play if sanctioned the second official where there is one. Any of other players, or substitutes, may change places with the goalkeeper. The referee must be made aware of any change before it takes place and a change may only be made during a stoppage in play. The replacement goalkeeper must wear a jersey which distinguishes them from other players and the referee. The goalkeeper cannot be changed just for penalties.
12. Disciplinary sanctions - Blue card offences will be dealt with as per Rule 1. Yellow and red cards will be issued in line with normal rules related to foul play. Any player receiving a yellow card will be removed from the field of play, but can be replaced by another team member, there will also be an automatic goal award for the opposition for any sending off offence. Any player receiving a red card will be suspended from playing in all remaining matches in the tournament and a goal will automatically be awarded to the opposition.
13. Appeals committee - Appeals against sanctions noted above or any other matters relating to the tournament will be heard by the tournament disciplinary committee which will consist of two officials from walkingfootballtours.com and two senior referees.