Inspired by the acrobatic football played on the beaches of Brazil, the rules of beach soccer encourage a spectacular game. Supported globally by FIFA and its own governing body [Beach Soccer Worldwide], and nationally by The FA, beach soccer has seen an incredible rise in popularity in the UK in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. On average, there is a shot on goal every thirty seconds, which makes it a great game for players and spectators alike.
When playing, it is important to remember that beach soccer is not football. While the aim of the game is the same, rules on conduct are much stricter, as are those on contact. Swearing, heavy contact and sliding tackles, for example, will all receive a red card. Fair Play is always the essence of the game. Beach Soccer is played on a soft sand pitch 28m by 37m, or roughly one quarter the size of a grass pitch. Goals are big - 2.2m high and 5.5m wide. Professional games are played over three periods of 12 minutes, but Cup events are often shorter, particularly in the group stages. There are no draws in beach soccer; matches are decided by Golden Goal overtime, and if scores are still tied, a sudden-death penalty shootout. Teams receive three points for winning in regulation time or with a golden goal, but only two for a win on penalties.
In beach soccer teams consist of up to ten players, with five on the sand at any one time. Successful teams make good use of the unlimited substitutions allowed. They can be made at any time, but only at your team’s designated substitution zone, and you must wait for the player to completely leave the sand before the substitute steps out onto the pitch. No footwear or shinpads are allowed, although soft strapping is permitted. The ball is virtually the same size as a grass football, but is much lighter and designed to be struck barefoot!
Goalkeepers may wear gloves. They must restart the game with a throw [but cannot score directly as a result – the ball must touch at least one other player], and only one back pass is allowed. The goalkeepers’ area covers a quarter of the pitch, making them a particularly important member of your team.
Free kicks are always direct, and no walls are allowed. Any player fouled must take the kick themselves - unless physically unable to do so as a result of the foul! If the foul occurs in the defending team’s half, all players except the defending ‘keeper and the player taking the kick must be behind and at least 5m away from the ball. If the foul occurs in the attacking team’s half, the player taking the kick must still have a clear view of the goal, but the other players are allowed goal-side of the ball. ‘Throw-ins’ from the sidelines can be taken by any player, and can be done using two hands – as in grass football – or the ball can be kicked back into play. You cannot score directly from a throw-in or kick-in.
Before taking part in an event, we recommend you and your team-mates read the Official Rules. If you’ve never played beach soccer before, the best advice is to get hold of a beach soccer ball, get on the sand, and practise playing barefoot!