Notes on the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game
Modifications
Subject to the agreement of the member association concerned and provided the fundamental principles of these Laws are maintained, the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game may be modified in their application for matches for players of under 16 years of age, for women footballers, for veteran footballers (over 35 years of age) and for players with disabilities.
Any or all of the following modifications are permissible:
• Size of the pitch
• Size, weight and material of the ball
• Width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground
• Duration of the periods of play
• Number of players
Further modifications are only allowed with the consent of the FIFA Refereeing Department and the approval of the FIFA Beach Soccer Committee.
N.B. Terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and vice versa.
Changes
In view of the number of modifications to the structure of the Laws, it has been decided that no line will be used in the margin to indicate the amendments in this edition.
Pitch surface
The surface is composed of sand, and is level and free of pebbles, shells and any other objects which could injure the players.
For international competitions, the sand must be fine and at least 40cm deep. It must be sifted until suitable for play, must not be rough or contain pebbles or any other dangerous elements; however, it must not be so fine as to cause dust that sticks to the skin.
Pitch markings
The pitch must be rectangular and marked with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.
The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines. The two shorter boundary lines are called goal lines, although there is no line between the goalposts.
The field of play is divided into two halves by an imaginary halfway line marked by two red flags located outside the pitch.
The imaginary central point of this imaginary line is the exact position for the kick-off and certain free kicks.
Marks must be drawn on the goal line and touch line, 5m from each imaginary corner arc, to indicate the distance by which defending players must retreat when a corner kick is being taken.
Marks must be drawn on the touch line closest to the teams’ benches, 2.5m from the imaginary halfway line and to the right and left, to indicate the maximum distance that must be observed during substitutions.
Marks must be drawn on the touch line opposite the teams’ benches, 5m to the right and left of the imaginary halfway line, to indicate the minimum distance that must be observed at kick-offs.
Marks must be drawn on each touch line, level with the imaginary penalty area lines, to help the referees identify the penalty areas.
Dimensions
The touch line must be longer than the goal line.
All lines are 10cm wide and are made of coloured tape that contrasts with the sand (preferably blue). The tape must be flexible and hard-wearing but not harm the players’ feet. These lines must be firmly anchored to the sand at each corner and in the middle of each touch line with special clamps, and to the goals with rubber rings attached to the posts.
Length (touch line): min. 35m
max. 37m
Width (goal line): min. 26m max. 28m
The penalty area
The penalty area is the area on the pitch between the goal line and an imaginary parallel line at a distance of 9m from the goal line, and marked by two yellow flags placed next to each touch line outside the pitch.
Within each penalty area, there is an imaginary penalty mark 9m from the midpoint of the line between the goalposts and equidistant to them.
Flags
The flagposts must be made of unbreakable and pliable plastic and be at least
1.5m high.
A total of ten flags are used as follows:
• One red flag in each corner of the pitch
• One red flag at each end of the imaginary halfway line, securely anchored at a distance of between 1m and 1.5m outside the touch lines
• One yellow flag at each end of the imaginary lines marking the penalty area, securely anchored at a distance of between 1m and 1.5m outside the touch lines
Imaginary corner arc
There will be an imaginary quarter circle inside the pitch, with a radius of 1m from each corner.
Goals
A goal is placed on the centre of each goal line.
A goal consists of two upright posts equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The goalposts and crossbar must be made of wood, metal or another approved material. They must be round or elliptical in shape and must not be dangerous to players.
The distance (inside measurement) between the posts is 5.5m and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.2m.
The posts and crossbar have the same diameter of 10cm and are of only one colour (preferably fluorescent yellow). The goal lines are the same width as the goalposts and the crossbar. The nets must be made of hemp, jute or nylon or another approved material, and are attached to the back of the goalposts and the crossbar with a suitable means of support. They must not interfere with or endanger the goalkeeper or the players.
For safety reasons, the bottom of each post has a ledge that is anchored beneath the sand. Two horizontal bars measuring 1.5m attached to the back of each post are joined by a bar or chain at the back covered with plastic, with hooks and knots at each end, and placed on the surface of the sand. This bar (or chain) is also anchored in the sand.
Substitution zone
The substitution zone is the area on the touch line in front of the timekeeper’s table, the purpose of which is described in Law 3.
• The substitution zone is 5m in length, extending 2.5m to each side of the intersection between the imaginary halfway line and the touch line
• The teams’ benches are placed beyond the touch line and the substitution zone
• The area in front of the timekeeper’s table, 2.5m to either side of the imaginary halfway line, is kept clear
Safety
The pitch is surrounded by a safety zone perimeter measuring 1.5m to 2m wide.
Decision 1
The technical area must meet the requirements contained in the section entitled “The Technical Area”.
Qualities and measurements
The ball:
• is spherical
• is made of leather or another suitable material
• has a circumference of not less than 68cm and not more than 70cm
• weighs no more than 440g and no less than 400g at the start of the match
• has a pressure of between 0.4 and 0.6 atmospheres at sea level
Replacement of a defective ball
If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match, play is stopped.
• The referee restarts play with a dropped ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
• Play is restarted by retaking the kick if the ball bursts or becomes defective while a free kick or a kick from the imaginary penalty mark is being
taken and does not touch the goalposts, the crossbar or a player, and no infringement is committed
If the ball bursts or becomes defective while not in play (at a kick-off, goal clearance, corner kick, dropped ball, free kick, penalty kick or ball inbound), play is restarted in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
Ball kids and the third referee may hold additional balls around the pitch so that play can continue quickly.
Logos on balls
In addition to the requirements of Law 2, acceptance of a ball for use in matches played in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA or the confederations is conditional upon the ball bearing one of the following:
• FIFA QUALITY
• FIFA QUALITY PRO
• IMS - INTERNATIONAL MATCH STANDARD
Balls carrying previous quality marks such as “FIFA Approved”, “FIFA Inspected” or “International Match Standard” may be used in aforementioned competitions until July 2017.
Such a logo on a ball indicates that it has been tested officially and found to be in compliance with specific technical requirements, different for each logo and additional to the minimum specifications stipulated in Law 2. The list of the additional requirements specific to each of the respective logos must be approved by The International F.A. Board. The institutes conducting the tests are subject to the approval of FIFA.
Member association competitions may also require the use of balls bearing any one of these three logos.
Advertising
In matches played in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA, the confederations or the member associations, no form of commercial advertising on the ball is permitted, except for the emblem of the competition, the name of the competition organiser and the authorised trademark of the manufacturer. The competition regulations may restrict the size and number of such markings.
Players
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than five players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than three players.
The match is abandoned if one of the teams has fewer than three players on the pitch.
Official competitions
Up to a maximum of seven substitutes may be used in any match played in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA, the confederations or the member associations. The rules of the competition must state how many substitutes may be named, up to a maximum of seven.
The number of substitutions that may be made during a match is unlimited.
Other matches
In national “A” team matches, a maximum of ten substitutes may be used.
In all other matches, a greater number of substitutes may be used, provided that:
• the competition regulations do not prohibit it
• the teams concerned reach an agreement on a maximum number
• the referees are informed before the match
If the referees are not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the match, no more than ten substitutes are allowed.
All matches
In all matches, the names of the players and substitutes must be given to the referees prior to the start of the match, whether they are present or not. Any player or substitute whose name is not given to the referees at this time may not take part in the match.
Substitution procedure
A substitution may be made at any time, whether the ball is in play or not. To substitute a player, the following conditions must be observed:
• The player leaves the pitch via the substitution zone, save in the exceptions provided for in the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game
• The substitute may only enter the pitch after the player being replaced has left it
• The substitute enters the pitch via the substitution zone
• The substitution is completed when a substitute enters the pitch via the substitution zone after handing his bib to the player being replaced, unless this player has had to leave the pitch via another zone for any reason provided for in the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game, in which case the substitute must hand his bib to the third referee
• From that moment, the substitute becomes a player and the player he has replaced becomes a substitute
• The substituted player may take further part in the match
• All substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referees, whether called upon to play or not
• If a period is extended to allow a penalty kick or a free kick to be taken, no other substitutions may be made, with the exception of the defending goalkeeper or the player taking the kick, if he has an injury that prevents him from taking the kick
• If the ball is in play, the timing device is not stopped while players are being substituted
Changing goalkeepers
• Any substitute may change places with the goalkeeper without informing the referees or waiting for a stoppage in the match
• Any player may change places with the goalkeeper
• The player changing places with the goalkeeper must do so during a stoppage in the match and must inform the referees before the change is made
• A player or substitute replacing the goalkeeper must wear a goalkeeper’s jersey with the corresponding number on the back
Infringements and sanctions
If a substitute enters the pitch before the player being replaced has left or, during a substitution, a substitute enters the pitch from a place other than the substitution zone:
• the referees stop play (although not immediately if they can apply the advantage)
• the referees caution him for infringing the substitution procedure and order him to leave the pitch
If the referees have stopped play, it is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken:
• from the position of the ball at the time of the stoppage if the ball was in the half of the team against which the offence was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If the ball was out of play, the match is restarted in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game. If the substitute or his team commits an additional infringement, play is restarted in accordance with the section entitled “Interpretation of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees (Law 3)”.
If, during a substitution, the player being replaced leaves the pitch for reasons not provided for in the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game and via a place other than the substitution zone:
• the referees stop play (although not immediately if they can apply the advantage)
• the referees caution him for infringing the substitution procedure, after ordering him to return to the pitch. If the substitute has already entered the pitch, the referees first order him to leave the pitch and then order the player being replaced to return to the pitch in order to caution him
If the referees have stopped play, it is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken:
• from the position of the ball at the time of the stoppage if the ball was in the half of the team against which the offence was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If the ball was out of play, the match is restarted in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
For any other infringement of this Law, the players concerned are cautioned (although not immediately if the advantage can be applied).
In special cases, play is restarted in accordance with the section entitled “Interpretation of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees (Law 3)”.
Players and substitutes sent off
A player who has been sent off before the kick-off may be replaced only by one of the named substitutes.
A named substitute who has been sent off, either before the kick-off or after play has started, may not be replaced.
A substitute may replace a sent-off player and enter the pitch after two minutes of playing time have elapsed since the sending-off, provided that he has the authorisation of the timekeeper or the third referee (assistant referees), unless a goal is scored before the two minutes have elapsed, in which case the following conditions apply:
• If there are five players against four and the team with the greater number of players scores a goal, the team with only four players may be completed with a fifth player
• If both teams are playing with three or four players and a goal is scored, both teams remain with the same number of players
• If there are five players against three, or four against three, and the team with the greater number of players scores a goal, the team with three players may be increased by one player only
• If the team that scores the goal is the one with fewer players, the game continues without changing the number of players
Safety
A player must not use equipment or wear anything (including any kind of jewellery) that could be dangerous to himself or another player.
Basic equipment
The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate items:
• A jersey or shirt with sleeves – if undergarments are worn, the colour of their sleeves must be the same main colour as the sleeve of the jersey or shirt
• Shorts – if undershorts are worn, they must be of the same main colour as the shorts. The goalkeeper is permitted to wear long trousers
Footwear is not permitted. Elastic binding is permitted provided that it does not fully cover the feet, ankles or toes.
Colours
• The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and also from the referees and the assistant referees
• Each goalkeeper must wear colours that distinguish him from the other players, the referees and the assistant referees
Infringements and sanctions
In the event of any infringement of this Law:
• play does not need to be stopped
• the player at fault is instructed by the referees to leave the pitch to correct his equipment when the ball next goes out of play, unless he has already corrected his equipment
• any player required to leave the pitch to correct his equipment must not re-enter without the permission of the referees or the third referee
• the referees or the third referee ensure that the player’s equipment is correct before allowing him to re-enter the pitch
• the player, regardless of whether he was substituted or not, may only return to the pitch once play has restarted, but only when the ball is out of play again
A player who has been required to leave the pitch because of an infringement of this Law and who has not been substituted and then re-enters the pitch without the permission of the referees or the third referee must be cautioned.
Restart of play
If the referees do not apply the advantage and stop play to caution the offending player:
• the match is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken:
– from the position of the ball at the time of the stoppage if the ball was in the half of the team against which the offence was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
– from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
Basic compulsory equipment
The basic compulsory equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, images or statements. The team of a player whose basic compulsory equipment has political, religious or personal slogans, images or statements will be sanctioned by the competition organiser or by FIFA.
Undergarments
Players must not reveal undergarments showing political, religious or personal slogans, images or statements, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo.
Players or teams revealing undergarments showing slogans, images or political, religious or personal statements, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo will be sanctioned by the competition organiser or by FIFA.
The referees’ authority
Each match is controlled by two referees (the referee and the second referee), who have the full authority to enforce the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game in connection with the match for which they have been appointed.
Powers and duties
The referees:
• enforce the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game
• control the match in cooperation with the assistant referees, where applicable
• ensure that any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2
• ensure that the players’ equipment meets the requirements of Law 4
• keep a record of all incidents that occur during the match
• stop the match, at their discretion, for any infringements of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game
• stop the match in the event of outside interference of any kind
• stop the match if, in their opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensure that he is removed from the pitch. An injured player may only return to the pitch after the match has restarted and with the authorisation of the referees or the third referee
• allow play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in their opinion, only slightly injured
• ensure that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the pitch. The player may only return with the authorisation of the referees or the third referee, who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped
• allow play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalise the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time
• punish the more serious offence when a player commits more than one offence at the same time
• punish the more serious act of misconduct when a player commits more than one act of misconduct at the same time
• take disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offences. They are not obliged to take this action immediately but must do so when the ball next goes out of play
• take action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner, and may, at their discretion, expel them from the technical area and the surrounds of the pitch
• ensure that no unauthorised persons enter the pitch
• indicate the restart of the match after it has been stopped
• give the signals described in the section entitled “Referee and Assistant Referee Signals”
• position themselves on the pitch as described in the sections entitled “Positioning”, which are part of the “Interpretation of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees (Law 5 – The Referees)”, when they are required to do so
• provide the appropriate authorities with a match report, which includes information on any sanctions imposed on players and/or team officials, and any other incidents that occurred before, during or after the match
The referee:
• acts as timekeeper and third referee in the event that the assistant referees are not present
• suspends or abandons the match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game
• suspends or abandons the match in the event of outside interference of any kind
The second referee:
• replaces the referee in the event that he becomes injured or indisposed
Referees’ decisions
The decisions of the referees regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final.
The referees may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at their discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee, provided that they have not restarted play or terminated the match.
The decisions of the referee prevail over those of the second referee if both signal an infringement and there is disagreement between them.
In the event of undue interference or improper conduct, the referee will relieve the second referee or the assistant referees of their duties, arrange for them to be substituted and make a report to the appropriate authorities.
Responsibilities of the referees
The referees (or where applicable, the assistant referees) are not held liable for:
• any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator
• any damage to property of any kind
• any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or other body, which is due or which may be due to any decision that they may take under the terms of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game or in respect of the normal procedures required to hold, play and control a match
Such decisions may include:
• the decision that the condition of the pitch or its surrounds or that the weather conditions are such as to allow or not to allow a match to take place
• the decision to abandon a match for whatever reason
• the decision as to the suitability of the accessories and equipment used during a match
• the decision to stop or not to stop a match due to spectator interference or any problem in spectator areas
• the decision to stop or not to stop play to allow an injured player to be removed from the pitch for treatment
• the decision to require an injured player to be removed from the pitch for treatment
• the decision to allow or not to allow a player to wear certain apparel or equipment
• the decision (where they have the authority) to allow or not to allow any persons (including team or stadium officials, security officers, photographers or other media representatives) to be present in the surrounds of the pitch
• any other decision that they may take in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game or in conformity with their duties under the terms of FIFA, confederation, member association or league rules or regulations under which the match is played
International matches
A second referee is mandatory for international matches.
Reserve assistant referee
In tournaments or competitions where a reserve assistant referee is appointed, his role and duties must be in accordance with the provisions stipulated in the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
Assistant referees’ authority
Two assistant referees may be appointed (a third referee and a timekeeper), who must perform their duties in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game. They are positioned off the pitch, level with the imaginary halfway line and on the same side as the substitution zone. The timekeeper remains seated at the timekeeper’s table, while the third referee may perform his duties either seated or standing up.
The third referee and timekeeper must be provided with a suitable timing device by the association or club under whose jurisdiction the match is being played.
They must be provided with a timekeeper’s table in order to perform their duties correctly.
Powers and duties
The third referee:
• assists the referees and the timekeeper
• keeps a record of the players on the pitch at the start and end of each period
• checks the replacement of balls together with the referees
• checks the substitutes’ equipment before they enter the pitch
• ensures that substitutions are carried out correctly and, by using a different whistle or acoustic signal from those used by the referees, indicates any infringement that has occurred during the substitution, if the advantage rule cannot be applied
• records the goalscorers’ numbers
• records the names and numbers of any players cautioned or sent off
• hands a document to the officials of each team, indicating when a substitute can enter the pitch to replace a player who has been sent off
THE SUBSTITUTE PLAYER WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE FIELD OF
PLAY, WHEN THERE ARE - MINUTE(S) AND SECOND(S) ON THE CHRONOMETER LEFT TO END THE PERIOD.
LE JOUEUR SUBSTITUT POURRA ENTRER DANS LE TERRAIN DE JEU QUAND LE CHRONOMÈTRE INDIQUERA MINUTE(S) ET SECONDE(S) POUR FINIR LA PÉRIODE.
EL JUGADOR SUSTITUTO PODRÁ ENTRAR EN EL TERRENO DE JUEGO CUANDO EL CRONÓMETRO ESTÉ EN EL MINUTO Y >>>> SEGUNDOS PARA FINALIZAR EL PERIODO.
DER ERSATZSPIELER KANN DAS SPIELFELD BETRETEN, WENN AUF DER ZEITMESSUNG NOCH MINUTE(N) UND SEKUNDE(N) FEHLEN, UM DIE PERIODE ZU BEENDEN.
• oversees the re-entry of a player who has left the pitch to correct his equipment
• oversees the re-entry of a player who has left the pitch due to an injury of any kind
• signals to the referees when an obvious error has been made in cautioning or sending off a player or if an act of violent conduct has been committed out of their field of vision. In any case, the referees decide on any facts connected with play
• supervises the conduct of any persons in the technical area, if there is one, and those on the benches, and informs the referees of any inappropriate behaviour
• keeps a record of stoppages in play due to outside interference and the reasons for them
• checks, together with one of the referees, the correct execution of the kick- offs
• checks, together with the referees, the correct execution of free kicks taken from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line
• provides any other information relevant to the match
• replaces the second referee in the event that the referee or second referee becomes injured or indisposed
The timekeeper ensures that the duration of the match complies with the provisions of Law 7 by:
• starting the timing device after a kick-off has been taken correctly
• stopping the timing device after a goal has been scored, after a penalty kick or a free kick has been awarded, or after a player has been injured
• stopping the timing device whenever the referees signal to him to do so
• restarting the timing device after a kick-off, a free kick or a penalty kick or once play has restarted following a signal by the referees to stop the timing device or following an injury to a player
• recording the goals and periods of play on the public scoreboard, if available
• timing a player’s two-minute expulsion
• recording the names and numbers of any players cautioned or sent off
• indicating the end of the first, second and third periods, the end of the match or extra time, if any, with a different whistle or acoustic signal from the one used by the referees
• performing the specific duties of the third referee in the event of the latter’s absence
• providing any other information relevant to the match
International matches
For international matches, the presence of a third referee and a timekeeper is mandatory.
For international matches, the timing device used must incorporate all the necessary functions (precise timekeeping and a device to time the two-minute expulsion of up to four players simultaneously).
Periods of play
The match lasts three equal periods of 12 minutes, unless otherwise mutually agreed between the referee and the two teams. Any agreement to alter the duration of the periods of play must be made before the start of play and must comply with the competition rules.
Ending the periods of play
The timekeeper indicates the end of each 12-minute period of play with an acoustic signal. After hearing the timekeeper’s acoustic signal, one of the referees announces the end of the period or match with his whistle, bearing in mind that if a free kick or penalty kick has to be taken or retaken, the period in question is extended until the kick has been taken.
If the ball has been played towards one of the goals before the timekeeper sounds the acoustic signal, the referees must wait for the shot to end before announcing the end of the period or match with a whistle. The match or period of play ends when:
• the ball goes directly into the opponent’s goal and a goal is awarded; if the ball goes into the team’s own goal, a goal is also awarded, unless the goal was scored directly from a free kick, a ball inbound, a goal clearance or a corner kick
• the ball leaves the boundaries of the pitch
• the ball touches the goalkeeper or another player in the defending team, the goalposts, crossbar or sand, crosses the goal line and a goal is/is not scored
• the ball touches another player in the team playing the ball before crossing the goal line of the opposing team, in which case a goal is not awarded
• the ball touches another player in the team playing the ball before crossing the team’s own goal line, in which case a goal is awarded
• no infringement has been committed that is sanctioned with a free kick or a penalty kick, or that requires a free kick or penalty kick to be retaken, unless a goal has been scored or it has been possible to apply the advantage
If, during the interval between the timekeeper’s acoustic signal and the referee’s whistle, an infringement is committed that is sanctioned with a free kick or a penalty kick, the period ends when:
• the ball is not kicked directly at the opponent’s goal
• the ball goes directly into the opponent’s goal and a goal is scored
• the ball leaves the boundaries of the pitch
• the ball hits one or both posts, the crossbar, the goalkeeper or another player in the defending team, or any combination of these elements, and a goal is/is not scored
• no other infringement has been committed that is sanctionable with a free kick or a penalty kick, or that requires a free kick or penalty kick to be retaken, unless a goal has been scored or it has been possible to apply the advantage
Interval between periods of play
Players are entitled to a break between periods of play.
The interval between periods of play must not exceed three minutes.
The duration of the interval between the periods may be altered only with the consent of the referee.
Abandoned match
An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules provide otherwise.
Preliminaries
A coin is tossed and the team that wins the toss decides which goal it will attack in the first period of the match.
The other team takes the kick-off to start the match.
The team that wins the toss before the kick-off to start the first period will take the kick-off to start the second period.
In the second period of the match, the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals.
Before the third period of play, a coin is again tossed and the team that wins the toss decides whether to attack in a certain direction in the third period or whether to take the kick-off.
If extra time is played, the team that did not take the kick-off in the third period of play will take it in the period of extra time; the teams change ends and attack the opposite goals.
Kick-off
A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play:
• at the start of the match
• after a goal has been scored
• at the start of the second and third periods of play
• at the start of extra time, where applicable
A goal may not be scored directly from a kick-off.
Procedure
• All players must be in their own half of the pitch
• The opponents of the team taking the kick-off must be at least 5m from the ball until it is in play
• The ball must be stationary on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line
• The referee positioned on the touch line opposite the teams’ benches gives the signal to take the kick
• The ball is in play as soon as it has been kicked and moves forwards or, if it has been played backwards, as soon as it has been kicked forwards and in the air by a team-mate of the player who took the kick-off before the ball touches the sand
After a team scores a goal, provided that the period has not ended, a kick-off is taken by the other team.
Infringements and sanctions
If the ball is in play and the player taking the kick touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, and if the referees do not play advantage, they stop play and restart it with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken:
• from the place where the infringement was committed provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If the ball is in play and the player taking the kick deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player, and if the referees do not play advantage, they stop play and restart it with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick).
In the event of any infringement of the kick-off procedure, the kick-off is retaken as the advantage cannot be applied.
Dropped ball
If, while the ball is still in play, the referees are required to stop play temporarily for any reason not mentioned in the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game, play is restarted with a dropped ball. Play is also restarted with a dropped ball when provided for in the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
Procedure
One of the referees drops the ball on the sand on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position.
Play restarts when the ball touches the sand.
Infringements and sanctions
The ball is dropped again:
• if it is touched by a player before it makes contact with the sand
• if the ball leaves the pitch after it makes contact with the sand without a player touching it
• if any infringement is committed before the ball makes contact with the sand
If, after the ball has made contact with the sand, a player kicks it with one touch directly towards one of the goals and the ball goes directly:
• into the opponent’s goal, a goal clearance is awarded
• into the team’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team
If, after the ball has made contact with the sand, a player kicks the ball with more than one touch towards one of the goals and the ball enters one of the goals, a goal is awarded.
Ball out of play
The ball is out of play when:
• it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air
• play has been stopped by the referees
• it hits the ceiling, if there is one
Ball in play
The ball is in play at all other times, including when:
• it rebounds off a goalpost, the crossbar or a corner flag and remains on the pitch
• it rebounds off the referees when they are on the pitch
Indoor pitch
The minimum height of a ceiling must be stipulated in the competition regulations and must be at least 4m.
If the ball hits the ceiling while in play, the game is restarted with a ball inbound, taken by the opponents of the team that last touched the ball. The ball inbound is taken from the point on the touch line nearest to the place on the ground above which the ball hit the ceiling (see Law 15: The Ball Inbound).
Goal scored
A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal.
A goal is disallowed if the goalkeeper of the attacking team throws or hits the ball intentionally with his hand or arm from inside his own penalty area and is the last player to touch or play the ball. Play is restarted with a goal clearance to the opposing team.
If, after a goal is scored, the referees realise before play restarts that the team that scored the goal was playing with an extra player or had carried out a substitution incorrectly, they must disallow the goal and restart play with a free kick, to be taken by the opponents of the offending player from the imaginary penalty mark (see Law 13: Position of free kick). If the kick-off has already been taken, they sanction the offending player in accordance with Law 3, but the goal is allowed. The referees report the fact to the appropriate authorities.
If the opposing team scores a goal, the referees award a goal and take the measures provided for in Law 3 against the player who committed the offence.
Winning team
The team that scores the greater number of goals during a match is the winner. If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals are scored, the match is drawn.
Competition rules
When the competition rules require there to be a winning team after a match or home-and-away tie, the following are the only permitted procedures for determining the winning team:
• Away goals rule
• Extra time
• Kicks from the imaginary penalty mark
In this case, and if the match is a league match, points will be awarded as follows:
• Win at the end of the third period: three points to the winning team
• Win at the end of extra time: two points to the winning team
• Win following kicks from the imaginary penalty mark: one point to the winning team
These procedures are described in the section “Procedures to Determine the Winner of a Match or Home-and-Away Tie”.
There is no offside in beach soccer.
Fouls and misconduct are infringements of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game that are penalised as follows:
Fouls
Fouls are penalised with a free kick or a penalty kick.
Fouls penalised with a free kick
A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences in a manner considered by the referees to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:
• Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
• Trips an opponent
• Jumps at an opponent
• Charges an opponent
• Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
• Pushes an opponent
• Tackles an opponent
A free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences:
• Holds or prevents an opponent from executing a scissors kick or overhead kick
• Spits or deliberately throws sand at an opponent
• Handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
The free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13: Position of free kick).
Fouls penalised with a penalty kick
A penalty kick is awarded if any of these ten offences is committed by a player inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play.
A penalty kick is also awarded if a player touches the ball in his own penalty area between the position from which a free kick is taken and the corner flags during an opponent’s free kick, before the ball has touched the posts, the crossbar, the goalkeeper or the sand.
Fouls penalised with a free kick to be taken from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line or from where the infringement was committed
a) Free kick from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line
A free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if:
• a team keeps possession of the ball, while it is in play, in its own penalty area for more than four (4) seconds
• the goalkeeper, after playing the ball with his hands in the penalty area after receiving it from a team-mate, deliberately touches it again with his hands or arms in the same penalty area after a team-mate has played the ball with any part of his body, and without the ball having been touched by an opponent in between the two passages of play
• the goalkeeper, with the ball in play, releases the ball from his hands and kicks it into the air before it touches the sand
• the goalkeeper, after playing the ball outside of his own penalty area, returns to his penalty area and touches or plays the ball with any part of his body
• the goalkeeper touches the ball again with his hands in his own penalty area after he has released it from his possession and before it has touched another player in between the two passages of play
• a player plays in a dangerous manner in his team’s own half
• a player impedes the progress of an opponent in his team’s own half
• a player, in his team’s own half, commits against a team-mate any of the ten offences (except deliberate handball) for which a penalty kick is awarded if committed against an opponent
• a player commits any other infringement in his own half of the pitch, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player
b) Free kick to be taken from the place where the infringement was committed
A free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13: Position of free kick), if:
• a player plays in a dangerous manner in the opposing team’s half
• a player impedes the progress of an opponent in the opposing team’s half
• a player prevents the goalkeeper from throwing the ball while the goalkeeper is in his own penalty area and the ball is in play
• a player, in the opposing team’s half, commits against a team-mate any of the ten offences (except deliberate handball) for which a penalty kick is awarded if committed against an opponent
• a player commits any other offence in the opposing team’s half that is not otherwise mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player
Misconduct
Misconduct is penalised with a caution or a sending-off.
Disciplinary sanctions
The yellow card is used to communicate that a player or substitute has been cautioned.
The red card is used to communicate that a player or substitute has been sent off.
Only a player or substitute may be shown the red or yellow card. The relevant card is only shown publicly on the pitch if the match has started. In all other cases, the referees verbally inform the players and team officials of the disciplinary sanction taken.
The referees have the authority to impose sanctions from the moment they enter the premises where the pitch is located before the start of the match until they leave the premises.
A player who commits a cautionable or sending-off offence, either on or off the pitch, whether directed towards an opponent, a team-mate, the referees or any other person, is disciplined according to the nature of the offence committed.
Cautionable offences
A player is cautioned if he commits any of the following seven offences:
• Unsporting behaviour
• Dissent by word or action
• Persistent infringement of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game
• Deliberately delaying the restart of play
• Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, kick-off, ball inbound or free kick (opponents)
• Entering or re-entering the pitch without the referees’ permission or in contravention of the substitution procedure
• Deliberately leaving the pitch without the referees’ permission
A substitute is cautioned if he commits any of the following four infringements:
• Unsporting behaviour
• Dissent by word or action
• Deliberately delaying the restart of play
• Entering the pitch in contravention of the substitution procedure
Sending-off offences
A player or substitute is sent off if he commits any of the following eight offences:
• Serious foul play
• Violent conduct
• Deliberately throwing sand or spitting at an opponent or any other person
• Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
• Denying an opponent moving towards the player’s goal an obvious goalscoring opportunity by committing an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick
• Touching the ball in the area between the place from where the opponents are taking a free kick and his team’s goal posts before the ball touches the posts, the crossbar, the goalkeeper or the sand
• Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
• Receiving a second caution in the same match
A substitute is sent off if he denies a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
A player or substitute who has been sent off must leave the vicinity of the pitch and the technical area.
Decisions
1.
A tackle that endangers the safety of an opponent must be sanctioned as serious foul play.
2.
When sanctioning a player who prevents an opponent from executing a scissors kick or an overhead kick, the referees must take the following criteria into consideration:
• If the ball is in the possession of the player who is executing or will execute a scissors kick or an overhead kick, and an opponent touches him, a free kick or a penalty kick is awarded against the opponent
• If the ball is in the possession of the player who is executing or will execute a scissors kick or an overhead kick, and an opponent touches or plays the ball, a free kick or a penalty kick is awarded against the opponent
• If the ball is in the possession of the player who is executing or will execute a scissors kick or an overhead kick, and an opponent touches him or plays the ball, and as a result the opponent is struck by the player executing the kick, the referees do not sanction the player executing the scissors kick or overhead kick but instead sanction the player who prevented or intended to prevent the kick from being executed
• If the ball is not in the possession of the player who is executing or will execute a scissors kick or an overhead kick, and an opponent touches or the plays the ball, the opponent has not committed any offence
• If the ball is not in the possession of the player who is executing or will execute a scissors kick or an overhead kick, and this player strikes an opponent while executing the kick, he will be sanctioned in accordance with the offence
• A player is considered to be in possession of the ball after controlling it with any part of the body, except his hands or arms
3.
A player may, in defending a scissors kick or an overhead kick, jump vertically off the ground provided he does not touch the player executing the kick.
4.
Any act of simulation on the pitch that is intended to deceive the referees must be sanctioned as unsporting behaviour.
5.
Kicking the ball away or blocking it with the body deliberately to waste time or to prevent an opponent from playing the ball must be sanctioned as
dangerous play. The referees stop play if they cannot play the advantage and restart play with a free kick to the opposing team from the place where the offence was committed, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick).
6.
A player who removes his shirt when celebrating a goal must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour.
Free kicks
Free kicks are executed according to the following procedure:
• The players may not form a wall
• The player who was fouled takes the kick, unless he has been seriously injured, in which case his substitute will take it
• The ball must be stationary when the kick is taken and the kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player
• Additional time must be allowed for a free kick to be taken at the end of each period of time or extra time
• If the free kick is taken from the team’s own penalty area, the ball is in play when it has been directly kicked out of the penalty area
• If a free kick enters the player’s own goal directly, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team
• If a free kick enters the opposing team’s goal directly, a goal is awarded
Position of free kick
a) Free kick in opposing team’s half
If the free kick is taken in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence, every player, apart from the player taking the kick and the opposing goalkeeper, must be:
• on the pitch (including the opposing goalkeeper)
• at least 5m away from the ball until it is in play
• behind an imaginary line level with the ball that runs parallel to the goal line and outside of the penalty area so that they do not obstruct the player taking the kick. No player, except the kicker, may cross this imaginary line until the ball is in play
b) Free kick from own half or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line
If the free kick is taken in the half of the team that did not commit the offence, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, every defending player must:
• be on the pitch
• be at least 5m away from the ball until the ball is in play
• leave an imaginary area free between the ball and the corner flags, apart from the opposing goalkeeper, who may stay in his penalty area
If the free kick is taken in the half of the team that did not commit the offence, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, the team-mates of the player taking the kick must be:
• on the pitch
• clear of an imaginary area between the ball and the corner flags, except for the player taking the kick
Procedure
• The player taking the kick may make a small mound of sand with his feet or the ball to raise the position of the ball
• The free kick must be taken within 4 (four) seconds of the referees’ signal to do so
• The kicker may not play the ball again until it has touched another player
• The ball is in play after it has been touched or played
• The ball may be kicked in any direction and passed to any team-mate, including the goalkeeper of the player taking the kick
• If the ball is kicked in the direction of the opponent’s goal – within the area between the ball and the corner flags – only the defending team’s goalkeeper may touch the ball while it is in the air and while it has not touched the goalposts or the crossbar. In every other case, if the ball leaves this area or touches the sand, the defending goalkeeper, the posts or the crossbar, the restriction no longer applies and any player may touch or play the ball
Infringements and sanctions
If, during a free kick in a team’s own half of the pitch or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, and after one of the referees has given the signal for the kick to be taken and while the ball is
in play, an infringement is committed if any player (except the defending goalkeeper) touches the ball in the area between the ball and the corner flags before the ball has touched the posts, the crossbar, the defending goalkeeper or the sand, or has previously left this area:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage rule and the infringement is committed by a defending player outside of his own penalty area, the player’s team will be sanctioned with a free kick to be taken from the place where the ball was touched, or with a penalty kick if the player touched the ball in his own penalty area
• if the referees do not apply the advantage rule and the infringement is committed by a team-mate of the player taking the kick, a free kick will be awarded against his team, to be taken from the place where the ball was touched if this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was touched
in the team’s own half of the pitch (see Law 13: Position of free kick). The referees do not impose any sanctions, unless a defending player touched the ball in the area between the ball and his own goalposts. In this case, the player is sent off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity
If, during a free kick in a team’s own half of the pitch or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, and after one of the referees has given the signal for the kick to be taken but before the ball is in play, an opponent does not respect the minimum distance between himself and the ball or enters the area between the ball and the corner flags:
• the kick is retaken and the offending player is cautioned, unless the referees apply the advantage or another infringement is committed that is punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick. If the infringement is punishable by a free kick, the referees decide whether to punish the original infringement or the one committed subsequently. If the second infringement requires additional sanctions to be imposed, the referees issue a second caution or a direct red card if the infringement committed requires such a sanction
If, during a free kick in a team’s own half of the pitch or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, and after one of the referees has given the signal for the kick to be taken but before the ball is in play, a team-mate of the player taking the kick enters the area between the ball and the corner flags:
• if the referees cannot apply the advantage, his team is sanctioned with a free kick, to be taken from the place where he entered the restricted area if this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if this was in his own half of the pitch (see Law 13: Position of free kick). The referees do not impose any other sanctions, unless another offence is committed that requires it
If, during a free kick in a team’s own half of the pitch or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, and after one of the referees has given the signal for the kick to be taken but before the ball is in play, one or more opponents do not respect the minimum distance between themselves and the ball or enter the area between the ball and the corner flags, and one or more team-mates of the player taking the kick enter the area between the ball and the corner flags:
• the free kick is retaken and the referees will issue a warning to the players, but will not impose any other sanction
If, during a free kick in the opponent’s half of the pitch and after one of the referees has given the signal for the kick to be taken but before the ball is in play, an opponent does not respect the minimum distance between
himself and the ball or enters the area between the goal line and the parallel imaginary line level with the ball:
• the kick is retaken and the offending player is cautioned, unless the referees apply the advantage or another infringement is committed that is punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick. If the infringement is punishable by a free kick, the referees decide whether to punish the original infringement or the one committed subsequently. If the second infringement requires additional sanctions to be imposed, the referees issue a second caution or a direct red card if the infringement committed requires such a sanction
If, during a free kick in the opponent’s half of the pitch and after one of the referees has given the signal for the kick to be taken but before the ball is in play, a team-mate does not respect the minimum distance between
himself and the ball or enters the area between the goal line and the parallel imaginary line level with the ball:
• a free kick is awarded, to be taken from the position in which the offending player did not respect the minimum distance of 5m from the ball, provided this is in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in
the middle of the imaginary halfway line if this is in the team’s own half of the pitch, or if the offending player entered the restricted area (see Law 13: Position of free kick). The referees do not impose any other sanctions, unless another offence is committed that requires it
If, during a free kick in the opponent’s half of the pitch and after one of the referees has given the signal for the kick to be taken but before the ball is in play, one or more opponents and one or more team-mates do not respect the minimum distance or enter the area between the goal line and the parallel imaginary line level with the ball:
• the free kick is retaken and the referees will issue a warning to the players, but will not impose any other sanction
If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its own penalty area, the ball is not kicked directly out of this area:
• the kick is retaken, but the four-second count is not reset and continues once the player is ready to retake it
If the team taking a free kick takes more than four seconds:
• the referees award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the game was originally to be restarted, if it is in the half of the team defending the free kick, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the free kick was to be taken from the team’s own half of the pitch or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If a period is extended to allow a player to take a free kick, and he does not do so with the intention of scoring a goal:
• the referees signal the end of the period or match, as the case may be
If, while a free kick is being taken, the ball is kicked by a team-mate of the player who had been previously identified:
• the referees stop play, caution the team-mate for unsporting behaviour, and restart play with a free kick to the defending team, to be taken from the place where the player kicked the ball if the original free kick was taken in the half of the team defending the free kick, or from the imaginary point
in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the original free kick was taken in the team’s own half of the pitch or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
Free kick taken from own penalty area by any player other than the goalkeeper
If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was
committed, provided this was in the half of the pitch of the team defending the free kick, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the team’s own half of the pitch (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement was committed in the penalty area of the player taking the kick, unless the player taking the kick is the goalkeeper
Free kick taken by the goalkeeper
If the ball is in play and the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was
committed, provided this was in the half of the pitch of the team defending the free kick, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the team’s own half of the pitch (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If the ball is in play and the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
• if the offence occurs outside of the goalkeeper’s penalty area and the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• if the offence occurs inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area and the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
The penalty kick
A penalty kick is awarded against a team that commits any of the offences for which a free kick is awarded and which do not have to be taken from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, while the ball is in play and inside the team’s own penalty area.
A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.
Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of each period or at the end of extra time.
Position of the ball and the players
The ball:
• is placed on the imaginary penalty mark in the middle of the imaginary penalty area line, 9m from the centre of the goal
The player taking the penalty kick:
• must be properly identified as the penalty taker
• is the player who was fouled, unless he has been seriously injured, in which case his substitute will take it. If a foul is not committed against an opponent, e.g. deliberate handball, the penalty kick may be taken by any player or substitute of the team taking the kick
The defending goalkeeper:
• remains on his goal line, facing the kicker and between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked, and is allowed to move sideways
The players, other than the kicker, are located:
• on the pitch
• outside of the penalty area
• behind the ball
• at least 5m away from the ball
Procedure
• The kicker may make a small mound of sand using his feet or the ball in order to raise the position of the ball.
• After the players have taken positions in accordance with this Law, one of the referees signals for the penalty kick to be taken.
• The player taking the penalty kick must kick the ball forward.
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward.
When a penalty kick is taken during the normal course of play or when time has been extended at the end of the three periods, or at the end of extra time, to enable a penalty kick to be taken or retaken, a goal is awarded if, before passing between the goalposts and under the crossbar:
• the ball touches either or both goalposts and/or the crossbar and/or the goalkeeper
The referees decide when a penalty kick has been completed.
Infringements and sanctions
If the player taking the penalty kick does not kick the ball forward:
• the referees stop play and award a free kick to the defending team, to be taken from the imaginary penalty mark (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If, while a penalty kick is being taken, the ball is kicked by a team-mate of the player who had been previously identified:
• the referees stop play, caution him for unsporting behaviour and award a free kick to the defending team, to be taken from the imaginary penalty mark (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If a period is extended to allow a player to take a penalty kick, and he does not do so with the intention of scoring a goal:
• the referees signal the end of the period or match, as the case may be
If the referees give the signal for the penalty kick to be taken and, before the ball is in play, one of the following occurs:
A player of the same team as the player taking the kick infringes the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game:
• the referees allow the kick to be taken
• if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken
• if the ball does not enter the goal and the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the defending team, to be taken from the place where the offence was committed, provided this was in the half of the pitch of the team defending the penalty kick, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if the offence was committed in the offending team’s own half (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• the referees impose the necessary sanctions, regardless of whether the ball enters the goal or not
A player of the defending team infringes the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game:
• the referees allow the kick to be taken
• if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded
• if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken
• the referees impose the necessary sanctions, regardless of whether the ball enters the goal or not
One or more players of the defending team and one or more players of the attacking team infringe the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game:
• the penalty kick is retaken
• the referees impose the necessary sanctions, regardless of whether the ball enters the goal or not
If, after a penalty kick has been taken:
The kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was
committed, provided this was in the half of the pitch of the team defending the penalty kick, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if the offence was committed in the team’s own half of the pitch (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
The kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
The ball is touched by a foreign object as it moves forward:
• the penalty kick is retaken
The ball rebounds off the goalkeeper, and/or the crossbar and/or the goalposts into play and then strikes a foreign object:
• the referees stop play
• play is restarted with a dropped ball
The ball bursts or becomes defective when in play and has not touched the goalposts, the crossbar or a player:
• the penalty kick is retaken
A ball inbound is a method of restarting play.
A ball inbound is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touch line, either on the ground or in the air, or touches the ceiling of the hall, if the match is played on an indoor pitch. The ball inbound is taken from the place where the ball crossed the touch line, or from the nearest place on the touch line to where the ball touched the ceiling, if the match is played on an indoor pitch.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a ball inbound. If the ball inbound is taken directly towards a goal and the ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar without touching a player:
• a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team if the ball directly enters the goal of the player taking the ball inbound
• a goal clearance is awarded to the opposing team if the ball directly enters the opposing team’s goal
If the ball touches any player before it enters one of the goals, a goal is awarded.
Any player, including the goalkeeper, may take a ball inbound.
Position of the players
The opponents must be:
• on the pitch
• at a distance of at least 5m from the place on the touch line where the ball inbound is taken
Procedure
There are two types of procedure:
• Kick-in
• Throw-in
Kick-in
At the moment of delivering the ball, the kicker:
• has one foot on the touch line or both feet on the ground outside the pitch
• kicks the ball, which must be stationary, either from the point where it left the pitch or on the ground outside it at a distance no greater than 25cm from that point
• delivers the ball within four seconds of being ready to do so
If the restart of play is delayed for tactical reasons, the referees start the four- second count following a whistle, irrespective of whether the player taking the ball inbound is ready or not.
If a player has taken the ball to perform a throw-in, he may not take a kick-in instead.
If the kick-in is not taken from the touch line, the ball is in play as soon as it enters the pitch. If the kick-in is taken from the touch line, the ball is in play as soon as it is moved.
Throw-in
At the moment of delivering the ball, the player taking the throw-in:
• faces the pitch
• has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line
• holds the ball with both hands
• delivers the ball from behind and over his head
• delivers the ball from the point where it left the pitch
• delivers the ball within four seconds of being ready to do so
If the restart of play is delayed for tactical reasons, the referees start the four- second count following a whistle, irrespective of whether the player taking the ball inbound is ready or not.
The ball is in play as soon as it enters the pitch.
If a player has taken the ball to perform a kick-in, he may not take a throw-in instead.
Infringements and sanctions
If, when a ball inbound is taken, an opponent is closer than 5m:
• the ball inbound is retaken by the same team and the offending player is cautioned, unless the referees can apply the advantage or an offence
punishable by a free kick or penalty kick is committed by the opposing team of the player taking the ball inbound
If an opponent distracts or impedes the player taking the ball inbound:
• the player is cautioned for unsporting behaviour
For any other infringement of the procedure for the ball inbound:
• the ball inbound is taken by a player of the opposing team
Ball inbound taken by a player other than the goalkeeper
If the ball is in play and the player taking the ball inbound touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was committed, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If the ball is in play and the player taking the ball inbound deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• a penalty kick is awarded if the offence occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area
Ball inbound taken by the goalkeeper
If the ball is in play and the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was
committed, provided this was in the half of the pitch of the team defending the ball inbound, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the team’s own half of the pitch (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If the ball is in play and the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
• if the offence occurs outside of the goalkeeper’s penalty area and the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• if the offence occurs inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area and the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
A goal clearance is a method of restarting play.
A goal clearance is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10.
A goal may not be scored directly from a goal clearance.
If a goal clearance is taken directly towards a goal and the ball crosses the goal line without touching a player:
• a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team if the ball enters the team’s own goal directly once it is in play
• a goal clearance is awarded to the opposing team if the ball enters the opposing team’s goal directly
If the ball, once it is in play, touches any player before it enters one of the goals, a goal is awarded.
Position of the players
The players must be on the pitch.
Procedure
• The ball is thrown from any point inside the penalty area by the goalkeeper of the defending team
• The goalkeeper of the defending team takes the goal clearance within four seconds of being ready to do so
• The ball is in play when it is thrown directly out of the penalty area by the goalkeeper of the defending team
If the restart of play is delayed for tactical reasons, the referees start the four- second count following a whistle, irrespective of whether the player taking the goal clearance is ready or not.
Infringements and sanctions
If the ball is not thrown directly out of the penalty area from a goal clearance:
• the clearance is retaken, but the four-second count is not reset and continues once the goalkeeper is ready to retake it
If the ball is in play and the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the offence was committed, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the offending team (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If the ball is in play and the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
• if the offence occurs outside of the goalkeeper’s penalty area and the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• if the offence occurs inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area and the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If an opponent prevents the goalkeeper from performing a goal clearance correctly within the four seconds:
• the referees stop the four-second count and caution the opponent; they restart the count as soon as the goalkeeper is ready to take the goal clearance; in this case, the timekeeper stops the timing device
If the goal clearance is not taken within four seconds:
• a free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
For any other infringement of the Law:
• the goal clearance is retaken. If the infringement has been committed by the team taking the clearance, the four-second count is not reset and continues once the goalkeeper is ready to retake the clearance
A corner kick is a method of restarting play.
A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10, or whenever deemed necessary in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team.
Position of the ball and the players
The ball must be:
• inside the imaginary corner arc nearest to the point where the ball crossed the goal line
The opponents must be:
• on the pitch and at least 5m from the imaginary corner arc until the ball is in play
Procedure
• The kicker may make a small mound of sand using his feet or the ball to raise the position of the ball
• The ball must be kicked by a player of the attacking team
• The player taking the kick must deliver the ball within four seconds of being ready to do so
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves
If the restart of play is delayed for tactical reasons, the referees start the four- second count following a whistle, irrespective of whether the player taking the corner kick is ready or not.
Infringements and sanctions
If, when a corner kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than the required distance:
• the corner kick is retaken by the same team and the offending player is cautioned, unless the referees apply the advantage or an offence punishable by a free kick or penalty kick is committed by the defending team
If an opponent distracts or impedes the player taking the corner kick:
• he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour
If the corner kick is not taken within four seconds:
• a goal clearance is awarded to the opposing team
In the event of any other infringement of the procedure or the position of the ball:
• the corner kick is retaken. If the infringement has been committed by the team taking the kick, the four-second count is not reset and continues once the kicker is ready to retake the kick
Corner kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper
If the ball is in play and the player taking the corner kick touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:
• if the referees cannot apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the offence was committed, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the offending team (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If the ball is in play and the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area
Corner kick taken by the goalkeeper
If the ball is in play and the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:
• if the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was
committed, provided this was in the half of the pitch of the team defending the corner kick, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if the offence was committed in the team’s own half of the pitch (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If the ball is in play and the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
• if the offence occurs outside of the goalkeeper’s penalty area and the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the offence was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• if the offence occurs inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area and the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
Away goals, extra time and kicks from the imaginary penalty mark are the three methods approved for determining the winning team where
competition rules require there to be a winning team after a match has been drawn.
Away goals
Competition rules may provide that where teams play each other home and away, if the aggregate score is equal after the second match, any goals scored on the pitch of the opposing team will count double.
Extra time
Competition rules may provide for a further period of three minutes. The conditions of Law 7 and Law 8 will apply.
Kicks from the imaginary penalty mark
Competition rules may provide for kicks from the imaginary penalty mark in accordance with the procedure stipulated below.
Procedure
• The referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken from the imaginary penalty mark
• The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the first or second kick
• The referee, the second referee, the third referee and the timekeeper keep a record of the kicks being taken
• Subject to the conditions explained below, both teams take three kicks
• The kicks are taken alternately by the teams
• If, before both teams have taken three kicks, one team has scored more goals than the other could score even if it were to complete its three kicks, no more kicks are taken
• If, after both teams have taken three kicks, both teams have scored the same number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken alternately until one team has scored one goal more than the other from the same number of kicks
• All players and substitutes are eligible to take a kick from the imaginary penalty mark
• A goalkeeper may be replaced by any player while kicks are being taken from the imaginary penalty mark, provided that his replacement meets the requirements of Law 4
• Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players must take a kick before any player can take a second kick
• An eligible player may change places with the goalkeeper at any time when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken, provided that the referees are informed and his equipment is in accordance with Law 4
• Only the eligible players, including the goalkeepers, the referees and the third referee are permitted to remain on the pitch when kicks from the imaginary penalty mark are being taken
• All eligible players, except the player taking the kick and the two goalkeepers, must remain in the opposite half of the pitch with the third referee
• The referee, standing on the goal line to the right of the player taking the kick on the opposite side to the second referee, ensures that the defending goalkeeper does not commit any infringement and decides whether the ball has entered the goal or not
• The second referee stands level with the imaginary penalty mark and to the left of the player taking the kick, ensures that the kicker does not commit any infringement and gives the signal for the kick to be taken; he also monitors the position of the other goalkeeper, who must stand on the imaginary penalty area line on the opposite side to the second referee, at least 5m away from the ball
• If there is a reserve assistant referee, the timekeeper stands in front of the timekeeper’s table and ensures that the players who are not taking part in the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark and the team officials behave correctly. The reserve assistant referee performs timekeeping duties
• The goalkeeper of the team taking a penalty kick stands on the pitch, opposite the second referee and on the imaginary penalty area line at least 5m away from the imaginary penalty mark, and must not behave in an unsporting manner
• Unless otherwise stated, the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game and guidelines of the FIFA Refereeing Department apply when kicks from the imaginary penalty mark are being taken
• If, at the end of the match or extra time and before the kicks start to be taken from the imaginary penalty mark, one team has a greater number of players, including substitutes, than its opponent, it must reduce its number to equate with that of its opponent and the team captain must inform the referee of the name and number of each player excluded
• If a team must reduce its number to equate with that of its opponent, it may exclude the goalkeepers as players eligible to take the penalty kicks
• A goalkeeper excluded from taking penalty kicks in order to equate the number of players of his team with that of its opponent, i.e. who is located in his technical area, may replace his team’s goalkeeper at any time
• Before the start of the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark, the referee must ensure that an equal number of players from each team eligible to take the penalty kicks remains in the other half of the pitch
The technical area is a special zone for technical staff and substitutes.
While the size and position of technical areas may differ between facilities, the following notes are issued for general guidance:
• The technical area extends 1m on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1m from the touch line
• It is recommended that markings are used to define this area
• The number of persons, whether substitutes or officials, who are permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by the competition rules
• The occupants of the technical area are identified before the beginning of the match in accordance with the competition rules
• Only one team official at a time is authorised to convey tactical instructions and may remain standing
• The coach and other officials must remain within the confines of the technical area except in special circumstances, e.g. a physiotherapist or doctor entering the pitch, with the referees’ permission, to assess an injured player or organise his removal from the pitch
• The coach and other occupants of the technical area must behave in a responsible manner, avoiding any obstruction of the players’ and referees’ movements
• The substitutes and the fitness coach may warm up during a match in the zone provided for this purpose, as long as they do not obstruct the movements of players and referees and they behave responsibly
• A substitute may not perform the duties of a team official, and consequently may not stand in the technical area to give instructions to his team-mates
The reserve assistant referee:
• is appointed under the competition rules and replaces the timekeeper if any of the referees is unable to continue officiating the match. He assists the referees at all times
• assists with any administrative duties before, during and after the match, as required by the referees
• submits a report after the match to the appropriate authorities on any misconduct or other incident that occurred out of the view of the referees. He must advise the referees of any report being made
• records all incidents occurring before, during and after the match
• carries an alternative manual stopwatch in case it is required due to an incident of any kind
• is positioned in a prominent place, but not next to the assistant referees
• performs the first check of the players’ equipment in the dressing rooms
• performs timekeeping duties at the timekeeper’s table during kicks from the imaginary penalty mark to determine the winner of a match or home-and- away tie
The referees must give the signals shown below, bearing in mind that there are signals that only one of the referees must make and one signal that both referees must make at the same time.
The assistant referees signal that the timing device has been stopped and that a kick-off has been taken incorrectly.
Signals by only one of the referees
Kick-off/restart of play
Free kick from attacking half of the pitch
Free kick from a team’s own half or Penalty kick from the imaginary middle of the pitch
Ball inbound (1) Ball inbound (2)
Corner kick (1) Corner kick (2)
Goal clearance (1) Goal clearance (2)
Stop the timing device
Four-second count (1) Four-second count (2)
Four-second count (3)
Advantage rule
Caution (yellow card) Sending-off (red card)
Number of player – 1 Number of player – 2
Number of player – 3 Number of player – 4
Number of player – 5 Number of player – 6
Number of player – 7 Number of player – 8
Number of player – 9 Number of player – 10
Number of player – 11 Number of player – 12
Number of player – 13 Number of player – 14
Number of player – 15 Goal
Own goal (1) Own goal (2)
Signal by both referees on restarting play
First pass to goalkeeper
Signals by the assistant referees
Stop the timing device
Incorrect kick-off Incorrect kick-off
(third referee) (timekeeper)
77
INTERPRETATION
of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees
Pitch surface
Matches must be played on sand, which must be level and free of pebbles, shells and any other objects which could injure the players.
Pitch markings
It is not permissible to mark the pitch or the imaginary lines with broken lines.
If a player makes unauthorised marks on the pitch, he must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour. If the referees notice this being done during the match, they must stop play if they cannot apply the advantage, caution the offending player for unsporting behaviour, and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the position of the ball when play was stopped, if the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch at the time the offence was committed, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick).
Goals
If the crossbar or the goalposts become displaced or broken, play is stopped until they have been repaired or replaced in position. If it is not possible to repair them, the match must be abandoned. The use of a rope to replace the crossbar is not permitted. If the crossbar or the goalposts can be repaired, and play has been stopped in order for the repairs to take place, play is restarted with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position.
Safety
The competition rules shall state the distance that must exist between the boundary lines of the pitch (touch lines and goal lines) and the barriers separating the spectators, but always in such a way as to protect the participants’ safety.
Advertising on the pitch
If the competition rules do not prohibit it, advertising on the surface of the pitch is only permitted up until the players enter the pitch before the start of the match.
Advertising on the goal nets
If the competition rules do not prohibit it, advertising on the goal nets is permitted, provided that it does not confuse the players or referees.
Advertising on the corner flags
If the competition rules do not prohibit it, advertising on the corner flags is permitted – but not on the flagposts – provided that it is in accordance with the colours stipulated in Law 1: The Pitch.
Advertising in the technical areas
If the competition rules do not prohibit it, advertising on the ground of the technical areas is permitted, provided that it does not confuse the occupants of said areas, the third referee or the referees.
Commercial advertising around the pitch
Upright advertising shall be at least:
• 1m from the touch lines, except in the technical areas and substitution zone, in which all upright advertising is prohibited
• the same distance from the goal line as the depth of the goal net
• 1m from the goal net
Additional balls
Additional balls must be placed around the pitch for use during a match. They must meet the requirements of Law 2 and their use must be under the control of the referees. The third referee may also have one or two additional balls close at hand in order to speed up restarts of play.
Extra balls on the pitch
If an extra ball enters the pitch while the ball is in play, the referees must stop the match only if the extra ball interferes with play. One of the referees restarts play with a dropped ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the
imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position.
If an extra ball enters the pitch while the ball is in play without interfering with play, the referees must have it removed at the earliest possible opportunity.
Burst or defective ball
If the ball bursts or becomes defective after striking one of the goalposts or the crossbar and enters the same goal, the referees award the goal.
Substitution procedure
• A substitution may be made during play or during a stoppage in play
• The player being substituted does not need to obtain the referees’ permission to leave the pitch
• The referees do not need to authorise the substitute to enter the pitch
• Before entering the pitch, the substitute waits for the player he is replacing to leave the pitch, and hands him his bib as he enters the pitch
• The player being substituted is required to leave the pitch via the substitution zone, except if he is already outside the pitch with the referees’ permission or for any of the reasons provided for in Laws 3 or 4
• Permission to proceed with a substitution may be refused under certain circumstances, e.g. if the substitute does not have his equipment in order
• A substitute who has not completed the substitution procedure by setting foot on the pitch via the substitution zone cannot restart play by taking a ball inbound, corner kick, etc. until the substitution procedure is completed
• If a player who is about to be replaced refuses to leave the pitch, the substitution cannot be made
• If a substitution is made during an interval or before extra time, the substitute enters the pitch via the substitution zone after informing the third referee or the referees, if there is no third referee
Extra persons on the pitch
Outside agents
Anyone not indicated on the list of players before the start of the match as a player or substitute or who is not a team official is deemed to be an outside agent.
If an outside agent enters the pitch:
• the referees must stop play (although not immediately if the outside agent does not interfere with play)
• the referees must have him removed from the pitch and its immediate surroundings
• if the referees stop the match, play is restarted with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
Team officials
If a team official enters the pitch:
• the referees must stop play (although not immediately if the team official does not interfere with play or if they can apply the advantage)
• the referees must have him removed from the pitch and, if his behaviour is irresponsible, the referees must expel him from the pitch and its immediate surroundings
If the referees stop the match, play is restarted with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position.
Sent-off player
If a sent-off player enters the pitch:
• the referees must stop play (although not immediately if the sent-off player does not interfere with play or if they can apply the advantage)
• the referees must have him removed from the pitch and its immediate surroundings
If the referees stop the match, play is restarted with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position.
If a player who commits an offence for which he should be sent off for a second caution or directly after the advantage has been applied and his team concedes a goal after the application of the advantage before he is sent off, the number of players in his team is not reduced, as the offence was committed before the goal was scored.
If a player commits an offence during an interval or before the start of extra time that results in a red card, either through two cautions or a direct red card, his team begins the next period of play or extra time with one player less.
Player outside the pitch
If, after leaving the pitch to correct unauthorised equipment or kit, to be treated for an injury or bleeding, because he has blood on his kit or for any other reason authorised by the referees, a player re-enters the pitch without the referees’ permission, the referees must:
• stop play (although not immediately if they can apply the advantage)
• caution the player for entering the pitch without permission
• order the player to leave the pitch if necessary (e.g. infringement of Law 4)
If the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and restart it:
• with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick). If the ball was out of play, the game is restarted in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game and Law 12, if the player or his team committed another infringement of this Law
If a player who is outside the pitch with the referees’ permission and who has not been substituted re-enters the pitch without the permission of the referees or the third referee and commits a further cautionable offence, the referees send him off for a double caution, e.g. the player enters without the permission of the referees or the third referee and trips an opponent in a reckless manner. If this infringement is committed with excessive force, the player is sent off directly.
If the referees stop play, it must be restarted in accordance with Law 12.
If a player accidentally crosses one of the boundary lines of the pitch, he is not deemed to have committed an infringement. If a player leaves the pitch as part of a playing movement, he is not deemed to have committed an infringement.
Substitutes
If a substitute enters the pitch by infringing the substitution procedure or causes his team to be playing with an extra player, the referees, assisted by the assistant referees, must:
• stop play, although not immediately if they can apply the advantage. The substitute must leave the pitch at the first stoppage in the match if he has not left before, either to complete the substitution procedure, if the infringement was for this reason, or to move to the technical area, if his team was playing with an extra player
• caution him for unsporting behaviour if his team plays with an extra player or for infringing the substitution procedure if the substitution was not made correctly
• send him off if he denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity. The number of players in his team is reduced irrespective of whether the offence consists of an infringement of the substitution procedure or because his team is playing with an extra player, in which case in addition to the substitute sent off, another of the players must leave the pitch so that his team is then playing with one player less, with a new player being introduced as specified in the section of Law 3 entitled “Players and substitutes sent off”
• stop play – if they apply the advantage – as soon as the substitute’s team gains possession of the ball, and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If the referees:
• apply the advantage and then stop play because the opposing team commits an infringement or because the ball leaves the pitch, they award a free kick to the opposing team of the substitute, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the substitute’s team (see Law 13: Position of free kick). If necessary, they also impose the sanction corresponding to the infringement committed by the opponents of the substitute’s team
• apply the advantage and another player of the substitute’s team commits an infringement punishable with a free kick or a penalty kick, they sanction the substitute’s team with a free kick or a penalty kick, to be taken in accordance with the Laws (see Law 13: Position of free kick). If necessary, they also impose the sanction corresponding to the infringement committed
• apply the advantage and the substitute does not comply with the substitution procedure and commits an infringement punishable with a free kick or a penalty kick, they sanction the substitute’s team with a free kick or a penalty kick, to be taken in accordance with the Laws (see
Law 13: Position of free kick). If necessary, they also impose the sanction corresponding to the infringement committed
• apply the advantage and the substitute’s team plays with an extra player, and that player commits an infringement punishable with a free kick or a penalty kick, they sanction that player’s team with a free kick, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the
imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the substitute’s team (see Law 13: Position of free kick). If necessary, they also impose the sanction corresponding to the infringement committed
If a named substitute replaces a player before the start of a match without the team officials informing the match officials, the referees, assisted by the assistant referees, must:
• stop play, although not immediately if they can apply the advantage. They do not caution the substitute, but he must leave the pitch at the first stoppage in the match to complete the substitution procedure, i.e. enter the pitch via the substitution zone
If the referees:
• cannot apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the substitute’s team (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• apply the advantage, they stop play as soon as the substitute’s team gains possession of the ball, and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the substitute’s team (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• apply the advantage and then stop play because the opposing team commits an infringement or because the ball leaves the pitch, they award a free kick to the opposing team of the substitute, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the substitute’s team (see Law 13: Position of free kick). If necessary, they also impose the sanction corresponding to the infringement committed by the opponents of the substitute’s team
• apply the advantage, and the substitute or a team-mate of the substitute commits an infringement punishable with a free kick or penalty kick, they sanction his team with a free kick or a penalty kick. If the infringement
is punishable with a free kick, it is taken from the place where the infringement was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick); if the infringement is sanctioned with a free kick because an infringement other than the ten listed in Law 12 is committed, play is restarted from the place where the infringement was committed or from where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the substitute’s team (see Law 13: Position of free kick), with play always restarted by the team against which the infringement was committed. If necessary, they also impose the sanction corresponding to the infringement committed
If a substitute commits a sending-off offence before entering the pitch, the number of players in his team is not reduced and another substitute or the player he was going to replace may enter the pitch.
Authorised departure from the pitch
In addition to a normal substitution, a player may leave the pitch without the referees’ permission in the following situations:
• As part of a playing movement whereby he immediately returns to the pitch, i.e. to play the ball or place himself in an advantageous position by dribbling past an opponent. However, it is not permitted to leave the pitch and pass behind one of the goals before re-entering the pitch with the aim of deceiving the opponents. If the referees do not apply the advantage, they stop play and award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if the ball was located in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the infringement (see Law 13: Position of free kick), in which case they caution the player for leaving the pitch without the referees’ permission
• Due to injury. The player needs the permission of the referees or the third referee to re-enter the pitch if he has not been substituted. If he is
suffering from a bleeding wound, the bleeding must have stopped before he re-enters the pitch and he must be checked by the referees or the third referee
• In order to correct or put back on his equipment. The player needs the referees’ permission to re-enter the pitch if he has not been substituted, and the referees or the third referee must check his equipment before he returns to the match
Unauthorised departure from the pitch
If a player leaves the pitch without the referees’ permission and for reasons not permitted in the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game, the timekeeper or the third referee sounds the acoustic signal to inform the referees, if the
advantage cannot be applied. If play has to be stopped, the referees sanction the offending player’s team with a free kick, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the substitute’s team (see Law 13: Position of free kick). If the advantage is applied, they must sound the acoustic signal at the next stoppage in play. The player is cautioned for deliberately leaving the pitch without the referees’ permission.
Minimum number of players
Although a match may not start if either team consists of fewer than three players, the minimum number of players required for a match, including starting players and substitutes, is left to the discretion of member associations, provided that the provisions of Law 3 are respected.
A match may not continue if there are fewer than three players in either of the teams.
If a team has fewer than three players because one or more players has deliberately left the pitch, the referees are not obliged to stop the match immediately and the advantage may be applied. In such a case, after play has been stopped the referees will not restart the match if a team does not have the minimum number of three players on the pitch.
Injured players
If there are injured players, the referees must:
• allow the match to continue until the ball goes out of play if a player is, in the opinion of the referees, only slightly injured
• stop play if, in the opinion of the referees, a player is seriously injured
• authorise, after questioning the injured player, one or, at most, two doctors to enter the pitch to assess the injury and arrange the player’s safe and swift removal from the pitch, unless the injured player has been fouled and must take the resultant free kick or penalty kick. In this case, the referees must ask the player whether he can take the free kick or penalty kick himself, or whether the substitute replacing him will take the free kick or penalty kick
• allow, following the relevant signal, stretcher-bearers and doctors to enter the pitch to speed up the player’s removal from the pitch, if necessary
• ensure that an injured player is removed safely and swiftly from the pitch
• ensure that an injured player is not treated on the pitch, unless the injury is so severe that he must be treated on the pitch, or the player concerned has been fouled and has to take the kick himself; in this case, the referees must ask the player whether he can take the kick himself, or whether the substitute replacing him will take the free kick or penalty kick
• order any player bleeding from a wound to leave the pitch and not allow him to return until they are satisfied that the bleeding has stopped (the third referee may check this, but the referees must authorise his entry, if he has not been substituted). A player is not allowed to wear clothing with blood
on it. A player with a bleeding wound or with blood on his jersey must be ordered to leave the pitch, regardless of whether he has been fouled or not. In this case, the substitute replacing him will take the free kick or penalty kick, and the injured player can only return to the pitch once the ball is out of play. As soon as the referees have authorised the doctors to enter the pitch, the player must leave the pitch, either on a stretcher or on foot. If a player does not comply, he must be cautioned for delaying the restart of play or for unsporting behaviour. Play is not restarted until said player has left the pitch. If this player has been fouled, the substitute replacing him will take the free kick or penalty kick
• allow an injured player to leave the pitch from a place other than the substitution zone. He may do so from any line that marks the pitch boundaries
• allow an injured player to be substituted, unless he has been fouled and has to take the free kick or penalty kick and is able to do so; if he leaves the pitch, the substitute must enter via the substitution zone once the injured player has left the pitch
• allow an injured player to leave the pitch, and if he has not been substituted, ensure that he only re-enters the pitch once play has restarted
• allow an injured player to re-enter the pitch, if he has not been substituted, when the ball is in play, but only from the touch line; when the ball is out of play, he may enter the pitch from any boundary line (goal line and touch line). Only the referees may allow an injured player who has not been substituted to return to the pitch, whether the ball is in play or not. They do not permit him to enter if the ball is in play and if play is developing in the area in which he is located
• allow an injured player to return to the pitch if the third referee verifies that the player is ready. If play has not otherwise been stopped for another reason, or if an injury suffered by a player is not the result of an infringement of the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game, play is restarted with
a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the sand on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
• show a card, once they have decided to do so, to an injured player before he leaves the pitch for medical treatment
• not issue a card to an injured player when he is receiving treatment
• ensure, with the assistance of the third referee, that substitutes replacing injured players, or players who were injured only enter the pitch with the relevant permission
• allow a player who has sand in his eyes to be treated on the pitch and not require him to leave the pitch
If a player is injured, the timekeeper shall stop the timing device immediately without waiting for a signal from the referees, and shall only restart the timing device once the ball is back in play.
Exceptions are only to be made when:
• a goalkeeper is injured
• a goalkeeper and any other player have collided and need immediate attention
• players from the same team have collided and need immediate attention
• a serious injury has occurred, e.g. swallowed tongue, concussion, broken leg, broken arm, etc.
Refreshments
The referees allow players to take refreshments during a stoppage in the match, but only outside the pitch. It is not permitted to throw bags containing liquids or any other receptacle containing liquid on to the pitch.
Basic equipment
Colours:
• If the jerseys of the two goalkeepers are the same colour and neither has another jersey to change into, the referee allows the game to start
Other equipment
A player may use equipment other than the basic equipment, provided that its sole purpose is to protect him physically and it poses no danger to him or any other player.
All items of clothing or equipment other than the basic equipment must be inspected by the referees and determined not to be dangerous.
Players and substitutes may not wear footwear, but they may protect their feet with bindings that do not cover the heels or the toes.
Modern protective equipment, such as headgear, facemasks and knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight padded material are not considered dangerous and are therefore permitted.
Where head covers are worn, they must:
• be black or of the same main colour as of the jersey (provided that the players of the same team wear the same colour)
• be in keeping with the professional appearance of the player’s equipment
• not be attached to the jersey
• not pose any danger to the player wearing it or any other player (e.g. opening/closing mechanism around neck)
• not have any part(s) extending out from the surface (protruding elements) Sports spectacles are permitted if they pose no danger to the players.
If an item of clothing or equipment that has been inspected at the start of a match and determined not to be dangerous becomes dangerous or is used in a dangerous manner during the match, its use must no longer be allowed.
The use of electronic communication systems on the pitch between players, between players and technical staff, or between technical staff is not permitted.
Jewellery
All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed by the players and substitutes before the start of the match. Using tape to cover jewellery is not acceptable.
Referees and assistant referees are also prohibited from wearing jewellery or personal adornments (except for the referee, who is permitted to wear a watch or similar device to time the match if the timekeeper is absent).
Numbering of the players
Players are required to display unique numbers on the backs of their jerseys which are noticeably different from the main jersey colour.
These numbers should be between 1 and 15, with the number 1 reserved for the goalkeeper, in order to facilitate the signalling of numbers by the referees.
Competition and Equipment Regulations must stipulate the sizing and exact colour and placement of these and any other numbers displayed on the players’ equipment (i.e. front of shorts or jersey).
Goalkeepers
Teams may use either a player or a substitute as a goalkeeper. The substitute must follow the substitution procedure, i.e. he must wear a goalkeeper’s shirt bearing his number. If the competition regulations stipulate it, his shirt must also bear his name.
If a goalkeeper is substituted due to injury or is sent off, and if the team does not have another goalkeeper available, the player replacing him may wear a goalkeeper’s shirt not necessarily bearing name or number.
Disciplinary sanctions
Before the match begins, players and substitutes must be checked to ensure that they are not wearing any unauthorised clothing or jewellery. The third referee carries out a second visual check of the substitutes before they enter the pitch. If there is a reserve assistant referee, he shall perform the first check of the players’ equipment in the dressing rooms. If a player is discovered to be wearing unauthorised clothing or jewellery during play, the referees must:
• inform the player that the item in question must be removed
• order the player to leave the pitch at the next stoppage if he is unable or unwilling to comply
• caution the player if he wilfully refuses to comply or, having been told to remove the item, is discovered to be wearing the item again
If play is stopped to caution a player, a free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the offending player’s team (see Law 13: Position of free kick).
Powers and duties
Beach soccer is a competitive sport, and referees must understand that physical contact between the players is a normal and acceptable part of the game.
Nevertheless, if the players do not respect the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game and the principles of sportsmanship, i.e. fair play, the referees must take the appropriate action to ensure that they are respected.
The referees must suspend the match if, in their opinion, the lighting is inadequate due to a failure of some kind. If the failure cannot be repaired, the referee abandons the match.
If an object thrown by a spectator hits a match official, a player or a team official, the referee may allow the match to continue, suspend play or abandon the match, depending on the severity of the incident. He must, in all cases, report the incident(s) to the appropriate authorities.
The referees have the power to caution or send off players and expel officials during the intervals between periods and after the match has finished as well as during extra time and kicks from the imaginary penalty mark, since disciplinary decisions remain under their jurisdiction at these times.
If one of the referees is temporarily incapacitated for any reason, play may continue under the supervision of the other referee and the assistant referees until the ball next goes out of play.
Advantage
The referees may apply the advantage whenever an infringement or offence occurs and the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game do not explicitly prohibit the advantage from being applied. For example, it is permitted at a corner kick with opponents less than five metres if the kicker wishes to take the kick quickly; however, it is not permitted when a ball inbound is taken incorrectly.
The advantage is not permitted for infringements of the four-second rule, unless the infringement is committed by the defending team in controlling the ball when it is already in play in their own penalty area, and if they lose possession of the ball. In the remaining cases: free kicks, balls inbound, goal clearances and corner kicks, the referees cannot apply the advantage.
The referees should consider the following circumstances in deciding whether to apply the advantage or stop play:
• The severity of the offence: if the infringement warrants a sending-off, the referees must stop play immediately and send off the player unless there is a clear opportunity to score a goal
• The position where the offence was committed: the closer to the opponent’s goal, the more effective it can be
• The chances of an immediate, promising attack
• As all free kicks in beach soccer are direct without a wall, sanctioning a foul with a free kick is usually the greatest advantage that can be applied
• The atmosphere of the match
The decision to penalise the original offence must be taken within a few seconds, but it is not possible to go back if a new passage of play has been allowed (except when a team plays with an extra player).
If the offence warrants a caution, it must be issued at the next stoppage. However, unless there is a clear advantage, it is recommended that the referees stop play and caution the player immediately. If the caution is not issued at the next stoppage, it cannot be shown later. If this occurs, the referees must report the fact.
If the infringement warrants a sending-off, the referees must stop play immediately and send off the player unless there is an obvious opportunity to score a goal. If the sending-off is not issued at the next stoppage, it cannot be shown later. If this occurs, the referees report must the fact.
More than one offence occurring at the same time
• Offences committed by two or more players from the same team:
– The referees must punish the most serious offence
– Play must be restarted according to the most serious offence committed
– Notwithstanding the above two points, the referees caution or send off the players in accordance with the offences committed, or do not take any disciplinary action
• Offences committed by players from different teams:
– The referees must stop the match, as the advantage cannot be applied, and restart play with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
– Notwithstanding the above point, the referees caution or send off the players in accordance with the offences committed, or do not take any disciplinary action
External interference
The referees stop play if a spectator blows a whistle or an acoustic signal and they consider that this action interferes with play, e.g. if a player picks up the ball with his hands as a result of the whistle. If the referees stop the match, play is restarted with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position.
Four-second count when the ball is in play
Each time that a team is in possession of the ball while it is in play and in their own penalty area, one of the referees must visibly perform the four-second count.
Restart of play
The referees shall especially ensure that restarts of play are carried out quickly and shall not allow play to not be restarted immediately for tactical reasons after a stoppage (ball inbound, goal clearance, corner kick or free kick). In such cases, the four-second count starts and it is necessary to use the whistle. In cases where the restart does not allow the four-second count (kick-off or penalty kicks), the player or players who delay it is/are cautioned.
It is permitted for persons to be positioned around the pitch with extra balls close to hand in order to facilitate restarts and the development of play. If the restart of play is delayed as the ball is being withheld, the referees order the timekeeper to stop the timing device, and to only restart it once the ball is back in play.
Positioning
Positioning with ball in play
Recommendations
• The play should be between the referee and the second referee
• The referees should use a diagonal system, always keeping the ball and players in their field of vision
• Staying outside and parallel to the touch line makes it easier to keep the play and the other referee within the referee’s field of vision
• One of the referees should be close enough to see play without interfering with it
• The referees only enter the pitch to restart play, after a foul has been committed, to conduct a dropped ball, to show a card, to assess an injury to a player, or in any other special circumstances
• “What needs to be seen” does not always happen in the vicinity of the ball. The referees should also pay attention to:
– possible offences in the penalty area towards which play is heading
– aggressive off-the-ball individual confrontations involving players, with the assistance of the assistant referees
– offences occurring after the ball has been played away, with the assistance of the assistant referees
General positioning during the match
One of the referees must be in line with the second-last member of the defending team or the ball if it is nearer the goal line than the second-last member of the defending team or, if necessary, level with the goal line. The referees must always face the pitch.
Goalkeeper releasing the ball
One of the referees must take a position in line with the edge of the penalty area and check that the goalkeeper does not touch the ball with his hands outside the penalty area, while also counting the number of seconds he is in possession of the ball.
Once the goalkeeper has released the ball, the referee must take up a suitable position for supervising the match.
“Goal – no goal” situations
When a goal has been scored and there is no doubt about the decision, the referee and the second referee must make eye contact and the referee nearest to the timekeeper’s table must approach the timekeeper and the third referee to communicate with the appropriate signal the number of the player who scored the goal.
If a goal has been scored but the ball appears to still be in play, the referee who is nearest blows his whistle to attract the attention of the other referee and then the referee nearest to the timekeeper’s table approaches the timekeeper and the third referee to communicate with the appropriate signal the number of the player who scored the goal.
Positioning in ball-out-of-play situations
The best position is one from which the referee can make the right decision. All recommendations about positioning are based on probabilities and must be adjusted using specific information about the teams, the players and events in the match up to that point.
The positions suggested in the following diagrams are basic; some are recommended to referees and others are mandatory. The reference to a “zone” is intended to emphasise that every recommended position is actually an area within which the referee is most likely to optimise his effectiveness. The zone may be larger, smaller or differently shaped depending on the circumstances at the moment in question.
1. Positioning – kick-off (mandatory)
At the start of the match, the referee takes up a position on the goal line on the same side as the substitution zone, approximately 4m from the goal, from where he watches to see if a goal is scored.
The second referee takes up a position on the touch line opposite the substitution zone, ensuring that the defenders are in the correct position and using the 5m marks on the touch line to make sure that the defenders do not advance too far forward. He also pays attention to any possible indication from the third referee that a player has committed an infringement at the kick-off. He uses his whistle to signal for the kick-off to be taken.
The third referee takes up a position level with the imaginary halfway line to assist the referees in determining the correct position of the ball, and to ensure that the players taking the kick-off and the players defending the
kick-off are in their own half of the pitch. The third referee raises his arm if an infringement is committed by the team taking the kick-off. The timekeeper, who does not start the timing device, immediately alerts the referee with an acoustic signal to inform them that the kick-off must be retaken.
Once play has started, and at kick-offs, the referees may take up a different position on the touch lines if they consider it necessary for better control
of the match. Consequently, it is not mandatory for the referee to stand on the goal line and the second referee to stand on the touch line opposite the substitution zone.
2. Positioning – goal clearance 1.
One of the referees must check first that the ball is inside the penalty area.
• If the ball is not played correctly, the referee may start the four-second count if he considers that the goalkeeper was ready to take the goal clearance or is delaying picking the ball up in his hands for tactical reasons, and indicates with his whistle that the count has started
• If a team taking a goal clearance decides to substitute its goalkeeper, one of the referees, after blowing his whistle, starts the four-second count regardless of whether the ball is inside the penalty area or not. If there is no ball inside the penalty area, the third referee or the ball kids immediately throw a ball into the penalty area
2.
Once the ball is inside the penalty area, one of the referees must take a position in line with the edge of the penalty area to check that the ball leaves the penalty area (ball in play) and that the members of the opposing team are outside. He then performs the four-second count, irrespective of whether he has started it in accordance with the previous point.
3.
Finally, the referee who supervised the goal clearance must take up a suitable position for supervising the match, which is a priority in any case.
3. Positioning – corner kick (mandatory)
During a corner kick, the referee nearest to the place from where it is to be taken takes a position on the touch line at a distance of approximately 5m from the imaginary corner arc. From this position, he must check that the ball is properly placed inside the imaginary corner arc and that the defenders have retreated 5m. The referee furthest from the place from where the kick is to be taken stands on the goal line, approximately 4m away from the nearest post. From this position, he can monitor the ball and the behaviour of the players.
4. Positioning – free kick (1)
During a free kick in the opponent’s half, the referee who is nearest takes a position in line with the place from where the kick is to be taken and checks that the ball is properly placed, as well as watching the players for encroachment while the kick is being taken. The referee furthest from the
place from where the kick is to be taken must take up a position on the goal line at a distance of approximately 4m from the goal, which is a priority in any case. Both referees must be ready to follow the trajectory of the ball.
5. Positioning – free kick (2)
During a free kick from a team’s own half or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, the referee closest to the location of the free kick stands in front of the ball to ensure that the defenders are at least 5m away from the ball and clear of the imaginary area between the ball and the corner flags. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the player’s team-mates are not in the imaginary area between the ball and the corner flags, and that the ball is correctly placed. Once he has conducted these checks, he moves behind the ball without disturbing the player taking the kick, and uses his whistle
to signal for the free kick to be taken; after the free kick is taken, he uses his whistle to indicate any player infringements occurring after the order to take the free kick. The referee furthest from the place from where the kick is to be taken must take up a position on the goal line at a distance of approximately 4m from the goal, which is a priority in any case. Both referees must be ready to follow the trajectory of the ball.
6. Positioning – penalty kick (mandatory)
One of the referees is positioned in line with the imaginary penalty mark at an approximate distance of 5m and checks that the ball is properly placed, identifies the kicker and watches the players for encroachment while the kick is being taken. He does not order the kick to be taken until he has checked
that the position of all the players is correct, and is assisted by the other referee if necessary. The other referee must take up a position on the goal line at a distance of approximately 4m from the goal, which is a priority in any case. If the goalkeeper advances from the goal line before the kick has been taken and a goal is not scored, the referee blows his whistle to order the penalty kick to be retaken.
7. Positioning – ball inbound [1]
8. Positioning – ball inbound (mandatory) [5]
During a ball inbound close to the imaginary corner arc in favour of the attacking team, the referee nearest to the place from where it is to be taken remains at an approximate distance of 5m. From this position, he checks that the ball inbound is taken in accordance with the procedure and that the defenders have retreated 5m from the point at which the ball inbound is taken. The other referee must take a position on the goal line at a distance of approximately 4m from the goal, which is a priority in any case. From this position, he can monitor the ball and the behaviour of the players.
9. Positioning – kicks from the imaginary penalty mark to determine the winner of a match or home-and-away tie (mandatory)
The referee must be positioned on the goal line approximately 2m from the goal. His main duty is to check if the ball crosses the line and whether the goalkeeper advances from the line:
• When it is clear that the ball has crossed the goal line, the referee must make eye contact with the second referee to check that no infringement has been committed
The second referee must be positioned in line with the imaginary penalty mark at an approximate distance of 3m to check that the ball and the goalkeeper of the team of the kicker are correctly positioned.
The third referee stands at the imaginary central circle of the imaginary halfway line to control the remaining players from both teams, who stand to the left and right of him.
The timekeeper must be positioned at the timekeeper’s table, and if there is no reserve assistant referee, he checks that the players excluded from taking the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark and the officials of both teams behave correctly.
If there is a reserve assistant referee, the timekeeper stands in front of the timekeeper’s table, from where he ensures that the players excluded from taking the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark and both teams’ officials behave correctly, while the reserve assistant referee assumes timekeeping duties from the timekeeper’s table.
All of the referees make a note of the penalty kicks taken and the numbers of the players who took them.
Use of whistle
The use of the whistle is mandatory for:
• kick-offs:
– to start play (1st, 2nd and 3rd periods of the match and extra time, if necessary)
– to restart play after a goal
• stopping play:
– to award a free kick or penalty kick
– to suspend or abandon a match or to confirm the timekeeper’s acoustic signal when he ends the period of play, or on completion of the trajectory of the ball if it is heading towards one of the goals once the period has ended
• restarting play for:
– free kicks, after ensuring that the players have assumed the positions stipulated in the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game
– penalty kicks
• restarting play after it has been stopped due to:
– the issue of a caution or sending-off for misconduct
– an injury to one or more players
The use of the whistle is not needed to:
• stop play for:
– a goal clearance, corner kick or ball inbound (it is mandatory if the situation is unclear)
– a goal (it is mandatory if the ball has not clearly entered the goal)
• restart play from:
– a goal clearance, a corner kick, or a ball inbound, unless a four-second count is started because a player is delaying the restart of play for tactical reasons
The whistle may not be used to:
• restart play with a dropped ball
When the whistle is used too frequently, it will have less impact when it is needed. The referee must use his whistle to signal that a free kick or a penalty kick may be taken. If, in either case, the player restarts play before the referee’s whistle, the player is cautioned for delaying the restart of play.
If, during play, one of the referees sounds his whistle by mistake, the referees must stop the match if they consider this action to interfere with play. If this is the case, play is restarted with a dropped ball. One of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position. If the sound of the whistle does not interfere with play, the referees give clear signals to play on.
Body language
Body language is a tool that the referee uses to:
• help him control the match
• show authority and self-control
Body language is not:
• an explanation of a decision
Excessive use of gestures indicates that the referee does not have effective control over the game and the players.
Duties and responsibilities
The third referee and the timekeeper help the referees to control the match in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game. They also assist the referees in all other matters involving the running of the match at the request
and under the direction of the referees. This commonly includes such matters as:
• inspecting the pitch, the balls used and players’ equipment
• determining if problems with equipment or bleeding have been resolved
• monitoring the substitution procedure
• maintaining records of time, goals and misconduct
Positioning of the assistant referees and teamwork
1. Kick-off
The third referee takes up a position level with the imaginary halfway line in the substitution zone, assists with determining the correct position of the ball and the players taking the kick-off, and watches to ensure that the kick-off
is taken correctly. If an infringement is committed, he lifts his arm so that the timekeeper sounds the acoustic signal and does not start the timing device.
The timekeeper is positioned at the timekeeper’s table and watches the third referee. He does not start the timing device if the third referee raises his arm to indicate that an infringement has been committed.
2. General positioning during the match
The third referee checks that substitutes, officials and other persons are in the correct position. To do so, he may move along the touch line, if necessary, but without entering the pitch.
The timekeeper is positioned at the timekeeper’s table and ensures that the timing device is stopped and started in accordance with the development of play.
3. Substitutions
The third referee checks that the substitutes’ equipment is correct and that the substitutions are made correctly. To do so, he moves along the touch line, using the marks on the touch line to ensure that players and substitutes do not enter or leave the pitch outside of these marks.
4. Kicks from the imaginary penalty mark
The third referee must be positioned in the half of the pitch where the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark are not being taken, together with the eligible players. From this position, he observes the players’ behaviour and checks that no player takes another penalty kick before all of the other eligible players in his team have done so. To ensure that there are no confrontations, the eligible players of each team stand separate to the third referee’s left and the third referee’s right.
The timekeeper is positioned at the timekeeper’s table, checking that the team officials and non-eligible players behave correctly, and recording all the goals scored.
If there is a reserve assistant referee, the timekeeper stands in front of the timekeeper’s table, from where he ensures that the team officials and players excluded from taking the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark behave correctly. The reserve assistant referee is positioned at the timekeeper’s table and records all the goals scored.
Acoustic signal
The acoustic signal is an essential signal in a match, to be used only when necessary in order to gain the attention of the referee, or in instances stipulated by the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
Situations when the acoustic signal is mandatory:
• End of the periods of play
• Infringement committed at a kick-off
• Notice of improper conduct of substitutes or team officials, although the advantage may be applied
• Notice of a breach of the substitution procedure, although the advantage may be applied
• Notice of a disciplinary error committed by the referees
• Notice of external interference
If during the match the timekeeper sounds the acoustic signal by mistake, the referees must stop the match if they consider this action to interfere with play. If the referees stop the match, play is restarted with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position. If the sound of the acoustic signal does not interfere with play, the referees give clear signals to play on.
Timing device
If the timing device does not work properly, the assistant referees inform the referees of this fact. The timekeeper must continue timing the match using a handheld stopwatch. The third referee informs the teams of the time every 30 seconds, apart from in the last minute of each period, when he does so every ten seconds.
If, after a stoppage in play, the timekeeper forgets to start the timing device, the referees order the time that was not counted be added on.
For each restart after play has been stopped in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game, timekeeping is restarted as follows:
• Kick-off: after the ball has been kicked, completing the procedure
• Goal clearance: after the goalkeeper has released the ball from his hands and the ball has left the penalty area, completing the procedure
• Corner kick: after the ball has been kicked and moves, completing the procedure
• Ball inbound: after the ball has entered the pitch, having been kicked or thrown, completing the procedure
• Free kick outside the penalty area: after the ball has been kicked, completing the procedure
• Free kick inside the penalty area, for the defending team: after the ball has been kicked and left the penalty area, completing the procedure
• Penalty kick: after the ball has been kicked forward, completing the procedure
• Dropped ball: after the ball has been released from the hands of one of the referees and touches the sand, completing the procedure
Interval between periods of play
The referees allow an interval between the periods if a player of one of the teams requests one, even if the captains of both teams have asked not to have an interval.
Extra time
If extra time is necessary, the interval between the end of the third period and the start of extra time may not last longer than three minutes.
Kick-off
The referees do not have to request the confirmation of the goalkeepers or any other player before ordering a kick-off to be taken. They only need to ensure that the players and the ball are in the correct position, and ask the third referee for confirmation.
Infringements at a kick-off
If, at a kick-off, one of the following infringements is committed after the signal has been given to take it and before the ball is in play:
• One or more players of the defending team advance to within less than 5m of the ball. The referees await the outcome of the play; if the team taking the kick-off scores a goal, they do not impose any sanctions on the defending team
• One or more players of the defending team advance to within less than 5m of the ball. The referees await the outcome of the play; if the team taking the kick-off does not score a goal, they order the kick-off to be retaken and impose sanctions on the defending team, cautioning the offending player(s) for failing to respect the minimum distance at a kick-off
• One or more players of the team taking the kick-off are in the half of the defending team. As soon as the ball is in play and after the third referee has given his signal and the timekeeper has sounded the acoustic signal, the referees stop play immediately and order the kick-off to be retaken.
They also warn the offending player(s) that a caution will be issued for deliberately delaying the restart of play if the same infringement is committed when the kick-off is retaken
• One or more players of the defending team advance to within less than 5m of the ball, and one or more players of the team taking the kick-off are in the half of the defending team. As soon as the ball is in play, the referees stop play immediately, order the kick-off to be retaken and will not impose any other sanction
• The ball is kicked backwards and touches the sand before a team-mate kicks the ball forward in the air. They warn the offending player that a
caution will be issued for deliberately delaying the restart of play if the same infringement is committed when the kick-off is retaken
Dropped ball
• Any player (including the goalkeeper) may challenge for the ball
• There is no minimum or maximum number of players for contesting a dropped ball
• The referees may not decide which players may participate in a dropped ball, nor prevent a restart if a player from one of the teams is missing
• There is no required distance to be respected by the players, unless the opponent is blocked and the dropped ball cannot be taken
• It is not necessary for a team to contest a dropped ball
• If an infringement is committed by a player before the ball is in play but after one of the referees has released it from his hands, the referee retakes the dropped ball after imposing the corresponding sanction
The ball inside the pitch touches one of the referees
If, when the ball is in play, it touches one of the referees who is temporarily on the pitch, play continues because the referees are part of the match.
If, when the ball is in play, it touches one of the assistant referees who is temporarily on the pitch, the referees stop play and restart it with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position.
Goal scored with an extra person on the pitch
If, after a goal is scored and before play is restarted, the referees realise that an extra person was on the pitch at the time that the goal was scored:
• they must disallow the goal if:
– the extra person was an outside agent, a sent-off player or an official from one of the teams and interfered with play
– the extra person was a player, substitute, sent-off player or an official of the team that scored the goal
• they must allow the goal if:
– the extra person was an outside agent and did not interfere with play
– the extra person was a player, substitute, sent-off player or an official of the team that conceded the goal and did not interfere with play
No goal
If one of the referees signals a goal before the ball has passed wholly over the goal line and immediately realises his error, play shall be restarted with a
dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
There is no offside in beach soccer.
Basic requirements for sanctioning
The following conditions must be met for an offence to be considered a foul. The offence must:
• be committed by a player or a substitute who has not correctly followed the substitution procedure
• occur on the pitch
• occur while the ball is in play
If the referees stop play due to an offence committed outside the pitch (while the ball is in play) and it has not been committed by a player who left the pitch without the referees’ permission in order to do so, play is restarted with a dropped ball, with one of the referees dropping the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position.
It is not a foul when two or more players challenge for the ball at the same time with an opponent, if the challenge is legal.
Careless, reckless, using excessive force
“Careless” means that the player has shown a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or that he acted without precaution.
• No further disciplinary sanction is needed if a foul is judged to be careless, unless the offending player’s action denies an obvious goalscoring opportunity, in which case the player must be sent off, unless the action breaks up a promising attack, in which case he must be cautioned
“Reckless” means that the player has acted with complete disregard for the danger to, or consequences for, his opponent.
• A player who plays in a reckless manner must be cautioned; if his action denies an obvious goalscoring opportunity, the player must be sent off
“Using excessive force” means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent.
• A player who uses excessive force must be sent off
Charging an opponent
The act of charging an opponent is a challenge for space using physical contact within playing distance of the ball without using arms or elbows.
It is an offence to charge an opponent:
• in a careless manner
• in a reckless manner
• using excessive force
Sanctions
• Any player who charges an opponent in a reckless manner must be cautioned
• Any player who charges an opponent using excessive force must be sent off
• No further sanction must be imposed in other situations of charging an opponent
Restart of play
• Play is restarted with a free kick from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13: Position of free kick) or a penalty kick if the offence was committed inside the penalty area
Holding an opponent
Holding an opponent includes the act of preventing him from moving past or around using the hands, the arms or the body.
Referees must make an early intervention, particularly in the interests of prevention, and deal firmly with holding offences, especially inside the penalty area and when corner kicks, balls inbound or free kicks are being taken.
To deal with these situations, the referees must:
• warn any player holding an opponent before the ball is in play
• caution the player if the holding continues before the ball is in play
• award a free kick or penalty kick and caution the player if it happens once the ball is in play
If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area and continues holding him inside the penalty area, the referees must award a penalty kick.
Sanctions
• A caution for unsporting behaviour must be issued when a player holds an opponent to prevent him gaining possession of the ball or taking up an advantageous position, irrespective of whether the advantage is played
• A player must be sent off if he denies an obvious goalscoring opportunity by holding an opponent
• No further sanction must be imposed in other situations of holding an opponent
Restart of play
• Play is restarted with a free kick from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13: Position of free kick) or with a penalty kick if the offence occurred inside the penalty area
Handling the ball
Handling the ball involves a deliberate act of a player making contact with the ball with his hand or arm. The referees must take the following into consideration:
• Movement of the hand towards the ball (not the ball towards the hand)
• The distance between the opponent and the ball (ball coming at a player unexpectedly)
• The position of the hand does not necessarily mean that there is an infringement (holding it away from the body does not imply intent)
• Touching the ball with an object held in the hand (clothing etc.) counts as deliberately handling the ball
• Hitting the ball with a thrown object counts as deliberate handball
Sanctions
There are circumstances when a caution for unsporting behaviour is required when a player deliberately handles the ball, e.g. when a player:
• deliberately handles the ball to prevent an opponent gaining possession. If the advantage is applied, the player is still cautioned because the unsporting behaviour occurred earlier. If both team-mates and opponents have the opportunity to play the ball at a cross, no caution is issued for the offence
• attempts to score a goal by deliberately handling the ball
• tries to prevent a goal or deny a goalscoring opportunity with his hand when the goalkeeper is not inside his penalty area, and fails in his attempt
A player is sent off, however, if he prevents a goal or denies an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball. This punishment arises not from the act of the player deliberately handling the ball but from the unacceptable and unfair intervention that prevented a goal from being scored.
Restart of play
• Play is restarted with a free kick from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13: Position of free kick) or with a penalty kick if the offence occurred inside the penalty area
Outside his own penalty area, the goalkeeper has the same restrictions on handling the ball as does any other player. Inside his own penalty area, the goalkeeper cannot be guilty of a handling offence incurring a penalty kick. The goalkeeper can, however, commit other infringements that are sanctioned with a free kick, to be taken from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line.
Offences committed by goalkeepers
A goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball:
• while the ball is in his hands or between his hand and any surface (e.g. ground, own body)
• while holding the ball in his outstretched open hand
• while tossing the ball in the air before catching it again
When a goalkeeper has gained possession of the ball with his hands, he cannot be challenged by an opponent.
Possession of the ball means that the goalkeeper has control of the ball.
A goalkeeper is not permitted to touch the ball inside his own half of the pitch in the following circumstances:
• If he controls the ball in his penalty area for more than four seconds, whether with his hands or his feet. In this case, the referee nearest to the goalkeeper must publicly make the four-second count
• If, after playing the ball with his hands in the penalty area after receiving it from a team-mate, the goalkeeper deliberately touches it again with his hands or arms in the same penalty area after a team-mate has played the
ball with any part of his body, and without the ball having been touched by an opponent in between the two passages of play:
– The goalkeeper is considered to have touched the ball when he touches it with any part of his body, except if the ball accidentally rebounds off him
• If, after playing the ball outside of his own penalty area, he returns to his penalty area and touches or plays the ball with any part of his body
Restart of play
• Play is restarted with a free kick from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
Offences committed against goalkeepers
• It is an offence to prevent a goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands, e.g. when he throws the ball up in the air to catch it again
• Playing the ball or attempting to do so when the goalkeeper is holding it in the palm of his hand
• If a player plays or tries to play the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it, he must be penalised for playing in a dangerous manner
• It is an offence to restrict the movement of the goalkeeper by unfairly impeding him, e.g. at the taking of a corner kick
• Restricting the movement of the goalkeeper by unfairly impeding him while he is taking a goal clearance is a cautionable offence
An attacker coming into contact with a goalkeeper inside the latter’s own penalty area does not automatically imply that any infringement has been committed, except if the attacker jumps at, charges or pushes the goalkeeper in a careless or reckless manner or using excessive force.
Restart of play
• Play is restarted with a free kick from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13: Position of free kick). If a player jumps at, charges or pushes the goalkeeper in a reckless manner or using excessive force, the referees impose the corresponding sanction
Playing in a dangerous manner
Playing in a dangerous manner is defined as any action that, while a player is trying to play the ball, threatens injury to an opposing player or himself. It is committed with an opponent nearby and prevents the opponent from playing the ball for fear of injuring himself or the other player.
Playing in a dangerous manner involves no physical contact between the players. If there is physical contact, the action is an offence that is punishable with a free kick, to be taken from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13: Position of free kick) or with a penalty kick if the offence occurred inside the penalty area. In the case of no physical contact, the referees should carefully consider the high probability that an act of misconduct has also been committed.
Overhead kicks and scissors kicks are not by themselves an offence and, as a typical part of beach soccer, it is essential that these actions are allowed to take place.
Sanctions
• If a player plays in a dangerous manner in a “normal” challenge, the referees should not impose any sanction
• If a player plays in a dangerous manner near an opponent, but in such a manner that obviously risks the opponent sustaining an injury, the referees caution the player for playing in a reckless manner, or send him off if he did so using excessive force, and also impose the corresponding sanction of either a free kick or a penalty kick. This play shall not be regarded as dangerous play
• If a player denies an obvious goalscoring opportunity by playing in a dangerous manner, the referees should send the player off
Restart of play
• Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the offence was committed or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, provided this was in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• If there is physical contact, a different offence has been committed that is punishable by a free kick (see Law 13: Position of free kick), to be taken
from the place where the offence was committed, or by a penalty kick if the offence was committed inside the penalty area
• If the referees decide that a player has challenged an opponent in a reckless manner or using excessive force, they impose the corresponding sanction and play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the offence was committed (see Law 13: Position of free kick), or with a penalty kick if the offence was committed inside the penalty area
Overhead kicks/Scissors kicks
Scissors kicks or overhead kicks are an inherent part of beach soccer, and their execution must be protected, as should the players who perform such kicks. Referees must ensure that such kicks may be performed, and sanction any players who prevent them from being performed.
To sanction a player who prevents an opponent from executing a scissors kick or an overhead kick, the referees must take the following criteria into consideration:
• If the ball is in the possession of the player who is executing or will execute a scissors kick or an overhead kick, and an opponent touches him, the opponent’s team is sanctioned with a free kick (see Law 13: Position of free kick) or with a penalty kick if the offence was committed inside the penalty area
• If the ball is in the possession of the player who is executing or will execute a scissors kick or an overhead kick, and an opponent touches or plays the ball, the opponent’s team is sanctioned with a free kick (see Law 13: Position of free kick) or with a penalty kick if the offence was committed inside the penalty area
• If the ball is in the possession of the player who is executing or will execute a scissors kick or an overhead kick, and an opponent touches him, or touches or plays the ball, and as a result the opponent is struck by the player executing the kick, the referees do not sanction the player executing the scissors kick or overhead kick but only sanction the player who intended to prevent or prevented the kick from being executed
• If the ball is not in the possession of the player who is executing or will execute a scissors kick or an overhead kick, and an opponent touches or plays the ball, the opponent has not committed any offence
• If the ball is not in the possession of the player who is executing or will execute a scissors kick or an overhead kick, and this player strikes an opponent while executing the kick, he will be sanctioned in accordance with the offence
• A player may, in defending a scissors kick or an overhead kick, jump vertically off the ground provided he does not touch the player executing the kick
Sanctions
• If a player prevents an opponent from executing an overhead kick or a scissors kick, thereby denying him an obvious goalscoring opportunity, the referees send him off for denying an opponent an obvious goalscoring opportunity
• If a player executes an overhead kick or a scissors kick without being in possession of the ball and strikes an opponent while doing so, he must be sanctioned in accordance with the offence. He must be cautioned if he played in a reckless manner, or sent off if he played with excessive force. If a player injures an opponent who sustains a bleeding wound as a result, the player is guilty of serious foul play and must be sent off
Restart of play
• Play is restarted with a free kick to the opponents of the player who committed the offence, to be taken from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13: Position of free kick) or with a penalty kick if the offence occurred inside the penalty area
Impeding the progress of an opponent
Impeding the progress of an opponent means moving into the path of the opponent to obstruct, block, slow down or force a change of direction by an opponent when the ball is not within playing distance of either player.
All players have a right to their position on the pitch, and being in the way of an opponent is not the same as moving into the way of an opponent.
Shielding the ball is permitted. A player who places himself between an opponent and the ball for tactical reasons has not committed an offence as long as the ball is kept within playing distance and the player does not hold off the opponent with his arms or body.
Sanctions
• The referees do not impose any sanctions on a player who impedes the progress of an opponent
• If the player denies an opponent an obvious goalscoring opportunity by impeding his progress, the referees send him off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity
Restart of play
• Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the offence was committed or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, provided this was in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
Delaying the restart of play to issue a card
Once the referees have decided to issue a card and stop play, whether to caution or send off a player or a substitute, play must not be restarted until the sanction has been administered.
Cautions for unsporting behaviour
There are different circumstances in which a player must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour, e.g. if a player:
• commits in a reckless manner one of the seven offences that incur a free kick
• commits a foul for the tactical purpose of interfering with or breaking up a promising attack, but not in a reckless manner or using excessive force
• holds an opponent for the tactical purpose of forcing the opponent away from the ball or preventing the opponent from getting to the ball
• handles the ball to prevent an opponent from gaining possession or developing an attack (other than the goalkeeper inside his own penalty area)
• handles the ball in an attempt to score a goal (irrespective of whether or not the attempt is successful)
• handles the ball while pretending to play it with another part of his body in an attempt to deceive the referees
• tries to prevent a goal or deny a goalscoring opportunity with his hand, the player in question not being the goalkeeper inside his own penalty area, and fails in his attempt
• attempts to deceive the referees by feigning injury or pretending to have been fouled (simulation)
• changes places with the goalkeeper during play without the referees’ permission
• acts in a manner which shows a lack of respect for the game
• plays the ball when he is walking off the pitch after being granted permission to leave the pitch
• verbally distracts an opponent during play or at a restart
• makes unauthorised marks on the pitch
Goal celebrations
While it is permissible for a player to demonstrate his joy when a goal has been scored, the celebration must not be excessive.
Reasonable celebrations are allowed, but the practice of choreographed celebrations is not to be encouraged when it results in excessive time-wasting or provocation of the opponents or the spectators. Referees must intervene in such a case.
A player will be cautioned if:
• in the opinion of the referees, he makes gestures which are provocative, derisory or exuberant
• he climbs on to a perimeter fence to celebrate a goal being scored
• he removes his shirt or covers his head with his shirt, even if he has the same one on underneath
• he covers his head or face with a mask or other similar item
Leaving the pitch to celebrate a goal is permitted, but it is essential that players return to the pitch as soon as possible.
Showing dissent by word or action
A player or substitute who is guilty of dissent by protesting (verbally or non- verbally) against the decisions of the referees or assistant referees must be cautioned.
The captain of a team has no special status or privileges under the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game but he has a degree of responsibility for the behaviour of his team.
Any player or substitute who attacks a match official or is guilty of using offensive, rude or obscene gestures or language must be sent off.
Delaying the restart of play
Referees must caution any player who delays the restart of play by tactics such as:
• Taking a free kick from the wrong position while a referee is ensuring that the other players take up the correct position, with the deliberate intention of forcing the referees to order a retake
• Kicking the ball away or carrying it away with the hands after the referees have stopped play
• Delaying leaving the pitch after doctors have entered the pitch to assess his injury and not having to take the free kick or penalty kick himself
• Provoking a confrontation by deliberately touching the ball after the referees have stopped play
Simulation
Any player who tries to fool the referees by feigning injury or pretending to have been the victim of an offence will be guilty of simulation and will be cautioned for unsporting conduct. If play is stopped because of this offence, a free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the offence was committed, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick).
Persistent infringements
Referees should be alert at all times to players who persistently infringe the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game. In particular, they must be aware that, even if a player commits a number of different offences, he must still be cautioned for persistently infringing the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
There is no specific number of infringements that constitutes “persistence” or a pattern of behaviour – this is entirely a matter of judgement and must be determined in the context of effective game management.
Serious foul play
A player is guilty of serious foul play if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball when it is in play.
A tackle that endangers the safety of an opponent must be sanctioned as serious foul play.
Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force and endangering the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play, regardless of whether he touches the opponent or not.
The advantage should not be applied in situations involving serious foul play unless there is a clear subsequent opportunity to score a goal. In such a case, the referees must send off the player guilty of serious foul play when the ball is next out of play.
A player who is guilty of serious foul play should be sent off and play is restarted with a free kick from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13: Position of free kick) or a penalty kick (if the offence occurred inside the offender’s penalty area).
Violent conduct
A player is guilty of violent conduct if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball.
He is also guilty of violent conduct if he uses excessive force or brutality against a team-mate, spectator, the match officials or any other person.
Violent conduct may occur either on the pitch or outside its boundaries, whether the ball is in play or not.
The advantage should not be applied in situations involving violent conduct unless there is a clear subsequent opportunity to score a goal. In such a case, the referees must send off the player guilty of violent conduct when the ball is next out of play.
Referees are reminded that violent conduct often leads to mass confrontation; therefore they must try to avert this with active decisive intervention.
A player or substitute who is guilty of violent conduct must be sent off.
Restart of play
• If the ball is out of play, play is restarted according to the previous decision
• If the ball is in play and the offence occurred outside the pitch:
– if the player is already off the pitch for a reason authorised by the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game and commits an offence, play is restarted with a dropped ball, with one of the referees dropping the ball on the sand on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, and the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
– if the player leaves the pitch to commit the offence, play is restarted with a free kick, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or
from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was located in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• If the ball is in play and a player commits an offence inside the pitch:
– against an opponent:
• play is restarted with a free kick from the position where the offence occurred (see Law 13: Position of free kick) or a penalty kick if the offence occurred inside the offending player’s own penalty area
– against a team-mate:
• play is restarted with a free kick, to be taken from where the offence was committed, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
– against a substitute:
• play is restarted with a free kick to the team of the player who committed the act of violent conduct, to be taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided the ball was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the team of the player who committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
– against the referees:
• play is restarted with a free kick, to be taken from where the offence was committed, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
– against another person:
• play is restarted with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
If the ball is in play and a substitute or team official commits an offence outside the pitch:
– against another person:
• play is restarted with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
Offence where an object is thrown
If, while the ball is in play, a player throws an object or a ball at an opponent in a careless manner, the referees stop play if they cannot apply the advantage but do not impose any sanction.
If, while the ball is in play, a substitute throws an object or a ball in a careless manner at an opponent standing inside the pitch, the referees stop play, if they cannot apply the advantage, and caution the substitute for entering the pitch without the referees’ permission.
If, while the ball is in play, a player or substitute throws an object or a ball at an opponent or any other person in a reckless manner, the referees stop play if they cannot apply the advantage and caution the player for unsporting behaviour, or send off the substitute for two yellow cards, the first for unsporting behaviour and the second for entering the pitch without the referees’ permission.
If, while the ball is in play, a player or substitute throws an object or a ball at an opponent or any other person using excessive force, the referees stop play if they cannot apply the advantage to allow an obvious goalscoring opportunity to ensue and send off the player or substitute for violent conduct.
Restart of play
• If a player is standing inside his own penalty area and throws an object or a ball at an opponent who is standing outside the penalty area, the referees award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the position where the object struck or would have struck the opponent (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• If a player is standing outside his own penalty area and throws an object or a ball at an opponent who is standing inside the penalty area, the referees award a penalty kick to the opposing team
• If a player is standing inside the pitch and throws an object or a ball at any person who is standing outside the pitch, the referees award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the position of the ball when play was stopped, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick); the player is considered to have left the pitch without the referees’ permission and for a reason not authorised in the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game
• If a player is standing outside the pitch and throws an object or a ball at an opponent who is standing inside the pitch, the referees award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the position where the object struck or would have struck the opponent (see Law 13: Position of free kick), or
a penalty kick if the offence was committed inside the team’s own penalty area
• If a substitute is standing outside the pitch and throws an object or a ball at an who is opponent who is standing inside the pitch, the referees award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the position of the ball when play was stopped, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick); the substitute is considered to have entered the pitch without the referees’ permission and without following the substitution procedure
• If a substitute is standing inside the pitch, causing his team to have an extra player, and throws an object or a ball at any person who is standing inside or outside the pitch, the referees award a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the position of the ball when play was stopped, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the ball was in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick); the substitute is considered to have entered the pitch without the referees’ permission
• If a substitute who has infringed the substitution procedure throws an object or a ball at any person who is standing inside or outside the pitch, he is treated as if he were a player
• If a team official is standing inside or outside the pitch and throws an object or a ball at any person who is standing inside or outside the pitch, the referees restart play with a dropped ball, with one of the referees dropping the ball on the sand on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, and the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
Offences where an object is thrown at the ball
If a player, other than one of the goalkeepers, throws an object or a ball at the ball:
• if the ball is in play and the object strikes the ball, the referees must stop play and caution him for unsporting behaviour or send him off if by doing so he denied a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the ball was located when play was stopped (see Law 13: Position of free kick) or a penalty kick if the ball was in the penalty area of the offending player’s team
• if the ball is in play and the object does not strike the ball, the referees must stop play if they cannot apply the advantage and caution him for unsporting behaviour. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If one of the two goalkeepers throws an object or a ball at the ball:
• if the ball is in play and the object strikes the ball inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the referees must stop play and caution him for unsporting behaviour. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• if the ball is in play and the object strikes the ball outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the referees must stop play and caution him for unsporting behaviour or send him off if by doing so he denied a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the position of the ball when play was stopped (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• if the ball is in play and the object does not strike the ball, the referees must stop play if they cannot apply the advantage and caution him for unsporting behaviour. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If a player, including the two goalkeepers, directs an object at the ball with a part of his body other than his hands:
• if the ball is in play and the object strikes the ball, the referees must stop play and caution him for unsporting behaviour. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• if the ball is in play and the object does not strike the ball, the referees must stop play if they cannot apply the advantage and caution him for unsporting behaviour. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If a substitute infringing the substitution procedure but not causing his team to play with an extra player throws an object at the ball:
• if the ball is in play and the object strikes the ball, the referees must stop play and either send him off for a double caution, the first caution for entering the pitch without following the substitution procedure and the second for unsporting behaviour, or send him off directly if by doing so he denied a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the position of the ball when play was stopped (see Law 13: Position of free kick), or a penalty kick if the ball was in the penalty area of the substitute’s team
• if the ball is in play and the object does not strike the ball, the referees must stop play if they cannot apply the advantage and send him off for a double caution, the first caution for entering the pitch without following the substitution procedure and the second for unsporting behaviour. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place
where the ball was located when the offence was committed, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If a substitute infringing the substitution procedure but not causing his team to be playing with an extra player directs an object at the ball with a part of his body other than his hands:
• if the ball is in play and the object strikes the ball, the referees must stop play and either send him off for a double caution, the first caution for entering the pitch without following the substitution procedure and the second for unsporting behaviour, or send him off directly if by doing so he denied a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• if the ball is in play and the object does not strike the ball, the referees must stop play if they cannot apply the advantage and send him off for a double caution, the first caution for entering the pitch without following the substitution procedure and the second for unsporting behaviour. Play is
restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If a substitute throws an object at the ball and causes his team to be playing with an extra player:
• if the ball is in play and the object strikes the ball, the referees must stop play and either send him off for a double caution, both for unsporting behaviour, the first caution for entering the pitch without the referees’ permission and the second for throwing the object, or send him off directly if by doing so he denied a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the ball was located when play was stopped, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• if the ball is in play and the object does not strike the ball, the referees must stop play if they cannot apply the advantage and send him off for a double caution, both for unsporting behaviour, the first caution for entering the pitch without the referees’ permission and the second for throwing the object. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the offence was committed, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If a substitute directs an object at the ball with a part of his body other than his hands, thus causing his team to be playing with an extra player:
• if the ball is in play and the object strikes the ball, the referees must stop play and either send him off for a double caution, both for unsporting behaviour, the first caution for entering the pitch without the referees’ permission and the second for throwing the object, or send him off directly if by doing so he denied a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the ball was located when the offence was committed, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
• if the ball is in play and the object does not strike the ball, the referees must stop play if they cannot apply the advantage and send him off for a double caution, both for unsporting behaviour, the first caution for entering the pitch without the referees’ permission and the second for throwing the object. Play is restarted with a free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from where the ball was located when the offence was committed, provided this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if the offence was committed in the half of the pitch of the team that committed the offence (see Law 13: Position of free kick)
If a team official or a player who has been sent off directs an object at the ball with any part of his body:
• if the ball is in play and the object strikes the ball, the referees must stop play and expel the official or the player who has been sent off from the technical area and its surrounds. Play is restarted with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
• if the ball is in play and the object does not strike the ball, the referees must stop play if they cannot apply the advantage and expel the official or the player who has been sent off from the technical area and its surrounds. Play is restarted with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
If the ball is not in play and a player throws an object at the ball, the referees caution him for unsporting behaviour. Play is restarted in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
If the ball is not in play but is on the pitch and a substitute throws an object at the ball, whether he causes his team to be playing with an extra player or not, the referees send him off for a double caution, both for unsporting behaviour, the first caution for entering the pitch without the referees’ permission and the second for throwing the object. Play is restarted in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
If the ball is not in play and a team official throws an object at the ball, the referees expel him from the technical area and its surrounds. Play is restarted in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
Denying a goal or a goalscoring opportunity
There are two sending-off offences that concern denying an opponent an obvious opportunity to score a goal. It is not necessary for the offence to occur inside the penalty area.
If the referees apply the advantage during an obvious goalscoring opportunity and a goal is scored directly, despite the opponent handling the ball deliberately, the player cannot be sent off but he may still be cautioned.
If the referees apply the advantage during an obvious goalscoring opportunity and a goal is scored directly, despite the opponent committing a foul, the player cannot be sent off for the foul itself but he may still be cautioned or sent off if the action in itself warrants a caution or sending-off.
Referees should consider the following circumstances when deciding whether to send off a player for denying a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity:
• The distance between the offence and the goal
• The likelihood of keeping or gaining control of the ball
• The direction of the play
• The location and number of defenders
• The offence that denies an opponent an obvious goalscoring opportunity may be an offence that incurs a free kick under Law 12
• If the infringement is committed by a substitute, he must always be sent off
If a player attempts to prevent a goal by deliberately handling the ball after a restart of play in which it is not possible to score a goal directly, he is not sent off, but is cautioned for unsporting behaviour. His team is penalised with a free kick or a penalty kick.
If a substitute enters the pitch with the aim of denying a goal or a goalscoring opportunity, he is sent off whether or not he achieves his objective.
Procedure
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves
• A free kick can be taken by lifting the ball with a foot or both feet simultaneously
• Feinting to take a free kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of beach soccer. However, if in the opinion of the referees the feinting is considered an act of unsporting behaviour, the player must be cautioned
• If a player, while correctly taking a free kick, intentionally kicks the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball again but neither in a careless nor a reckless manner nor using excessive force, the referees must allow play to continue
• If the ball bursts after hitting one of the goalposts or the crossbar and does not enter the goal, the referees do not order the free kick to be retaken; they stop play and restart it with a dropped ball, in which case one of
the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
• If the referees order a free kick to be retaken for a foul that was not committed on an opponent, the new free kick can be taken by any player and does not have to be taken by the player who did so originally
• If a period of play is extended to allow a free kick to be taken and the ball hits one of the goalposts or the crossbar or the goalkeeper before crossing the goal line between the goalposts and the crossbar, the referees award a goal
• If a period of play is extended to allow a free kick to be taken, the referees allow the defending goalkeeper to be replaced by a substitute, although in the latter case the substitution procedure must be followed
Infringements – after the referees’ whistle and before the ball is in play
Outcome of the kick
Infringements
Goal
No goal
Location of restart
Attacking player Free kick No card Free kick No card Free kick from centre
or where the infringement was committed
Defending player Goal No card Free kick is retaken Caution
Defending player and attacking player Free kick is retaken No card Free kick is retaken No card
—
Infringements – after the referees’ whistle and after the ball is in play (touching or playing the ball in the area between the ball and the corner flags before the ball touches the sand,
the goalposts, the crossbar or the goalkeeper)
Outcome of the kick
Infringements
Goal
No goal
Location of restart
Attacking player
Free kick No card
Free kick No card
Free kick from centre
or where the infringement was committed
Defending player
Goal No card
Free kick or penalty kick No card Free kick or penalty kick depending on where the infringement
was committed,
or free kick from centre
Procedure
• Feinting in the run-up to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of beach soccer. However, feinting to kick the ball once the player has completed his run-up is considered an infringement of Law 14 and an act of unsporting behaviour for which the player must be cautioned
• If the ball bursts after hitting one of the goalposts or the crossbar and enters the goal, the referees award the goal
• If the ball bursts after hitting one of the goalposts or the crossbar and does not enter the goal, the referees do not order the penalty kick to be retaken but stop play and restart it with a dropped ball, in which case one of the referees drops the ball on the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line, with the third referee assisting him in determining the correct position
• If the player taking the penalty kick kicks the ball forward to enable a team- mate to shoot at goal, the referees allow the goal if the procedure for the penalty kick stipulated in Law 14 was observed
• If the referees order a penalty kick to be retaken for a foul that was not committed on an opponent, the new penalty kick can be taken by any player and does not have to be taken by the player who did so originally
• If the kicker takes the penalty kick before the referees give the signal, they order the penalty kick to be retaken and caution him
• If a period of play is extended to allow a penalty kick to be taken and the ball hits one of the goalposts or the crossbar or the goalkeeper before crossing the goal line between the goalposts and the crossbar, the referees award a goal
• If a period of play is extended to allow a penalty kick to be taken, the referees allow the defending goalkeeper to be replaced by an eligible substitute, although in the latter case the substitution procedure must be followed
Preparing for the penalty kick
The referees must confirm the following requirements before the penalty kick is taken:
• The kicker is identified
• The ball is properly placed on the imaginary penalty mark
• The goalkeeper is on the goal line between the goalposts and facing the kicker
• The team-mates of the kicker and the remaining opponents are:
– outside the penalty area
– 5m from the ball
– behind the ball
– on the pitch
Infringements – after the referees’ whistle and before the ball is in play
Outcome of the kick
Infringements
Goal
No goal Disciplinary sanction Location of restart
Attacking player
Penalty is retaken
Free kick
— Free kick from centre or where the infringement was committed
Kicker kicks backwards
Free kick
Free kick
—
Imaginary penalty mark
Kick by unidentified player
Free kick
Free kick
Caution
Imaginary penalty mark
Defending player
Goal
Penalty is retaken
—
Imaginary penalty mark (no goal)
By both teams
Penalty is retaken
Penalty is retaken
—
—
If an attacker or defender commits an infringement on an opponent before the ball is in play, but after one of the referees has given the order to take the kick, they allow the kick to be taken. If a goal is scored and the infringement was committed by the defending team, they award a goal; if the infringement was committed by the attacking team, they order the penalty kick to be retaken. If no goal is scored and the infringement was committed by the defending team, they order the penalty kick to be retaken; if the infringement was committed by the team taking the penalty kick, they sanction the team with a free kick, to be taken from the place where the infringement was committed, and restart play with a free kick, to be taken from the place where the infringement was committed if this was in the opponent’s half of the pitch, or from the imaginary point in the middle of the imaginary halfway line if this was in the team’s own half of the pitch (see Law 13: Position of free kick). If necessary, the referees impose the corresponding disciplinary sanctions.
Procedure for infringements
Referees are reminded that opponents may be no closer than 5m from the point at which the ball inbound is to be taken. Where necessary, the referees must warn any player within this distance before the ball inbound is taken, if the opposing team insists on the required distance, and caution the player if he subsequently fails to retreat to the correct distance. Play is restarted with a ball inbound, and the four-second count begins again if it has already started.
If the team taking a ball inbound wishes to do so quickly, and as a result their opponents do not have sufficient time to retreat the required distance, the referees allow play to continue, even if an opponent plays or touches the ball after the ball inbound has been taken.
If a player, while correctly taking a ball inbound, intentionally kicks/throws the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball again but neither in a careless nor a reckless manner nor using excessive force, the referees must allow play to continue.
If the ball enters the opponent’s goal directly from a ball inbound, the referees must award a goal clearance. If the ball enters the taker’s own goal directly from a ball inbound, the referees must award a corner kick.
If the ball does not enter the pitch from a ball inbound, the referees order a player from the opposing team to take it.
If a goalkeeper, as part of a playing movement, ends up outside his goal or he or any other player end up outside the pitch, the opposing team may take the ball inbound quickly.
If a ball inbound is taken incorrectly, the referees may not apply the advantage even if the ball goes directly to an opponent, but order a player from the opposing team to retake it.
Procedure for infringements
If an opponent enters the penalty area or is still inside it before the ball is in play and is fouled by a player from the defending team, the goal clearance is retaken and the defender may be cautioned or sent off depending on the nature of the offence.
If the goalkeeper, while correctly taking a goal clearance, intentionally throws the ball at an opponent located outside the penalty area but neither in a careless nor a reckless manner nor using excessive force, the referees must allow play to continue.
If, when taking the goal clearance, the goalkeeper does not release the ball from inside his penalty area, the referees order the goal clearance to be retaken, although the four-second count continues from where it was stopped once the goalkeeper is ready to retake it.
It is not necessary for the goalkeeper to be holding the ball in his hands for the referees to start the four-second count, but they must signal the start of the four-second count with a whistle.
If a goalkeeper who has taken a goal clearance correctly intentionally touches the ball with his hand outside of his penalty area after it has left the penalty area and before another player has touched it, the referees, in addition to awarding a free kick to the opposing team, may take disciplinary action against him in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game.
If the goalkeeper takes the goal clearance with his foot, the referees will issue a warning and order him to take it with his hand, but the four-second count continues from where it was stopped once the goalkeeper is ready to retake it.
If a goalkeeper, as part of a playing movement, ends up outside his goal or he or any other player ends up outside the pitch, the opposing goalkeeper may take a goal clearance quickly.
If the goalkeeper takes a goal clearance and the ball crosses his goal line or the touch lines without first leaving the penalty area, the referees order the goal clearance to be retaken, but the four-second count continues from where it was stopped once the goalkeeper is ready to retake it.
If, when taking a goal clearance, the ball hits one of the referees inside the penalty area without first leaving the area and enters into play, the referees take no action.
Procedure for infringements
Referees are reminded that opponents must remain at least 5m from the imaginary corner arc until the ball is in play, using the marks off the field of play for assistance. Where necessary, the referees must warn any player within this distance before the corner is taken and caution the player if he subsequently fails to retreat to the correct distance.
If a player, while correctly taking a corner, intentionally kicks the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball again but neither in a careless nor a reckless manner nor using excessive force, the referees must allow play to continue.
The ball must be placed inside the imaginary corner arc and is in play when it has been kicked, therefore the ball does not need to leave the imaginary corner arc to be in play.
If a goalkeeper, as part of a playing movement, ends up outside his goal or he or any other player end up outside the pitch, the opposing team may take the corner kick quickly if they take it correctly.
Kicks from the imaginary penalty mark
Procedure
• Kicks from the imaginary penalty mark are not part of the match
• The penalty area where the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark are being taken may be changed only if the goal or the playing surface becomes unusable or for safety reasons
• Once all eligible players have taken a kick from the imaginary penalty mark, the same sequence does not have to be followed as in the first round of kicks
• Each team is responsible for selecting the players to take kicks from the imaginary penalty mark from among the players and substitutes and the order in which they take the kicks, and must inform the third referee before the kicks are taken
• With the exception of the goalkeeper, once the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark have started, an injured player may not be replaced by an ineligible player, if there are any substitutes
• If the goalkeeper is sent off during the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark, he may be replaced by a player who meets the requirements, but not by another goalkeeper if he was excluded from taking the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark
• A player or substitute may be cautioned or sent off during the taking of kicks from the imaginary penalty mark
• If an eligible player or an ineligible player receives a caution during normal playing time or during extra time, and then receives a second caution during the kicks from the penalty mark, he must be sent off for receiving a second caution
• The referees must not abandon the series of kicks from the imaginary penalty mark if a team is reduced to fewer than three players during the taking of kicks from the imaginary penalty mark
• If a player is injured or sent off during the taking of kicks from the imaginary penalty mark and the team has one player less, the referees should not reduce the number of players taking kicks for the other team
• An equal number of players from each team is required only at the start of the taking of kicks from the imaginary penalty mark
• If the ball hits one of the goalposts or the crossbar or the goalkeeper before crossing the goal line between the goalposts and the crossbar, the referees allow the goal
• If the ball bursts or becomes defective after striking one of the goalposts or the crossbar and enters the goal, the referees allow the goal
• If the ball bursts or becomes defective after hitting one of the goalposts or the crossbar and does not enter the goal, the referees do not order the penalty kick to be retaken and deem the penalty kick to have been taken
• If the competition rules require kicks from the imaginary penalty mark to determine the winner of a match or home-and-away tie and the teams refuse to do so, the referees report the incident to the relevant authorities
• If, before the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark start, one or more eligible players leave the pitch or refuse to take the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark once these have started and are not injured, the referees abandon the taking of kicks from the imaginary penalty mark and inform the relevant authorities
• During the taking of the kicks from the imaginary penalty mark, the referees must not allow communication devices on the pitch. If the competition regulations permit the use of a camera, it shall be positioned on the side of the pitch opposite the substitution zone, level with the imaginary halfway line and no more than 2m from the touch line
Source: https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/47e0807ed56cc7c4/original/footballs_beach_soccer_laws_of_the_game.pdf
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