Essential Rules and Regulations for Competitive Play
1 – Length of Game
2 halves of 30 minutes with a 10-minute break. * In case of a tie, there will be an extension (two times 5 minutes with a break). * In case of a tie, it uses the special rules for competition or five pitches of 7 m.
2 – Time-outs
These are times of dead game applied after the exclusion, disqualification, or expulsion of a player. * Time-outs are granted to a team for each half when the timekeeper sounds. * Clarification from referees is necessary.
3 – Ball Size
The size will vary according to category: * 58/60 cm, 425/475 g for men and boys over 16 years; * 54/56 cm, 325/375 g for women and girls over 14 years and boys 12 to 16 years.
4 – Equipment
* It consists of 14 players. * In the field of play, there are 7 players; the rest will be reserves (minimum 5). * If there are fewer than 5, the game will continue, and the arbiters will decide whether to continue or not. * Unlimited changes are allowed at any time without notifying the timekeeper; the only rule is that changes must be made from the exchange zone of the team that made the replacement.
5 – Area Regulations
* Only the goalie can step into the area. * If a player enters the area, they will be penalized as follows: – Remove the goalkeeper if he or his team is in possession of the ball and gains an advantage by entering. – Blow a free kick if a defender enters and stops an advantage but does not create an obvious goalscoring opportunity. – A 7-meter throw will be awarded for a clear chance of scoring. * It is allowed to touch the ball in the air above the goal area.
6 – How to Play the Ball
* Not allowed: * Touching the ball below the knee (throw). * Touching the ball twice. * If the ball touches the referee, the game will continue. * A player cannot step off the pitch with one or both feet (throw).
7 – Passive Play
* It is not permitted to keep the ball in possession without any recognizable attempt to attack or shoot on goal. * Delaying the execution of a throw-off, throw, or kick is regarded as passive play and is punishable by a free kick. The throw is taken from the area where the infraction occurred.
8 – Types of Serve
* Remove from Center: This occurs at the start of the game, at the beginning of each half, and after each goal. * Throw: When the ball goes beyond the sidelines or touches the roof or a fixed object. It is executed with one foot on the touchline, and players must be at least 3 meters away when taking the kick. * Goal Kick: A goal kick is awarded when: – A player from the opposing team has invaded the goal area; – The goalkeeper has controlled the ball in his area or the ball is standing on the ground inside the goal area; – An opposing player has touched the ball rolling on the ground inside the goal area; – The ball has passed the outer goal line after being touched by the goalkeeper or an opposing player.
9 – Free Kick
* Faulty changes: * If an attacking player passes the ball to his goalkeeper and holds the ball for more than three seconds, after re-touch control or after contact below the knee. * If the player with the ball goes out of bounds. * Unsportsmanlike situations or situations that clearly risk the physical integrity of the players, provided they do not interfere with a clear chance on goal, will result in a free kick. * Implementation: – From where the offense was committed. – If it occurs within the free-throw line, it will be executed on the line in the correct position. The players of the team in possession of the ball will be behind the line, and the defenders must be at least 3 meters away.
10 – 7-Meter Throw
* When a clear chance of scoring is frustrated, the throw is executed behind the 7-meter line within 3 seconds after the referee’s whistle. * The goalkeeper cannot exceed 4 meters; otherwise, the throw will be repeated. * The player who throws and commits a fault cannot catch the ball again until it has touched a teammate or the net. * During the execution, all players must be behind the free-throw line and at least 3 meters from the 7-meter line.
11 – Penalties
Warning: – Unsportsmanlike conduct. Maximum 1 per player and three per team.
Exclusion: – Following repeated unsportsmanlike actions or faulty substitutions.
Disqualification: – Fouls endangering the opponent, assault, or a third player expelled. – Following disqualification, it is not allowed to touch the player with the team during the game. It will take 2 minutes to replace the disqualified player.
Expulsion: – An assault that clearly endangers the physical integrity of the player, without any intention of playing the ball, is punishable by expulsion from the game, and the team is not allowed to replace the player.