Goldfields Soccer Association
Rooball Rules

The Ball

• 8 years and Under: size 3

• 9 and 10 years: size 4

Number of Players

• 8 years and under: six players including the goalkeeper

• 9 and 10 years: nine players including the goalkeeper.

• Interchange of players is permitted during all Rooball games.
  Interchange is encouraged to provide each player equal time and a chance for a supportive coach to help the young player. The interchange can be conducted while the game is in play.

Player's Equipment

• A player taking the field should not wear anything which is dangerous to another player.

• Boots or training shoes and shin pads must be worn. Shin pads must be worn under the socks (as per the laws of the soccer).

• A player must not wear a hat nor any jewellery. Watches must also be removed. A medi-alert bracelet (or equivalent) may be worn provided it is taped down.

Referees

• At this level Official referees are not necessary.

• Players generally in these age groups rarely attempt to deliberately break the law. If they do other players will all too readily draw attention to it.

• Responsible adults organising games could well referee the matches if needed.

• The role of the referee in such games should be to encourage the participants, offer constructive advice where appropriate, and also give positive praise to players of both sides.

Duration of Games

• 8 and Under: 2 halves of 20 minutes each.

• 10 and under: 2 halves of 25 minutes each.

• Half Time: the interval should be 5 minutes for all age groups.

The Start of Play

• A game is started by a kick off from the centre mark.

• The team winning the toss of a coin shall have the option of choosing the end or taking the kick off.

• After a goal has been scored the game is restarted from the centre mark with the side conceding the goal taking the kick.

• Following half time the game is restarted with teams changing ends and the kick off being taken by the side that did not start the game.

• A goal cannot be scored direct from a kick off.

Ball In and Out of Play

• The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or the sideline. These lines are part of the field of play.

Method of Scoring

• A goal is scored when the ball has wholly crossed the goal line between the goal posts and the cross bar.

Off Side

• There is no off side in Rooball but deliberately placing a player or players in an offside position is contrary to the spirit of the game and is discouraged.

Fouls and Misconduct

• This is an important rule and relates to the behaviour of rooball players during play: In the adult game, a player may not intentionally kick, trip, jump at, strike, hold, push, charge from behind or violently charge an opponent. The rule specifies that all of the above offences must be committed intentionally to warrant being penalised. Other parts of the law emphasises the need for players to behave in a manner appropriate for a sportsperson.

• At Rooball level, it is important for the referee to determine the intention of players relative to the above offences and at all times encourage sporting conduct.

• Only goalkeepers may touch the ball with their arms or hands and only within the goal area.

Free Kicks - Indirect

• An indirect free kick is one where a goal cannot be scored unless another player other than the kicker has touched it.

• In Rooball all free kicks are deemed to be indirect.

• All of the opposing players should be at least 7 metres from the ball when a free kick is taken.

• If a free kick is awarded within the goal area the kick can be taken from anywhere inside the area.

Throw Ins

• When the whole of the ball passes out of the field of play along the sideline a throw in is awarded to the opposing side to that of the player who has last played or touched the ball.

• The ball is thrown in from the spot where the ball left the field of play.

• At Rooball level players should be given a second attempt if the first throw is invalid. The referee or coach should assist the player to achieve the correct method. Following two foul attempts then possession will pass to the opposing team.

Goal Kick

• Goal kicks may be taken from anywhere within the goal area.

• Goal kicks are awarded when the whole of the ball has crossed the goal line (except for the scoring of a goal) and last touched by one of the attacking team. Opponents must be 7 metres from the ball.

Corner Kick

• When the ball passes wholly over the goal line (except for the scoring of a goal) and was last touched by a player from the defending team then a corner kick is awarded.

• Opposing players should be 7 metres from the ball.

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