Off the Wall Soccer Tournament Rules UPDATED FOR 2025
 

GENERAL
Off the Wall Soccer, the Tournament Committee, and any sponsors shall not be responsible for expenses incurred by a team or club if the tournament is canceled in whole or in part. All referee decisions are final. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to make final decisions on all tournament matters.

NO PROTESTS ALLOWED.
In the case of inclement weather, the Tournament Committee may reschedule games, adjust format, shorten game times, or cancel matches.

REGISTRATION

• Maximum of 10 players per roster

• Players must be listed at check-in; no roster additions allowed afterward

• All teams are co-ed

• Players may play UP in age group, but not DOWN

• Teams must register in the division for their oldest player: 8U, 10U, or 12U

• Players may play on multiple teams, but scheduling conflicts cannot be accommodated
  
  

START OF PLAY

• Players should arrive at least 20 minutes before game time

• Teams must have at least 3 players to start; fewer than 3 results in a forfeit

• If no referee is present within 5 minutes, teams may agree to play and the result will stand
  
  

OBJECTIVES OF THE GAME
This event is all about fun, teamwork, and positive energy. There will be no scores, no standings, and no MVP awards. We want kids to play freely and enjoy the experience.

GAME RULES

1. The Pitch

• 60 ft x 30 ft inflatable arena

• No out-of-bounds — if the ball exits, it is immediately returned to play

• Spectators and subs must stay 6 feet away from the walls

• Substitutions occur through a side porthole and may happen anytime
  
  

2. The Ball

• Futsal-style weighted indoor balls

  • Size 3: 8U and 10U

  • Size 4: 12U
    
    

3. Players

• Games are 4v4 (max 4 players on the field per team)

• No designated goalkeepers required

• Minimum of 3 players to avoid forfeit

• All rostered players may rotate and participate freely
  
  

4. Equipment

• No cleats allowed

• Acceptable: bare feet, soft-soled shoes, wraps, or socks

• Shin guards are required

• Fun, creative uniforms encouraged!
  
  

5. Referees

• Referees are volunteers; their decisions are final

• Negative behavior toward refs, opponents, or teammates is not tolerated
  
  

6. Match Duration

• Each game is 20 minutes long with no halftime

• Games start and end on schedule
  
  

7. Start and Restart of Play

• Games begin with a center ball drop

• After a goal, the ball is immediately returned to play by the defending team

• For stoppages, play resumes as soon as the ball re-enters the field
  
  

8. Ball In and Out of Play

• If the ball leaves the field, any spectator may toss it back in

• Goals off spectator tosses do NOT count

• Walls, referees, and goals are all considered in-play surfaces
  
  

9. Fouls and Misconduct

• Fouls result in a Direct Free Kick from center

• No slide tackles allowed

• Substitution violations = free kick for opposing team

• Yellow cards = warning

• Red cards = ejection + 1-game suspension

• Unsportsmanlike conduct off-field may result in ejection and further review
  
  

10. Free Kicks

• Direct Free Kicks may be taken by the fouled player (or teammate if injured)

• All other players must be 10 feet away

• Defensive teams may not form a wall
  
  

11. Penalty Kicks

• Awarded for serious infractions inside the penalty area

• All players (except kicker and goalie) must be 10 feet behind the ball
  
  

12. Kick-Ins and Throw-Ins

• Allowed whenever the ball exits the field

• Goals CAN be scored directly from a kick-in

• Goals thrown in by spectators do NOT count
  
  

13. Goalkeeper Play

• Any player may act as the goalkeeper

• Ball can be passed back to goalie at any time

• Goalkeepers may score directly from a save or clearance
  
  

MOST IMPORTANT RULE: HAVE FUN!
This tournament is about community, joy, and making memories. Let’s celebrate every pass, every laugh, and every team. Win or lose — we play for the love of the game!