Official Sand Soccer Rules • Cape Hatteras Sand Soccer Showdown
Sand Soccer
Official Rules
Official 5v5 Sand Soccer rules following FIFA guidelines with beach-specific exceptions. Read up before you lace up — well, actually, leave the shoes at home.
Tournament Structure
Divisions
| Division | Who Can Play | Team Size | Entry Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | Men's & Women's — Cape Hatteras Open | 6–10 players | $350 | Design your own jerseys! |
| Youth Boys | U10, U13, U19 | 6–10 players | $350 | Design your own jerseys! |
| Youth Girls | U10, U13, U19 | 6–10 players | $350 | Design your own jerseys! |
| Women's Pickup | All women welcome | No team needed | Free | Open play all day — just show up! |
Divisions May Be Adjusted
Age groups and divisions may be adjusted to accommodate demand. Register as early as possible and we will work to find the right fit for your team. Groups registering 3 or more teams are eligible for a discount — contact us at [email protected] to learn more.
Team Composition
Players & Roster Rules
5v5
Standard format
(1 must be goalkeeper)
(1 must be goalkeeper)
4
Minimum players
to avoid forfeit
to avoid forfeit
Team Roster Rules
Each team consists of 5 players on the field, one of whom must be the goalkeeper. Rosters may include up to 10 players total.
Fewer than 4 players on the field constitutes a forfeit. Game time is forfeit time — be there and ready.
Only rostered players may play. All eligible players must be listed on the registration form prior to the tournament.
Substitutions are on the fly. The player being substituted must exit the field before the new player enters.
Multi-Team Policy
No player may be rostered or play on two teams in the same division.
A player is eligible to play on any team in any one event, as long as they are not in the same division.
If illegal dual-rostering is discovered: all previous games for both teams are forfeited and no points are awarded for those games.
The ineligible player is immediately removed from both teams. Both teams may continue playing future games without that player.
Player Equipment
All players must wear matching team colors to distinguish from opponents. T-shirts, jerseys, or beach wear are all fine!
All games are played with a provided standardized beach soccer tournament ball. No need to bring your own.
Jersey numbers are not required. Design your own jerseys and make them your own!
On the Sand
Gameplay Rules
Starting Play & Kickoffs
A coin flip or best-of-3 "Rock, Paper, Scissors" decides which team kicks off first.
Each team must stay in its own half at kickoff. Defending players must be at least 8 yards from the ball.
After a goal, the team that was scored upon takes the kickoff.
After halftime, teams change sides and the opposite team takes the kickoff. Subsequent periods use a coin toss for kickoff choice.
Kickoffs are INDIRECT — a goal cannot be scored directly from a kickoff.
Ball In & Out of Play
Any ball played out of bounds on a touchline results in a throw-in or kick-in for the team that did not touch the ball last.
All corner kicks and free kicks are DIRECT — a goal can be scored directly.
Kick-ins and throw-ins from sidelines are INDIRECT — cannot score directly.
There are no offsides in sand soccer.
6-second rule: On any free kick, if the awarded team does not play the ball within 6 seconds, possession transfers to the opposing team at the spot of the foul.
Tie Games & Shootouts
Group stage: Tied games after regulation are declared a tie. Points awarded: Win = 3, Tie = 1, Loss = 0.
Semifinal & Final: A 3-minute golden goal period is played. If still tied, a shootout determines the winner.
Shootout format: 3 shooters per team. The team with the most goals after 3 rounds wins. Shooters do not need to be on the field to participate.
If still tied after 3 shooters, kicks go 1 for 1. All players on each team must kick before any player kicks a second time.
Referees & Officiating
The referee is responsible for control of the game. All decisions regarding facts connected with play are final.
No games will be protested after they are completed. Tournament officials have the final say on any disputes.
All disputes will be treated in the fairest and most logical way possible by tournament officials.
Between the Posts
Goalkeeper Rules
Handling & Distribution
Goalkeepers may handle the ball anywhere within eight yards of their goal.
Goalkeepers are allowed to handle the ball if a teammate plays it back to them (no back-pass restriction in sand soccer).
Goalkeepers must throw balls in for goal kicks. No punting allowed.
A goalkeeper may not throw the ball directly into the opposition's goal. If this occurs, the opposing goalkeeper is granted possession — no goal is awarded.
8-Yard Handling Zone
The goalkeeper's handling area extends 8 yards from the goal line. Outside this zone, keepers must play the ball with their feet like any other player.
No Punting
Goalkeepers must distribute with throws only — no punts or drop-kicks. This keeps the game flowing and fair on the compact sand pitch.
Back-Pass Allowed
Unlike standard FIFA rules, goalkeepers in sand soccer CAN handle a ball passed back by a teammate. Keep the ball moving freely!
Set Pieces
Free Kicks (The Cone Rule)
Direct Free Kicks
A referee awards a Direct Free Kick (from which a goal can be scored directly) wherever a foul is committed.
The player who received the infraction must take the free kick.
No walls — opposing players must remain at least 5 yards away from the kicker.
When taking a free kick, corner kick, or inbounds kick, a player may place the ball on a small mound to elevate it on the sand.
Positioning by Zone
Foul in the defensive end: An imaginary "no man's land" zone is established from the point of the foul to each opponent's goal post. Both teams remain outside this zone until the kick is taken — creating an almost undefended direct shot.
Foul in the offensive end: Players from both teams must position themselves behind, or on the same line as the ball placed at the point of the foul.
This system is designed to discourage fouls in the defensive end by rewarding attackers with a near-uncontested direct free kick opportunity.
Advancing from Your Bracket
Tiebreaker Rules
When teams are tied on points in group standings, the following criteria are applied in order until the tie is broken:
1
Most Points
Overall group stage points
2
Head-to-Head
Result between tied teams
3
Goal Differential
Max +5 per game counted
4
Shootout
3 shooters, then 1-for-1
Groups of 5 Note
For divisions with groups of 5 teams: 1st and 2nd place are determined by points only (4 games guaranteed). There are no finals for groups of 5.
Respect the Beach & Each Other
Conduct, Conflicts & Spectators
Conflict Resolution
If a conflict arises at any point, the referee, coach 1, or coach 2 may stop the game immediately.
When the game is stopped, both teams go to opposite corner flags while the situation is assessed.
The ref assigner or tournament director is notified and will resolve the conflict fairly.
Tournament officials have final say on all disputes and will treat each situation in the fairest and most logical way.
Spectators & All Attendees
All participants and spectators must abide by all rules set forth by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and any applicable regulations at Ramp 43.
Spectators are warmly welcome — bring your whole crew. The more the merrier on the beach!
Please respect the National Seashore. Pack out what you pack in. Help us keep this incredible beach pristine for everyone.
Quick Rules Reference
No offsides
No punting by goalkeeper
No walls on free kicks
Corner kicks = Direct
Free kicks = Direct
Kick-ins/throw-ins = Indirect
Kickoffs = Indirect
Subs = On the fly
Min. players = 4 (or forfeit)
GK zone = 8 yards
Free kick clock = 6 seconds
Ready to Hit the Sand?
Register your team now and get ready for an unforgettable day at Ramp 43, Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
$350 per team • Groups of 3+ teams receive a discount • Contact [email protected]
Register at OBXsandsoccer.com
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