The Rules

Each game is 30 minutes max with 2 halves with a straight change are 30 minutes max with 2 halves with a straight change over at half time no break. over at half time no break.

Kick-off

The match is started from the centre-spot. Kick-off is to be determined by the Rock Paper Scissors. The team winning the toss has the option of choosing ends or taking the kick-off. The team not kicking off is to stand outside  the center circle until the ball is kicked. A goal cannot be scored directly from the kick-off.

At half-time , teams swap ends straight away and the kick-off is taken by the team that did not start the game.

Scoring

A goal is scored when the ball has fully crossed the goal-line between the goal posts and under the crossbar.

After a goal has been scored, the game is restarted from the center-spot with the side conceding the goal taking the kick-off.

The Goalkeeper: On receiving the ball during the normal course of play (i.e. a "live" ball in the goal area) the goalkeeper may throw or kick the ball back into play.

Back pass

The goalkeeper cannot handle (pick up the ball) if it is passed back by either the foot or hand (throw-in) by a player on the goalkeeper's team. The ball may be played by foot by the goal keeper

Off-side

There is no offside.

Goal-Area Play

The goal-area is the semi-circle in front of the goal. Only the defending goalkeeper is allowed in this area and able handle the ball (pick up the ball in circle).

• If a defending player enters the goal-area (when the play is in that area), the game will be stopped and restarted by an direct free kick to the attacking side 5m from the goal-area.
• If an attacking player enters the goal-area the game will be stopped and restarted with a goal kick.

Ball out of play

The ball is out of play if it fully crosses the goal-line or side-line or the referee stops the game.

Goal Kicks

are awarded when the ball fully crosses the goal-line (except for scoring a goal) and was last touched by the attacking team. Goal kicks are taken anywhere from inside the goal-area. Opponents must be 5m from the circle.

Corner Kicks

are awarded when the ball fully crosses the goal-line (except for scoring a goal) and was last touched by the defending team. Corner kicks are taken from corner of the field closest to where the ball went out of play. Opponents must be 5m from the ball.

Throw-Ins

are awarded when the whole ball passes over the side-line to the opposing side of the player who last touched the ball. The ball is thrown in from the spot where the ball crossed the side-line.

Both feet must be on the ground and the ball thrown from behind the head. The referee should assist the player to achieve the correct method. Following two foul attempts the possession will pass to the opposing team.

Fouls and Misconduct

This is an important law and relates to the behaviour of players during the game. A player may not intentionally kick, trip, jump at, strike, hold, push, charge from behind or violently charge an opponent. Only goalkeepers may touch the ball with their arm or hands but only within the goal-area. All of the above offences must be committed intentionally to warrant being penalized.

Players must behave in a manner appropriate for a sports person. At Total Girl it is important for the referee to determine the intention of players relative to the above offences and at all times to encourage sporting conduct. This applies to spectators as well.

Free Kicks

All free kicks are direct (you can score a goal directly from the free kick). The kick is taken from where the offence occurred.

Defenders must stand 5m away from the ball. If the free kick is awarded less than 5m from the goal area the taking of the kick should be relocated 5m away from the goal area. A defensive wall can consist of only 3 defensive players.

Interchange There is unlimited interchange with no stoppage of play required to make changes. The changeover must have the player off field before new player takes to field

Note: It is compulsory for all players to wear shin pads and long socks. The grounds will be hard (they are being watered by bore water) and it is up to players/coaches to determine the appropriate footwear. Players should be advised to bring footy boots and runners/grass cats.

The majority of last year injuries were blisters and ankles. Major injuries will be referred immediately to the Ballarat Base Hospital and players will need to be escorted.

Due to the nature of this tournament the committee reserves the right to place a junior team in the age level below on the basis of ability and experience and will not be to the detriment of any other team. This tournament is a recruitment tool for Ballarat.