About Roo-Ball

The attention of Clubs is drawn to the AIM of Roo Ball. This is to enable the players to ENJOY themselves without the PRESSURE

from PARENTS, and to develop their skills. To achieve this Under 6's to Under 8's are to be played in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Competition is to commence with the Under 9's.

 

Rule 1. Field Of Play

1. Dimensions

The field of play to be half of an existing field with the players running across the field.

Alternatively if a separate ground is available, the field of play shall be rectangular. Its length

shall be not more than 60 metres nor less than 50 metres; its width not more than 55 metres

nor less than 45 metres. The width shall not exceed the length.

2. Markings

The field of play is to be marked with distinctive lines not more than 125mm wide. A centre

mark shall be placed in the centre of the field. (There is no halfway line or centre circle.)

3. The Goal Area

The size of the goal area shall be a six (6) metre semi-circle from the centre of the goal line.

4. The Penalty Area

The penalty area for Roo Ball shall be the same as the goal area.

5. The Corner Area

There shall be no corner area marked for Roo Ball. Corners shall be taken at the point on the goal line and six (6) metres

from the edge of the semi-circle.

6. Goals/Goal Size

The goals are to be placed in the centre of each goal line and shall consist of two upright posts

equidistant from the corners five (5) metres apart joined by a horizontal cross bar the lower edge

of which shall be 1.5 metres from the ground. Goals must be securely anchored to the ground.

 

Rule 2. The Ball

Size 3 balls shall be used for all matches.

 

Rule 3. Number Of Players

1 Under 6 and Under 7

Games will be played between teams of six (6) players, one player in each team to be nominated

as goalkeeper. All players nominated on the team sheet shall play at least half a game unless

injured. Each team may have up to three (3) interchange players who may be interchanged at any time during the match.

2 Under 8

Games will be played between teams of nine (9) players, one player in each team to be nominated as goalkeeper. Each

team may have up to three (3) interchange players who may be interchanged at any time during the match.

 

Rule 4. Players' Equipment

Refer to Association By-Laws - Section 3 para 9.

 

Rule 5. Referees

The role of the referee should be to encourage the participants as far as practicable.

 

Rule 6. Linesmen

Linesmen are not absolutely necessary, as the Referee will not be too far away from the point of

play.

 

Rule 7. Duration Of The Game

The games shall be played in two equal halves with a five (5) minute interval at half time.

Under 6 and Under 7 15 minutes each half

Under 8 20 minutes each half

 

Rule 8. Start Of Play

The game shall be started by a kick-off from the centre mark. The team winning the toss of a coin

shall have the option of choosing ends or taking the kick-off.

After a goal has been scored the game shall be restarted from the centre mark by the side

conceding the goal.

Following half time, the game shall be restarted with teams changing ends and the kick-off being

taken by the side who did not start the game.

 

Rule 9. Ball In & Out Of Play

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

of the field of play.

 

Rule 10. Method Of Scoring

A goal is scored when the ball has wholly crossed the goal line between the goal posts and under

the cross bar.

 

Rule 11. Off-Side

There is no offside in Roo Ball, but deliberately placing a player(s) in an offside position is

contrary to the spirit of the game and is to be actively discouraged.

 

Rule 12. Fouls & Misconduct

This is an important rule and relates to the behavior of players during play. A player may not

intentionally kick, trip, jump at, strike, hold, push, charge from behind or violently charge an

opponent. Goalkeepers may touch the ball with their arms or hands, but only within the goal area.

At Roo Ball 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.

 

Rule 13. Free Kicks

All free kicks are indirect (i.e. a goal cannot be scored from the kick unless the ball has been

touched by another player). When a free kick is taken all opposing players shall be at least five (5)

metres from the ball.

Free kicks awarded within the semi-circle shall be taken from the nearest edge of the semi-circle.

 

Rule 14. Throw-Ins

A throw in is awarded when the whole of the ball passes out of the field of play over the

touchline. It is awarded to the opposing side to that of the player who has last played or touched

the ball, and the ball is thrown in from the spot where the ball left the field of play. The Referee

shall allow a player two attempts to throw the ball in and if necessary show them the correct

manner. The second throw-in shall be deemed a correct throw-in.

 

Rule 15. Goal Kick

A goal kick shall be awarded when the whole of the ball has crossed the goal line and was last

played or touched by a player from the attacking team. Goal kicks may be taken from anywhere

within the semi circle. Opposing players shall be at least 7 metres from the ball when the kick is

taken.

 

Rule 16. Corner Kick

A corner kick shall be awarded when the ball passes wholly over the goal line and was last played

or touched by a player from the defending team. The corner kick is taken six (6) metres from the

edge of the semi-circle, and opposing players shall be at least five (5) metres from the ball when

the kick is taken.

 

Addendum To Rules

A. RooBall matches will be conducted as friendly games. Competition points and tables will not

apply.

B. Arrangements are to be formalised with the GDSRA (Inc) to supply junior or trainee Referees

for these matches where possible. Where no GDSRA (Inc) Referee is appointed, a referee shall

be appointed by MUTUAL CONSENT between the Managers. Once appointed the Referee

shall have full jurisdiction of the game and the state of the fields. Referees may not coach

players.

C. ID cards will be required by registered players in accordance with By-Laws. Normal team fees

will apply.

D. A registered RooBall player is NOT permitted to play as a temporary transfer for any team

playing competition football within the Association.

E. The Committee allocates grounds for matches.

F. Players must have turned 5 before April 1 to play Roo Ball.

G. The team sheet must be signed by the Manager or Coach.

H Clubs responsible for the grounds shall ensure that they are correctly marked to assist with

spectator control.

I. As with all other G&DSFA (Inc) matches, spectators are NOT allowed behind the goal areas or

within 18 yards each side of the goal posts.

J. Decisions of the Committee are FINAL and NO CORRESPONDENCE OR APPEALS will be

heard.

K. Any person or persons NOT complying with these rules will be required to appear before the

Management Committee in accordance with the Constitution.

L. Members of the Management Committee will be in attendance at these games to check on the

conduct of RooBall matches where POSSIBLE.

M. If a game is not played, a full report must be submitted within three (3) days by BOTH team

Managers and the Referee if appointed, to the Committee for a decision.

N. There is no time limit to players playing out of their original team, however whilst players may

play up an age, they MUST NOT play down an age. E.g. a registered Under 7 player may play

for another Under 7 team or an Under 8 team, but not for an Under 6 team.

O. All registered RooBall players shall receive a suitable award at the end of the season.

P. For all circumstances not mentioned in these rules, reference should be made to the Constitution

and/or By-Laws.