JOIN THE BEACH SOCCER WEBINAR SERIES:
instructors: FIFA Beach Soccer Referees, Vince Apple-Chiarella & CONRAD Garcia
BEGINNERS TRAINING WEBINAR [Link to Recording]
INTERMEDIATE TRAINING WEBINAR [Link to Recording]
USSF BEACH REFEREE CERTIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED
Anyone comfortable blowing the whistle as a Solo Referee is encouraged to apply. Most youth games are Solo with some potential Duals. Adult Divisions are Dual system.
On Saturday we will attempt to pair up new beach referees with experienced referees or two new beach referees with a FIFA/Pro Mentor.
Micro: SOLO $20 (3x10min)
u09-12: SOLO $25, DUAL $15/15 (3×10min)
u13-19: SOLO $30, DUAL $20/20 (3x12min)
Adults: DUAL $30/30. (3x12min)
$50 daily travel stipend for those traveling over 60 miles one way and working at least 4 games.
PRO-AM BEACH LAWS OF THE GAME
TEAM
Referees MUST confirm all players have a color specific wristband to play for that age group. NO WRISTBAND, NO PLAY.
During preliminary rounds, a running 5-minute grace period will be allowed for team(s) to take the field. A minimum of 4 players constitues a team. If 4 players are available there will be no further delay. Inability to field a team in time earns a forfeit. Team that is present with at least 4 players will earn a 3-point result for a forfeit.
During the match if a team can no longer field a minimum of 4 players the game will be forfeited. Score to be determined by PABS.
No Deliberate Heading for all ages u11 and younger.
Micro 4x4 (no goalkeeper) 3x10min.
u8-u9 (2017/2018) 6v6. 3×10min.
u10 up (2016…) 5v5. 3×10min.
Unlimited (rolling) substitutions*
Maximum of 12 players on gameday squad
Adult Coed: No more than 3 men on the field at one time.
GAME
u12 and younger: 3 periods of 10 minutes
u13 and older: 3 periods of 12 minutes
Intervals are no more than 2 minutes. Blow warning whistle after 1 minute to get them back on field. If they delay. Start time at 2 minute of interval. Any further delay, catch may be cautioned for delay of game.
NO TIES in beach soccer (If you allow a tie, you will not be paid for the game.)
If tied, one full 3-minute period of Over Time.
If still tied. Penalty Kicks. All eligible players on the roster participate. (Best of 5v5, then 1v1 .)
Win in Normal Time = 3 points
Win in Extra Time = 2 points
Win on Penalties = 1 point
A direct freekick is awarded for all fouls
ANY player on the field may take the free kick (2026 Update)
Restarts along the perimeter are to be taken within 4 seconds after possession and position. Referees are to provide a visual and verbal count.
4-second violations:
Corner Kick turns into GK Distribution
Thow/Kick-in turns over to throw/kick-in to opponent.
GK Distribution and other GK violations turn into Free Kick from kick off spot. (Cone)
Defensive possession within own penalty area.
Free Kicks visibly and verbally counted after all players set and kicker is ready.
May NOT score directly from a kick off or a throw-in / kick-in.
No offside
No walls
No footwear (except sand socks or tape)
Throw/Kick-ins can be taken with hands or feet within 4 seconds after possession and position.
Free kicks in the attacking half, all players behind the ball and 5 yards away.
Free kicks in the defensive half, all players outside a “cone” triangle between both corners and the ball.
All players, except the goalkeeper may not play the ball until it has touched the ground, goalkeeper or goal post. If played out of air, violation is DFK from the spot of contact or a PK if played by defender within own penalty area.
A team receiving a Send Off, MUST play short for a full 2-minutes.
ONE FREE PASSBACK to own GK playing with hands during a team possession. Any restart can also initiate the use of a pass back. Resets after an opponent’s touch on ball or ball is out of play.
Violation: DFK from kick off spot (Cone)
Bicycle/Scissor Kicks are fully protected (if it is set up and within the frame of the kickers body.) Bicycle Kicks received and directly taken from a restart or a pass are not fully protected. (More on this during the Advanced webinar.) Typically only seen in adult men’s games
REFEREE MANAGEMENT
Enter all results in Assignr & the PABS Game Card.
Start time of the scheduled game time regardless if teams have taken the field or are delayed. Give repeated verbal & whistle announcements.
A team not present at the start of game has a running 5-minute grace period. Once 4 total players are present they MUST begin play. If after 5-minutes, then the game is recorded as 3-0 due to not enough players.
Visual and verbal counting of ALL restarts.
Beach Soccer/Futsal are different games than grass! There are to be FAR LESS contact challenges. Calling fouls is STRONGLY encouraged by the laws/rules, the tournament, the promoter and REFEREE S.C.
Substitution infractions: the referee is empowered to stop play and award a free kick for the opponent at center spot. (Cone)
If solo referee, choose a touchline to run. (REFEREE S.C. suggests bench side as it is easier to manage any substitution infractions. Avoid staying in the middle of the field except for setting up Free Kicks. Cross over when necessary to control game.