Rooball is soccer played by younger children on smaller fields under modified rules. Dunsborough Junior Soccer CLub fields mixed teams from Under 6 to Under 10, and organises a competition for all of our players.

Games/Training

In Rooball, maximum emphasis is to be placed on having fun, playing fairly, and playing as well as is reasonable for the age group and skill level, with minimum emphasis on winning.

While Rooball teams are encouraged to give their best and play with ‘winning’ enthusiasm, it is essential to remember that results are NOT recorded and there is no premiership table. This is to avoid Rooball players getting the impression that winning is more important than playing.

In emphasising the importance of sportsmanship in all aspects of soccer, as far as possible both teams should have an equal number of players, even if this means that one team ‘lends’ players to the opposition, and players should be encouraged to shake hands with the opposition before and after the game.

Where two Dunsborough teams play each other we encourage all parents and family members to attend and make these matches special derby occasions where players compete in a friendly way with their peers.

During each match, coaches are to encourage players from the sidelines. It is unacceptable for a coach or manager to shout abuse at any time. Similarly, coaches and managers are to ensure that parents do not shout abuse either. Finally, the coach is responsible for ensuring the team has adequate equipment for each training session, as well as a ‘match quality’ ball each Saturday.

Matches in the are played according to the FIFA Laws of Association Football with the following modifications:

Modifications

1. All games are to be conducted as friendly games; competition points and tables will not apply.

2. Goal kicks may be taken from anywhere inside the goal area, i.e. within a 12 metre radius of the centre of the goal.

3. Whenever the goalkeeper has the ball or a free kick is awarded to the defending team in the goal area, the opposing team must retire at least 10 metres from the ball.

4. There is to be no marking or obstructing the opposing goalkeeper. Offenders will be penalised by a free kick to the defending team from the edge of the goal area, as for rule 7.

5. The offside rule does not apply. However, a player standing blatantly offside to gain an advantage shall be penalised for 'loitering'.

6. Penalty kicks will not be given, and all free kicks will be indirect. (Players should be encouraged to pass the ball to another player of their own team before a shot is taken for goal.)

7. All free kicks awarded within a 12 metre radius of the centre of the goal area to be taken with the ball placed 12 metres from the centre of the goal on a line between that point and the point where the offence occurred.

8. A team consists of nine players on the field, including a goalkeeper.

9. Referees will have discretion to either send a player from the field for the remainder of the match, or send a player from the field for a 5 minute cooling-off period for certain offences. In either case, that player may be replaced by another player.

10. A player may be interchanged with a player who has already played in the game. The referee's consent is not required, but the interchange must not interfere with the game.

11. If a qualified referee is not in attendance a ‘game leader’ will be decided by the home team first offering the opportunity to the away team to nominate a person and failing that it becomes the home team’s responsibility.

12. Official referee fees to be set at $8. T he teams’ managers will each pay half of the fees to the referee before the match.

Other specifications

Field size recommended half of a full field, or as close as possible as appropriate at the ground in question

Goal size approximately 1.8m x 4.0m, up to a maximum of 2.0m x 6.0m

Ball size size 3-4

Code Of Behaviour
Dunsborough JSC has endorsed and adopted the Aussie Sports Codes of Behaviour and follows the FFA Code of Conduct and Member Protection Policy which are designed to assist sporting bodies adopt standards reducing the incidence of violence and unfair play in competition. Those of relevance to coaches and managers are set out below.

• Be reasonable in your demands of young players' time, energy and enthusiasm.
• Teach your players that rules of the sport are mutual agreements to be followed by all
• Whenever possible, group players to give a reasonable chance of success.
• Avoid over-playing the talented players. ALL players need and deserve equal time.
• Kids play for fun - winning is only part of their motivation.
• Never ridicule or yell at children for making mistakes or losing a game.
• Ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are age and ability appropriate.
• Consider age and maturity when scheduling practice.
• Develop team respect for the opponents and officials.
• Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed