SOCCA is the most played sport in the world – in the neighborhood, with friends. It is ours and that is why we give it a home. The word “Socca” is a reference to “Soccer”, the game played on the big field. With us, the field is smaller, the word shorter and the excitement all the greater. So much can happen in 2×20 minutes of play that it keeps the spectators on the edge of their seats. They fever along, because every second something new can happen. We love Socca because it’s so familiar and turns guys like you and me into stars. But don’t underestimate what you see on the field! The game is fast and solutions have to be found in a small space. That requires players with very good ball handling skills and a high level of tactical thinking. That’s why only the best make it to the national team.
The organization has a long and distinguished history, spanning over 40 years. Not only is it the longest-established small-sided leagues operator in the UK, but it is also the largest and serves as a benchmark for competitors, who often look to it for inspiration and guidance.
A country is not a member of the ISF until they have paid their membership fee. The ISF reserves its right to allow any organisation from any country to pay the membership fee for their country and to become the exclusive ISF member. Membership is offered on a one year fixed term (1st January – 31st December) and awarded on a first come, first served basis
Entry to ISF national team competitions is decided by:
In the case of confederations allocation, this is based upon the earliest payment date of the confederation license fee
*RVAs is used only at the Euro Cup and the World Cup
1. The following sanctions may be imposed on members [associations] or individuals:-
i.Warning; or
ii.Reprimand; or
iii.Fine; or
iv.Suspension for a specified number of matches, in specified Tournaments or at a specified level, or for a specified period;
v.Suspension from carrying out a function for a specified number of matches or for a specified period; or
vi.Deduction of points earned in a Tournament (or league) or relegation from one division to a lower division; or
vii.Compensation to any party affected by the breach; or
ix. Expulsion from the Tournament or Competition and/or ban from future Tournaments/Competitions; or
x. Ban on exercising any Socca related activity; or
xi. Withdrawal of a title or award; or
xii. [In the case of member] recommendation to the Executive Board of ISF to suspend the member from membership of ISF
Any disciplinary sanctions may be imposed as suspended sanctions, except for i), ii) and ix) above. The above list is in no priority order.
The ISF can use any of the above sanctions at any time.
2. Any fine received for unacceptable behaviour by a player, coach, manager or support staff, after a country has been eliminated from the tournament, will be chargeable to that country and must be paid within 14 days of the tournament ending. Any ban received will take effect for the next ISF tournament.
The following gives guidance to officials and players on the expected sanctions for on and off pitch behaviour. It is not exhaustive. The match officials may decide to impose alternative sanction if they wish, and their decision will be final in all circumstances.
ISF reserves the right to increase bans or fines for any player of member country solely at their discretion.
Cards are extinguished once a ban has been served.
Note: If a substitute, manager, coach or backroom staff receive any card, the same sanction applies, and one on-field player must be nominated and receive the sanction. (leave the field of play).
The ISF has a duty to ensure our members understand our rules and we therefore offer some practical advice and explanation on some of our rules.
11.2. States that all free kicks are direct. There are no indirect free kicks in ISF matches, including offences committed inside the goalkeeper’s box. Any offence committed inside the goalkeeper’s box by the defending team will result in a penalty kick against the defending team.
This is to ensure that ISF matches are more direct and exiting game. Players need to be aware that there are no indirect free kicks and offences inside the Goalkeepers Area will result in a penalty if the offence is committed by a defending team.
12.11. Is the rule that allows a match official to move the ball forward 5 metres for certain offences. This is an added tool for a match officials for preventing dissent and poor behaviour in addition to the sin bin.
11.7. States that players are not allowed to slide challenge a player when the player has the ball in their possession. The ethos of the rule is to protect players, ensure a fluid game and to prevent injuries. Players can however, slide to prevent the ball from going out of play and to prevent a goal as long as a opponent is not nearby. A goalkeeper can save a shot with their feet from within the goalkeepers area.
As a guide, players need to imagine a circle around the player of 1 metre. If a player does not slide tackle in this imaginary circle, a foul will not be awarded against you.
The below diagram shows the positions match officials will take at the start of the ISF penalty procedure. Note the timekeeper is facing away from play and will blow the whistle to start and finish the ISF Pen. The timekeeper will not wear a communication head set for the full duration of ISF penalty procedure.
All ISF matches are based on the principles of friendship, sportsmanship and fair play. All teams who participate in a competition hosted by the ISF agree to abide by these values.
The ISF strictly refuses discrimination based on race, religion, belief or sexual orientation. Tournaments staged by ISF shall not be used to deliver political messages.