Game Rules
A team must have at least four (4) players on the field. In the mixed series, at least two (2) female players must be on the field at all times, and neither can play as the goalkeeper. The veterans’ series has no male/female restrictions. To qualify for the veterans’ series, the team must have participated in swamp soccer for at least 10 years or have players over the age of 40.
Swamp soccer is primarily for adult players. Players over 16 years old may participate with guardian consent. However, a team cannot consist entirely of underage players; at least one player must be an adult.
Unlimited substitutions are allowed at the center line. A substitution is valid when the outgoing player has left the field before the incoming player enters. A referee can penalize improper substitutions with a 2-minute penalty or a free kick for the opposing team near the center line. Goals do not cancel the penalty.
The referee may issue a red card for dangerous or violent behavior. Light leaning is allowed, but intentional tackles warrant a warning. Two warnings in a match result in a red card and ejection, leading to a one-game suspension.
In free kicks, the defensive wall must be 3 meters away.
The goalkeeper can handle the ball within 5 meters of the goal.
Goal kicks may be performed by throwing, kicking from the hand, or from the ground.
Goals scored directly from a goalkeeper’s throw are not allowed.
If the ball is returned to the goalkeeper after play has resumed, the goalkeeper cannot handle the ball unless an opponent has touched it or it has entered the attacking zone.
No offside rule applies.
Free kicks, penalties, corner kicks, and sideline kicks must be taken by hand or foot and are indirect.
A player may not compete for multiple teams in the same series (recruiting during the tournament is strictly forbidden). Playing in other series is allowed.
Tie-breaker rules:
If teams are tied on points, the order is determined by:
- Head-to-head match results
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Lottery
- In the playoffs, if a match ends in a tie, it proceeds directly to a penalty shootout (no extra time):
- 3 shooters per team
- If tied after 3 shots, the match continues in sudden death.
Match Points:
- Win = 3 points
- Draw = 1 point (group stage matches can end in a tie)
- Loss = 0 points
Forfeiting a match without a valid reason will result in all previous results being nullified and the team being disqualified from the series. The team will also be barred from participating in next year’s Swamp Soccer and Deep Snow Footballtournaments.
Appeals:
- Appeals must be submitted within 15 minutes after the match to the Tournament Office or Competition Director.
- The referee’s decision cannot be appealed.
- The jury may make case-specific and sporting decisions.
Other Rules:
- The referee/jury has the right to prevent a player or even an entire team from participating.
- Players are responsible for their own insurance coverage.
The Spirit of Swamp Soccer:
The most important thing in swamp soccer is having fun while maintaining the spirit of fair play.
Swamp Oath:
SWAMP-SAUNA-FINLAND AND SISU
“I, N.N., on behalf of all participants in the Swamp Soccer World Championships, promise to respect Vuorisuo, nature, the Swamp Soccer World Championships, and humanity. I will adhere to the rules, respect my fellow athletes, and embody the spirit of fair play. The spirit of Vuorisuo is about having fun, embracing fair play, meeting friends, making new ones, and enjoying the muddy challenge.”