Modified Soccer Game and Field

Abstract

The present invention is a method for a new, modified version of soccer that is configured to produce a faster-paced game and a more exciting viewership and playing experience by increasing the amount of scoring scenarios and goals scored. The modified game involves a unique ending designed to end every game on goal. This is accomplished by establishing a Target Score after the regulation period ends and having each team try to score the Target Score in a final Target Score Time.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a National Stage Entry of International Application No. PCT / US24 / 032864, filed March Jun. 6, 2024. which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 506,531, filed on Jun. 6, 2023. The entire contents of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to soccer-like games and the associated playing field and rules.BACKGROUND

[0003] Soccer, known outside the United States as football, is the most popular sport in the world with billions of viewers for major soccer tournaments like the World Cup. However, traditional soccer games can be low scoring affairs with lengthy possessions by each team that may or may not result in scoring. In any sport, scoring is considered one of, if not the most, exciting portion of the game-both for the players and the viewers. Therefore, an opportunity exists to take the skillful, finesse driven game of soccer and amplify its entertainment potential by providing a rule structure and a field that provide increased opportunities for scoring and scoring attempts in a game.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is a method for a new, modified version of soccer, and particularly to a version that is configured to produce a faster-paced game and a more exciting viewership and playing experience by increasing the amount of scoring scenarios and goals scored-events that are widely considered to be the most entertaining portion of the sport.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a top view of the playing field in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of the operation of Target Score Time™ in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The present invention is a method for a goal scoring game that uses a modified version of the rules of soccer.

[0008] The following description sets forth numerous specific rules, parameters, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present invention but is instead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments. Various modifications to the examples described will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples described herein but is to be accorded a scope consistent with the claims.

[0009] The following terms are often interchangeable in normal usage in describing soccer: a “sideline” is also referred to as a “touch line”; a “midline” is also referred to as either a “mid field line” or a “halfway line”; an “endline” is also referred to as a “goal line”; a “penalty box” is also referred to as a “penalty area”; a “goal box” is also referred to as a “goal area”; and “soccer” is also called “football” in most countries. The terms “referee” and “official” are used interchangeably.

[0010] Pertaining to any rules not defined herein, all standard laws and regulations of conventional soccer apply. Unless otherwise stated, the standard laws and regulations of conventional soccer will be considered the “Laws of the Game” as published by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for the exemplary embodiment discussed below. The “Laws of the Game 22 / 23” published by the International Football Association Board in July 2022 is incorporated by reference.Field Dimensions

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the length of the touchline 100 is greater than the length of the goal line 102. The maximum length of the field 104 is between fifty (50) and eighty (80) yards, preferably sixty-five (65) yards. The maximum width of the field 106 is between thirty (30) and sixty (60) yards, preferably forty-five (45) yards. Interior markings consist of four (4) corner arcs 108 having a radius between a half (0.5) yard and two (2) yards, preferably a one (1) yard radius. The interior markings include a halfway line 110 located halfway along the length of the field 104 and spanning at least a portion of the width of the field 106. The interior markings include a penalty spot 112 located between ten (10) yards and fourteen (14) yards, preferably 12 yards, from the goal line 102. The interior markings include two penalty areas 114 located at opposite ends of the field in the lengthwise direction and halfway along the width of the touchline. The penalty areas 114 are rectangular in shape and are between ten (10) yards and eight (8) yards in width 116, preferably 12 yards. The penalty areas are between eight (8) yards and four (4) yards in length 118, preferably 6 yards. The interior markings may include a center mark 118.Goal Dimensions

[0012] The size of the goal shall be set at a height between five (5) feet and eight (8) feet high, preferably six and a half feet (6.5 feet) high, and a width between sixteen (16) feet and twenty-one (21) feet wide, preferably eighteen and a half feet (18.5 feet) wide.Game Postponement

[0013] A game may be postponed at the field site if weather conditions are too hazardous for play, for example, lightning, snow or ice on the ground. Rain is not a reason to postpone play. In case of a postponed game, the game can be rescheduled.Game Duration and Ball Size

[0014] Each match has an at least three (3) minute warm up session prior to the beginning of the match. Each match is comprised of two halves having between fifteen (15) and thirty (30) minutes, preferably twenty (20) minutes, per half and a halftime break. Upon conclusion of the two halves, the match will enter an extra time period (the “Target Score Period”) having no set time limit as is discussed in more detail below. The game clock stops only for official time-outs and player injuries. Any sized soccer ball may be used, preferably a standard size five (5) soccer ball is used for all practices and games.Number of Players

[0015] Teams are composed of at least 2 players on the roster, with preferably 20 players on the roster, and a maximum of 7 players on the field at one time, including the goalkeeper (i.e. the goalkeeper counts towards the total number of players on the field).Substitutions

[0016] Substitutions may be made at any point during the game (i.e. on the fly). Players coming off the field must have both feet across the sideline, close to the team bench, before the substitute can enter the field. Before the substitutes enter the field of play, they must first enter a designated area called a “Sub Box” that will be visibly marked at the middle of the pitch. Only after occupying the “Sub Box” can the substitute layers enter the field of play.

[0017] If for any reason a substitute enters the game directly from their bench (not from the Sub Box, the punishment for a first offense will be a yellow card. The punishment for a second infraction of a player entering the field of play without using the Sub Box will be a red card. A red card issued for a violation of the sub box will not result in a suspension from the following game. After a sub box related penalty is issued, the game play will carry on with an indirect free kick and the field numbers will remain 7 on 7 (since the red card was issued to a bench member and not a current member on the field). Substitutions for the purpose of taking a penalty kick are permitted.

[0018] During Target Score Time™, each team may substitute on the fly, as they have during the timed portion of the match.Player Equipment

[0019] Players may wear shin guards but are not required to. Socks must completely cover both sides of the shin guards if they are worn. A Player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (such as jewelry). The referee's judgment shall be the determining factor as to whether apparel and / or equipment is too dangerous to be used in the game. All players shall be in their Team's official uniform to play. Standard soccer boots, shoes, cleats or turf trainers shall be worn by all players.

[0020] All or any member(s) of a team may wear extra protective clothing against the cold, including gloves, without dangerous, protruding or hard objects provided that: 1) The proper team uniform is worn outermost; and 2) Any hat should be without peak, bill or dangling or protruding object of any kind; however, the goalkeeper may wear a soft billed hat; and; 3) Referee discretion may be used to determine if an item of protective clothing is considered to go beyond the purpose of providing a means of retaining body heat. No player shall be allowed to play in any regularly scheduled practice or game with an injury or a known medical condition, especially those illnesses which can be communal.

[0021] Prosthetic devices require a physician's permission before a player may play and it must state the player needs to wear the device to play. Such devices must pose no danger to other players on the field. The referee's judgment shall be the final determining factor.Officiating

[0022] In one embodiment, the game will be officiated by at least one (1) referee and preferably by one referee and one assistant referee. It shall be the duty of the referee of the game to enforce the rules and regulations of the game.Rules of PlayStart of Play

[0023] To begin the game, the ball will be placed at the center of the field and the game will start with a pass by one player. In some embodiments, the ball is placed at the center of the field by a referee and the game will start with a pass by one player after being given a signal by the referee. No direct goals from the kickoff are permitted. Direct goals are those in which the ball goes into the goal after the initial player touches the ball without the ball having been contacted by another player. At the time of the kickoff, every player will be in their half of the field. No player of the opposing team to that of the initial kicker shall be within 5 yards of the center mark. The ball is in play when it is kicked, and the kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. If, after the initial pass, the kicker touches the ball a second time before another player has touched it an indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team.Restart of Play

[0024] After a goal has been scored, the game shall be restarted in the center of the field by the team that has conceded the goal. To restart the game, the ball will be placed at the center of the field and the game will restart with a pass by one player from the team that conceded the goal. In one embodiment to restart the game the ball is placed at the center of the field by a referee and the game will restart with a pass by one player from the team that conceded the goal after being given a signal by the referee. To start the second half, the game will be restarted with a kickoff by a player of the opposite team (i.e. a player on the team who did not get a ball first in the first half) to that of the player who kicked off at the start the game.Restarting Play After Temporary Delay

[0025] In the case of a temporary suspension due to an injury or any unusual situation, if one team is clearly in possession of the ball, the game shall be restarted by an indirect free kick by the team in possession of the ball at the point where the ball was when play was suspended. Should there not be clear possession at the time play is suspended due to an injury or any unusual situation, there will be a drop ball at the spot where the ball was declared dead. The ball shall be deemed “in play” when the ball has touched the ground. The referee's judgment shall be the final determining factor of whether there was clear possession.Ball In and Out of Play

[0026] The ball is out of play when it is wholly crossed the goal line or whole touchline, whether it is on the ground or in the air. The ball is out of play when the referee has stopped the game.Method of Scoring

[0027] A goal is scored when the whole of the ball has crossed the whole of the goal line on the ground or in the air between the goal post and under the crossbar. In another embodiment, the goal may be defined by a pair of flags, in which case the a goal is scored when the whole of the ball has crossed the whole of the goal line on the ground or in the air between the flags and under the top of the height of the flags. In one embodiment, a referee makes the final determination in their sole discretion, if a goal was scored.Fouls and Misconduct

[0028] A referee will inform the offending player of the infraction that was committed. At the referee's discretion, infractions will be punished by a direct free kick, from which a goal can be scored. In the event a foul occurs due to a pass back to the goalkeeper, that foul will be punished by an indirect free kick, from which another player on the kicking team must play the ball before a goal can be scored. For all free kicks, the kicking team must be given ten (10) yards minimum of separation from the nearest opposing team player to the ball. The kicking player must wait for the referee to signal that the ball is ready to be played. Slide tackling will not be permitted by any means and will result in a direct kick for the opposing team. Penalty kicks will be awarded for an infraction within the penalty box. Upon the referee's decision that a penalty has occurred within the penalty box, a penalty kick shall be taken from the penalty mark.Cards

[0029] The referee will have authority in determining a punishment for a foul or misconduct. As punishment, a yellow card or red card can be issued. A yellow card dictates that the player who has received the card is on a warning. Two yellow cards in one game automatically results in one red card. A red card dictates that the player who has received the card must leave the field of play and may not return for the remainder of the game. Any player who receives a red card at any point in the game will be banned from participation for the following game that they are scheduled to participate in except as otherwise stated herein. A red card will result in the offending Team playing a man down for the remainder of the match except in the case of a red card that is issued to a player not on the field at the time of the red card inciting incident.

[0030] Throw-Ins

[0031] Throw-ins are not permitted and are replaced by an indirect free kick from the point where the whole ball crosses over the whole touch line, either on ground or in air. The kicker of the indirect free kick may not play the ball until another player has touched it. If the kicker plays the ball before another player has touched it, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. A goal shall not be scored directly from the indirect free kick. Players will have a specified amount of time to kick the ball back in play. In some embodiments, the amount of time to kick the ball back into play is a five (5) second period. If a player fails to comply, it will result in a turnover in possession. In some embodiments, it is the referee who makes the final determination of how much time was used by a player.Goal Kicks

[0032] When the whole of the ball passes over the whole of the goal line, excluding the portion between the goal posts and under the crossbar (either in the air or on the ground), having last been played by one of the players on the attacking team, it shall be kicked directly into play by a goal kick. A goal kick may be taken from anywhere inside the goal area. Any defending player, including the goalkeeper, may take the goal kick. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. A goal may not be scored directly by a goal kick. The opponent must remain outside the goal area until the ball has crossed the goal area.

[0033] In another embodiment, the goal may be defined by a pair of flags, in which case the when the whole of the ball passes over the whole of the goal line, excluding the portion between the flag posts and under the height of the flags (either in the air or on the ground), having last been played by one of the players on the attacking team, it shall be kicked directly into play by a goal kick.Corner Kicks

[0034] When the whole of the ball passes over the whole of the goal line excluding that portion between the goal posts and under the crossbar, (either in the air or on the ground), having last been played by one of the defending team, a player of the attacking team shall have a corner kick. For a corner kick, the ball shall be placed within a three (3) foot arc from the corner arc and shall be kicked into play from that position by an attacking player. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick. Players from the opposing team to the kicker shall not approach within five (5) yards of the corner arc until the ball is in play. Players will have five (5) seconds to kick the ball back in play. If a player fails to comply, it will result in a turnover in possession.

[0035] In another embodiment, the goal may be defined by a pair of flags, in which case the when the whole of the ball passes over the whole of the goal line, excluding the portion between the flag posts and under the height of the flags (either in the air or on the ground), having last been played by one of the players on the defending team, a player of the attacking team shall have a corner kick.Goalkeeper

[0036] Goalkeeper will be permitted to use their hands anywhere inside the penalty area if the ball has been played by an opposing player before it is handled. However, the goalkeeper can handle the ball using their hands from a pass received from a player on its own team only when it is delivered by a header or off the passer's chest, or if the pass is deemed accidental. Any other pass back to the goalkeeper's hands will be punished by indirect free kick as defined above. A goalkeeper has six (6) seconds to release the ball once it has been picked up in the penalty area. After the goalkeeper has relinquished control of the ball following using their hands to handle the ball, the goalkeeper cannot touch the ball again with their hands until it has been played by an opponent. The goalkeeper cannot punt or drop kick the ball. The ball must bounce at least twice or be rolled on the ground before it can be kicked. In the event of infraction, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

[0037] In some embodiments, for Goalkeepers throwouts, the ball must bounce at least once before midfield. In the event of an infraction of this requirement, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team. If, during a Goalkeeper throwout, a teammate or opponent control the ball out of the air in the throwing Goalkeeper's half of the field, the ball will be considered to have bounced before midfield.

[0038] In some embodiments, for Goalkeepers throwouts, the ball may cross midfield in the air without incurring an infraction.Goalkeeper Screening

[0039] Goalkeeper screening is illegal. Goalkeeper screening is when an opposing player overtly obstructs a goalkeeper's view. If the ball is in the opposing team's defensive half, no attacking player can go in the goalkeeper's box. If the ball is in the team's attacking half, Goalkeeper Screening will be called at the referee's discretion. It will be up to referee's discretion how to penalize goalkeeper screening: either goalkeeper will get a free, indirect kick going out or the goalkeeper's team will receive an indirect, free kick at midfield.

[0040] There is no “offsides” violation or penalty.

[0041] Target Score Time™-Every Game Ends on a Goal™

[0042] Upon conclusion of regulation play, the teams shall enter an untimed period (the “Target Score Time™”) during which the official winner will be the first team to reach a predefined Target Score™. The Target Score™ is one more goal than the leading team's goal tally after the conclusion of regulation play of the match. For example: If Team A has 6 goals and Team B has 4 goals after the first two halves of the match, the Target Score™ will be set at 7 goals and the Teams will play until a team reaches 7 goals. If the teams have the same score after the two halves, the official winner will be the next team to score. During Target Score Time™, if a goal is not scored in a defined period (preferably three (3) to five (5) minutes) one (1) player from each team will be removed. For every successive defined period that elapses, an additional player from each team will be removed from play. This operates to create smaller and smaller numbers of total players in play. The Target Score Time™ begins with 7 versus 7 and after the first defined period elapses without the Target Score being scored by a team, the game goes down to 6 versus 6, then, after another defined time period elapses a 5 versus 5, then a 4 versus 4, then a 3 versus 3 and so on until a minimum number of players on each team is reached. When the minimum number of players on each team is reached, those players are allowed to play indefinitely until the Target Score is scored by a team and a winner is declared. In some embodiments, the minimum number of players on each team is two (2) players per team.

[0043] During Target Score Time™, the game clock will be set to the defined period of time (preferably 3 to 5 minutes) and run down to zero. If a winner is not determined during the initial defined period, game play will continue until the next dead ball. When a dead ball occurs, players for both teams will come off the field, and the game clock will be re-set to the defined period. Play will then resume, and the clock will run down to zero, again, and play will stop at the occurrence of a dead ball again. This pattern will continue until a team wins the game by reaching the Target Score, consistent with the rules immediately above.

[0044] If a red card is issued during Target Score Time™ while the competition is 2 versus 2, the player receiving the red card shall be removed from the match; however, the team receiving the red card shall remain at two (2) players (by substitution of an eligible player) and the non-receiving team shall be permitted to add a player to the field, resulting in a 3 versus 2. Any subsequent red cards shall likewise result in removal of the offending player and the addition of a player to the opposing team (4 versus 2, 5 versus 2, etc.).

[0045] The Rules For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference has been made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, this specific language intends no limitation of the scope of the invention, and the invention should be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, conventional aspects of the system (and components of the individual operating components of the system) may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component is essential to the practice of the invention unless the element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical”. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0007]The present invention is a method for a goal scoring game that uses a modified version of the rules of soccer.

[0008]The following description sets forth numerous specific rules, parameters, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present invention but is instead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments. Various modifications to the examples described will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples described herein but is to be accorded a scope consistent with the claims.

[0009]The following terms are often interchangeable in normal usage in describing soccer: a “sideline” is also referred to as a “touch line”; a “midline” is also referred to as either a “...

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a National Stage Entry of International Application No. PCT / US24 / 032864, filed March Jun. 6, 2024. which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 506,531, filed on Jun. 6, 2023. The entire contents of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to soccer-like games and the associated playing field and rules.BACKGROUND

[0003] Soccer, known outside the United States as football, is the most popular sport in the world with billions of viewers for major soccer tournaments like the World Cup. However, traditional soccer games can be low scoring affairs with lengthy possessions by each team that may or may not result in scoring. In any sport, scoring is considered one of, if not the most, exciting portion of the game-both for the players and the viewers. Therefore, an opportunity exists to take the skillful, finesse driven game of soccer and amplify its entertainment potential by providing a rule structure and a field that provide increased opportunities for scoring and scoring attempts in a game.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is a method for a new, modified version of soccer, and particularly to a version that is configured to produce a faster-paced game and a more exciting viewership and playing experience by increasing the amount of scoring scenarios and goals scored-events that are widely considered to be the most entertaining portion of the sport.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a top view of the playing field in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of the operation of Target Score Time™ in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The present invention is a method for a goal scoring game that uses a modified version of the rules of soccer.

[0008] The following description sets forth numerous specific rules, parameters, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present invention but is instead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments. Various modifications to the examples described will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples described herein but is to be accorded a scope consistent with the claims.

[0009] The following terms are often interchangeable in normal usage in describing soccer: a “sideline” is also referred to as a “touch line”; a “midline” is also referred to as either a “mid field line” or a “halfway line”; an “endline” is also referred to as a “goal line”; a “penalty box” is also referred to as a “penalty area”; a “goal box” is also referred to as a “goal area”; and “soccer” is also called “football” in most countries. The terms “referee” and “official” are used interchangeably.

[0010] Pertaining to any rules not defined herein, all standard laws and regulations of conventional soccer apply. Unless otherwise stated, the standard laws and regulations of conventional soccer will be considered the “Laws of the Game” as published by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for the exemplary embodiment discussed below. The “Laws of the Game 22 / 23” published by the International Football Association Board in July 2022 is incorporated by reference.Field Dimensions

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the length of the touchline 100 is greater than the length of the goal line 102. The maximum length of the field 104 is between fifty (50) and eighty (80) yards, preferably sixty-five (65) yards. The maximum width of the field 106 is between thirty (30) and sixty (60) yards, preferably forty-five (45) yards. Interior markings consist of four (4) corner arcs 108 having a radius between a half (0.5) yard and two (2) yards, preferably a one (1) yard radius. The interior markings include a halfway line 110 located halfway along the length of the field 104 and spanning at least a portion of the width of the field 106. The interior markings include a penalty spot 112 located between ten (10) yards and fourteen (14) yards, preferably 12 yards, from the goal line 102. The interior markings include two penalty areas 114 located at opposite ends of the field in the lengthwise direction and halfway along the width of the touchline. The penalty areas 114 are rectangular in shape and are between ten (10) yards and eight (8) yards in width 116, preferably 12 yards. The penalty areas are between eight (8) yards and four (4) yards in length 118, preferably 6 yards. The interior markings may include a center mark 118.Goal Dimensions

[0012] The size of the goal shall be set at a height between five (5) feet and eight (8) feet high, preferably six and a half feet (6.5 feet) high, and a width between sixteen (16) feet and twenty-one (21) feet wide, preferably eighteen and a half feet (18.5 feet) wide.Game Postponement

[0013] A game may be postponed at the field site if weather conditions are too hazardous for play, for example, lightning, snow or ice on the ground. Rain is not a reason to postpone play. In case of a postponed game, the game can be rescheduled.Game Duration and Ball Size

[0014] Each match has an at least three (3) minute warm up session prior to the beginning of the match. Each match is comprised of two halves having between fifteen (15) and thirty (30) minutes, preferably twenty (20) minutes, per half and a halftime break. Upon conclusion of the two halves, the match will enter an extra time period (the “Target Score Period”) having no set time limit as is discussed in more detail below. The game clock stops only for official time-outs and player injuries. Any sized soccer ball may be used, preferably a standard size five (5) soccer ball is used for all practices and games.Number of Players

[0015] Teams are composed of at least 2 players on the roster, with preferably 20 players on the roster, and a maximum of 7 players on the field at one time, including the goalkeeper (i.e. the goalkeeper counts towards the total number of players on the field).Substitutions

[0016] Substitutions may be made at any point during the game (i.e. on the fly). Players coming off the field must have both feet across the sideline, close to the team bench, before the substitute can enter the field. Before the substitutes enter the field of play, they must first enter a designated area called a “Sub Box” that will be visibly marked at the middle of the pitch. Only after occupying the “Sub Box” can the substitute layers enter the field of play.

[0017] If for any reason a substitute enters the game directly from their bench (not from the Sub Box, the punishment for a first offense will be a yellow card. The punishment for a second infraction of a player entering the field of play without using the Sub Box will be a red card. A red card issued for a violation of the sub box will not result in a suspension from the following game. After a sub box related penalty is issued, the game play will carry on with an indirect free kick and the field numbers will remain 7 on 7 (since the red card was issued to a bench member and not a current member on the field). Substitutions for the purpose of taking a penalty kick are permitted.

[0018] During Target Score Time™, each team may substitute on the fly, as they have during the timed portion of the match.Player Equipment

[0019] Players may wear shin guards but are not required to. Socks must completely cover both sides of the shin guards if they are worn. A Player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (such as jewelry). The referee's judgment shall be the determining factor as to whether apparel and / or equipment is too dangerous to be used in the game. All players shall be in their Team's official uniform to play. Standard soccer boots, shoes, cleats or turf trainers shall be worn by all players.

[0020] All or any member(s) of a team may wear extra protective clothing against the cold, including gloves, without dangerous, protruding or hard objects provided that: 1) The proper team uniform is worn outermost; and 2) Any hat should be without peak, bill or dangling or protruding object of any kind; however, the goalkeeper may wear a soft billed hat; and; 3) Referee discretion may be used to determine if an item of protective clothing is considered to go beyond the purpose of providing a means of retaining body heat. No player shall be allowed to play in any regularly scheduled practice or game with an injury or a known medical condition, especially those illnesses which can be communal.

[0021] Prosthetic devices require a physician's permission before a player may play and it must state the player needs to wear the device to play. Such devices must pose no danger to other players on the field. The referee's judgment shall be the final determining factor.Officiating

[0022] In one embodiment, the game will be officiated by at least one (1) referee and preferably by one referee and one assistant referee. It shall be the duty of the referee of the game to enforce the rules and regulations of the game.Rules of PlayStart of Play

[0023] To begin the game, the ball will be placed at the center of the field and the game will start with a pass by one player. In some embodiments, the ball is placed at the center of the field by a referee and the game will start with a pass by one player after being given a signal by the referee. No direct goals from the kickoff are permitted. Direct goals are those in which the ball goes into the goal after the initial player touches the ball without the ball having been contacted by another player. At the time of the kickoff, every player will be in their half of the field. No player of the opposing team to that of the initial kicker shall be within 5 yards of the center mark. The ball is in play when it is kicked, and the kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. If, after the initial pass, the kicker touches the ball a second time before another player has touched it an indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team.Restart of Play

[0024] After a goal has been scored, the game shall be restarted in the center of the field by the team that has conceded the goal. To restart the game, the ball will be placed at the center of the field and the game will restart with a pass by one player from the team that conceded the goal. In one embodiment to restart the game the ball is placed at the center of the field by a referee and the game will restart with a pass by one player from the team that conceded the goal after being given a signal by the referee. To start the second half, the game will be restarted with a kickoff by a player of the opposite team (i.e. a player on the team who did not get a ball first in the first half) to that of the player who kicked off at the start the game.Restarting Play After Temporary Delay

[0025] In the case of a temporary suspension due to an injury or any unusual situation, if one team is clearly in possession of the ball, the game shall be restarted by an indirect free kick by the team in possession of the ball at the point where the ball was when play was suspended. Should there not be clear possession at the time play is suspended due to an injury or any unusual situation, there will be a drop ball at the spot where the ball was declared dead. The ball shall be deemed “in play” when the ball has touched the ground. The referee's judgment shall be the final determining factor of whether there was clear possession.Ball In and Out of Play

[0026] The ball is out of play when it is wholly crossed the goal line or whole touchline, whether it is on the ground or in the air. The ball is out of play when the referee has stopped the game.Method of Scoring

[0027] A goal is scored when the whole of the ball has crossed the whole of the goal line on the ground or in the air between the goal post and under the crossbar. In another embodiment, the goal may be defined by a pair of flags, in which case the a goal is scored when the whole of the ball has crossed the whole of the goal line on the ground or in the air between the flags and under the top of the height of the flags. In one embodiment, a referee makes the final determination in their sole discretion, if a goal was scored.Fouls and Misconduct

[0028] A referee will inform the offending player of the infraction that was committed. At the referee's discretion, infractions will be punished by a direct free kick, from which a goal can be scored. In the event a foul occurs due to a pass back to the goalkeeper, that foul will be punished by an indirect free kick, from which another player on the kicking team must play the ball before a goal can be scored. For all free kicks, the kicking team must be given ten (10) yards minimum of separation from the nearest opposing team player to the ball. The kicking player must wait for the referee to signal that the ball is ready to be played. Slide tackling will not be permitted by any means and will result in a direct kick for the opposing team. Penalty kicks will be awarded for an infraction within the penalty box. Upon the referee's decision that a penalty has occurred within the penalty box, a penalty kick shall be taken from the penalty mark.Cards

[0029] The referee will have authority in determining a punishment for a foul or misconduct. As punishment, a yellow card or red card can be issued. A yellow card dictates that the player who has received the card is on a warning. Two yellow cards in one game automatically results in one red card. A red card dictates that the player who has received the card must leave the field of play and may not return for the remainder of the game. Any player who receives a red card at any point in the game will be banned from participation for the following game that they are scheduled to participate in except as otherwise stated herein. A red card will result in the offending Team playing a man down for the remainder of the match except in the case of a red card that is issued to a player not on the field at the time of the red card inciting incident.

[0030] Throw-Ins

[0031] Throw-ins are not permitted and are replaced by an indirect free kick from the point where the whole ball crosses over the whole touch line, either on ground or in air. The kicker of the indirect free kick may not play the ball until another player has touched it. If the kicker plays the ball before another player has touched it, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. A goal shall not be scored directly from the indirect free kick. Players will have a specified amount of time to kick the ball back in play. In some embodiments, the amount of time to kick the ball back into play is a five (5) second period. If a player fails to comply, it will result in a turnover in possession. In some embodiments, it is the referee who makes the final determination of how much time was used by a player.Goal Kicks

[0032] When the whole of the ball passes over the whole of the goal line, excluding the portion between the goal posts and under the crossbar (either in the air or on the ground), having last been played by one of the players on the attacking team, it shall be kicked directly into play by a goal kick. A goal kick may be taken from anywhere inside the goal area. Any defending player, including the goalkeeper, may take the goal kick. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. A goal may not be scored directly by a goal kick. The opponent must remain outside the goal area until the ball has crossed the goal area.

[0033] In another embodiment, the goal may be defined by a pair of flags, in which case the when the whole of the ball passes over the whole of the goal line, excluding the portion between the flag posts and under the height of the flags (either in the air or on the ground), having last been played by one of the players on the attacking team, it shall be kicked directly into play by a goal kick.Corner Kicks

[0034] When the whole of the ball passes over the whole of the goal line excluding that portion between the goal posts and under the crossbar, (either in the air or on the ground), having last been played by one of the defending team, a player of the attacking team shall have a corner kick. For a corner kick, the ball shall be placed within a three (3) foot arc from the corner arc and shall be kicked into play from that position by an attacking player. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick. Players from the opposing team to the kicker shall not approach within five (5) yards of the corner arc until the ball is in play. Players will have five (5) seconds to kick the ball back in play. If a player fails to comply, it will result in a turnover in possession.

[0035] In another embodiment, the goal may be defined by a pair of flags, in which case the when the whole of the ball passes over the whole of the goal line, excluding the portion between the flag posts and under the height of the flags (either in the air or on the ground), having last been played by one of the players on the defending team, a player of the attacking team shall have a corner kick.Goalkeeper

[0036] Goalkeeper will be permitted to use their hands anywhere inside the penalty area if the ball has been played by an opposing player before it is handled. However, the goalkeeper can handle the ball using their hands from a pass received from a player on its own team only when it is delivered by a header or off the passer's chest, or if the pass is deemed accidental. Any other pass back to the goalkeeper's hands will be punished by indirect free kick as defined above. A goalkeeper has six (6) seconds to release the ball once it has been picked up in the penalty area. After the goalkeeper has relinquished control of the ball following using their hands to handle the ball, the goalkeeper cannot touch the ball again with their hands until it has been played by an opponent. The goalkeeper cannot punt or drop kick the ball. The ball must bounce at least twice or be rolled on the ground before it can be kicked. In the event of infraction, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

[0037] In some embodiments, for Goalkeepers throwouts, the ball must bounce at least once before midfield. In the event of an infraction of this requirement, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team. If, during a Goalkeeper throwout, a teammate or opponent control the ball out of the air in the throwing Goalkeeper's half of the field, the ball will be considered to have bounced before midfield.

[0038] In some embodiments, for Goalkeepers throwouts, the ball may cross midfield in the air without incurring an infraction.Goalkeeper Screening

[0039] Goalkeeper screening is illegal. Goalkeeper screening is when an opposing player overtly obstructs a goalkeeper's view. If the ball is in the opposing team's defensive half, no attacking player can go in the goalkeeper's box. If the ball is in the team's attacking half, Goalkeeper Screening will be called at the referee's discretion. It will be up to referee's discretion how to penalize goalkeeper screening: either goalkeeper will get a free, indirect kick going out or the goalkeeper's team will receive an indirect, free kick at midfield.

[0040] There is no “offsides” violation or penalty.

[0041] Target Score Time™-Every Game Ends on a Goal™

[0042] Upon conclusion of regulation play, the teams shall enter an untimed period (the “Target Score Time™”) during which the official winner will be the first team to reach a predefined Target Score™. The Target Score™ is one more goal than the leading team's goal tally after the conclusion of regulation play of the match. For example: If Team A has 6 goals and Team B has 4 goals after the first two halves of the match, the Target Score™ will be set at 7 goals and the Teams will play until a team reaches 7 goals. If the teams have the same score after the two halves, the official winner will be the next team to score. During Target Score Time™, if a goal is not scored in a defined period (preferably three (3) to five (5) minutes) one (1) player from each team will be removed. For every successive defined period that elapses, an additional player from each team will be removed from play. This operates to create smaller and smaller numbers of total players in play. The Target Score Time™ begins with 7 versus 7 and after the first defined period elapses without the Target Score being scored by a team, the game goes down to 6 versus 6, then, after another defined time period elapses a 5 versus 5, then a 4 versus 4, then a 3 versus 3 and so on until a minimum number of players on each team is reached. When the minimum number of players on each team is reached, those players are allowed to play indefinitely until the Target Score is scored by a team and a winner is declared. In some embodiments, the minimum number of players on each team is two (2) players per team.

[0043] During Target Score Time™, the game clock will be set to the defined period of time (preferably 3 to 5 minutes) and run down to zero. If a winner is not determined during the initial defined period, game play will continue until the next dead ball. When a dead ball occurs, players for both teams will come off the field, and the game clock will be re-set to the defined period. Play will then resume, and the clock will run down to zero, again, and play will stop at the occurrence of a dead ball again. This pattern will continue until a team wins the game by reaching the Target Score, consistent with the rules immediately above.

[0044] If a red card is issued during Target Score Time™ while the competition is 2 versus 2, the player receiving the red card shall be removed from the match; however, the team receiving the red card shall remain at two (2) players (by substitution of an eligible player) and the non-receiving team shall be permitted to add a player to the field, resulting in a 3 versus 2. Any subsequent red cards shall likewise result in removal of the offending player and the addition of a player to the opposing team (4 versus 2, 5 versus 2, etc.).

[0045] The Rules For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference has been made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, this specific language intends no limitation of the scope of the invention, and the invention should be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, conventional aspects of the system (and components of the individual operating components of the system) may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component is essential to the practice of the invention unless the element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical”. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0007]The present invention is a method for a goal scoring game that uses a modified version of the rules of soccer.

[0008]The following description sets forth numerous specific rules, parameters, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present invention but is instead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments. Various modifications to the examples described will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples described herein but is to be accorded a scope consistent with the claims.

[0009]The following terms are often interchangeable in normal usage in describing soccer: a “sideline” is also referred to as a “touch line”; a “midline” is also referred to as either a “...

Claims

1. A method of determining a winner in a soccer game comprising the steps of:Scoring a point for a team for each ball that passes a goal line of the other team between two goal markers during a regulation play period;Establishing a target score upon the conclusion of the regulation play period, wherein the target score is the score of the leading team plus one;Allowing play to continue after the conclusion of the regulation play period in a target score period until a team scores the target score;Declaring the team that scores the target score first the winner.Removing a player from play for each team if a defined period of time has passed in the target score period and the target score has not been scored by a team;Removing a player from play for each team for every successive defined period of time in which the target score has not been scored by a team until a minimum number of players are on a team.

2. The method described in claim 1, wherein the minimum number of players on a team is two players per team.

3. The method described in claim 2, wherein if a player on a team having the minimum number of players receives a red card, the opposing team is allowed to add an additional player into play.

4. The method described in claim 1, wherein the target score period begins with teams comprising seven players.

5. The method described in claim 1, wherein there is no offsides penalty.

6. A method of playing a soccer goalkeeping game between a first set of players and second set of players comprising:Providing a rectangular field that defines a goal line and two goal markers for each team;Providing a spherical ball;Allowing players to move and manipulate the spherical ball with any part of their bodies except their arms and hands;Scoring a point for a team when the spherical ball crosses the other team's goal line at a point between two goal markers;Allowing play to occur for a regulation period;Establishing a target score upon the conclusion of regulation period, wherein the target score is the score of the leading team plus one;Allowing play to continue after the regulation period in a target score period until a team scores the target score;Declaring the team that scores the target score first is the winner.

7. The method of claim 7, that further comprises the steps of:Providing a goal on the goal line of both teams, wherein the goal is between five and eight feet high and between sixteen and twenty-one feet wide.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the rectangular field is a maximum length between fifty and eighty yards and a maximum width between 30 and 60 yards.

9. The method described in claim 7, further comprising the steps of:Removing a player from play for each team if a defined period of time has passed in the target score period and the target score has not been scored by a team;Removing a player from play for each team for every successive defined period of time in which the target score has not been scored until a minimum number of players are on a team.

10. The method described in claim 9, wherein if a player on a team having the minimum number of players receives a red card, the opposing team is allowed to add an additional player into play.

11. The method described in claim 10, wherein after a red card is issued to a player in play the red card receiving player is substituted with an eligible player.

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