The rules of Swamp Soccer are similar to football, but with the following exceptions:

• all games must be played in good humour – this is a fun event!
• the match consists of 2 halves, each lasting 12 minutes (with a 5 minute break at half time). Total time = 30 minutes per match
• teams will have 1 goalkeeper and 5 outfield players on the pitch at any given time. (Mixed teams must have a minimum of 2 female players on the pitch at any given time during a match)
• teams can have as many substitutes as they wish, and there are no limits to the number of substitutions made during any match
• the playing surface is similar in size to a five-a-side pitch
• all kick-offs, throw-ins, free kicks, corners and penalties are undertaken by dropping the ball on to a foot by using hands. With the exception of penalties, all are indirect
• fancy dress (dressing up) is encouraged
• the referees decision is final and binding

Additional rules include the following:

• anybody can register a male and/or a mixed team. The only rule is that players must be over 17 years of age
• in terms of substitutions, all players entering or departing the pitch must do so at the half way line
• it is recommended that players tape their footwear to their legs, so that nothing is lost in the swamp!
• teams are awarded 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a defeat
• if a team fails to turn up for a scheduled match, the other team will be awarded 3 points and a 2-0 win
• all teams initially play in mini leagues consisting of four teams. The winners and best losers of each league qualify for the knock-out stages
• qualifying teams will be those that have the most points. If two or more teams in the same mini league have the same number of points, then the team with the highest number of goals will qualify. If this is the same, goal difference will count
• in the knock-out stages, if a game is drawn after full time, it goes immediately to penalties i.e. no extra time. (5 penalties per team, then ‘sudden death’ if required)