You?ve probably played it at camp or maybe during practice...A head to head competition with another goalkeeper to see who can save and score the most goals. But did you know that this fun game is actually a sport that?s being played around the world? It?s called Goalie Wars® and it can not only help you develop as a goalkeeper, it can also showcase your tremendous goalkeeping skills to help you get to the next level.

There are sixteen (16) rules governing the sport of Goalie Wars® as outlined in the International Goalie War Federation (IGWF) Rules of Engagement Handbook. The rules were specifically designed to help goalkeepers develop their technical proficiency and decision making abilities while increasing their level of fitness.

In accordance with IGWF rules, two goalkeepers square off on a 24 X 22 yard pitch blasting punts, throws, and kicks at each other every six seconds in an attempt to score as many goals as they can before the referee?s whistle ends the five minute match. The game begins when the referee places the ball in the neutral zone, located in the center of the field, and blows the whistle. The first keeper to reach the ball initiates play, thereby testing a keeper?s speed off his/her line.

There is only one ball in play at a time and that ball is live so long as it remains on the field of play. When the ball goes out of bounds, Ball Handlers are utilized to retrieve and supply additional balls for distribution. Having Ball Handlers and an ample supply of balls on hand allows for continuous play thus building the keeper?s endurance and stamina.

In front of each goal is a six yard area where keepers can use their hands to distribute the ball and make saves. A keeper is rewarded with two points if they are able to shoot and score from within their own goal area. Having the option to score from 18 yards out, allows keepers to work on various distribution skills as well as footwork, tips and extensions as they try to cover the goal area against the two point play.

Players can also choose to shoot from their own penalty area?.the area outside the goal area up to half field. However, in this area players are awarded one point for each goal scored and they cannot use there hands to score. Having the option to score from just 12 yards out allows keepers to work on their deflections and reaction saves.

Players are not allowed to cross half field and enter their opponents penalty area. If a player enters there opponent?s penalty area, uses their hands outside their goal area or fails to distribute the ball within 6 seconds of taking possession, a penalty kick is awarded to the opposing player.

In 2006, a new rule was introduced allowing keepers to earn points on defense if they?re able to catch and hold an incoming shot on goal. This rule reinforces how important it is for keepers to hold onto the ball so as to not give up rebounds.

Aside from being a tremendous training aid, Goalie Wars® is an exciting spectator sport and great evaluation tool for coaches of all levels. There is no better way for a coach to evaluate a goalkeeper?s technique, speed, agility, strength, reflexes, fitness, determination and maturity than through a Goalie War competition. Plus, keeper?s can test their goalkeeping skills against some of the best goalkeeper?s in the country.

The National Goalie War Association (NGWA) presents and sanctions Goalie War tournaments throughout the United States. The top competitors from all NGWA sanctioned events are invited to compete and showcase their talents at the National Goalie War Championships. College scouts from all over the country are invited each year to attend. All NGWA tournaments feature the exciting sport of Goalie Wars® and include many fun skills competitions and interactive events for the whole family.

National Goalie War Association

P.O. Box 105

Shrewsbury, PA 17361

ngwa@goaliewar.com