It’s time to kick up some sand.

Sand football, one of Iowa State’s new fall intramural sports, begins Oct. 23. Games, in both men’s and women’s divisions, are scheduled to be played during a one-day tournament.

A cross between football and ultimate Frisbee, sand football is played on a field 40 yards long and 25 yards wide. Each team has seven possessions to score as many points possible, and each possession consists of three downs.

Teams start from the 33-yard line and attempt to march down the field toward the end zone. First downs are achieved by reaching the 22- and 11-yard lines.

If a team fails to make a first down or score, it loses possession of the ball. A defensive interception will also cause a team to lose control of the ball. It is not possible for a team to lose yardage.

Scoring consists of:

– Ten points for a touchdown scored from beyond the 33-yard line.

– Eight points for a touchdown scored from beyond the 22-yard line.

– Six points for a touchdown scored from beyond the 11-yard line.

– Three points for a touchdown scored inside the 11-yard line.

– One point for an interception

Some other rules include quarterbacks not being allowed to advance the football by running and receivers being called down where they catch the ball (similar to ultimate Frisbee).

Garry Greenlee, associate director of intramurals and facility operations, said the idea for sand football came to him four years ago and it has been played at Iowa State during the last three summers.

“We wanted something else to do with the sand volleyball courts,” Greenlee said.

He also said sand football has been a hit each summer.

“The last three summer sessions, the people that have played have really enjoyed it,” Greenlee said.

He said he felt since it was so popular during the summer, it would be equally popular if it was offered in the fall as well.

“I’m expecting quite a few teams to play during this session,” Greenlee said.

Interested people can sign up their teams online at the ISU intramurals Web site starting Monday, Oct. 10, at http://www.recservices.iastate.edu/. Registration closes on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

Teams can consist of as many people as desired, though only four players for each team are allowed on the field at a time.