TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

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1.⁠ ⁠The tournament shall be governed in accordance with the rules and regulations of the F.A. Matches shall be played in accordance within the laws of the game as determined by the International F.A board

 

 2.⁠ The format of games will be 5v5 games for U7 & U8 ages, 7v7 for U9, U10, U11 & U12, U13, U14, U15, & U16 & Womens

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 3.⁠ ⁠For the season 2024/25. All players must be under the age of their relevant age group on the 31st August 2023 (ie under 11′s age group must be under the age of 11 by 31st august 2024).

 

 4.⁠ ⁠Strictly no academy or school of excellence players are allowed to participate in the event. Any team breaking this rule, shall be disqualified from the tournament

 

 5.⁠ ⁠All club managers to have FA Team sheet for their players at hand, or the ability to access this online via the Club Portal. The I.D will need only be produced if an opposing team requests proof of a players age or status. Failure to adhere to rule 5 shall result in the player no longer being allowed to take any further part in the tournament. 

 

 6.⁠ ⁠There will be an official referee for every match appointed by the tournament organiser.

 

 7.⁠ ⁠There is no limit on a squad size. Substitutes will be used on a roll on roll of basis, once the ball is out of play.

 

 8.⁠ ⁠Seeding fixtures will be allocated by the tournament organiser prior to the event

 

9.⁠ ⁠Format of the Competition: 

In the seeding round each team shall play each team once. The match duration will be 12 minutes straight through (No half time).  No extra time. 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw.

 

During the Seeding Rounds the referee is responsible for mandatory use of the Mercy Rule as follows:

 

• At the moment a team takes a 4 goal advantage the team losing is allowed to bring on +1 player. The additional player should be removed should the lead fall to below 4 goals

• At the moment a team takes a 5 goal advantage the team losing is allowed to bring on +1 player. The second additional player should be removed should the lead fall to below 5 goals

• At the moment a team takes a 6 goal advantage the referee shall blow the final whistle early and the result recorded as it is.

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For competitions involving 8 teams the winner and runner up of each seeding group will be placed in the Cup Competition. The teams finishing 3rd and 4th will placed in the Plate Competition.

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For competitions involving 10 teams the winner and runner up of each seeding group will be placed in the Cup Competition. The teams finishing 4th and 5th will placed in the Plate Competition. The team that finishes 3rd in either group, with the highest points, will enter the Cup, the lower points will enter the Plate. In the event their points are level the team entering the Cup follows the rules as per Rule 10.

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For competitions involving 16 teams the winner of each seeding group will be placed in the Cup Competition. The runner up (2nd) of each seeding group will be placed in the Trophy Competition. The teams finishing 3rd in each seeding group will placed in the Plate Competition. The teams finishing 4th in each seeding group will placed in the Vase Competition.

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In the Cup, Trophy, Plate and Vase competitions each team shall be shall play each team once. The match duration will be 24 minutes in two equal halves. Teams will have 2 minutes half time break. No extra time.  3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw.

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During the Cup, Trophy, Plate and Vase competitions the Mercy Rule is not strictly enforced by the referee however if both managers agree referee will allow additional players to enter the field of play as follows:

 

• At the moment a team takes a 4 goal advantage the team losing is allowed to bring on +1 player. The additional player should be removed should the lead fall to below 4 goals

• At the moment a team takes a 5 goal advantage the team losing is allowed to bring on +1 player. The second additional player should be removed should the lead fall to below 5 goals

• At the moment a team takes a 6 goal advantage the team losing is allowed to bring on +1 player. The second additional player should be removed should the lead fall to below 6 goals

• A team is not permitted to have more than +3 players on the field at ant time.

 

The team who finishes top to the table after all games are played will be declared the winner of that competition

 

⁠10. In the event of any teams being tied on points, the final position shall be decided by:

a. goal difference

b. number of goals scored

c. the result between the 2 clubs

d. penalty shootout (3 per team minimum)

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11.⁠ ⁠All players must wear shin pads at all times and all jewellery must either be removed or adequately covered.

 

12.⁠ ⁠The Result sheet will be presented to the control tent on completion of fixture by the referee or assistant.

 

13.⁠ ⁠If a player is red carded in a match s/he will receive a one match ban. Players receiving two yellow cards will automatically miss the next match. Serious foul play or violent conduct could result in the player taking no further part in the tournament (Rule 21 applies)

  

14.⁠ ⁠No team shall have home advantage or Pitch preference. Only official match balls provided by the tournament shall be used in matches.

 

15.⁠ ⁠The referee shall decide with the team captains, the choice of kits and kick off, by the spin of a coin. Teams must ensure they have bibs or an alternative top in case of colour clashes.

 

17.⁠ ⁠A winning [Cup][Trophy][Plate][Vase] and medals will be presented to each age group winner after the tournament. 

 

18.⁠ ⁠If any team decides not to take any further part any subsequent games will be awarded  as a 3 - 0 loss.

 

19.⁠ ⁠On Field the referee’s decision is final and will not be over ruled under any circumstances.

 

20.⁠ ⁠All the above rules and regulations can be subject to change on the event day. The event manager will have the full and final decision on such changes

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21.⁠ ⁠The Event Manager will deal with any matters arising, all case of misconduct will be reported to DCFA.

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