RULES

Players are permitted to wear astro turf trainers, moulded boots or studs. Shin-pads, covered with socks, must be worn. Please also bring a second away shirt / bibs, in case of a colour clash. If a colour clash occurs, the ‘away’ team will be expected to change shirts. Costessey Sports will provide match balls. Managers need to register your team upon arrival by 9:30am and meet for 9:45am for a short managers briefing.

1. All teams must register a maximum of 8 players using the tournament registration link which you will have received upon entering your team prior to the commencement of play. Only players who are registered prior to the commencement of play can take part in any of the tournament.

2. All games will be 8 minutes one way.

3. The ‘home team’ as per referees score card will kick off each game. 

4. Substitutes are roll-on, roll-off and can be made at any time during the game at the referee’s discretion.

5. A team cannot score directly from the kick-off, a throw-in or a goal-kick (restart). 

6. The retreat rule will apply for under 10 age groups and below.

7. The no header rule will apply to under 10 age groups and below. Where the referee deems a header ‘deliberate’, an indirect freekick will be awarded, to be taken where the infringement occurred. 

8. The Goalkeeper will only be allowed to handle the ball in the penalty area, however is free to move anywhere in the field of play. Any player may enter and play the ball within the penalty area;

9. Once the Goalkeeper has control of the ball in their hands, they must distribute the ball by an under arm roll (on the floor below waist height not looped in the air) or by placing the ball on the ground where they can kick (no drop kicks). As soon as the ball Is placed on the ground, it is ‘live’. If the goalkeeper places the ball on the ground, they are not allowed to pick the ball up. Any infringement of this will result in a direct free-kick being given (on the edge of the penalty area, nearest to the offence) to the opposing team;

10. A Goalkeeper will not be allowed to pick up an intentional back-pass; if they do then a direct free-kick (on the edge of the penalty area, nearest to the offence) will be awarded to the opposing team;

11. There will be no height restrictions;

12. All free-kicks are direct (other than headers – see rule 7)

13. Defending players shall retreat 5 yards away from a free-kick, at the discretion of the referee;

14. Throw ins and corners are as per normal FA guidelines for 2023/24 season.

15. The home team will be responsible for returning the match card to the registration desk at the end of the match (Inside the main Costessey Centre);

16. Match results and league tables will be updated on the app – a link will be sent out nearer the time to managers and QR codes will be around the registration / score desk to access live updates.

17. During the league stage (Under 9’s upwards):

    • 3 points will be awarded for a win

    • 1 point will be awarded for a draw

18. From Under 9’s upwards, two teams from each group will qualify to enter the semi-finals. The winner of Group A will play the runner-up in Group B and vice-versa. In the event of there being one group in a particular age group, the top four will go through to semi-finals where the winner of the group will play 4th place in one semi-final tie and 2nd and 3rd will compete in the other.

19. Group positions will be determined by:

    • the number of points accrued;

    • teams level on points will be separated by goal difference;

    • teams level on goal difference will be separated by the most number of goals scored;

    • teams level on goals scored will be separated by the result between the tied teams

    • if the teams are still tied, group position will be determined by a penalty shootout;

20. Any player sent off will be reported to the Organising Committee and will take no further part in the remainder of the tournament (including medals /trophies). They cannot be replaced by another representative of the club;

21. All decisions made by the organising committee are final and not open to appeal;

22. Fair Play and Respect is to be encouraged by officials, players and supporters of all clubs at all times. Any individual deemed to be in serious breach of this will be asked to leave the tournament.