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 at the presentation stand, located outside the Costessey Centre

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 the tournament.

2. All games will be 8 minutes one way unless otherwise specified

3. The ‘home team’ as per referees score card will kick off each game. The ball can be passed backwards or forwards but you cannot score directly from kick off.

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

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

6. 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. 

7. Goalkeepers:

• 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;

• Goal Kicks - Goalkeepers must distribute the ball by hand (no placing / rolling the ball to kick /drop kicks / half volleys). There are no restrictions on how the goalkeeper distributes the ball as long as its by hand. Any infringement to this rule will result in a  direct free-kick (on the edge of the penalty area, nearest to the offence) to the opposing team;  

• Once the Goalkeeper has control of the ball in their hands during normal play, they must distribute the ball by hand (no placing / rolling the ball to kick/ drop kicks / half volleys). There are no restrictions on how the goalkeeper distributes the ball as long as its by hand. Any infringement to this rule will result in a  direct free-kick (on the edge of the penalty area, nearest to the offence) to the opposing team;

• 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 

8. There will be no height restrictions;

9. All free-kicks are direct (other than headers – see rule 6)

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

11. Throw ins and corners are as per normal Norfolk FA guidelines for 2024/24 season. Age groups under 10 and below will be kick in / dribble in.

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

13. 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.

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

3 points will be awarded for a win

1 point will be awarded for a draw

15. 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.

16. Group positions will be determined by:

i. the number of points accrued;

ii. teams level on points will be separated by goal difference;

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

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

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

17. Extra Time: During knockout games, if the result is tied at full time, 5 minutes one way extra time will be played. If the match is still tied the game will be determined by penalty shoot out (5 penalties followed by sudden death). Only players on the pitch at the end of extra time can participate in the shoot out.

18. 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;

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

20. 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.