U9s >, The competition shall be run on a league basis, the winners and runners-up being determined by the points gained in the group games.
If there are 2 groups of same age, the top teams of the 2 groups will play each other to establish overall Age Group Winners. The runners up of the 2 groups will play for 3rd place.
· Three points for a win, two points for a score draw and one point for a goalless draw.
In the event of 2 or more teams ending their games on the same number of points,the winner and runner-up will be determined by the best goal difference. If still tied, the winner shall be the team with the most goals scored.
3 In the event that teams still cannot be split after the foregoing, the following shall apply:
· If two teams tie for the winners place, then a traditional penalty shoot-out will take place with ‘sudden death’ penalties if still level after 5 kicks per team.
· If there is a clear winner and 2 teams are tied for runners-up place, then a penalty shoot-out will take place as above
· If there are more than 2 teams still tied for the winners or runners-up place, then a moderated penalty shoot-out comes into effect. Each team will take 1 penalty. If after 1 kick each, one team has missed its penalty, then that team is eliminated and the contest continues between the 2 remaining teams. If after 1 kick each, only one team scores, then that team is declared the winner – the other 2 teams would compete in the same fashion for the runners-up position.
4. The offside rules shall apply, but only as applied by the referee, i.e. no linesmen. (Not applicable to mini-soccer matches)
5. Each 11-a-side squad shall consist of a maximum of 15 players. ‘Roll on, roll off’ substitutions shall be permitted.. For mini-soccer (7-a-side) teams, the squad maximum of 10 players shall apply. (If you wish to use more players this is at the discretion of the tournament organisers)
6. Current season age groups will apply and league registration cards are required in the event of any query. Teams may field unregistered players but an acceptable form of proof of age is required so as to satisfy any query.
7. Any protest or query regarding the eligibility of a player should be brought to the attention of a tournament official. If a protest is upheld, the offending team shall be withdrawn from the competition.
8. No player may play for more than one team.
9. Each team is required to bring an away strip in case of colour clash - the team drawn first in the fixtures shall be deemed to be the ‘home’ side.
10. Each 11-a-side and Mini-Soccer game shall last 14/20 minutes ( depending on amouont of teams in groups)
11. If a player is cautioned, he/she will be suspended from the next game. If a player is sent off, he/she will be suspended for the rest of the competition.
12. The winning team of each group/final will receive a trophy. The group/final winners and runners up (and 3rd place if there is a 2 group play off) shall receive individual medals. The exception to this will be Under 8s and below mini-soccer players who will all receive a form of memento to mark their participation.
13. League referees will be sought for all 11-a-side matches. Mini-Soccer matches may be refereed by tournament officials and other persons appointed.
14. The referee’s decision will be final in all playing matters.
15. All managers will be responsible for their players and supporters good behaviour. Any team, in the view of the organisers, not adhering to this will be asked to leave the tournament.