Rules

Tournament Rules
1 All players must be in their respective age groups in the Season 2008/2009 as at Midnight 31st August 2008. Under 7's must attain the age of 7 years during the playing season.

2 Each match will be 4 minutes each way, except for the Final, which will be 6 minutes each way
3 A size 3 football will be used for U7 and U8.
4 A size 4 football will be used for U9 to U14 matches
5 A size 5 football will be used for U15 & U16/17 matches
6 Each team* shall consist of six (6) players, plus a maximum two (2) substitutes. [Therefore a maximum squad size of eight (8) players]. *Except Under 16/ u17’s with five (5) players and a maximum squad size of seven (7)
7 In the event of colours being similar, the second named team in the programme will be required to change. The referee's decision is final on the issue of colours
8 First named team in the programme to provide a suitable match ball.
9 Rolling substitutions are allowed for all age groups.
10 No player may play for more than one team on the same day.
11 If a player is sent off in any match, no substitute will be allowed during the rest of the match, for that player. That player will also be banned for the rest of the Tournament
12 There will be NO offside rule applied
13 All players must wear shin-pads (no exceptions)
14 U7 and U8 Goal Kicks must be taken by the Goalkeeper, as either a "Drop Kick" or a "Throw Out".
15 U9 to U16/17 Goal Kicks must be taken as a "place kick" from the Goal Line
16 U9 to U16/17, in open play the Goalkeeper must return the ball into play with a throw out.
17 The Goalkeeper can handle the ball anywhere inside goal area.
18 All free kicks are "direct" in accordance with the Laws of Mini Soccer. At the taking of free kicks opposing players must be at least 5 metres from the ball until it is in play
19 Under 7s and Under 8s are not permitted to play 'knock-out' format, therefore they will participate in a "Festival of Football."
20 Group qualifiers will be decided by;
(i) 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw.
(ii)Goal difference, if teams are level on points.
(iii)Goals scored, only if (ii) is identical.
(iv) Group result against team you are level with, only if (ii) and (iii) are identical.
(v) If (ii), (iii) and (iv) are identical, goals conceded
(vi) Where teams are level but both qualify for knockout stage or Plate Competition the finishing order will be decided by the toss of a coin.
21 If scores are level at the end of any Knock Out or Plate Competition Play-Off match, the winner will be decided by
(i) Extra time maximum 2 minutes each way with Golden Goal and if still level,
(ii) Penalties: Three (3) per team, and if still level, then sudden death.
22 All other Rules are as per the FA Handbook
23 The organising committee will decide upon anything not covered by these rules
24 The organisers will not be deemed responsible for any injury/damage to any person/property, howsoever caused, throughout the duration of the Tournament
25 In the event of a cancellation, monies will be refunded equally among all teams affected, after any expenses incurred have been met