TOURNAMENT RULES

Please take the time to read and familiarize yourselves with the tournament rules, any questions please ask at the control tent. 

Playing Area. Pitches will be clearly marked and appropriate for the age group playing. 

The Ball. The ball with be size 3 for U6 to U9s, size 4 for U10 to U14s and size 5 for U15s.

Number and Ages of Players. All players must be eligible to play for their respective teams and per age group from the 2023/24 season. 

Playing Equipment. Players must wear shin guards. Goalkeepers must wear a distinguishing playing strip. In event of a color clash, the team named second in the schedule will be required to change their shirts, wear bibs or make other changes to avoid any color clash. Shin guards must be covered entirely by the stockings. Players without shin guards will not be allowed to play. 

Referees. Each match is controlled by a referee who has FULL authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which they have been appointed. The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final. Referees are appointed by Rushmoor Community Football club and operate zero tolerance to referee abuse.

Start and Restart of Play. The team named first in the schedule will have choice of ends or kick off. A kick-off is taken at the centre of the playing area to start the game and after a goal. The ball must be played backwards. A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick off. 

Goalkeepers. As per the laws of the game. Additionally, the laws concerning the back pass to a goalkeeper will apply and will be punished by a free kick where the infringement took place (i.e. where the goalkeeper picked up the ball). Goalkeepers can not fly kick.

Method of Scoring. As per the Laws of the Game, with the following points being awarded: 3 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. Final League positions will be determined in order of the following criteria: Points, Goal difference, Goals scored and Head to Head records. If this criteria still fails to ‘break the tie’ a penalty shootout will be used to decide which team progresses to the knockout stage. If a team fails to show on the day, all other teams in that group will be awarded a 1-0 win.

Offside. There is no offside. 

Fouls and Misconduct. Any player cautioned by the referee is suspended from playing in their team’s next match in the tournament. Any player sent off will take no further part in the tournament. Misconduct by club officials or supporters may result in sanctions determined by the tournament director being applied to their team, including deduction of points or forfeit of the result.

Free Kicks. All free kick are direct and are awarded as per the Laws of the Game. Opposing players must be at least 3 meters from the ball. 

Penalty Kicks. If a player or players commit an offence at the taking of a penalty kick, their team shall not be allowed to gain an advantage (i.e. the kick is retaken or the goal is allowed/disallowed depending on which team offended). If players of both the defending and attacking team offend, the kick shall be retaken. 

Goal Kick. U11s up, a player from the defending team kicks the ball from the back line. Opposing players must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. For U6-U10s, all opponents must retreat behind the halfway line for goal kicks.

Corner Kick. Opposing players must remain at least 3 meters from the ball until it is in play. 

Heading is permitted at all age groups.

Results. The winning team must take the result s to the control tent after every game. In event of a draw the ‘home’ team will take the results. All referees will give result slips the managers. 

Respect Barrier. Please insure spectators, coaches, parents and players stay outside the respect barriers when a game is being played. 

The normal laws of ‘Laws for small sided soccer’ will be in force except where varied by these tournament rules.