Tournament Rules

Tournament Guidance

1. Any matter arising, which is not covered by these rules, will be dealt with by the Organising Committee. In cases of dispute, the decision of the tournament Committee will be final. 
2. In the event of the tournament, or any part of it, being cancelled money will be refunded equally among all teams affected after any tournament costs have been met.
3. Inappropriate behaviour by anyone at the tournament may result in being expelled from the tournament and reported through the appropriate channels.
4. The organisers will not be deemed responsible for any injury to any person howsoever caused throughout the tournament.
5. Please do not bring pets/animals to the stadium – you will be asked to remove them.
6. Supporters/parents MUST NOT encroach onto the Ray Mac pitch. They are to remain in the stands around the pitch.
7. Only Managers and players are permitted to enter the pitch area. Teams not currently participating in a match are to remain in the stands.

All Age Groups

8. All players, spectators and coaching staff are expected to abide by the Respect guidance as issued by the FA and County FAs. Any player, spectator or coach who chooses to ignore the respect guidance, may be asked to leave the premises.
9. Respect the referees’ and officials’ decisions at all times. 
10. Managers and coaches must not enter the playing field during matches unless invited by the referee. Substitutes should remain at least 1m from the touchline during play.
11. The balls used will be appropriate to the age group as per FA rules. Please bring your own match ball. Home teams may be asked to provide a match ball.
12. In the event of colours being the same or similar the second named team in the fixture will be requested to change or wear bibs.
13. The tournament is competitive and will be played in groups through to a semi-final and final.
14. No player may play in more than one age group. Players are to be within their named age group as at 1 Sep 2024.
15. All players must be registered to their respective teams.
16. All players must be registered on the player list presented to the control room prior to kick off. Any team fielding an ineligible player will be disqualified from the tournament. Managers may be asked to provide proof of DOB for their players.
17. Registration opens 30 minutes prior to the start of the session and closes 15 minutes prior to the session. If a team fails to register, we will assume they are not present and an automatic 1-0 win will be awarded to the opposition team.
18. A group will consist of a maximum of 7 teams. There will be a maximum of two groups in any age group.
19. After the group games, the top two teams from each group go through to the semi finals. If there is only one group within an age group, the top four will go through to the semis. This may be modified due to number of entries. Any changes to the format will be communicated to the managers directly.
20. Each game to be 8 minutes straight, no half time. Semis 10 minutes and finals 12 minutes, again no half time or change of direction. The tournament committee may decide to shorten games if the tournament is running significantly late.
21. There will be no injury time added on for any reason other than serious injury or an event that stops the game for more than 3 minutes. No discipline related event will count towards any time added on. 
22. Substitutions may take place at any time during matches. Players may return to the field of play after being substituted.
23. Group qualifiers will be decided by:

24. If scores are level in knock out matches, the winner will be decided by 2 minutes each way golden goal. If still level then penalties as in 19 (g).
25. Corners & free kicks – defending players must be 5 paces from the kicker.

Disciplinary

26. If a player is sent off in any match no substitute will be allowed during the rest of the game for that player. That player will also be banned for the rest of the tournament. If a player is booked in two different games they will be banned from the next game. A third booking and the player will be banned for the rest of the tournament. Any misconduct of a serious nature, including, but not restricted to, assault or being sent off for violent conduct, will be reported to the Wiltshire County FA for the appropriate action.
27. Any coach or parent who chooses to direct abuse at the players, referees or the opposition may be asked to leave the premises. Any misconduct of a serious nature, including, but not restricted to, assault or being sent off for violent conduct, will be reported to the Wiltshire County FA for the appropriate action.

U7 to U9 Age Groups

28. Each team is to consist of 6 players, plus up to 3 substitutes. 
29. Managers are responsible for managing their players' total playing time so that they do not play more minutes than recommended by the FA for their age group.
30. Normal mini soccer rules will apply. This includes the retreat rule. Goalkeepers can pick the ball up from a back pass or throw-in.
31. No deliberate heading as per 2024/25 FA minisoccer rules. A deliberate header will result in an indirect free kick.
32. No throws ins as per new FA rules 2024/25 season.
33. Each game will be 9 mins straight, no half time and no change of direction.
34. All players must be under their respective age limits as at 1st September 2024 and U7s must have attained the age of 6 as at midnight on the 31st August 2024 or have turned 6 in the playing season 
35. Medals will be awarded to all participating players and trophies to the winning team, the players of the winning team and the players of the runners up teams.

U10 - U14 Age Groups

36. Each team is to consist of 6 players, plus up to 3 substitutes.
37. Goal kicks must be taken from the goal line. Goalkeepers cannot pick the ball up from a back pass or throw-in.
38. In ‘open play’ the goalkeeper must return the ball into play with a throw. They may roll the ball to themselves and kick the ball into play but not kick from the hands.
39. Normal rules of football will otherwise apply but no offside.