Tournament rules

Fairford Youth FC Tournament 23-25/06/2023 Tournament Rules

1. Competition Format This competition is The Fairford Youth FC 2023 Tournament and is sanctioned by the Gloucestershire FA. Participants agree to abide by the rules of the Gloucestershire FA.

2. Age Groups, Squads and Player Qualification
   2.1 Age groups will refer to the 2022-23 season.
   2.2 This is a 5/6 a side tournament.
   2.3 Each team shall register a squad of a maximum of 8/9 players on the day.
   2.4 Each registered player may play for one team only throughout the tournament.
   2.5 Each team shall appoint a head coach responsible for ensuring that all tournament rules and conditions are adhered to, including prompt registration.
   2.6 All players must wear shin pads and appropriate footwear.

3. Duration of Matches and Footballs
   3.1 All matches have no half time interval.
   3.2 Under 7s matches will be 10 minutes long.
   3.3 Under 8s matches will be 8 minutes long.
   3.4 Under 9s matches will be 8 minutes long.
   3.5 Under 10s matches will be 8 minutes long.
   3.6 Under 11s group matches will be 8/10 minutes long depending on group. All knockout matches will be 8 minutes long.
   3.7 Under 12s matches will be 8 minutes long.
   3.8 Under 13s matches will be 10 minutes long.
   3.9 Under 14s group matches will be 8/10 minutes long depending on group. All knockout matches will be 10 minutes long.
   3.10 Under 15s group matches will be 7 minutes long. All knockout matches will be 12 minutes long.
   3.11 The two teams playing the match shall ensure a suitable match ball is provided to the referee before kick-off.
   3.12 In the event of a clash of kits, one team will be required to wear bibs.

4. Qualification for knockout phase
   4.1 For the Under 7s and Under 14s tournaments the first 2 placed teams from each of the 3 groups will qualify for the quarter finals, along with the 2 3rd placed teams that achieve the most points.
   4.2 For the Under 8s and Under 12s tournaments the first 4 placed teams in each of the 4 groups will qualify for the round of 16.
   4.3 For the Under 9s, Under 10s and Under 11s tournaments the first 3 teams in each of the 5 groups will qualify for the round of 16, along with the 4th placed team that achieves the most points.
   4.4 For the Under 13s tournament the first 4 placed teams from each of the 2 groups will qualify for the quarter finals.
   4.5 For the Under 15s tournament the first 4 placed teams from the group will qualify for the semi finals.
   4.6 From the round of 16 onwards, the tournament shall be a knockout tournament.
   4.7 In all age groups should any knockout game be drawn, the tie will be decided by taking 3 penalty kicks, followed by sudden death if needed, there will be no extra time.

5. Playing Rules
   5.1 The Laws of Association Football will apply.
   5.2 The retreat rule will be in operation. All opposition players must remain in their own half of the pitch until a goal kick is taken to restart play.
   5.3 The backpass rule will also be in operation. Goalkeepers may not pick up the ball if it is deliberately played back to them by a team mate. Should a goalkeeper pick up the ball from a backpass, play will restart with a direct free kick from the centre spot.
   5.4 The referee’s decision is final on all in game matters.
   5.5 Substitutes are roll on, roll off and are unlimited in number. However, the referee must be informed so play can be stopped before substitutions can take place.
   5.6 In Under 7 and Under 8, goalkeepers may kick the ball from their hands. In all other age groups goalkeepers may only throw/roll the ball from their hands.
   5.7 All free kicks will be direct and the opposition must be at least 3 yards from the ball before the restart of play.
   5.8 Goal kicks shall be taken from the goal line.

6. Players, Officials and Supporters Conduct
   6.1 This competition will use the yellow and red card system.
   6.2 Any player who receives two separate yellow cards, or a red card at any point during the competition will not be allowed to take any further part in the tournament.
   6.3 Any incidences of misconduct will be reported to the GFA.

7. Protests and Appeals

All clubs have the right to lodge an appeal with the Tournament Committee regarding incidents on the day. These will be dealt with at the time of the protest and all decisions of the committee are final.

1. Medals and Trophies

8.1 In all age groups both the winning team and the runners up will receive trophies.
8.2 All players in the Under 7s tournament will receive a medal irrespective of finishing position for their participation.