STOTFOLD JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB

Tournament rules are covered by normal FA Mini-Soccer rules, with the following exceptions and clarifications:

• All players must have been eligible to play in the appropriate age group for the 2021/22 season. You must have ID for all players and if requested it must be shown.

• ​U7 and U8 teams will play 5 aside.

• U9, U10, U11, U12 & U13 teams will play 6 aside.

• Up to 4 substitutes allowed (will be roll on, roll off as permitted by the Referee).

• No player may play for more than one team.

• Shin pads must be worn by players at all times whilst playing and all jewellery is to be removed.

• Only managers and squads are allowed to enter the pitch area

  • Teams are to exit the pitch immediately after their match to allow for the next match to commence. Supporters must watch from the perimeter fencing. A 3-point deduction may, at the discretion of the committee, be used for anyone breaking this rule.

  • There will be no room on the pitch area to warm-up. Teams will be allowed a small time to prepare to play immediately before the game on their allocated pitch.

• Head-Height Rule (above crossbar) for U9s, 10s, 11s, 12s & 13s (6 aside) only

  • The referee shall decide what constitutes head-height in play; however, head-height is determined as an infringement when the whole ball passes above the height of the crossbar.

  • When the head-height (crossbar) rule is infringed, an indirect free-kick shall be taken from where the ball was originally played.

  • If the ball goes above the crossbar off the goalkeeper, or as a result of a tackle from another player or a rebound from the goalposts or fixed equipment then play shall continue.

  • The heading of the ball is allowed (i.e. in a downwards direction).

  • The Referee’s decision is final.

• Kick-ins: for Under 9s, 10s, 11s, 12s & 13s (6 aside) only

  • Where the ball leaves the area of play for a throw-in this will be replaced with a kick-in.

  • Kick-in’s will be Indirect, opposition players must retreat at least 2 meters from the kick.

• The tournament for each age group will be made up of 4 groups, each of which will consist of 5 teams. Please note this may be subject to change depending on teams entered on the day.

• Under 7s and 8s will be non-competitive and no tables shall be kept. There will be NO knockout stage and every child will receive a small memento for taking part.

• Under 9s and upwards will be played in competitive groups, the top 2 teams from each group will progress to the Cup knockout where there will be quarter finals, semi-finals and final. The third and four teams from each group will progress to the Trophy knockout where there will be quarter finals, semifinals and final.

• Group match duration will be played 10 mins straight through, i.e. no half time interval or turn-around. Playing times will be advised on the day but all managers are responsible for ensuring that no single player exceeds the F.A. guidelines for ‘Total playing time in one day’.

• Shin pads must be worn by all players at all times whilst playing and all jewellery is to be removed.

• Match balls: U7s, U8s & U9s will use size 3 footballs, under 10s and upwards will use size 4 footballs.

• The first named team in each tie has choice of ends; the second named team has kick off. In the event of a colour clash the second named team shall change/wear a second kit.

• Normal FA rules apply for group qualification, 3 points for a WIN, 1 point for a DRAW and 0 points for a LOSS. Group qualification will be decided by the highest number of points awarded. If teams are level on points, then it will be decided on 1) greatest goal difference, 2) greatest number of goals scored and 3) order will be decided by number of points obtained between the two teams concerned, 4) toss of a coin.

• For the knockout stages game time will be 10 mins straight through, i.e. no half time interval or turnaround. If it is a draw at the end of normal time, NO extra time will be played, a penalty shoot-out will take place consisting of 5 penalties maximum for each team followed by “sudden death” if the scores are still level. The players on the field at the final whistle will be the penalty takers, in the event the scores are still level after the initial 5 penalties then the remaining players shall take a penalty before any of the original 5 penalty takers can take another.

• All free kicks are direct except overhead (over crossbar) infringement.

• No offsides and retreat line rule applies for U7s to U10s.

• Goalkeepers may NOT pick-up from a pass back. The goalkeeper can kick the ball from his hands except for goal kicks; these must be taken from the floor. Overhead (above crossbar) height restrictions remain in place for 6 a-side games for goalkeeper kicks. No step restrictions for goalkeepers.

• A player who is sent off for misconduct shall not be permitted to take any further part in the tournament, he/she may be replaced (by a teammate nominated on the team sheet) for subsequent matches, but not in the match during which he/she was sent off. Two yellow cards in any one match equal a red card, whereas an accumulation of two yellow cards in the tournament results in a player being excluded from any subsequent matches. Registered Referees shall control all matches where possible and all misconduct or straight red card offences will be reported by the referees to the appropriate County FA.

• Qualified Referees appointed by Stotfold Juniors FC will officiate and their decisions will be FINAL in all matters relating to the laws of the game and rules of this tournament. No disagreements with the referees will be tolerated.

• Any matters arising that are not covered by these rules will be dealt with by the tournament manager. In the event of any dispute the decision of the organising committee will be final.

• Stotfold Junior FC will NOT be deemed responsible and can accept NO liability whatsoever for any accident, injury or loss that may occur, however caused, throughout the duration of the tournament.

• Stotfold Junior FC adheres to the FA Respect policy and has a zero-tolerance policy on bad behaviour. No supporters are allowed in the designated pitch areas and no more than 2 team officials should be pitch side at any time and it is the Team Manager’s responsibility to ensure this. Managers should not enter the field of play unless instructed by the Referee. Failing to comply with any of these points can result in the game being stopped and possible exclusion for the remainder of the Tournament.