Information pack available here

Normal Football rules apply with the exception of:

1. Goalkicks are to be taken from the goal line NOT the edge of the penalty area. U7/U8s must retreat to the halfway line for goalkicks, but NOT when the keeper has the ball in hand.

2. When the ball is played into the goalkeeper’s hands it must be returned into play by an under-arm throw. If a goalkeeper dropkicks the ball they will be given one chance to restart play with an underarm throw; repeat offences will result in the opposing team being awarded a direct freekick on the edge of the penalty area in line with the offence.

3. Pass backs cannot be picked up.

4. All age groups will comprise of a league phase and cup and plate phase. Dependant on the number of entrants, more than one league may be run:

a. The top two teams of each group will qualify for the quarter-finals of the cup phase when first place will play second place.

b. The bottom two teams of each group will qualify for the quarter-finals of the plate phase when third place will play fourth place.

5. In the league phase of the competition, three points will be awarded for a win and one point for a draw. In the event of teams being level on points, the following will take precedence:

a. The team that scores the most goals.

b. The team that concedes the least goals.

c. The result between the two teams.

d. If it is impossible to split the two teams, a penalty shootout will take place where each team takes three penalties followed by sudden death if required.

e. Only players on the pitch at the end of additional time will be permitted to take a penalty.

f. The goalkeeper can’t be changed at the end of the game after the final whistle.

6. Tournament organisers retain the right to adjust match timings in case of time constraints or teams withdrawing.

7. The team winning the toss will choose who gets kick-off, the other team chooses which way they kick.

8. Players should not exceed FA guidelines for total playing time in any one day. It is the responsibility of coaches to ensure that no player breaches this regulation.

9. There will be no offsides.

10. No goals scored as a direct strike on goal from the kick-off will be allowed.

11. All outfield free-kicks shall be awarded as DIRECT free kicks and the opposition must maintain a minimum distance from the ball of 3m.

12. A total of ten players can be registered for each team. All age groups will play six-a-side.

13. Referees will only make a time allowance to a. retrieve a lost ball or b. enable an injured player to receive treatment or medication. Play will not be stopped to enable a player to tie boot laces. In such circumstances, the player must leave the field while play continues.

14. A team that does not arrive at the correct pitch on time will forfeit that game and a 3-0 win will be awarded to the opposing team unless, in the opinion of the Organisers, the circumstances were outside of their control. If both teams fail to arrive at the correct pitch on time, both teams will have a 0-3 defeat awarded against them unless, in the opinion of the Organisers, the circumstances were outside their control.

15. A player can only play for one team in the tournament.

16. If an over-age or unregistered player is used, then the team will be disqualified from the rest of the tournament and no refund of their registration fee will be given.

17. In the event of a colour clash, the second named team should change or wear bibs.

18. The first named team in each match should provide a suitable size football.

19. Players must wear shin-pads and will not be able to take part without them.

20. Any unsuitable behaviour on or off the pitch by players or supporters, may result in that team being excluded from the tournament.

21. The Competition has been approved and affiliated to the Somerset FA. Any cases of misconduct will be reported to the County Association.

22. Any matters not covered by these Rules will be dealt with by the Organising Committee, whose decision is final.

23. Protests & Complaints – all questions of eligibility, qualification of players or interpretation of the rules shall be referred to the Organising Committee for deliberation. Any protests or complaints must be made within 5 minutes of the end of the game.