The Rulebook

Tournament Rules

Everything is refereed to these rules, every match. Read them once and there'll be nothing to argue about on the day.

Match Rules

Matches are played as six-a-side.
No offside rule applies.
Kick-ins replace throw-ins.
All restarts are direct, including kick-ins, kick-offs and goal kicks. Goals may be scored directly from these.
Both attacking and defending players are permitted inside the penalty area.
Players may shoot and score from anywhere on the pitch.
Each match lasts 5 minutes, with a 1-minute half-time break.
Extra time lasts 2 minutes 30 seconds, with a 30-second half-time interval.
Roll-on, roll-off substitutions are permitted. Substitutions may only take place when play is stopped and the referee has been informed.

Goalkeeper Rules

Goalkeepers may not pick up a deliberate pass back from a teammate.
Goalkeepers may leave their penalty area but cannot handle the ball outside the box.

Captains

Every team must appoint a captain.
Captains are responsible for organising their team, communicating with organisers and receiving any prize money.
Each captain will receive an armband.
Only the team captain may speak with the referee regarding decisions.

Penalty Shootouts

Penalties awarded during normal play are taken from the penalty spot.
Only the six players on the pitch at the end of extra time are eligible to take penalties.
Penalty shootouts use a hockey-style format.
Players begin from the halfway line and have 12 seconds to score.
The ball must cross the line before the 12 seconds expires.
No rebounds are permitted.
If the goalkeeper saves the shot or the ball rebounds off the post before crossing the line within the time limit, the goal will count if the ball enters the net during that original attempt.

Cards and Discipline

A three-tier disciplinary system is in place.

Red Card

The player is sent off immediately.
The player cannot return during that match.
The player is suspended for their team's next match, regardless of the stage of the competition.
Any player receiving two red cards during the tournament is suspended for the remainder of the competition.

Yellow Card

A yellow card results in a one-minute sin bin, regardless of how much time remains in the match.
A player shown a yellow card immediately before a penalty shootout is still eligible to take part in the shootout.
Any player receiving four yellow cards during the tournament is suspended for the remainder of the competition.

Black Card

A black card is shown when the referee raises two yellow cards simultaneously.
The player takes no further part in that match but may be replaced by a substitute.
The player may return for the next match.
Any player receiving three black cards during the tournament is suspended for the remainder of the competition.

Fair Play

Fair play is enforced through the card system. Disciplinary offences result in player suspensions: two red cards, three black cards, or four yellow cards during the tournament mean suspension for the remainder of the competition.

Rules read. Squad ready?