Tournament Rules

1. Each team must register at Match Control between 8.00 and 8.30am on the day of the tournament. Team sheets with names and ages of all players MUST be given in to ‘Match Control’ at the time of registration. Any late alterations to teams must be approved by ‘Match Control’ before commencement of a team’s first match. For all matches teams, must be at their designated pitch 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.
2. All teams are guaranteed a minimum of three games. In the event of teams dropping out, being disqualified or failing to appear, leagues will be operated on a minimum three team system. If teams do not qualify for the second stage of the tournament in this situation, a third friendly match will be arranged.
3. Each competition will be run on a league basis in the first round and on a knockout basis thereafter. 3 points will be awarded for a win, and 1 points for a draw.
   Winners and runners up will qualify for the knockout competition as indicated in the match programme. If two or more teams have the same number of points, goal difference will decide the positions in the league. Should the goal difference be the same between two teams, the team who has scored most goals will be positioned higher. Should teams still be the same, match results between the teams will be considered. In the continued event of drawn statistics, the teams will be called to a penalty competition to decide position.
   If a is team unable to play their league fixture for some reason, then a bye will be awarded to the opposing team. For the purposes of scoring this is treated as a 3 – 0 win and therefore 3 points will be awarded. The match controller reserves the right to re-organise fixtures to avoid this situation occurring.
4. League games will be of six minutes’ duration each way. extra time will be added by the official in the event of deliberate time wasting.
5. Knockout games will be of seven minutes’ duration each way, except for the final which will be two eight minute halves.
6. A maximum of seven players can be registered by any one team (5 players and 2 substitutes).
   No player may play for more than one team in the tournament.
   Team age limits are as follows:
   Beavers
   - Maximum age 8
   Cubs
   - 2 up to 9
   - 3 up to 10 ½
   - of the two substitutes, one substitute must be under nine
   Scouts
   - 2 up to 12
   - 3 up to 14
   - of the two substitutes one substitute must be under twelve
   Explorers
   - 2 up to 16
   - 3 up to 18
   - of the two substitutes one substitute must be under sixteen
   A breach of the above age rules will result in the elimination of the whole team from the competition.
7. During the knockout stage of the competition if scores are level at full time, two additional periods of a maximum of three minutes each will be played on ‘Golden Goal’ basis. The scoring of a golden goal during these extra periods will decide the winner and the game will end. Should no goals be scored during these extra periods, the match will be decided on penalties.
8. Penalty competitions if needed will consist of five penalties per team (1 per player), alternating with their opponents. Only players on the pitch at the final whistle will be allowed in this penalty competition. If a team has less than five players at the final whistle, the shootout will be reduced to four penalties and so on. If the scores are level at the end of this stage, the competition will be decided by sudden death with THE SAME PLAYERS taking another penalty IN THE SAME ORDER as previously. NO SPECTATORS WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE PITCH OR BEHIND THE GOAL DURING THE PENALTY SHOOT OUT.
9. Roll-on-roll-off substitutions will be allowed at the discretion of the referee during game stoppages.
10. SHIN PADS MUST BE WORN IN ALL GAMES. SHIN PADS MUST BE COVERED BY LONG SOCKS ALWAYS DURING THE GAME. THIS IS A KCFA RULE
11. Only trainers or Astro boots must be worn. Studs / blades will only be allowed in the event of extreme conditions and at the discretion of the match official.
12. Referees decisions are final during the match except for Rules 2, 3 and 6 which are governed by the Tournament Controller at Match Control.
13. All jewellery must be removed prior to kick off. Any jewellery that cannot be removed must be covered so as not to pose a danger to other players. Teams must supply own covering if needed.
14. Any disputes or queries must be made BEFORE EACH GAME to the referee. Once a game is being played or completed, the referee is in sole control. Match results will not be amended except for PLAYING ILLEGAL PLAYERS. 
15. Tournament cancellations.
    In the event of a team withdrawing entry before the tournament date, the organisers will endeavour to find a substitute entry. ONLY IF THIS IS ACHIEVED will the entry fee be refunded. Teams withdrawing, being disqualified, or failing to appear on the day of the tournament WILL NOT RECEIVE A REFUND OF FEES.
    In the event of bad weather on the day of the tournament, all teams should arrive and report to ‘Match Control’ at their required time. Decisions as to suitability of pitches etc. will be made by the organisers under the advice of the match referees appointed for the day.
    If the organisers cancel the tournament due to exceptionally adverse weather, insufficient entries or any other reason, all entry monies will be refunded in full.
16. Groups operating a registered league football team within their group will not be eligible to take part in the competition
17. Ball sizes: Beavers play with a size 3 ball Cubs play with a size 4 ball Scouts and Explorers play with a size 5 ball

Notes:

All players and substitutes in teams finishing in first, second and third places will receive a certificate.