The Festival will be run in strict accordance with the FA Laws Of The Game as they relate to Mini-Soccer. Everyone is expected to follow both the spirit and letter of these laws as laid down in the Mini-Soccer Handbook and FA Codes of Conduct. In the interest of safety, no one should cross the RESPECT lines around the pitches and people should not congregate behind goals. We ask that everyone applauds good play from all teams. Any form of poor behaviour will be dealt with by the referee and the organizing committee. The aim of today is for us all to enjoy ourselves in the spirit of the game.
Referees
Every match has been allocated a referee who will be the sole judge on matters of fact on the pitch and on interpretation of the Laws of the Game. We ask that you support all the referees and all their decisions. The organizing committee will adjudicate on all other matters. Any player, official or spectator who receives a caution or who is dismissed from the field of play, will be reported to the County FA in the usual way.
Under 7 and Under 8 - A Friendly Festival
In line with FA Development guidelines, there will be no competitive play at Under 7 and Under 8. In the spirit of player development, those teams that build a significant lead during their match are encouraged to use their substitutes to give them valuable experience.
Individual awards will be presented to all players at this level.
NB Teams must not attempt to maintain a league table or pecking order of teams based on results. At the discretion of the organizers, any transgressions in this area may result in the team being removed from the Festival and reported to the County FA.
Match Duration
• All games will be 12 minutes one-way with a three-minute changeover time.
• Kick offs will be every 15 minutes, on the quarter hour and will be controlled centrally by the sounding of a horn.
• There will be no added time for injuries at group stages.
Rules Of Play
Subject to the Mini-Soccer Handbook:
• All matches will be seven-a-side with squads of ten players maximum.
• The team drawn as the home' team will take the first kick-off.
• The team drawn as the' away' team will decide ends and must provide a change of strip or bibs if necessary.
• Roll on, roll off subs will be allowed with the referee’s permission and during a stoppage in play.
• The offside rule will NOT apply.
• The goalkeeper can only handle the ball in the penalty area but is not allowed to pick up back passes. There will be no goal area.
• Goal kicks may be taken from any point at the edge of the penalty area,
• All free kicks will be direct. Opposing players must be at least three metres from the ball.
• Following a foul throw at age Under 7 and Under 8, the referee will inform the player of the nature of the foul and ask him to retake; a
second foul throw will result in the throw being given to the opposing team.
• At age Under 9 and above, all players are expected to be fully proficient at taking throw-ins.
• The score sheet will be completed by the referee and passed to the pitch co-ordinator who will take it to the control tent immediately after
the game.
Deciding the Competition (Under 9 and above)
• At Under 9 and above, teams will be allotted three points for a win and one point for a draw.
• At the group stages, if teams are level on points after the completion of all matches, goal difference will decide position, followed by goals
scored. If leading teams are still tied, each team will take five penalties and, if required, sudden death penalties to decide the winners.
• In semi-finals and finals, extra time of five minutes each way will be played, if scores are level after full time. This will be followed by
penalties if necessary (five for each team, then sudden death).
• At Under 9 and above, only squad members in teams taking part in the final will receive awards.
Player Eligibility/Team Registrations
• All managers must register their players immediately on arrival. At registration, managers will be required to bring a completed form for the
whole squad, indicating the player's full name and date of birth (date of birth must be proven by a valid League ID card or photocopy of
passport which may be checked by the organizers).
• Teams/managers are not required to prove player eligibility to other teams.
• Without exception, players can only play for one team. At the discretion of the organizers, any transgressing team may be removed
from the festival.
• All teams must be registered at least 30 minutes before commencement of matches.
• There will be a managers’ briefing and Q&A session outside the Pavilion 30 minutes before the start of the tournament.
Complaints
• In all matters of fact on the field of play, the referee's decision is final.
• Any complaints regarding match incidents or issues must be raised with the organizers within 30 minutes of the final whistle.
• Complaints will only be heard from the team manager.
• Any dispute between a participant and his team will not be heard by the organizers.
• People wishing to take photographs should register their details with the organising committee.