Competitive Rules

For competitive age groups — group stage, knockouts, tie-breakers and discipline. Play hard, play fair - Take home the silverware!

All rules are in line with FAW rules for relevant age groups

Format

All games are played on a competitive and knockout basis.
All competitive fixtures are 9-a-side.
Competitive age groups play a group stage followed by knockout rounds.
Group fixtures: 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.
Top two teams from each group progress to the knockout stage.
Match length and squad sizes as published in the Schedule for each age group.
Teams are encouraged to ensure all players get an equal amount of game time.
Teams must be at their allocated pitch ready to kick off at the programmed time — late teams may forfeit.
Pitches will be professionally line marked.
All players must have unique numbers clearly visible on the reverse of their match kit.
The second-named team changes shirts/bibs in the event of a colour clash.

Group stage tie-breakers

Goal difference across all group games.

Goal sizes by age

Aluminium 16×7ft goals.

Corners, throw-ins & free kicks

Taken in the normal way with opponents at least five yards from the ball when the kick is taken.
All free kicks are direct.
Penalties WILL be awarded if required.

Goal kicks

Goal kicks must be taken with the ball on the ground.

Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers may handle the ball in the goal area and there are no restrictions on the number of steps they may take when holding the ball.
Goalkeepers may not handle the ball (passbacks) if it is passed to them by a teammate.
Passbacks will result in a free kick to the opposition.
Goalkeepers may distribute by throw, roll or kick from hand within the laws of the game.

Match play

Offsides WILL be enforced.
Standard FAW substitution rules apply — rolling subs permitted at a stoppage with the referee's consent.

Referees

Sunday competitive fixtures only.
Our referees are all FA qualified and experienced in competitive football.
Experienced league referees will be allocated for each competitive game.
Referees will provide and look after match balls.
They are human and may make mistakes — their decision is final.
Any abuse or intimidation towards the referees will not be tolerated.
Repeated poor behaviour from players, coaches or supporters may result in your team being removed from the competition.

Yellow / red cards

Players receiving 2 yellow cards will miss the next fixture.
Players receiving a straight red card will no longer participate in the tournament and must change out of their kit. Failure to do so will result in the removal of their team.
Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents and supporters at all times.

Tournament progression

3 points awarded for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.
Progression is based on Points, then Goal Difference.
In the event of a draw in the semis or finals, a penalty shootout will take place. Only players on the pitch at the full-time whistle may take a penalty.
All spectators and players MUST be away from the goalkeepers at all times — we will not proceed until the area is clear.
Any purposeful intimidation or distraction will result in the related team forfeiting their place in the tournament. Please play fair at all times.
Should one age group need to undertake penalties, progression in the other age group may pause to allow all games to kick off simultaneously.

General

All age groups shall be as per season 2025/26.
Each manager must have registered at the registration desk at least 30 mins before kick-off.
All players must wear suitable footwear and shin pads.
Only players and coaches on the playing area — spectators stay behind the barriers.
Teams must have the relevant number of coaches and first aiders per FAW rules.
Medals are awarded to non-competitive players only; competitive finalists receive a trophy cup (winners) — no medals are issued for competitive age groups.
Only the winning team will receive a trophy cup to take home.
The Committee may amend rules or format and is final on any dispute or discipline matter.

Respect the referee

Decisions are final. Abusive language or threatening behaviour towards officials, opponents or spectators will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the tournament.