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RULES OF THE LGCE 2024 SUMMER TOURNAMENT
Competition Format
1.1
This Competition is called Letchworth Garden City Eagles YFC 2024 Summer Tournament and is sanctioned by the Hertfordshire County FA.
1.2. The competition is by open invitation. Applications will only be considered upon receipt of a fully completed entry form and cleared payment. Entries will be confirmed by the Tournament Organiser at least seven days prior to the tournament.
2. Age Groups, Squads & Player Qualification
2.1. Age groups will relate to the 2023/24 season.
2.2. Each team shall register a squad of players on the day of the competition.
2.3. Each team may register a squad of up to 8 players (U7’s(minors), U7s, U8s) playing 5-a-side and 9 players for U9s to U16s, playing 6-a-side.
To participate a player must be aged 6 before 9th June 2024.
2.4. Each registered player shall only play for one team throughout the duration of the tournament.
2.5. Each team shall appoint a manager. The manager shall be responsible for their team being registered on arrival and being available to play on the correct pitch at the correct time. The manager is also responsible for adherence to the tournament rules and communication of the rules to their squads’ players and supporters.
2.6. All players must wear shin pads and appropriate footwear.
3. Duration of Matches & Balls
3.1. All matches will be 12 or 15 minutes in duration (dependent on the number of teams entered on the day), straight through (no half-time interval).
3.2. All teams are responsible for considering players’ playing time does not exceed the FA’s guidelines on maximum playing time for children.
3.3. In each match the first named team will provide an appropriate quality and correct sized match ball.
3.4. In the event of a clash of colours, the second named team should provide alternative shirts / bibs.
4. Scores & Results
4.1. The competition shall be played on an initial league basis for u9’s to u16’s age groups.
Three points for a win, one for a draw. The team finishing first and second in their group will qualify for the knockout stage. If two or more teams finish with the same number of points, then the highest placed team will be determined by:
-the result of their head-to-head match,
-then goal difference,
-then the team that has scored the most goals.
-kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
4.2 All knockout matches will be decided by the teams scoring the most goals during normal time. If the score is equal after normal time, kicks from the penalty mark will decide the winner in accordance with IFAB procedures.
4.3 U7’s minors, U7’s and U8’s will be non-competitive and no tables shall be kept. There will be NO knockout stage and every player will receive a small memento for taking part. Teams will be split into four groups and play 5 games each.
5.Playing Rules
5.1. The Laws of association football will apply.
5.2. Substitutes are roll on, roll off from those named on the registration form. A substituted player can return in the same match. Referee’s must be informed of and allow substitutions. The number of substitutions made during a game is unlimited.
5.3 There are no-off sides.
5.4 For U9’s to U16’s goalkeepers may NOT pick-up from a pass back. The goalkeeper is only allowed to throw the ball out under arm from the hands. Goal kicks must be taken from the floor. Above crossbar height restrictions remain in place for 6-a-side games for goalkeeper kicks. No step restrictions for goalkeepers.
5.5 Above crossbar height rule for U9’s and above (6-a-side)
Above crossbar height is determined as an infringement when the whole ball passes above the height of the crossbar.
When the crossbar height rule is infringed, an indirect free kick shall be taken from where the ball was originally played.
If the ball goes above the crossbar off the goalkeeper, or because of a tackle from another player or a rebound from the goalposts or fixed equipment, then play shall continue.
The heading of the ball is allowed, provided that the contact with the head is below crossbar height
The referee’s decision is final.
5.6 Kick-ins for Under 9’s and above (6-a-side)
Where the ball leaves the area of play for a throw-in this will be replaced with a kick-in
Kick-ins will be indirect, opposition players must retreat at least 2 metres from the kick
6. Players, Officials and Supporters Conduct
6.1. This competition uses the yellow and red card system and details of these offences will be reported by the referee immediately after each match to the Tournament Organiser, who shall administer fully the requirements under Rule 6.
6.2. An accumulation of two yellow cards on a single day in the competition will result in the player being suspended from the next match.
6.3. Two yellow cards in one match equals a red card and the player will be sent off.
6.4. A player who receives a red card (either straight red or for two yellow cards in the same match) will not be permitted to take any further part in the competition.
6.5. All cautions and red cards will be dealt with on the day of the match.
6.6. Any misconduct from the tournament will be reported to County FA by the referee as normal.
7. Reporting Results
7.1. The referee shall be responsible for reporting the result of the game to the result co-ordinator at the conclusion of each game.
8. Protests and Appeals
8.1. All questions of eligibility, qualification of players or interpretation of Rules shall be referred to the Tournament Committee, but no objection relative to the dimensions of the playing area or other appurtenances thereon shall be entertained by the Committee unless a protest is lodged with the referee before the commencement of the game.
9. Referees
9.1. Referees shall be appointed by the Competition.
10.Medals and trophies
10.1 The following will receive a medal: Winners.
Letchworth Garden City Eagles YFC adheres to the FA Respect policy and has a zero-tolerance policy on bad behaviour. No supporters are allowed in the designated pitch areas (as roped off) no more than 2 team officials should be pitch side at any time and it is the Team Manager’s responsibility to ensure this. Managers should not enter the field of play unless instructed by the Referee. Failing to comply with any of these points can result in the game being stopped and possible exclusion for the remainder of the Tournament.