Tournament rules - Please read

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The Tournament
The competition will begin with a round of group games followed by knock-out games to decide the winners of the three trophies. Final group positions will dictate which trophy you will contest in the knock-out stage.

Arrangement of the Tournament
Group Games
The winner of each match during the group stages will be awarded 3 points, with 1 point being awarded to each team in the event of a draw. In the event of two or more teams being equal on points at the end of each group stage the team with the best goal difference will take precedence in the league table. In the event of the two teams being equal on points AND having an equal goal difference the team that has scored the most goals will take precedence. In the event of the two teams having equal points, an equal goal difference and the same number of goals scored then the group positions will (due to the constraints of time) be decided on the toss of a coin.

Knockout Games
The winner of each match during the knockout stage will progress to the next round. In the event of a draw there will (due to the constraints of time) be a SUDDEN DEATH penalty shootout with one kick per team until the deadlock is broken.

The Teams
Teams can use a squad of up to 10 players but must only have six players on the pitch at any one time and one of these must be a goalkeeper. (A team may, in extraordinary circumstances and at the discretion of the organisers, name additional squad members). Teams can use an unlimited amount of roll on roll off substitutes during a match. Substitutions must only be made when the ball is out of play. Players must enter and leave the field of play from behind their own goal.

The Matches
Each match will last for 10 minutes. It is the responsibility of each team to ensure that they are at the correct pitch at the correct time for the start of their matches. Due to the limited time slot for each match, any team which turns up for a match more than 3 MINUTES after the scheduled kick-off time will forfeit the game and the opposition will be awarded a 2-0 win by default.

Start of Play
The match will start with a kick off from the centre spot. The game will be restarted with a goalkeepers roll out after a goal has been scored.

Field of Play and the Goalkeeper's D
There will be NO OFFSIDE. Out-field players are permitted to go anywhere on the pitch INCLUDING the goalkeeper's D. The goalkeeper however MUST remain within the D at all times. If the goalkeeper leaves the D in order to gain an advantage then a penalty will be awarded. Referees should distinguish between accidental and intentional exit from the goal area. Accidental exit which has no effect on play should be ignored.

The Ball In and Out Of Play
There will be no height restrictions imposed. When the ball goes out of play at the sidelines a kick in will be awarded. Please note that pitches have touchlines marked down both sides. Teams should not use the dividing net as a touchline. When the ball goes out of play at the end touchline a corner kick or a goalkeeper’s roll out will be awarded.

Goalkeeper Returning The Ball Into Play
After collecting the ball the goalkeeper must immediately return the ball into play with an underarm bowling action. The ball must not be thrown or kicked.

Pitches and Footwear
All matches will take place on synthetic turf pitches. Players should wear training shoes (not moulded, studded or bladed boots) and shin guards which should be covered by socks.

Referees
Each game will be officiated by a fully qualified referee. In all cases the referee's decision will be final.

Player Discipline
Any player who receives 2 yellow cards or one red card in a single match will be sent from the pitch and will be suspended from his team's next game. Any player who receives 3 yellow cards during the course of the tournament or is dismissed in 2 games will be suspended and take no further part in the competition.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MUST ALCOHOL BE CONSUMED ON SITE. FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THIS RULE WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE EXPULSION FROM THE TOURNAMENT.
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