GENERAL RULES

1. The competition shall be named THE WESTON SUPER MARE TOURNAMENT and shall be governed with the rules and regulations of the football Association. FA Rules of the game apply unless otherwise stated below. Weston FC reserves the right to amend the rules below in the event of exceptional circumstances.

2. Teams must register with the names and dates of birth of their squad online at least 24 hours before the start of the tournament. No changes to the listed players thereafter unless otherwise agreed with the committee.

3. 2024/25 age limits apply in all age groups

4. To play in the tournament the minimum age is six years old. It will be the responsibility of each team to ensure their players are of the required age.

5. Only players eligible to play in their local league are allowed to play. Players signed to an academy will not be allowed.(under 8’s and below is not signed academy)

6. Any disputes or protests will be heard by the tournament committee, whosedecision shall be final.

7. It is expected that the Tournament shall pass with no abuse or threatening behaviour by any player, team official or spectators. Everybody is reminded that the use of foul language is not acceptable and can lead to the expulsion of those involved from the grounds, and/or tournament.

8. And any player who is sent off or receives two cautions will be banned from taking any further part in the competition.

9. All cases of misconduct by manager, player or spectator will be reported to the Somerset FA.

10. There will be no smoking or drinking of alcoholic drinks allowed near to the pitch. Please use the designated areas provided. Anyone disregarding this rule will be asked to move away from the pitch area.

11. If you wish to use cameras or video recording equipment, please gain the full approval of all parents and/or team officials.

GAME RULES

1. There will be no offsides, otherwise generally F.A. rules apply.

2. The first named team in group stages and (if applicable) semi-final or final to supply match ball. The size of the footballs will be appropriate to the age group.

3. In the event of colour clash, second named team in group stages, semi final and final to change shirt colours or wear bibs.

4. Teams will play in the following formats:
   a) Under 6’s 6 a side (or 5 a side if agreed with opposition)
   c) Under 7’s and above – 6 a side

5. Substitutions can be made rolling on and off. Only when the ball is out of play and by notifying the referee.

6. Goal kicks will be taken as follows: 
   a) Under 6’s, U7’s and Under 8’s may place the ball on the floor anywhere in the penalty area, players in those age groups must retreat to the half way line until the ball has been released by the goal keeper, this is every time the keeper has the ball, if the keeper decides to play early and others have not retreated then this is his decision and play will continue.

7. Under 9s and above may kick the ball from the ground from inside the goal keepers area if it is a goal kick, if the keeper is in possession of the ball at any other time he can kick the ball from his hands or throw it out, if he drops the ball to his feet then then ball is in play.

8. All free kicks and centre kicks are direct, and back pass rule applies to Under 9’s and above.

9. In all age groups When a player is taking a free kick, goal kick or corner, all opposing players must be at least 5 yards from the ball until it is in play. This also applies to the kick off each half and the restart after a goal has been scored.

10. The referee’s decision on the field of play will be final. All misconduct from players, team officials or spectators will be reported to the Somerset FA.

11. PLEASE  NOTE THAT UNDER 6’S ARE NON COMPETITIVE AND THEREFORE WILL NOT HAVE THEIR RESULTS PUBLISHED IN LINE WITH FA GUIDANCE. ALL PLAYERS WILL RECEIVE A PARTICIPATION MEDAL.

12. The Under 7s and above group matches will be played in a league format, with the entrants evenly split into groups depending on the numbers in that age group. The teams that finish in the top two of each group will go forward to the cup semi final. The teams that finish in third and fourth will go forward to the plate semi final. Teams that do not finish in the top four will exit the  tournament.

13. All competitive group matches will consist of one 10 minute match straight through. In the competitive age groups, teams will be awarded 3 points for a win & 1 point for a draw. The top two teams in each group will progress to the semi final.

14. If one or more teams are level on points, the team to progress to the Semi-Final will be decided by
    a) Goal difference
    b) Head to head result
    c) Highest goals scored
    d) best of 3 and then sudden death penalty shoot out. The top 2 teams in each group will progress to the Semi-Finals.

15. All Semi-Finals will be 10 minutes straight through. In the event of a draw at full time, a best of 3 penalty shoot out & if needed we will then go to sudden death.

16. All Finals will be 12 minutes in duration. In the event of a draw at full time, If the scores remain drawn after extra time, a best of 3 penalty shoot out and if needed sudden death.

17. NOTE: For age groups with odd numbers or less than five teams, Weston Super Mare Football Club reserve the right to change the format accordingly. In which case generally the tournament will adopt a straight league approach, with a final between first and second to determine the winner. To ensure all children have the opportunity to play a similar amount of football, the length of the matches will be extended accordingly.

Rules subject to change at any time at the discretion of event organisers.

SUMMARY

• Normal throw ins for u10s and above. 7s, 8s, 9s as per current rules (kick ins)

• Goal Kicks taken from Goal line (Exc. 7s & 8s)

• Retreat rule for Goal Kicks and in GK hands (only 7s&8s)

•  No heading for 7s, 8s & 9s.

•  No Back Pass Rule for 9s and above.