Rules & Regulations

Tournament Rules

Everything you need to know before the day.

All tournaments hosted by The MatchDay Hub are governed by a standard set of rules designed to ensure fair, safe and enjoyable competition for every team and age group.

Any changes specific to an individual tournament will be clearly highlighted on that tournament's page and announced during the manager's briefing at the start of the event. It is the responsibility of each team manager to attend the briefing and communicate any changes to their players and supporters.

  • 1.1 This Competition is sanctioned by the relevant 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 upon payment receipt.
  • 2.1 Age groups are based on the current FA season. Competitions taking place before 1st September use the current season's age groups. From 1st September onwards, the new season's age groups will apply.
  • 2.2 Each team shall register a squad of players prior to the day of the competition.
  • 2.3 Each team may register a set number of players as stated by each competition.
  • 2.4 Each registered player shall only play for one team throughout the duration of the competition.
  • 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 competition rules and communication of the rules to their squads’ players and supporters.
  • 2.6 All players must wear shin pads and appropriate footwear.
  • 3.1 All matches will vary between 8-12 minutes in duration (straight through) dependent on number of teams in each group.
  • 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 The organiser 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.
  • 4.1 The competition shall be played on an initial group stage for all age groups
  • 4.2 During group stage it is 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for a loss.
  • 4.3 In the event of a tie the highest placed team will be determined by either Goal Difference, Goals Scored, Goals Conceded (Fewest) or Head to Head. This will be communicated at the Manager's briefing.
  • 4.4 At the end of group stages each team will be placed into either Cup, Shield or Plate knockout stages, depending on the competition and number of teams in the competition.
  • 4.5 During the knockout stages, which can include Quarter Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals, this is dependant on the number of teams in the competition, the team with the highest number of goals go through to the next stage.
  • 4.6 If there is a tie during any stage it will go into penalties, the number of penalty kicks will be specified at each competition.
  • 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 During certain formats the off-side rule will not apply, if the off-side rule applies it will be communicated at the Manager's briefing.
  • 5.4 Goal kicks are as normal, however, the goalkeeper on collecting the ball in their hands, is not permitted to kick the ball from their hands. The ball must either be thrown or placed on the floor and kicked out.
  • 5.5 Defenders and attackers are allowed into the goalkeeper’s area, goalkeepers are allowed out but must not handle the ball outside of their area.
  • 5.6 When a ball goes off the pitch for a typical throw it, with certain formats it will be required to be taken as a kick on from the floor. This will be communicated at the Manager's briefing.
  • 5.7 A goal cannot be scored directly from a goalkeepers goal kick, it will be ruled out and an in-direct free kick will be awarded to the opposition.
  • 5.8 Players are not permitted to shoot direct from the centre spot (start or restart of a game). An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposition if this occurs.
  • 6.1 This competition uses the yellow and red card system, 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.
  • 7.1 The referee shall be responsible for reporting the result of the game to the result co-ordinator at the end of each game.
  • 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 concerns thereon shall be entertained by the Committee unless a protest is lodged with the referee before the commencement of the game.
  • 9.1 Referees shall be appointed by the Competition. All Refs will be Qualified
  • 10.1 U7 age group, each player will receive a medal.
  • 10.2 All other age groups are competitive, the winners of the finals will receive a Cup, Shield or Plate and the runners up a smaller trophy or medal.