rules and format

Rules:
All IFA rules regarding etiquette and sportsmanship apply.

Tournament specific match rules:

The eight teams will be split into two groups of four in which they will play each other once.

• All teams will be expected to supply linesman for games. Please see the schedule for which games you will need to supply linesmen for!
• Matches will be 15 minutes each way
• It is the job of the managers and team captains to ensure players conduct themselves properly and play within the correct spirit
• The top two sides in each group will qualify for the knock-out stage, the bottom two will enter a ‘Losers Plate’ knock-out
• During the group stages teams will be awarded three points for a win and one for a draw. As with most football tournaments, losers will get zero points.
• If teams are level on points at the end of the group stage the team with the best goal difference will finish higher. If this is tied also it will be decided be Goals scored. If the teams are still tied then the results between the two teams involved determines placing. If all these are tied the place will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.
• In the knock-out stages of the tournament, a drawn game will go straight into a penalty shoot-out.
• The tournament finals (Main Final and Losers Plate) will go into 10 minutes extra time (five minutes each way) if the scores are level at the end of the normal 30 minutes. If there is still no winner, a penalty shoot-out will be used to decide the winner.

PLEASE NOTE: Rules during matches and penalty shoot-outs will be that of normal FIFA Regulations. For example, penalty shoot-outs will see each team take turns to take five penalties. If the scores are tied after both sides have taken their five kicks, a sudden death shoot-out will follow. If you are unsure on any rules please do not hesitate to get in touch, or maybe consider netball next season?

Suspensions, point deductions and disciplinary matters:

• The event is to be played like any other IFA event. Good natured banter is part of the game/fun and if anything would be encouraged.
• Failure to supply linesmen for the games allotted to your team will incur a points deduction considered fair by the tournament organisers.
• For offences more serious than a Yellow Card but not warranting a Red Card and Suspension, referees may well in force a 'blue card rule' which will see players "sin-binned" for a short period of time depending on the seriousness of the offence.
• Any abusive attacks, personal, racial etc WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Any player deemed to be guilty of this will be suspended from the tournament immediately and their team will be reported to the IFA.
• Any cases of violence will see the player suspended from the tournament immediately and their team will be reported to the IFA.
• Dissent to match officials is NOT TOLERATED. Referees will be instructed to show a straight red card for any dissent and the player will be suspended from the tournament immediately and their team reported to the IFA.
• Tournament organisers reserve the right to deduct points from any team that consistently ignores these rules. If teams have any players who may be looking for physical or verbal confrontations, it is recommended you give them the day off rather than bring them.
• As stated in the IFA Rules, 1.7. “This is no place for hotheads. People wishing to behave in such manner should seek their entertainment elsewhere.”

Team colors:

• In the event of kit clashes occurring on the day, a set of orange training bibs will be available from tournament reception.

All players, non-playing members of squad, spectators and supporters attending the Merseyside Supporters Tournament do so at their own risk, and no responsibility will be taken by FC Rearguard, Shaftsbury Youth Club or any other party/company for any injury, loss or damage, howsoever caused, suffered during the tournament. Participation is deemed to be acceptance of this condition.