soccer tournament rules (OK?)

This is the time of year in the UK when soccer coaches up and down the country start planning their summer tournament programme.

Tournaments (or football festivals) are usually great fun...but only if they're well organised! An important part of the organisation is communicating a simple but effective set of rules.

If you're thinking of running a tournament this year, check out the extract of our tournament rules, below. If you like them you can download the full set of rules by clicking here.

The rules come as a zipped up Word document that you can edit to suit your particular circumstances.

In return for using the footy4kids tournament rules, all I ask is you let us know (via the footy4kids soccer coaching forum) how your big day went.

Have fun!

This is an extract from the footy4kids tournament rules:

TROPHIES & MEDALS

The players in the winning team and in the runners up team will receive a trophy to take away and keep.

All other players will receive a medal for participating.

PROTESTS & APPEALS

All protests and appeals should be made to the tournament organisers within 10 minutes of the completion of the match.

The decision of the tournament organisers is final.

CODE OF CONDUCT

All players, managers, team officials, parents and spectators must comply with the following code of conduct.

We want the children who take part in our festival to play football in a positive atmosphere free from foul and abusive language, pressure, embarrassment and prejudice.

Please help us to achieve this aim by abiding by this simple code:

Foul or abusive language from players, spectators or officials will not be tolerated.

Never dispute a referee’s decision - they can make mistakes, just like you and me.

The health and safety of players is paramount. Do not encourage players to continue playing if they are obviously injured or unwell.

Coaches are strongly advised to give all of their players an equal amount of playing time. It’s no fun being on the touchline.

Coaches, parents and spectators are also expected to let all players play without being screamed and shouted at from the touchlines.

Encourage and applaud all players, not just those on your team.

THE BALL

All age groups will use a size 4 ball.

The match ball shall be provided by the ‘home’ team.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE PITCH/SUBSTITUTIONS

All teams shall play with seven players on the pitch plus a maximum of two substitutes. In the event of injuries/dismissals, a team can complete a match with a minimum of five players. Any less and the game is stopped with the score at that point standing.

Substitutes can be used on a 'roll off, roll on' basis.

A team squad shall be made up of a maximum of nine players.

download the full festival rules (zip file, 11kb)

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soccer tournament rules (OK?)

This is the time of year in the UK when soccer coaches up and down the country start planning their summer tournament programme.