Tournament rules

Invited clubs

There is no qualifying stage for this tournament. All clubs have been invited to compete.

Key information

Dates

• Saturday 2 September and Sunday 3 September 2023
• Saturday 9 September and Sunday 10 September 2023

Venue

• Victoria Park Winter League Pitches
• Mile End Stadium Grass Pitch
• Mile End Stadium Astro Turf Pitches

Number of teams involved

To ensure that we have enough teams for each age group, the organising committee may change age bandings after the applications deadline. For example combining Under 8s with Under 9s. Any merged bandings will be in line with FA rules.

• Under 8s, Under 9s, Under 10s, Under 11s, Under 12s and Under 13s (8 spaces)
• Under 14s (8 spaces)
• Under 15s (8 spaces)
• Under 16s (8 spaces)
• Under 8s to Under 12s Girls (8 spaces)
• Adult Women (4 spaces)
• Adult Men (16 spaces)

Event schedule

• 9 to 9.30am – Registration
• 10am – Competition starts
• 5pm – Competition ends

The two finalists from each youth category and adults from the heat stages, will compete in the finals at Mile End Stadium on Sunday 10 September 2023.

Junior finals will take place on Saturday 9 September 2023 at Mile End Stadium Astro Turf Pitches.

Team requirements

Check the age bandings for age category information.

A player cannot register to play at youth and adult level. The player/player’s club must choose what category they wish to compete in. No player in any category can register for more than one team. 

Competition format

Youth and Adults (Under 14s to 18+)

The competition will be played on five Winter League pitches.

• Youth category (U14 to U16): Eight teams drawn into two groups of four
• Adult Men's category (16+): 16 teams drawn into four groups of four
• Adult Women's category: Four teams will form one group
• The organising commitee will manage the group draw and pitch allocation
• Three points will be awarded for a win and one point for a draw.
• Each match will be 20 minutes each way. There will be a two minute half time break.
• There will be a 30 minute lunch break after the third match around 1pm
• The start and end of matches will be decided by the match referee’s whistle.
• Final group standings will be decided in the following order:
  • Points gained
  • Goal difference
  • Number of goals scored
  • Head to head record between the two teams if level after considering points, goal difference and goals scored
  • If still level, a sudden death penalty shootout will decide who goes through.
• The two finalists from each category of the heat stage will contest the finals at Mile End Stadium on Sunday 10 September 2023. Medals and other award tokens will be presented to the competitors in the final tie.
• The finalists will select their teams from the players originally registered for the heats stage. No other entry will be accepted.

Juniors (Under 8s to Under 13s)

• The competition will be played on small-sided astro turf pitches at Mile End Stadium.
Player age breakdown:
• Boys and girls: Under 8s to Under 11s will play 5-a-side
• Boys: U12s and U13s will play 7-a-side
• Eight teams will be in one group for all age categories.
• The organising committee will manage the pitch allocation
• Three points will be awarded for a win, one point for a draw.
• Each match will last 10 minutes. There will be no half time break.
• There will be a 30 minute lunch break around 1pm
• The start and end of matches will be decided by the match referee’s whistle.
• Final group standings will be decided in the following order:
  • Points gained
  • Goal difference
  • Number of goals scored
  • Head to head record between the two teams if level after considering points, goal difference and goals scored
  • If still level, a sudden death penalty shootout will decide who goes through.
• The first and second placed teams from each age group will contest the finals at Mile End Stadium Astro pitches on Saturday 9 September 2023. Medals or other award tokens will be presented to the competitors in the final tie.
• The finalists will select their teams from the players originally registered for the heats stage.

Qualifying players

Registered players of the club must be amateurs and fall into one of the following categories:

• Under 8s
• Under 9s
• Under 10s
• Under 11s
• Under 12s
• Under 13s
• Under 14s
• Under 15s
• Under 16s
• Adult Women's
• Adult Men's

Ineligible players

All players in the youth and juniors categories must be under the age of their age group as shown on the age banding page. Any teams caught playing an ineligible player(s) i.e. that is older etc. will be disqualified.

Registered players

No player can play in any of the Mayor’s Cup Tournament unless they are registered to do so under their own name.

Playing for more than one team

No player can register to play for more than one team. Any teams caught to be playing an ineligible player(s) will be disqualified.

Entry and player registration forms

All clubs must submit their team and player registration forms along with acceptable proofs for each player. This should be complete by 5pm on Monday 11 August 2023. If a replacement is needed, each team is entitled to two player changes subject to a successful identification process. 

Tournament rules

• All matches will be played according to the playing rules of the Football Association (The FA).
• All teams are responsible for their players and spectators conduct both on and off the pitch.
• Teams must be ready to play five minutes before the scheduled kickoff time.
• Teams not ready to play at the scheduled time may forfeit the match. Their opponents will be awarded three points. The official result will be 0-0.
• All teams entered must complete all their fixtures in the spirit of the tournament. If any team leaves the tournament early, they risk being refused entry into any future Mayor’s Cup Tournament
• If a player receives a yellow card, they will be liable for a fine from The County FA. Should that player receive a second yellow card in the same match or a straight red card, the player will be disqualified from taking part for one game. If the red card is for violent conduct, the player will not take any further part in the tournament.
• Roll on, roll off substitutions can be made at any time during any match from the remaining squad players. Only exception is to replace a player who has been sent off the field of play for misconduct by the referee after play has started. Substitutions can only be made during stoppages in play and with the approval of the referee. All categories, roll on/off substitutes can be used from remaining squad players.
• Youth and Junior Team Managers must have their team players ID cards available to be checked by the opposing manager before each match. Only affiliated league ID cards or passport with photo will be accepted.
• If a player’s age or eligibility is being challenged, this should take place when the cards are being checked by managers before the match starts. If the match has started, the player being challenged and a member of their team management must come to the control centre with the player ID to resolve the issue. If the challenge is proven correct, the player is automatically banned from the tournament. The team may also be disqualified and their results removed. If a player who has been challenged and proven to be correct, is challenged again by another manager, that manager should be referred to the control centre.
• If a team is found to be playing ineligible players in the tournament, they may be disqualified. If they make it to the finals and win, their prize money will not be paid out.
• Kickoff will be decided by a coin toss. The first named team’s captain making the call. The winner of the coin toss will select which goal they wish to attack. The other team will be awarded the kick off
• In the event of a sudden death penalty shootout, a coin toss will decide who takes the first or second penalty.
• Substitutes must wear a different colour top when not playing.
• Each team must bring a change of kit in case there is a colour clash. The second named team to change kit.
• Shin pads must be worn. Players without shin pads will not be allowed to play.
• Players without correct footwear e.g. studded, moulded, blades or astroturf boots) will not be allowed to play. It is the responsibility of team managers to ensure the players have the correct footwear to suit playing surface/venue.
• Jewellery/hair ornaments must be removed or taped to the referee's approval
• Non-dangerous protective equipment is allowed e.g. sports spectacles as per laws of the game.
• Foul or abusive language will not be tolerated and will be penalised by the referee at their discretion.
• The decision of the referee is final on the field of play.
• The decision of the tournament organisers present, on the application of these rules, will be final.
• The finalists can only select their teams from the players originally registered for the heats stage.

Referees and assistant referees, eligibility appointment

The organising committee will appoint referees and assistant referees (linesmen/women) for all matches in the tournament.