Rules & Regulations.

Tournament Format:

Unless otherwise stated, the game will be played according to FIFA laws.

  • All categories will play 7-a-side. The match will consist of two 12 minute periods, with 2 minute halftime, and using an age appropriate ball.
  • There will be a maximum of 2 minutes of added time, as determined by the referee.
  • Each team must have a minimum of 4 players on the field to play the match. A maximum of 12 registered players allowed per game.
  • Number of games played in the Group & Championship Stages is dependent on the number of teams in the group.
  • The offside law will not apply.
  • Heading the ball is acceptable in all divisions.
  • Result scoring will be as follows: Win = 3pnts, Draw = 1pnt, Loss = 0pnts
  • All players are highly recommended to wear shin guards and proper equipment for their own protection.
  • Substitutions will be unlimited and will occur without stoppage of play. However, all players must have the referee’s permission before they can enter the field of play and they must wait for the substituted player to leave the field.
  • Teams must be on the field and ready to play for the scheduled kick off time. If a team is late to the field they will be penalized by two goals (eg. The late team will start the match losing 0-2). If a team is more than 5 minutes late for the match, they will forfeit the game by a score of 0-3.
  • The referee’s word in all cases is final. The referees have been instructed to issue cards to any player who shows dissent.
  • If a player receives two yellow cards in a match this will result in a red card and a one match ban.
  • Straight reds will result in a player being dismissed for the remainder (without replacement) of the active game as well a one match ban for the following game. (Ban’s can be increased upon the organizing committees and referees approval)
  • Any acts of intentional violence may result in a team being disqualified from the tournament based on the organizer’s decision and referee’s report.
  • All games are on a fixed schedule and your team is expected to be ready for your scheduled game time.
  • In order to enter the field area you must have your APFT Card.
  • Coaches and teams supporters will not question the decision of the referee. Sideline coaching / instructions by team supporters is NOT allowed. If supporters continue with bad language/sideline coaching or attempt to distract the Referee from the game, the Referee will ask the Team Manager to restrain their supporters. If this appeal is not heeded, the Referee will warn the Team Manager that this is a breach of the Tournament rules and that disciplinary action will be taken against the team after the game. This may result in all supporters of the team losing their APFT or Staff/Parent cards.
  • In this case, the Referee reserves the right to default the infringing team, abandon the game and submit a report to the Organizing Committee for a decision. If, for any reasons a match could not be played, the match may be rescheduled at the discretion of the organizer.
  • No protest shall be entertained as the decision of the referees and the organizer is final.

PLAYER REGISTRATION

  • All players’ team lists must be submitted into the online system by July 10th, 2019 latest.
  • All players must bring along their original valid passport or other valid identification card on all days of the tournament for verification purposes.
  • All teams will be required to register as a team with ALL players at the welcoming party, or one (1) hour before their first game of play with their original passport/ID on DAY 1, at the venue where they are playing their first games.
  • If a player does not have his/her original passport or respective ID validation, then he/she will not be registered and will not be allowed to participate until they produce the original.
  • All players will receive an ID for their age group upon registration with their original identification. The ID MUST be kept on their person throughout the competition and any events relating to the tournament. Any player without their ID will not be allowed to participate. Players must re-register with their original passports if they lose their ID and pay $10 for the new ID.
  • Players are required to wear appropriate attire including boots and shin guards. Any player inappropriately dressed can be disqualified from playing.
  • Teams are required to have numbers on their jersey that relates to their team/player registration.
  • Teams are to bring two (2) sets of numbered Jerseys of different color. In the event of a color clash, the team named second shall be required to make a change.
  • The Team Managers will be responsible to monitor and ensure that any player/s under suspension are not fielded for subsequent matches, if a team is found in violation, they will lose any game that applies in a 3 – 0 result.

COMPOSITION OF TEAMS

  • Each team is allowed to register as many players as they want. However, up to a maximum of twelve (12) players are allowed to be in uniform during a game. At any one time, there will be only seven (7) players on the pitch with a maximum of five (5) as substitutes on the bench. It is suggested that no more than 14 be on a single team.
  • Each team is allowed to register 2 coaches/managers. Team coaches must wear their Coach/Manager accreditation at all times.
  • Others who have the Coach/Staff/Parent cards are also allowed to enter the playing area.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Boys Age Groups – Players can only play for 1 team per age group.
  • Girls – Players can play in a maximum of 2 teams or 2 Age Groups, as long as they are age appropriate and registered online with both teams. They need to register for both teams and receive 2 age group confirmations.
  • Submission of ineligible players may render the team to be disqualified from the tournament.
  • Female players can play one (1) year older in the boys age group
  • All players’ team lists should be submitted into the new online registration system with a player picture and players D.O.B No later than June 10th, 2019.
  • All team managers must sign a waiver document releasing all parties working for or organizing of the Asia Pacific Football Tournament of all liabilities associated with the tournament.
  • Every participating team/club will be eligible to inspect any team registration list of any team in their age group before any particular match at the Registration Tent. This can only be done by the Team Manager and NOT any parents.

Tie Breakers:

  • During the group stages, all matches that end in a draw will stay as such, with 1 point being awarded to each team.
  • In the event of a tie in the standings, we will use the following measures to determine the winner: 1) Goal Differential, 2) Goals For, 3) Head to Head, 4) Sudden Death Penalty Shoot-out.
  • If a playoff or championship match ends in a draw, the match will be decided using the following format:

Golden Goal:

  • The teams will immediately line up for a Golden Goal extra time period:
  • A coin toss will determine who starts.
  • 5 players on the field per team (to be determined by the coach). These players must have been on the field when the final whistle is blown.
  • Every one minute, one player from each team must leave the field.
  • After each minute play will continue from the center circle with teams alternating initial possession of the ball.
  • When only one player is left on each team, a drop ball will start from the center. The last player may act as a goalkeeper; they can use hands inside the box as a regular keeper is allowed.
  • If a goalkeeper is removed from play one of the out field player who is on the field may take the goalkeepers place.
  • The first team to score a goal wins the match. No substitutions are allowed in this extra period.
  • All players not on the field of play must leave the field. Only the players in play and the coach may remain.

Delays:

  • Matches will continue as scheduled except in the case of severe rain or lightning. The decision to postpone a match will be at the discretion of the tournament organizers.
  • If a match has less than 8 minutes remaining the score at the time will stand.
  • In the event of a rain delay, a make-up match will be played in the following format: The teams will kick off as normal. Every 2 minutes, each team must remove a player from the field until there is only one player left for each team. The first team to score a goal wins the match.

Medical & Liability:

  • A medical team will be on site during the tournament play hours to provide assistance to anyone that needs it. In the event that they need to be transported to the hospital it will be prioritized and is under the discretion of the medical personnel and guardian of the person if any.
  • The APFT and it organizers will not be held liable for any death, disability, personal injury, loss of property or any other loss howsoever arising from any cause whatsoever at any time during the course of this tournament.

If you see any issues with the rules, or have any questions or comments we are happy to support. Please note that the organizer reserves the right to change the rules as needed at any time in order to best facilitate the organization, safety, and fair play of the tournament.