TOURNAMENT RULES

Acceptance of Rules

All participating teams should note that by payment of the Event Fees, they are deemed to have agreed to abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Saigon 7s International 7’s. A Disclaimer and Indemnity Form, and a Team Registration Form must be signed by the Team Manager/Captain and returned to the Event Organizing committee, and received, prior to their team’s first game.

Team Registration:

  • All team rosters and fees must be submitted before the start of the event, meaning no later than BEFORE YOUR FIRST GAME
  • Any team that has not submitted their team registration form and entry fees by this deadline will forfeit their place in the tournament.
  • A player can only play for one team in each age division unless otherwise agreed by organizing committee.
  • A maximum of 12 registered players allowed per team. Team’s can not change players for any reason unless it is confirmed by the organizer. Failure to abide by this rule may disqualify your team’s result in the tournament without notice.
  • The organizer reserves the right to not allow or ban any player at any time without explanation.
  • Teams playing can be any age from 18+ (unless specifically allowed with legal guardian permission, but not younger than 16).
  • Teams playing in Vets are allowed 2 field players, and 1 goal keeper 30+ years old. All other players must be 35+.
  • Teams playing in Masters are allowed 2 field players, and 1 goal keeper 40+ years old. All other players must be 45+.
  • Teams playing in Super Masters are allowed 2 field players 50+, and 1 goal keeper 45+ years old. All other players must be 55+.
  • All rules regarding players age are based on the calendar year, except for the minimum age of 18 and 16 respectively.

Gameplay:

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

  • All categories will play 7-a-side. The match will consist of up to two 10 minute halves, with a 2 minute halftime, and using a size 5 ball. Half length is up to the organizer and referee. If a game starts late, time will be reduced for in game play.
  • Field and goal sizes are estimated at 60 x 35m and 6x2m, the actual size of the field and goal may be different.
  • Game scheduling is managed by a central timing system. Added time if any, as determined by the referee. However, it is not to interfere with other games in the schedule. The master schedule takes priority over game length and game duration is not guaranteed.
  • Each team must have a minimum of 4 players on the field to play the match.
  • The offside law will not apply.
  • Scoring will be as follows: Win = 3 points, Draw = 1 point, Loss = 0 points.
  • All players are required to wear shin guards, appropriate shoes, and proper equipment for the safety of everyone. Regular ground cleats and turf shoes are the only acceptable shoes allowed. No tennis shoes, metal or interchangeable studs, or other types of shoes are allowed. ALL PLAYERS MUST HAVE ADEQUATE INSURNACE IN EFFECT.
  • SLIDE TACKLES ARE NOT ALLOWED AGAINST OTHER PLAYERS. Slide tackle meaning that a player leaves their feet in an attempt to gain an advantage with either 1 or 2 feet extended. Slide tackling is only allowed to keep the ball in play, or to score and only when other players are not in the immediate area. Slide tackling in the area of a player directly can result in an immediate yellow or red card based on the referee’s decision alone. The referee may disallow a goal in which a slide tackle results or plays a part in a score if it impedes another players safety. This decision is based on the referee only.
  • 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. The referee may choose to stop play at his decision alone.
  • 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 team does not want a referee to be involved with their game, they must advise this 10 minutes before each game to the Head Referee.
  • If a player receives a yellow card in a match this will result in the player being sent off for the remainder of that half, and that team will not be able to replace him/her. (A man down)
  • Two yellow cards for a player in a match = red card, and a one match ban.
  • Straight red card will result in a player being dismissed for the remainder (without replacement) of the active game as well a 2 match ban for the following games. (Ban length can be increased upon the organizing committee and referee decision) It will incur the same man down rule for the entire game.
  • Any acts of intentional violence (Initiated or Retaliation) by a player or supporter may result in suspension or banning of the player, points loss for the team, or the team being disqualified from the event. This will be at the discretion of the organizer after consulting with anyone he deems necessary.
  • All games are on a fixed schedule and your team is expected to be at the field at least 5 minutes before your scheduled game time. The organizing team is not responsible for your team being on the field at the assigned game time. You must manage it by being aware of the schedule.
  • Players not on the field during game play, and spectators must not enter the field of play EVER. Yellow cards and removal from the field of play will be applied to any person that does not abide by this rule at the referee and/or organizer’s decision. If a team does not have players removed within 1 minute, the organizer may award a 3-0 win to the non-offending team.
  • Any issues with decisions made during a game may be brought to the organizing team after your game. All evidence will be considered, but game decisions will stand.
  • VAR – If either team wishes to record their game, the referee may use that footage in goal scoring and other review situations at their discretion. They are not obligated to use video evidence, and the referee’s decision is final in this instance. Extra time may or may not be allocated, but will not affect the master schedule. However it may impede on halftime allowance.

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 may be any of the registered players on the team.
  • Every one minute, one player from each team must leave the field, and 1 player may be substituted. In the event of a medical related situation where an additional player needs to be changed, the player leaving the field will be PERMANENTLY removed from the tournament.
  • 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 players who is on the field may take the goalkeepers place. By wearing a different color shirt, and gloves if they want.
  • The first team to score a goal wins the match.
  • The format may be adjusted based on the agreement of both captains prior to or during this extra time period.

Rain 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 in in progress and has less than 8 minutes remaining the score at the time will stand and the game will be considered complete.
  • 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 1 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. If after 7 minutes there is no goal, it will end in a tie during the group stage. If in playoff/championship game it will reset to any 5 players and follow the Golden Goal format.

Protests:

  • If your team would like to protest a match or make a complaint about a specific games outcome that you wish to have reviewed. This must be done by approaching the organizing desk, with your retainer and all evidence ready to present. There will be a $100 retainer by the team making the protest/complaint. If found to be correct through clear evidence that specifically shows the protest is justified, then the retainer will be returned and the match may be replayed at the organizer’s discretion.
  • Evidence if any may include video which includes time stamps, team captain testimony, referee testimony, and other forms.
  • We encourage you to record all your games, clearly showing the match start time and end time, with unedited and continuous footage from before the match starts until your team leaves the field.
  • NOTE: Players not on the field during play may not enter the field for any reason.

Violations:

  • Other offences, which may not be detailed here are subject to consequences. These consequences may be through the organizer, property owner, and government. We encourage you to use your best judgement and maintain a professional and cautious attitude at all times. Your activities may be recorded at the grounds from multiple cameras, and anyone found to have broken any law may be subject to the laws of Vietnam.

DISCLAIMER:

Everyone enters the Saigon 7s at their own risk. Football is a contact sport and, occasionally, accidents happen. By participating, you agree to the rules, and that you maintain and will have proper equipment, and current medical coverages including insurance. The APFT, Saigon Vietnam 7s, its organizers, employees, local/state government and any related agencies or companies, and the entire facility cannot be held liable for any injuries, accidents, or loss of any kind during the course of the event. By participating you acknowledge and accept that you have no right of claim for any such incident regardless of reason.

In addition, if something here is not specifically covered in the rules, the organizer reserves the right to make a decision on said issue, and that ruling will be final.

Discipline

Any player involved in a fight, abusing match/tournament officials and damaging property shall be banned from the tournament and its premises. The team associated with this player must cover all costs associated with the incident, failure to do so will result in legal action, and player all team players info being sent to the authorities for resolution.

Change of Format

The Organizing Committee reserves the right to alter the format, rules, or location of the tournament due to unusual weather conditions or other circumstances as needed at their sole discretion.

Responsibility

The officials, organizing committee, event venue, and all other associated with the tournament accept no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury to participants, players or spectators during the duration of the tournament. Clubs/Teams are strongly advised to ensure that their players are adequately insured, and that they watch/guard their belongings at all times.

Prizes:

There is no prize money, just the fun of competing and some pretty cool trophies and medals.