Rules

Each age group consists of 8 teams – Brazil, England, France, Belgium, Nigeria, Argentina, Portugal & Spain
Each team plays 7 group matches over 2 nights before MWC Finals day.
Quarter finals, semi finals, 3rd place play-off and Finals will all be played on MWC Finals day.
Quarter finals draw will be done at the end of group matches and will be based on league positions.
Winning quarter finalists will enter a World Cup semi-final. Losing quarter finalists will enter a World Cup Plate semi-final.
Under 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13+ and Girls Only age groups are competitive. Trophies are presented to the WC & WC Plate winners and runner up teams. All losing players receive a medal.
Academy and Under 7 age groups are non-competitive. All teams/players play in the WC Final, win the WC Final and receive a medal.

Normal UEFA/FIFA small sided rules apply except for below.
3 points are awarded for a win and 1 point for a draw.
All winning results are recorded by no more than 2 goals e.g. 5-2 is recorded as 4-2 with a 2 goal difference counted.
Academy is 5 mins each half.
Under 7, Under 8, Under 9 and Girls Only matches are 10 mins each half. Under 10, Under 11, Under 12 and Under 13 can play 15 mins each half (to be decided by age coordinator and agreed with managers).
Throw-ins are not strict. Reasonable overhead throw-ins are allowed at Under 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13+ and Girls Only. All throw-ins for Academy & Under 7’s are allowed including under arm, overhead and some kicks.
GK kick-outs are not allowed. GK throw-outs are allowed under arm or over arm for wide or saved shots. GK throw-outs can be taken from anywhere inside the box. GK throw-outs are contested. Accidental GK kick-outs should be re-taken but ref can continue to play if no obvious advantage.

Matches drawn at the end of normal time will have 1 period of 5 mins extra time played (no half time).
Matches drawn at the end of extra time will go to a penalty competition with 3 penalties to each side. The penalty spot is 10 referee paces from the goal. Matches drawn at the end of 3 penalties go to sudden death.

Corners can be awarded but at referees discretion
Referees are encouraged to keep playing as much as possible.
Throw-ins are used only to steer matches back to the playing pitch ! Obvious throw-ins may not be awarded if there is an opportunity to play on.
Referees are asked to re-take GK throw-outs that go straight to the opposition and score – no goal is awarded.
Referees will award free-kicks if needed but will keep playing if possible. Awarding of penalties will be avoided at all costs – even obvious penalties !!!
Own goals are dis-allowed and no goal is awarded. Play is re-started with the referee throwing the ball into space.
After a goal is scored, referee re-starts play by throwing the ball into space to the advantage of the team who conceded. At referee’s discretion, throw-outs, dribbling etc are also acceptable.

No corners are awarded , GK kick-outs are taken.
Referees are encouraged to keep playing as much as possible.
Throw-ins are used only to steer matches back to the playing pitch ! Obvious throw-ins may not be awarded if there is an opportunity to play on.
Referees are asked to re-take GK kick-outs that go straight to the opposition and score – no goal is awarded.
Matches of 5v6, 6v7 etc will happen – it happens all the time at this age group. Referees, managers and age coordinators may use guest players (sometimes older !) to keep matches even and competitive.
Sometimes there are no GK’s. Sometimes there is 1, 2 or more GK’s – referees will be flexible and understanding.
Referees will award free-kicks if needed but will keep playing if possible. Awarding of penalties will be avoided at all costs – even obvious penalties !!!
Own goals are dis-allowed and no goal is awarded. Play is re-started with the referee throwing the ball into space.
After a goal is scored, referee re-starts play by throwing the ball into space to the advantage of the team who conceded. At referee’s discretion, throw-outs, dribbling etc are also acceptable.

During matches teams losing by 3/more goals are allowed to play extra players. We ask that all managers work to make all matches as competitive as possible.

Academy – all players play all matches
Under 7 – play 6v6 with some teams having 1/more subs. Managers can agree to play 7v7.
Under 8 – play 6v6 with some teams having 1/more subs. Managers can agree to play 7v7.
Under 9 – play 6v6 with some teams having 1/more subs. Managers can agree to play 7v7.
Under 10 – play 6v6 with some teams having 1/more subs. Managers can agree to play 7v7.
Under 11 – play 6v6 with some teams having 1/more subs. Managers can agree to play 7v7.
Under 12 – play 6v6 with some teams having 1/more subs. Managers can agree to play 7v7.
Under 13+ – play 5v5 with some teams having 1/more subs. Managers can agree to play 6v6.
Girls Only – play 6v6 with some teams having 1/more subs. Managers can agree to play 7v7.

If 1 team has less players available then managers agree to play even numbers of players.