iSport Wintercup Tournament Rules

I FIFA Laws of the Game

The international youth football tournament iSport Winter Cup shall follow the international laws of the game provided by FIFA.
NB! If there are conflicting claims in the FIFA rules and in the iSport Winter Cup rules and regulations, the tournament guide shall apply.

II Size of the team and duration of the match

III Use of older players in the tournament

In the 11-a-side categories it is allowed to use in one team up to three older players, who have been born later than 1st of August the prior year.
For example: In the boys’ age group 2008, it is allowed to have in one team three older players, who have been born later than 1.08.2007.

In the 9-a-side, 7-a-side and 5-a-side categories it is allowed to use in one team up to two older players, who have been born later than 1st of August the prior year.
For example: In the boys’ age group 2013, it is allowed to have in one team two older players, who have been born later than 1.08.2012.

The tournament organizers reserve the right to grant permission for teams to include a greater number of older players, born later than 1st of August the prior year, than the standard regulations stipulate. Additionally, organizers hold the authority to approve the participation of older players born before 1st of August the prior year, beyond the established limits. Teams may incorporate these additional older players, subject to the organizers’ approval, provided their participation demonstrates competence suitable for the designated level of play.

This discretionary allowance is subject to evaluation by the organizers and is contingent upon the demonstrated capability of these players to perform at the prescribed level of competition.

IV Stadiums

iSport Winter Cup matches will be held in Tartu. The matches of the tournament will be played on artificial turf.

Annemõisa jalgpallihall (Annemõisa 1a, 50708 Tartu)

V Tournament system

iSport Winter Cup is divided into two phases: group stage tournaments and playoffs.
In the group stage tournaments, the teams are divided into groups of 4-6 teams, where all teams will play against each other once. In the matches held during the group stage tournament, a victory gives each team 3 points, a draw game 1 point and loss 0 points.

If some teams get equal points in group stage, the final ranking will be decided according to:

1. Match between each other
   • In case of dead circle:
     1. Points collected in dead circle
     2. Goal difference in dead circle
2. Overall goal difference
3. Number of goals
4. Abandoned matches, cancellation of results
5. Red cards
6. Drawing lots

All places in the iSport Winter Cup tournament will be determined in the playoff system. The playoff system for each age group will be announced by the organizers one week before the tournament begins.

VI Penalties

During the playoff and final match, if the match ends with a draw after the end of match time, the teams have to start shooting penalties immediately. There will be no extra time during the tournament matches. The number of penalties in each age group:

• Boys in 11-a-side categories – 5 penalties
• Boys in 9-a-side, 7-a-side and 5-a-side categories – 3 penalties

VII Protest

A protest is directed against the validity of the result of the match. A protest has to be based on that whether the player has right to participate or not, on serious violation of the rules by the referee or on some other incident that affected the result of the match.
The protest must be submitted in writing by a team representative (a person who has been designated on the registration form as team leader) no later than 30 minutes after the end of the protested match.

A general protest against the whole opposing team is not acceptable.
Protest against the yellow or red card or against the removal of player from the field after the referee has showed two cards, is only allowed if referee made a mistake against the corresponding player.

Protest processing fee is 200 EUR. This amount will be refunded if the protest is successful.

VIII Jury

The possible disagreements and protests will be solved by a three-member jury. The jury includes the head referee and two head organizers of the tournament.
NB! Jury’s final decision cannot be appealed!

IX Referees

All the referees are accepted by the Estonian Football Association or the head referee of the tournament. The head referee of the tournament is Luisa Klaar.

X Defaulters

If on the football field there is not at least 7 players (11-a-side categories) or 5 players (9-a-side, 7-a-side and 5-a-side categories) then in 5 minutes after the start of official match time, a +/- loss will be entered into the tournament table.

XI Awards

The teams having won the first, second and third place will be awarded with trophies, medals and diplomas. The best player of each age group and goalkeeper will be awarded with the special prizes.

XII Medicine/medical aid

The organizers at iSport Winter Cup football tournament will not take any responsibility for injuries, which happen during the football tournament. Teams have an obligation to ensure that all trauma situations will be resolved.
If possible, the football tournament organizers will assist with their medical skills.

There will be a medical personnel only for 11-a-side A categories tournaments.

XIII Warnings and removals

Player who has received a red card turning a match and is removed from ongoing match, will not be disqualified from subsequent match.

NB! A player who is removed from the field during the iSport Winter Cup tournament due to unsportsmanlike conduct; causing deliberate serious injury; violent behavior; use of threatening, insulting or abusive expressions and/or using gestures; will face disqualification from the subsequent match. The match referee is required to promptly report any removal from the game to the tournament organizer attributed to unsportsmanlike conduct; deliberate serious injury; violent behavior; or the use of threatening, insulting, or abusive expressions and/or gestures. The referee’s decision, based on the aforementioned reasons, is deemed final and is not subject to dispute!

NB! The referee, who serves the match, has the right to demand harsher punishment for the disqualified player. The referee must submit a written application to the tournament organizer, who makes the final decision. The decision of the tournament organizer is final and cannot be appealed.

The decision will be notified to the team representative specified on the registration form.

XIV Recognition of fair play

For the recognition of fair play it is recommended that players shake hands with the opposing players and referee right after the line-up (before the match starts) and after the final whistle.

XV Warranty

By participation in iSport Winter Cup football tournament, the team confirms being aware of all the rules of the tournament.

XVI Balls used in matches

All the balls used during the iSport Winter Cup have a marking “FIFA APPROVED” or “FIFA INSPECTED”.

XVII Registration of the team

When arriving to the tournament, all the teams have to submit the completed registration form to the tournament organizers before their first competitive match.

The players not listed on the registration form cannot participate. Teams are not allowed to add more players to the registration form during the tournament.
The representative of each team is required to sign a statement, confirming the arrival to the tournament, acceptance of the iSport Winte Cup rules and the team’s awareness of possible changes.

NB! A team, who has not met the aforementioned demands, will not be allowed to play in the tournament.

XVIII Start of the match and its accompanying rules

The team has to be beside match field 10 minutes before the match starts.
If the uniforms of both teams are in the same colour, the team who has been listed as the second team has to change shirts or wear vests.
Vests are guaranteed by the tournament organizer.

• Team size for boys in age groups 9-a-side, 7-a-side and 5-a-side categories – 15 players.

XIX State of emergency, tournament management

The jury of the tournament has right to make changes in match times and locations, if it is necessary and an inevitable event requires it!

NB! Tournament organizers reserve the right to make changes in the time schedules during the tournament!
NB! Tournament organizers are not responsible for the event of theft during the tournament!