MERKUUR-JUUNIOR CUP 2026 RULES

Age group	Date	On field	Match time	Ball	Offside	Max. players	Matches
2017	17.10.2026	6+1	1 × 20 min	No. 3	No	15	5
2018	18.10.2026	4+1	1 × 17 min	No. 3	No	12	5
2019	17.10.2026	4+1	1 × 17 min	No. 3	No	12	5
2020	18.10.2026	3+1	1 × 15 min	No. 3	No	10	6

Each team in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 age groups will play 5 matches. Each team in the 2020 age group will play 6 matches.
Ball size 3 is used in every age group and the offside rule does not apply.

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1. The organiser of Merkuur-Juunior Cup 2026 is Jalgpalliklubi "Merkuur-Juunior".

1.2. The tournaments take place on 17-18 October 2026 at Annemõisa Football Hall, Kaunase pst 70a, Tartu.

1.3. Each age-group tournament is played within one day.

1.4. Matches are played according to the current Laws of football, taking into account the exceptions stated in these tournament rules.

1.5. If the general Laws of football and a special rule of this tournament conflict, the Merkuur-Juunior Cup rules take precedence.

1.6. Situations not directly regulated by these rules are decided by the tournament head referee and the organisers.

2. AGE GROUPS AND MATCH FORMAT

The tournaments use the match formats, match durations and maximum squad sizes shown in the table at the top of this page.

2.1. There are 16 teams in each of the 2017, 2018 and 2019 age groups.

2.2. There are 14 teams in the 2020 age group.

3. TEAM SQUAD AND PLAYERS

3.1. Only players included on the team's official squad list may take part in matches.

3.2. Maximum number of players per team:

• 2017 - 15 players;
• 2018 - 12 players;
• 2019 - 12 players;
• 2020 - 10 players.

3.3. The organiser has the right to verify a player's date of birth if necessary. The team representative must be prepared to prove the player's identity and date of birth using an identity document or other official document.

3.4. After the tournament has started, new players may be added to the squad only with the organiser's permission.

3.5. In the 2017, 2018 and 2019 age groups, the team squad must be entered into the Turniir.ee system before the team's first match, including player numbers and dates of birth. This is required, among other things, to verify player eligibility and record goalscorer statistics.

4. OLDER PLAYERS

4.1. 2017: maximum two players born on or after 01.08.2016.

4.2. 2018: maximum one player born on or after 01.08.2017.

4.3. 2019: maximum one player born on or after 01.08.2018.

4.4. 2020: maximum one player born on or after 01.08.2019.

4.5. Exceptions are possible only by prior agreement with the tournament organiser and provided that the older player's football level does not give the team an unreasonable sporting advantage.

5. A PLAYER REPRESENTING MORE THAN ONE TEAM

5.1. A player may not represent two different teams in the same age-group tournament.

5.2. An exception is possible only with the organiser's prior approval, for example because of injuries or an objective shortage of players.

5.3. Using an unlisted or ineligible player may result in a forfeit loss for the team.

6. SUBSTITUTIONS

6.1. Unlimited rolling substitutions, including repeat substitutions, are permitted in all age groups.

6.2. A player who has left the field may later re-enter the match.

6.3. Substitutions are made through the team's own substitution area.

6.4. The player leaving the field must exit before the substitute enters.

6.5. The referee may caution a player for an incorrect substitution procedure.

7. TOURNAMENT FORMAT

2017, 2018 and 2019

7.1. There are 16 teams in each age group.

7.2. The teams are divided into four groups of four: A, B, C and D.

7.3. Each team plays every other team in its group once, for a total of three group-stage matches.

7.4. A win is worth 3 points, a draw 1 point and a loss 0 points.

7.5. After the group stage, four separate play-off brackets are formed according to each team's group position:

• group winners play for places 1-4;
• teams finishing 2nd play for places 5-8;
• teams finishing 3rd play for places 9-12;
• teams finishing 4th play for places 13-16.

7.6. Each team plays a total of 5 matches: three group-stage matches, one semi-final within its placement bracket and one final placement match.

2020

7.7. The 2020 tournament consists of 14 teams divided into two groups of seven.

7.8. Each team plays every other team in its group once, for a total of 6 matches.

7.9. Results and final rankings are not recorded in the 2020 age group.

8. GROUP-STAGE RANKING

If two or more teams finish with the same number of points, their ranking is determined by the following criteria:

1. points in head-to-head matches;
2. goal difference in head-to-head matches;
3. goals scored in head-to-head matches;
4. goal difference in all group matches;
5. goals scored in all group matches;
6. fewer disciplinary sanctions;
7. draw of lots.

9. SEMI-FINALS AND PLACEMENT MATCHES

9.1. In the 2017, 2018 and 2019 age groups, four separate play-off brackets are played after the group stage.

Places 1-4

The semi-final winners play in the final, while the losers play the 3rd-place match.

Places 5-8

The semi-final winners play for 5th place, while the losers play for 7th place.

Places 9-12

The semi-final winners play for 9th place, while the losers play for 11th place.

Places 13-16

The semi-final winners play for 13th place, while the losers play for 15th place.

9.2. This system gives every team the same number of matches and allows teams to continue against opponents of a broadly similar level after the group stage.

10. 2020 TOURNAMENT

10.1. No final ranking is compiled in the 2020 age group.

10.2. First, second and subsequent final places are not determined.

10.3. Each team plays all six opponents in its seven-team group and therefore plays a total of 6 matches.

10.4. Every player receives a Merkuur-Juunior Cup keepsake award.

10.5. At this age, the main objective is to play as much football as possible, score goals, defend one's own goal, enjoy the emotions of the game and gain football experience.

11. DRAW IN A PLAY-OFF MATCH

11.1. No extra time is played.

11.2. If a semi-final, final or other placement match ends in a draw, the winner is decided immediately by a penalty shoot-out.

11.3. Each team initially takes three penalties.

11.4. If the score is still level after three penalties each, the shoot-out continues one kick at a time until a winner is determined after both teams have taken an equal number of kicks.

11.5. Penalties are taken from the spot designated by the organiser.

12. THROW-IN - 2017

12.1. In the 2017 age group, the ball is put back into play from the touchline by hand.

12.2. The throw-in is taken in accordance with the normal Laws of football.

12.3. For an incorrect throw-in, the referee may on the first occasion briefly explain the mistake to the player and allow the throw-in to be retaken.

13. KICK-IN - 2018

13.1. In the 2018 age group, the ball is put back into play from the touchline with the foot.

13.2. The player may not bring the ball onto the field themselves and continue dribbling.

13.3. The ball must be passed to another player.

13.4. A goal scored directly from a kick-in does not count.

14. KICK-IN - 2019 AND 2020

14.1. The ball is put back into play from the touchline with the foot.

14.2. The player may:

• pass the ball to a teammate;
• bring the ball onto the field themselves and continue playing with it.

14.3. If a player brings the ball onto the field themselves from a kick-in, at least one other player must touch the ball before a goal may be scored.

14.4. If the ball enters the goal after a self-started kick-in without being touched by any other player, the goal does not count.

14.5. If an opposing player touches the ball before it enters the goal, the goal may be awarded.

14.6. A goal scored directly from a kick-in does not count.

15. OFFSIDE

The offside rule does not apply in any age group.

16. STARTING AND RESTARTING PLAY

16.1. The match starts from the centre of the field.

16.2. Opponents must remain in their own half and respect the distance set by the referee.

16.3. After a goal, play restarts from the centre.

16.4. In other restart situations, the normal Laws of football and the referee's decision apply.

17. GOAL RESTARTS AND GOALKEEPER

17.1. The ball is put into play from the designated goal area.

17.2. The goalkeeper may handle the ball only inside their own penalty area.

17.3. The goalkeeper may not handle a deliberate back-pass kicked by a teammate.

17.4. A goal scored by throwing the ball directly from the goalkeeper's hands into the opponents' goal does not count.

17.5. If the technical layout of a small-sided pitch requires clarification of the restart procedure, the referee will explain it to the teams before their first match.

18. FREE KICKS AND PENALTIES

18.1. Depending on the nature of the offence, a direct or indirect free kick is awarded.

18.2. Opponents must keep the distance specified by the referee.

18.3. A penalty is awarded for an offence that would normally result in a penalty under the Laws of football.

18.4. The penalty spot depends on the markings of the specific playing field.

19. CARDS AND DISMISSALS

19.1. The referee may give a verbal warning and may show a yellow or red card.

19.2. Two yellow cards to the same player in the same match result in a red card and dismissal.

19.3. A dismissed player may not return to the same match.

19.4. A red card does not automatically mean suspension from the next match.

19.5. After the match, the referee informs the organiser of the circumstances of the dismissal. If necessary, the referee and organiser jointly decide whether an additional sanction should be applied.

19.6. In the case of particularly serious, aggressive or unsporting misconduct, a player may be suspended for the next match or for a longer period, up to exclusion from the remainder of the tournament.

19.7. Any additional disciplinary sanction is decided by the organiser after consultation with the referee.

20. CONDUCT OF COACHES, PARENTS AND SPECTATORS

20.1. Everyone at the tournament must treat players, opponents, referees and organisers with respect.

20.2. Emotional and positive support is welcome.

20.3. Insulting players, coaches, referees or other participants is not permitted.

20.4. The referee or organiser may warn a coach, team representative or spectator.

20.5. In the event of repeated or serious misconduct, a person may be removed from the playing area or tournament venue.

Football is an emotional game. Adult pressure on children or referees has no place in it.

21. MINIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND LATE ARRIVAL

21.1. A team must be ready at its pitch at least 5 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time.

21.2. Matches start according to the published schedule.

21.3. If a team is not ready to start within 5 minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, the organiser may award a 0:3 forfeit loss.

21.4. The minimum number of players required to start a match is:

• 2017 - 4 players;
• 2018 - 3 players;
• 2019 - 3 players;
• 2020 - 3 players.

21.5. The organiser may allow a match with fewer players to be played as a friendly if this does not disrupt the tournament schedule.

22. PLAYING KIT

22.1. Players of the same team must wear identical or visually similar playing kits.

22.2. The goalkeeper must wear a colour distinguishable from the outfield players.

22.3. If the two teams' kit colours are too similar, the team listed second in the schedule uses bibs or an alternative kit.

22.4. If necessary, the organiser provides bibs.

22.5. The use of football shin guards is recommended.

23. REFEREES

23.1. Matches are officiated by referees appointed by the organiser.

23.2. The referee's decisions on incidents during play are final.

23.3. Coaches and team representatives may not interfere with the referee's work during a match.

23.4. An organisational or rules-related dispute may be raised after the match with the tournament head referee or organiser.

24. PROTESTS

24.1. A protest may concern:

• a player's eligibility to participate in the tournament;
• a substantial breach of these rules;
• another serious circumstance that may have directly affected the result of the match.

24.2. Mere disagreement with a referee's subjective decision in a match situation is not, by itself, grounds for a protest.

24.3. The team's official representative must submit the protest to the tournament organiser no later than 30 minutes after the end of the relevant match.

24.4. A protest may be submitted orally. The organiser records the substance of the protest and may, if necessary, ask for brief written or electronic confirmation.

24.5. A €100 deposit must be paid for the protest to be processed. The protest will be reviewed on its merits after the deposit has been paid.

24.6. If the protest is upheld, the €100 deposit is refunded to the team in full.

24.7. If the protest is rejected, the deposit is not refunded.

24.8. The protest is reviewed by the tournament organiser and head referee; if necessary, the referee who officiated the match may also be involved.

24.9. The decision is based on these rules, the circumstances of the specific case and the information available to the organiser.

24.10. The tournament organiser's decision on the protest is final.

25. AWARDS

2017, 2018 and 2019

25.1. Teams finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd receive Merkuur-Juunior Cup team trophies.

25.2. Every player receives a personal Merkuur-Juunior Cup keepsake award.

25.3. The awards for players from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed teams carry the corresponding final placing.

25.4. In each age group, the following are recognised separately:

• Best Player of the tournament;
• Best Goalkeeper of the tournament;
• Top Goalscorer of the tournament.

2020

25.5. Final places are not determined.

25.6. Every participant receives a Merkuur-Juunior Cup keepsake award.

26. PARENTS' PENALTY CUP

26.1. The Parents' Penalty Cup is a separate side competition of the Merkuur-Juunior Cup.

26.2. The Parents' Penalty Cup is held in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 age groups.

26.3. Parents or legal guardians of players from registered teams may participate.

26.4. Each team is represented in a penalty shoot-out by three participants, one of whom acts as goalkeeper.

26.5. One team first takes three penalties, followed by the other team taking three penalties.

26.6. If the score is level after three kicks each, the shoot-out continues one kick at a time until a winner is determined after both teams have taken an equal number of kicks.

26.7. The Parents' Penalty Cup is played in a knock-out format. If the parents of a team choose not to participate, the opposing team automatically advances to the next round.

26.8. A winner is determined in the Parents' Penalty Cup and receives a separate prize.

26.9. The results of the Parents' Penalty Cup do not affect the children's tournament results. Not even if Mum or Dad scores every penalty.

27. PHOTO AND VIDEO RECORDING

27.1. Photo and video recording will take place during the Merkuur-Juunior Cup for the purpose of covering the tournament and the club's activities.

27.2. A professional sports photographer will be working at the tournament.

27.3. The material may be published on the website and social media channels of Jalgpalliklubi "Merkuur-Juunior" and in tournament-related information materials.

27.4. Team representatives are asked to inform the parents of their players in advance that photography will take place at the tournament.

27.5. If, for a justified reason, a particular child may not be photographed or their photos may not be published, the organiser must be informed before the tournament begins.

27.6. All teams are asked to have a team photo taken by the tournament photographer before their first match. Additional instructions and reminders will be provided at the venue.

28. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND LIABILITY

28.1. Each team is responsible for the health condition of its players and their readiness to participate in the tournament.

28.2. In case of injury, the organisers will provide reasonable first aid where possible and call medical assistance if necessary.

28.3. The organiser is not responsible for sports injuries, illness, or the loss or damage of personal belongings, except where otherwise required by law.

28.4. All participants must follow the safety and internal rules of Annemõisa Football Hall.

29. CHANGES TO THE SCHEDULE

29.1. The organiser has the right to change the tournament schedule if necessary.

29.2. Changes may result, for example, from:

• a change in the number of participating teams;
• a team's late arrival or withdrawal;
• force majeure;
• technical or organisational reasons.

29.3. The organiser's aim is to maintain the smoothest and most convenient possible schedule and the promised number of matches for each team.

30. ACCEPTANCE OF THE RULES

Registering a team for the Merkuur-Juunior Cup means that the team has read these rules and agrees to their terms.