1. TOURNAMENT FORMAT
Under 8 & Under 10
- Team numbers: 7-a-side
- Squad size: 12 players
- Match time: 2 x 20 minutes
- Offside rule: No offsides
- Draw in knockout stages: Matches go straight to penalty shootout
- Schedule: Sunday, Monday: group stage matches; Tuesday, Wednesday: knockout stage matches
Under 12
- Team numbers: 9-a-side
- Squad size: 16 players
- Match time: 2 x 25 minutes
- Offside rule: Offside rule used
- Draw in knockout stages: Matches go straight to penalty shootout
- Schedule: Sunday, Monday: group stage matches; Tuesday, Wednesday: knockout stage matches
Under 14, Under 16 & Under 18
- Team numbers: 11-a-side
- Squad size: 18 players
- Match time: 2 x 25 minutes
- Offside rule: Offside rule used
- Draw in knockout stages: Matches go straight to penalty shootout
- Schedule: Sunday, Monday: group stage matches; Tuesday, Wednesday: knockout stage matches
NOTE: Knockout Stage and Play Off formats will be released after team registration has closed
2. DRAW FOR GROUPS
The Tournament Committee will conduct a draw for all age-groups at a date not less than 5 days before the event. A fixture list will then be circulated to all participating teams and published on our website at www.penangcup.com
3. PLAYERS
Under 8 & Under 10
In the Under 8 & 10 competition, a total of 7 players may be sent onto the pitch for each team (including 6 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper). A maximum of 5 substitutes are allowed for each team, hence, a total of 12 players are allowed to be registered for each team. A team must have 6 players present before the match can begin, otherwise, the team will forfeit the match.
Under 12
In the Under 12 competition, a total of 9 players may be sent onto the pitch for each team (including 8 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper). A maximum of 5 substitutes are allowed for each team, hence, a total of 14 players are allowed to be registered for each team. A team must have 6 players present before the match can begin, otherwise, the team will forfeit the match.
Under 14, Under 16 & Under 18
In the Under 14 and Under 16 competitions, a total of 11 players may be sent onto the pitch for each team (including 10 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper). A maximum of 7 substitutes are allowed for each team, hence, a total of 18 players are allowed to be registered for each team. A team must have 7 players present before the match can begin, otherwise, the team will forfeit the match.
Player Eligibility:
- Under 8: Boys born 2012 and later / Girls born 2010 and later
- Under 10: Boys born 2010 and later / Girls born 2008 and later
- Under 12: Boys born 2008 and later / Girls born 2006 and later
- Under 14: Boys born 2006 and later / Girls born 2004 and later
- Under 16: Boys born 2004 and later / Girls born 2002 and later
- Under 18: Boys born 2002 and later / Girls born 2000 and later
All players must abide strictly to the age categories as listed above.
All players are required to produce their original IC or Passport when registering on both days of the tournament and must carry their ID throughout the Penang Cup. Players under the age of 12 with no photo ID may present their original birth certificate as a replacement.
Teams must complete the online player registration form prior to the tournament and must submit 1 copy to the registration desk and keep 1 copy with them at all times. Teams will need to register their players at least 45 minutes before their first kick off.
4. RULES
Unless amended by the Tournament Committee, all rules should follow according to the rules of FIFA for 7-a-side (U8 & U10) 9-a-side (U12) and 11-a-side (U14, U16 and U18) football.
5. BALLS
The Under 8, 10 & 12 age group will use size 4 footballs. The Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 age groups will use size 5 footballs.
6. MATCH TIMES
Under 8 & 10
Matches will be 2 x 20 minutes
Under 12
Matches will be 2 x 25 minutes
Under 14, 16 & Under 18
Matches will be 2 x 25 minutes
7. RED AND YELLOW CARDS
Players shown a red card (straight red or 2 yellow cards in one match) are sent off immediately and banned from playing for one full match.
8. OFFSIDE
The offside rule will not be used for the U8 & U10 age groups, but will be used for the U12, U14, U16 and U18 age groups.
9. SUBSTITUTIONS
- The substitute must wait for the player to leave the pitch before entering
- When substituting, the team must notify the referee when the ball is out-of-bounds for the substitution to happen
- Substituted players shall be allowed to re-enter during the same match (rolling substitutions)
10. TIME ALLOWANCE
A maximum of two (2) minutes allowance shall be allowed after the starting whistle by the referee, failing which a walkover may be awarded to the opponents with full points and a registered score of 3-0.
11. POINTS SYSTEM
- Win: 3 points
Draw: 1 point
Loss: 0 points
12. TEAMS TIED IN GROUP STAGES
In the case that 2 teams are tied at the end of the group stages, placing will be determined by the following order, in order:
- Best goal difference
- Most goals scored
- Fewest goals conceded
- Winner of head to head match
- Sudden death penalty shootout
13. TEAMS TIED IN KNOCKOUT STAGES
In the event of a tie in the Knockout Stages, matches will move directly to a penalty shootout with the following rules:
- U8, U10, U12: 3 penalty kicks per team | U14, U16, U18: 5 penalty kicks per team
- If there is still no result: Sudden death (until 1 team scores and the other team fails to score in the same round)
Note: Only players on the pitch at the end of ordinary time may take a penalty.
14. CONDUCT
Coaches, team managers and supporters shall not question the referee’s decision. The use of foul language and/or aggressive behaviour could lead to a team being removed from the tournament.
All teams are reminded that this is a youth tournament and that positive support is strongly encouraged.
15. ACT OF GOD
If the field becomes unsuitable for play due to heavy rain, lightning or for any other reasons, the Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on the event or change the format of the event.
16. BAD WEATHER PROTOCOL
In the event that lightning or bad weather causes a stop in play, a match result will stand if more than 10 minutes of that match has been played. If less than 10 minutes of a match has been played at the time of the stoppage, the remainder of the match will be played once conditions are deemed safe by the organiser.
In the case of severe weather, the organiser reserves the right to amend the schedule and formats in order to complete the tournament according to our principles of safety.
17. INSURANCE AND RISK
A medical team will be on site to aid injuries, however players must have their own medical insurance. The tournament organisers are not 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.
The organising team will take all reasonable precaution, but each player is responsible for his or her personal health and safety upon agreement to participate in this tournament.
18. JURISDICTION
In the event of a protest or dispute, the Tournament Committee shall have sole jurisdiction in settling the matter.