Rules

  • Grassroots International Cup – Rules & Regulations

1. Governing Rules

The Grassroots International Cup shall be played in accordance with the applicable Laws of the Game as set out by FIFA and IFAB, together with the regulations of The FA and relevant County FA associations. In the event of any dispute regarding the interpretation of FIFA regulations, the English text shall apply.

Competitive Competition Rules

All 11v11 matches will be played in accordance with the current IFAB Laws of the Game. Full details can be found on the IFAB website.

2. The Grassroots International Cup Committee (GICC)

(A) The GICC shall be appointed by the organisers and will consist of individuals deemed appropriate. All participants must comply with The FA Safeguarding Children Regulations. Matches shall be played under IFAB Laws unless otherwise stated.

(B) All official correspondence and records relating to the competition shall be managed by the GICC.

(C) Clubs must communicate with the GICC via official coaches or team managers, using the designated email channels.

3. Powers of Management

(A) The GICC may appoint sub-committees and delegate powers as required.

(B) The GICC has full authority to apply, enforce, and interpret the competition rules, including matters not specifically covered within these regulations.

(C) All decisions of the GICC are final and binding. No right of appeal is permitted.

(D) Clubs must comply with all instructions issued by the GICC and respond promptly to competition correspondence.

(E) Competition business may be conducted electronically.

4. Player Qualifications

(A) Age Groups – English Season 2026/27

Boys & Girls

  • U7 (Born 1 Sept 2019 – 31 Aug 2020) – 3v3

  • U8 (Born 1 Sept 2018 – 31 Aug 2019) – 5v5

  • U9 (Born 1 Sept 2017 – 31 Aug 2018) – 5v5

  • U10 (Born 1 Sept 2016 – 31 Aug 2017) – 7v7

  • U11 (Born 1 Sept 2015 – 31 Aug 2016) – 7v7

  • U12 (Born 1 Sept 2014 – 31 Aug 2015) – 9v9

  • U13–(Born 1 Sept 2013 – 31 Aug 2014) – 9v9

  • U14–(Born 1 Sept 2012 – 31 Aug 2013) – 11v11

  • U15–(Born 1 Sept 2011 – 31 Aug 2012) – 11v11

  • U16 (Born 1 Sept 2010 – 31 Aug 2011) – 11v11

Domestic Age Group Recognition

Age groups for this event are based on the English FA 2026/27 season (1 September 2026 – 31 August 2027). A player’s age group is determined by their date of birth and the English FA cut-off of 31 August 2026, not by the age group they play in domestically.

Players from other countries that use different age cut-off dates may play up one age group if this matches the age group they normally play in at home. Players may not play down an age group and may only compete in one age group during the event. Proof of date of birth may be requested, and all eligibility decisions made by the organisers are final.

If there is any uncertainty about a player’s age category, teams should contact info@grassrootsinternationalcup.com, providing the player’s date of birth for verification.

(B) Clubs must submit player registration forms and provide proof of age if requested.

(C) Players must be registered members of their club and may only play for one team during the tournament. No player movement between teams in the same age group is permitted.

(D) Teams must be affiliated to The FA or their National Association. Squads may consist of a maximum of 18 players (format dependent).

5. Club Colours, Names & Player Equipment

(A) Clubs must register kit colours in advance. The GICC will determine suitability.

(B) Goalkeepers must wear colours clearly distinguishable from both teams and match officials.

(C) In the event of a colour clash, the away team will be required to change.

(D) Shin pads are compulsory for all players.

6. Determining Final Positions (Competitive Age Groups Only)

(A) 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw.

(B) Group stages are played in a round-robin league format.

(C) If teams are level on points, the following apply:

  1. Goal difference

  2. Goals scored

  3. Head-to-head result

  4. Penalty kicks

Withdrawn teams will have all results expunged/or 3-0 wins to opposition.

7. Match Duration

(A) Group matches: 10–35 minutes straight (format dependent).
Finals: 25 minutes per half.

(B) Half-time shall not exceed 10 minutes.

(C) Knockout matches tied at full time will be decided by penalties in accordance with IFAB procedures.

8. Substitutes & Playing Format

(A) Substitutions are permitted in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

(B) Rolling substitutions are permitted in all formats.

(C) Offside applies in 9v9 and 11v11 only.

(D) Retreat lines apply where appropriate.

(E) Pass-back rule applies except in 3v3 and 5v5.

(F) Goalkeepers may not score directly from a goal kick.

9. Dispensation

Requests for dispensation must be submitted in writing no later than 14 days before the event.

10. Reporting Results

Referees are responsible for reporting results to the GICC.

11. Referees

(A) Referees will be appointed by the organisers and affiliated bodies.

(B) Club assistant referees may be used if required.

12. Protests & Complaints

(A) All eligibility or rule disputes must be referred to the GICC.

(B) Complaints relating to facilities or officiating decisions will not be considered.

13. Trophies, Medals & Awards

Competitive tournaments will award trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
Non-competitive festival participants will receive participation medals.

14. Exclusion & Misconduct

(A) Teams or clubs may be excluded for misconduct.

(B) Players sent off for violent or abusive conduct will miss their next match.

15. Abandoned Matches

(A) Decisions on abandoned fixtures rest with the GICC.

(B) Weather-related abandonments with no replay available may result in one point awarded to each team.

16. Insurance

All participating clubs must hold adequate public liability and player insurance.

17. Amendments

The organisers reserve the right to amend rules, fixtures, groups, or timings. Updates will be communicated via official channels.

18. Fixture Changes

The organisers reserve the right to amend fixtures, groups, timings, and pitches up to 24 hours before the event.