Rules, fairplay, and more

General information

The deadline for registration for the event is 16 days before the actual event, so that most teams have an overview of who is still playing in the club after the summer holidays. The match schedule is expected to be ready a week before the actual event, but the games will probably start at 9.30 and end with a medal ceremony around 17.30/18.00. When the match schedule is ready, it will be available on an event app, where results and standings are continuously updated on the day of the event.

 

Our goal is that the teams that reach the medal matches in A-C will have played about two hours during the day, while D and E will play a little less. All teams advance from the preliminary round, and please note that the losers of the playoff games (typically quarter finals) still have to play a single placement match. It is not just about winning medals – the event is also preparation for the autumn season.

 

There are medals awarded to No. 1, 2 and 3 in all ranks. A large trophy for the winning team, but also a small trophy with position indicated on it for all other teams, so there is something at stake for the club’s trophy cabinet in the placement matches. Teams placed 4, 5, 6 etc. must pick up their placement trophy in the administration tent.

 

We reward the tournament fighters of the year – one player in 8-a-side football and one player in 5-a-side football. Fighter prizes are awarded at the end of the medal ceremony.

 

The playing time in the individual matches depends on the number of teams in each group and can typically vary from 2 x 8 minutes to 2 x 15 minutes. The playing time appears in the final match schedule. All teams will have lunch break lasting for about an hour or more.

 

Pitch no. 1-4 (8-a-side football) are very good newer artificial grass courts, so be aware that long trousers for the goalkeepers may be a good idea.

 

The first-mentioned team starts at the end where the pitch number is.  After the match, the coach of the first-mentioned team is given a note with the result of the match by the referee, and this note must be handed in immediately to the event administration (same tent as the large kiosk).

 

There is an approximately 3 minute long break between halves in each match.

Specific match rules

A-C is 8-a-side football – deliberate passes with the foot from a teammate to the goalkeeper may not be picked up. 

If the goalkeeper picks up the ball anyway, an indirect free kick is awarded.


D-E is 5-a-side football – deliberate passes with the foot from a teammate to the goalkeeper may be picked up. 


8-a-side football – a team is allowed to use up to 15 players per year. .


5-a-side football – a team is allowed to use up to 11 players per year. 


We play with throw-ins (not kick-ins) and corner kicks.


Players may be substituted continuously – even if there is no stoppage of play, and also without informing the referee – but the player must be off the pitch before the new player enters. If the referee believes that a team have benefited from an incorrect substitution, the other team gets a free kick at the sideline.


There will be no team registration cards to be filled in – we trust that you only use players in one team during the day and at the right level. You do not have to report your arrival in the morning – we trust that you will show up at the event.


If a team is a player short due to injuries or other reasons so that they for instance only have seven players available on an 8-a-side team, then the opponent is not obliged to play with seven players, but if the teams can agree to play with seven players, it is ok. Similarly, in case of injuries etc. it is also ok to use a player from another team if the opponent accepts this, which the opponent is not obliged to do. 

Both in the case of fewer players on the field and an in reality illegal player, the two coaches must jointly inform the referee that the teams agree on this.


3 points are awarded for a win and 1 point for a draw.


Time is only added for extraordinary match stoppages – 100% the referee’s decision!!


When leading by three goals (goes for six, nine also), the opposing team must use an extra player. If the lead is reduced to two goals, the extra player must be removed again.


A yellow card results in a three-minute sending off, while a red card means a sending off for the rest of the match and suspension for the following match.


In the event of a draw in a knock-out match / playoff match, the teams go directly to penalty kicks. Three kicks for each team and if the match is still tied, there is one kick for each team until we have a winner.


Group standings depends on the following:

1) Number of points

2) Number of points in head-to-head matches

3) Goal difference in head-to-head matches (may be relevant if more than two teams have the same number of points)

4) Goal difference in all matches

5) Most goals scored

6) Fewest goals conceded

7) Most goals scored in head-to-head matches

8) If there is still equality in an initial group, lots will be drawn for placement. 


If a level/ranking has groups with different numbers of teams, then the matches against the bottom team in the group are not included when best 1st place and best 2nd place etc. are to be decided

Fair play

It’s fun to win, and it’s the most fun to win with a clear conscience. And what if karma is real…!!?


We start every match by wishing a good match at the center of the pitch, and we ALWAYS say thank you for the match afterwards to the players, coaches and referees.


Play to win but respect your opponents – don’t mock them – don’t tease them – don’t make free kicks on purpose.


The goal score can be important, BUT there is no reason to win 10-0 – if possible, give the best players a break if the lead is big. No reason for spectators to cheer wildly when scores reach 10-0, but otherwise, cheer all you can. 


Be lenient – remember that opponents’ players are often developmentally disabled or have ADHD or learning difficulties or lack social compentencies and may therefore react inappropriately.


Be patient – the referees are doing their best and they spend their free time refereeing. Our referees are also very happy to referee at Sommerbold på heden. We urge the coaches to help the referees by removing the players’ focus from any mistakes – by replacing players who have become too hot-tempered or aggressive and by urging accompanying spectators to keep a good tone of voice.

Event partner

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