Ashover Juniors Tournament Rules 2026

Registration for (AM) - 8.30am for 9am KO
Registration for (PM) - 1.30pm for 2pm KO
£2 entry on the gate for adults 16+
Cash & Card available both on gate and at our shop/BBQ
Max Squad size 10 players per team
FA Sanction & Governance. This tournament is sanctioned by The Football Association and shall be played in accordance with the current FA Rules and Regulations. Any matters not specifically covered by these tournament rules shall be determined by the Tournament Committee, whose decision shall be final.
The tournament operates in accordance with FA Safeguarding Children Policy. Any safeguarding concerns should be reported immediately to a Tournament Official or Welfare Officer
We kindly ask all spectators to keep off the pitches and remain behind the barriers.
Refreshments available BBQ, Snacks, hot & cold drinks cash & card available
Limited space around pitches, gazebos are allowed.
NO DOGS allowed.
Ashover Juniors Football Club is firmly committed to the FA Respect Code of Conduct applies at all times. Players, coaches, and spectators are expected to behave in a respectful manner toward match officials, opponents, and tournament staff. The referee’s decision on matters of fact connected with the game shall be final.
Photography and video recording may take place at the tournament. Any concerns regarding safeguarding or the use of images should be raised with a Tournament Official.
All fixtures will be on the tournify app: https://tournifyapp.com/live/ashover26

Awards

A trophy will be awarded to the winner and runner-up in each group.
Mini Soccer only – Players will receive a medal.

Formats

U8s - 5 a side

U9s , U10s, U11s - 7 a side

U12s , U13s , U14s , U15s - 6 a side

Max Squad Size 10 players per team for all age groups

Player Eligibility

Players can play a maximum of 1 year above their age group.
No academy teams.
Players can only compete for one team in an age group and must follow FA rules regarding maximum playing time for their age.
The age groups for the tournament represent that of the 2026 to 2027 season.
The organisers will not ask for proof of players’ age at registration as we trust teams to play by the rule. However, we strongly recommend that managers bring proof of age with them in order they can defend themselves if challenged. Current league ID cards showing that the player is registered in that age group will suffice. If these are not available, then it is recommended that managers bring alternative ID to protect themselves.
Teams not adhering to the player eligibility fair play criteria will be challenged and could be subject to disqualification and asked to leave the tournament.

U8s , U9s , U10s & U11s Tournament Rules

Match Duration

Group Games & Quarter Finals: 10 minutes, one way
Semi Finals: 12 minutes, one way
Final: 12 minutes total (6 minutes each way)

In the event of a draw in the Quarter Finals, Semi Finals or Final:

Each team will take 3 penalties
If still level, sudden death penalties will apply

In the event of teams level in the group stages. Positions will be decided in the following order

Goal difference
Goals for
Head-to-head

Teams & Format

U8:
- Maximum squad: 10 players
- Format: 5v5 (including goalkeeper)
- Up to 5 substitutes
U9, U10 & U11:
- Maximum squad: 10 players
- Format: 7v7 (including goalkeeper)
- Up to 3 substitutes

All substitutions are roll-on, roll-off and can be made at any stoppage with the referee’s permission.

Equipment & Pitch

Ball: Size 3 (all teams must supply their own match balls)
Shin pads: Mandatory for all players

Rules of Play - Normal FA Mini-Soccer Laws apply, with the following tournament regulations:

Kick-Off & Administration

The referee will decide which direction to kick.
For Semi Finals and Final, a coin toss will determine kick-off and ends.

Match Laws & Modifications

Goals cannot be scored directly from kick-off or from a restart following a goal.
U8 Goalkeepers:
- ARE allowed to pick up the ball from a deliberate back pass
- EXCEPTION: if passed back immediately from a goal kick
U9, U10 & U11 Goalkeepers:
- ARE NOT allowed to pick up the ball from a deliberate back pass
All free kicks are direct
At kick-off and all free kicks, opponents must be 5 yards from the ball
Kick-ins (no throw-ins) will be used in line with FA guidance
- The player may kick and then dribble or pass
Heading:
- Deliberate heading is not permitted
- An indirect free kick will be awarded in line with FA rules
Retreat Rule:
- Will be enforced unless the defending team chooses to restart play before all opponents have retreated

Power Play (U8 Only)

If a team goes 4 goals behind, they may add one extra player (6v5)
If the deficit reaches 6 goals, a second extra player may be added (7v5)
Additional players must be removed as the goal difference reduces

Discipline

Sin Bins will NOT be in force for U8–U11
Managers/Coaches are expected to manage player behaviour appropriately where a sin bin may otherwise apply

Penalty Shoot-Outs

Only players on the pitch at the final whistle may take penalties

Officials & Disputes

The referee’s decision is final on all matters of play
In the event of a dispute between teams, the organising committee’s decision is final

U12s , U13s , U14s & U15s Tournament Rules

Match Duration

Group Games & Quarter Finals: 10 minutes, one way
Semi Finals: 12 minutes, one way
Final: 12 minutes total (6 minutes each way)

In the event of a draw in the Quarter Finals, Semi Finals or Final:

Each team will take three (3) penalties
If scores remain level, sudden death penalties will apply

In the event of teams level in the group stages. Positions will be decided in the following order

Goal difference
Goals for
Head-to-head

Teams & Format

U12, U13, U14, & U15
- Maximum squad: 10 players
- Format: 6v6 (including goalkeeper)
- Up to 4 substitutes

All substitutions are roll-on, roll-off and may be made at any stoppage with the referee’s permission.

Player Eligibility

Each player may only be registered to and play for one team in the competition.
Where a club enters more than one team, players must be allocated to a specific team prior to the start of the tournament.
Players may not be transferred, swapped, or play interchangeably between teams from the same club at any stage of the competition.
Any breach of this rule may result in disqualification of the team(s) involved, at the discretion of the Tournament Organising Committee.

Equipment & Pitch

Ball: Size 4 (all teams must supply their own match balls)
Shin pads: Mandatory for all players

Rules of Play

Normal FA Laws of the Game apply, subject to the following tournament regulations:

Kick-Off & Match Administration

For Semi Finals and the Final, a coin toss will determine kick-off and ends.

Match Laws & Officials

No offsite rules apply
Sin Bin offences will result in a three (3) minute dismissal.

Discipline

Two yellow cards accumulated during the tournament will result in a one-match suspension.
A straight red card will result in a one-match suspension, unless the referee deems the offence to be violent conduct.
- In cases of violent conduct, the player will take no further part in the tournament.
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to review and, where appropriate, overturn disciplinary matters upon appeal.

Penalty Shoot-Outs

Only players on the pitch at the final whistle may take penalties.

Officials & Disputes

The referee’s decision is final on all matters of play.
In the event of a dispute between teams, the decision of the Tournament Organising Committee shall be final.
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to deal with any matter not provided for within these rules.

Please note: If you haven't already paid your team or teams place will not be secured until payment has been made using the following details below. Please reference the team’s name and age group.

Ashover Junior Football Club
HSBC
Acc no: 32027720
Sort code: 40-17-15

Kelly Gibson - Club Secretary

07599 653 999