Tournament Format

The Cork Cup adopts a simple two-day structure. Group games are played on the Saturday and Cup, Challenge Cup, Shield and bowl competitions are played on the Sunday. Teams usually play in either groups of 4, 5 or 6 with their final group position dictating which finals competition they qualify for on Sunday. Regardless of what competition you qualify for on the Sunday, you are guaranteed to be playing for some of the finest silverware to be found at any event of its kind.

Rules

Cork Cup will be played in accordance with applicable sections of the SFAI & FIFA Regulations. The teams are divided into groups where all the teams will meet in a pool stage. Three points will be awarded for a win and one point for a draw. If two or more teams have the same number of points, the order will be decided as follows:

1. Results of match between teams with equal points.
2. Most goals scored.
3. Teams with the least number of goals conceded.
4. If there is still a tie then the match will be decide by penalty kicks.
   Each team will take 5 penalties each; if there is still a tie then
   sudden death will apply.
5. Or further still by the toss of a coin (At Tournament Committee’s Discretion)

Knock Out Games

Please note at this stage of the tournament all teams revert back to equal status, with the exception of any bans, which run into the knockout stages. All knock out games will be decided by the team who scores the most goals in the match. If there is still a tie at the end of normal time then extra time will be played. If there is still a tie then the match will be decide by penalty kicks. Each team will take 5 penalties each; if there is still a tie then sudden death will apply.

Number of Players Per Team & Substitutions

Your squad size is not restricted for the tournament but you may not make more than seven substitutions in any one match although rolling substitutions are permitted in all matches. This means that you may substitute a player and then re-enter the player in the same match but each time a player is swapped this will count as one of your seven substitutions. Any team found breaking this rule will forfeit the match or if in the knockout stage face elimination. Clubs entering two teams at any one age group may not swap players between the two teams at any stage during the tournament. Teams found breaking this rule will be eliminated. Teams must only use players registered on their team sheet throughout the week, unless permission has been granted in extreme circumstances by the Tournament Directors.

Ball Sizes

• Class L = Size 3
• Class K, J, I, H & G = Size 4
• Class F & E = Size 5

Insurance

Please make sure that all your players are insured both on and off the playing field. Team Tours Direct does not carry any group insurance protecting participants in case of injury, illness, theft or damage to property.

Team Tours Direct is in no way responsible for injury or economic loss which may arise in the case of war, warlike events, civil war, revolution or civil disturbances or because of the actions of the authorities, strikes, lockouts, blockades or similar events. Participants from countries that have no medical insurance agreement with Great Britain must have personal medical insurance.

Please note as per Team Tours Direct terms and conditions, Team Tours Direct cannot be held responsible for adverse weather conditions, which could result in cancellation of fixtures by third parties.

Please note overseas teams who use the 1st September age class will receive dispensation if arranged prior to the event with the Tournament Committee. For example teams whose players are born on or after 1st September 1994 play in Class G.

Proof of Age

Each team must submit a list of players to the Team Tours Direct administration before their first match in the tournament. All players MUST be able to identify themselves and to certify their age with a valid passport or registration card from their respective FA. Teams must be able to present this proof if and when required.

Team List

All players on the team list are considered as if they have participated in the tournament and may not represent any other team in the tournament without permission of the tournament director.
Random controls of team list and participant’s list will be carried out.

Players Uniforms

If the referee decides that one team should change shirts due to similarity to the opposing team’s shirts, the team appearing second in the playing schedule must change.

Before Game

All teams must be ready at the pitch side no later than 10 minutes before kick-off. The teams are responsible for their supporters conduct and any misconduct will be reported to the relevant FA.

Protests

The team manager must make any protest and no other member of your team or supporters. No protest will be given any consideration unless the relevant procedures are applied. Protests must be delivered to the Tournament Control Point no later than 30 minutes after the match is finished The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with the play are final. No measures will be taken on protests on decisions made by referees. The final decision of the organising committee is binding and final.

Cautions and Sending-Off Offences

Any player given two Yellow cards in a single Match will result in a Red card. If a player is shown a red card he or she is automatically suspended from participation in the following match. The tournament organising committee can decide about suspension for further game(s). A player who receives two red cards in the tournament will be automatically eliminated from the tournament.
Yellow cards are not accumulated
Severe offences will be reported to the FA in respective countries

Teams That Do Not Appear

Any team not appearing at the appointed time and place for a match without a valid excuse will automatically lose the match. If a team repeatedly fails to appear for fixtures, the team may be excluded from the tournament. In special cases, the tournament committee may decide to exclude a team at the first offence i.e. if a deliberate act of not appearing favours their own team or is unfair to another team in the group.
If any team is excluded from the tournament previous results will be void.

Behaviour Conduct

Team managers are advised to control the behaviour of their team both on and off the field. Teams should play fairly on the field and within the correct spirit of the game – remember that winning is not everything and that the tournament is there to be enjoyed by everybody. Proper conduct off the field is also important and remember that you are representing your club/ region. Improper conduct will be viewed negatively by the committee and in some cases could result in your team being withdrawn from the competition.

Referees

Referees are qualified officials within their respected country and regions.
Teams should be made aware of the following – Team Tours Direct hold their match officials in very high esteem and without these individuals we would not have a tournament to participate in.
Please ensure that respect is given to all match officials regardless of the outcome of your fixture. We will in no way tolerate in any way disrespect given to match officials and disciplinary action will be taken against any teams or individual who repeatedly disrespect the tournament officials.

Cork Cup Mini Soccer Rules

Please note that the following rules will be in use for the Cork Cup at Class K, J and I.

• No off-side at any time
• All goal kicks maybe kicked out of hand
• Should the ball go into touch, the apposing team will restart with a throw in and not by kicking
• Corner kicks should be taken from the corner of the pitch
• Restarts after a goal will be by kick off at the centre of the pitch

Please note aside from the variations normal football rules apply.