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Game Rules

Match Sheet

  1. In every match, an official match sheet will be used, recording the competing teams, the date, the teams’ line-ups (including jersey numbers where applicable), the result, the referee’s name, goal scorers per team, any cards issued, any objections, and other general remarks related to unsportsmanlike conduct by players, coaches, officials, or even parents/supporters of the competing teams.
    Referees and/or supervisors may also record actions that promote the sport, sportsmanship, and mutual respect.
    Any player not listed on the match sheet roster will not be eligible to participate.
    Responsibility for maintaining and completing the match sheet lies with the referees and/or designated supervisors at each venue.
    At the end of the match, the match sheet must be signed by the referee and both coaches for verification of the result and other recorded information.
    The organizers bear no responsibility for errors or omissions in unsigned match sheets and are not obliged to accept post-match correction requests.
  2. Each coach must confirm with the referee and/or supervisor immediately after the match not only the result but also the names of their team’s scorers to ensure accurate recording and proper recognition of top scorers.

Match Duration, Extra Time & Penalty Procedure

  1. Match duration:
    • 11 vs 11: 30 minutes per half.
    • 9 vs 9 and 7 vs 7: 25 minutes per half.
    • 5 vs 5: 20 minutes per half.
  2. Half-time break: 5 minutes for all categories.
  3. In knockout matches and finals, in case of a draw:
    • 11 vs 11: 15 minutes extra time (2 × 7.5).
    • 9 vs 9, 7 vs 7, 5 vs 5, and girls: 10 minutes (2 × 5).
  4. If still tied after extra time:
    • A penalty shootout of 5 penalties per team will take place.
    • If still tied, penalties continue one by one until a winner is determined.
    • In youth categories (11 vs 11), only players on the field at the final whistle may take penalties.
    • In grassroots categories (9 vs 9, 7 vs 7, 5 vs 5), all players may take penalties.
    • A player may take a second penalty only after all eligible players have taken one.
  5. During penalty shootouts:
    • Grassroots categories: goalkeeper substitutions are allowed.
    • Youth (11 vs 11): goalkeeper substitution allowed only in case of injury.

Scoring & Rankings

  1. Match points system: 3–1–0.
  2. For ranking best teams (e.g., best 3rd place), criteria in order:
    • Most points in group matches.
    • Goal difference.
    • Best attack (goals scored).
    • Most wins.
    • Fewest penalty points from cards (red = 3, yellow = 1, two yellows in one match = 3).
  3. In case of ties between 2 or more teams in the group standings:
    • Points in matches between the tied teams.
    • Goal difference in those matches.
    • Goals scored in those matches.
  4. If still tied, repeat the above criteria only among the tied teams.
    If still unresolved:
    • Overall goal difference.
    • Overall goals scored.
    • Most wins.
    • Fewest disciplinary points (cards).
    • Total points.
    • Draw (lottery).

Refereeing

  1. Matches will be officiated by referees from the Cyprus Football Association Referees Association (KOP), as well as amateur and foreign volunteer referees to ensure full coverage.
  2. In youth categories (11 vs 11), matches will be officiated by 3 referees.
    However, organizers reserve the right to use 2 or even 1 referee if necessary.

Special Rules per Age Category

Matches follow:

Except where modified below.
Organizers reserve the right to modify any rules at any time without prior notice.

11 vs 11 (Youth Categories)

9 vs 9

7 vs 7

5 vs 5

Additional Rules (7v7, 5v5 & Girls U13/U11)

Goalkeeper Rule (All Ages)

Player Eligibility / Identification / Objections / Match Suspension

  1. All team coaches in all age categories must hold at least a UEFA C Coaching Diploma and it must be valid.
  2. Each authorized academy official, according to the procedure and deadline of the competition notice, must declare the list of players separately per age category electronically through the official website of the competition. The declaration must include the full name, date of birth, and mandatory jersey number of each player. A player is eligible to participate only if registered in all team rosters in which they intend to play.
  3. In the electronic player registration, the jersey number is mandatory for all age groups. In 11 vs 11 categories, it is strictly forbidden for more than one player to use the same jersey number.
  4. The player list (roster) per age group must correspond to the roster stated on the match sheet, which is printed before each match and given to the referee by the secretariat. The use of players not officially registered through the electronic system in all relevant academy age groups is strictly prohibited.
  5. Coaches or team officials must carry proof of date of birth, such as original passports, ID cards, original birth certificates, or certified copies with a verified photograph. Official football IDs from the Cyprus Football Association or other recognized foreign associations, as well as official health cards with a photo issued by the Cyprus Sports Organization, are also acceptable.
  6. The transfer of players from Level A categories to Level B categories is strictly prohibited. Movement from Level B to Level A is allowed at all stages of the competition.
  7. The transfer of players from one academy to another is prohibited, as well as movement between A, B, or C teams within the same academy if multiple teams participate in the same age category.
  8. The tournament may examine team requests and allow players to participate in more than one age group as an exception only for goalkeepers, provided this is requested and approved before the start of the tournament.
  9. The use of players registered with Cyprus FA clubs from other academies is allowed, provided these players are declared from the beginning in the roster of the academy they will represent. However, such players cannot participate simultaneously with more than one team or academy in the tournament.
  10. All players are required to wear shin guards during matches.
  11. A player may also participate in an older age group within their academy, provided both teams belong to the same competition level (e.g., Category A or B, or from B to A).
  12. Girls of the same age category, or up to 12 months older, may participate in boys’ teams with no limit on the number per team.
  13. Unlimited substitutions are allowed in all age categories.
  14. In 11 vs 11 categories, a substituted player cannot re-enter the match. Substitutions are made during stoppages and are limited to three substitution phases per team to avoid unnecessary delays. The halftime break is not included in the 3 substirution phases. 
  15. In all other age categories with unlimited substitutions, re-entry is allowed. Substitutions are made during stoppages and upon the referee’s signal, from the touchline near each team’s bench.
  16. Cards apply only for the remainder of the match and are not carried over to future matches. However, they will be taken into account for fair play awards.
  17. Any request by teams for age verification must be made before the start of each match, after notifying the referee and the match supervisor. The check and identification will be completed before kickoff in the presence of the coaches and all players involved.
  18. After the above check, any objection and its reason must be recorded by the referee on the match sheet, which must be signed at the end of the match by the referee and the competing coaches to confirm accuracy. No objections are accepted after the match has ended, nor for alleged refereeing errors. Video footage cannot be used for complaints regarding refereeing decisions.
  19. Organizers reserve the right to conduct age checks and player identification at any time, before, during, or after a match.
  20. Objections will be examined by the organizers’ special committee, which will aim to decide before the next match of the team involved or, at the latest, before the next stage of the competition. The committee consists of representatives of the organizers and the secretariat.
  21. In case of violation of fundamental competition rules - especially those concerning player age and identity - the offending team will forfeit the specific match (recorded as a loss). Previous match results of that team remain valid. However, if the same violation is confirmed in earlier matches, organizers reserve the right to forfeit those matches as well, even if no objections were previously submitted.
  22. The final decision to abandon a match rests with the organizers after reviewing the referee’s and venue supervisor’s reports. Depending on the situation, the match may resume from the point of interruption or be replayed. Organizers may replace referees if necessary to ensure smooth completion of matches.
  23. Referees may request replacement or additional security if they feel unsafe. They may also recommend match suspension, but the final decision lies with the organizers.

Team Withdrawal

  1. A team that withdraws from the competition or fails to appear for a scheduled match without a justified reason will be immediately disqualified. All its previous matches in the same stage of the tournament will be awarded as 3–0 wins to the opposing teams.