The Rules for the Hassocks 6 A Side Tournament

Players Qualification

Each team shall comprise of a maximum of 9 players. A list of players eligible to participate shall be produced to the Management Committee/Tournament Sub-Committee and designated Pool Stewards before the teams first scheduled match. All players shall be bona fide members of their club and may only play for 1 club and 1 team within that club in the competition. All players are subject to the discipline processes of the Sussex County Football Association and players are advised to consider their own private insurance to cover claims arising from their own injury or that of another player.

Team Colours

Each team shall register its first (1st) and second (2nd) choice of colours with the Management Committee/Tournament Sub-Committee and designated Pool Stewards prior to the teams first scheduled match. In the event of similar colours the second team shall change. Players shall be dressed in uniform shirts, shorts and socks, and the goalkeepers shall wear colours that distinguish them from other players and the referee (all black). The goalkeepers may wear tracksuit bottoms.

Playing Format

First Phase – League Competition The first phase shall be played on a league basis with teams drawn by the Management Committee/Tournament Sub-Committee into groups consisting of a maximum of five teams per league with leagues competing in separate morning or afternoon sessions. Each team shall play each other team once in its group. Two points will be awarded for a win and one point for a draw.
In the event of two or more teams being equal on points, the team scoring the most goals shall take precedence.
In the event of goals scored being equal the team with the best goal difference shall take precedence.
If this fails to separate the teams a sudden death penalty competition will apply. Second Phase – Knock Out Competition A knock out competition shall then take place involving the winners and runners-up of all morning and afternoon leagues.

Duration of Matches/Kick-off/Goal Kicks

All matches in the League and Knockout Phases shall be of 5 minutes each way in duration.
The Final shall be of 7.5 minutes each way.
At kick-off and for all free kicks other than a penalty all players of the opposing team must stand a minimum of five yards from the ball.
There shall be no off side.
Goal kicks shall be taken from the goal line, left or right of the goal. During the Knockout Stages & Final Only.
In the event of a draw at the end of ordinary time then extra time will be played until the first goal is scored (Golden Goal).
Choice of ends in extra time will be decided by the toss of a coin.
There will be no change of ends during the extra time period.

Number of Players

Teams shall consist of a maximum of 9 players.
Two teams of six players per team shall play each match.
One player of each team shall be the goalkeeper.
A match shall not be considered valid if the playing team strength of either team, is reduced by more than two players.
All remaining players may be substituted into the game, except to replace a player suspended from the game by the referee.
Substitution is controlled and recorded by the Pool Steward and is permitted at any point during play. The player being substituted must first leave the pitch at the half way line before replacement at the same point.