Rules

Edinburgh International Cup – Rules & Regulations

1. Governing Rules

The Edinburgh International Cup will be played in accordance with applicable sections of FIFA rules and the SFA/SYFA/SWF rules. In cases requiring interpretation of FIFA regulations, the English text applies.

Competitive Competition Rules

All 11v11 games will follow the latest IFAB Laws of the Game. For reference, visit the IFAB website.

2. The Edinburgh International Cup Committee (TECC)

(A) The TECC shall be appointed by the organisers and comprise individuals deemed appropriate. All participants must comply with the Scottish Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children. Matches shall be played according to IFAB Laws, unless stated otherwise.

(B) All communications shall be addressed to the TECC, which maintains official records of all proceedings.

(C) Clubs must communicate with the TECC through official coaches and group leaders, via email.

3. Powers of Management

(A) The TECC may appoint sub-committees and delegate powers as necessary.

(B) The TECC has full authority to apply, enforce, and interpret competition rules, including matters not explicitly covered by these regulations. Breaches of laws or rules will be handled in accordance with SFA regulations.

(C) All TECC decisions are final and binding; no appeals to the SFA are permitted.

(D) Clubs must comply with TECC instructions and attend to all competition-related correspondence.

(E) Competition business may be conducted via electronic mail.

4. Player Qualifications

(A) Age Groups:

  • Boys: U7–U8 (4v4), U9 (5v5), U10–U11 (7v7), U12 (9v9), U13–U16 (11v11)

  • Girls: U8/9 (5v5), U10 (7v7), U12 (7v7 or 9v9), U14–U16 (11v11)

(B) The age qualification date is 1st January for all groups. Teams from countries using 31st August as the cut-off (e.g., England) may receive dispensation to participate in the corresponding category. Clubs must submit player registration forms and provide proof of age at the event.

(C) Players must be registered members of their club and may play for only one team. Clubs with multiple teams in the same age group cannot transfer players between teams.

(D) Teams must be approved by the relevant County/National Association unless prior agreement is obtained. Teams may consist of a maximum of 18 participants.

5. Club Colours, Name, and Player Equipment

(A) Clubs must register their shirt and short colours prior to the tournament. The TECC will determine suitability.

(B) Goalkeepers must wear distinctive colours from other players and match officials.

(C) If colours clash, the away team will change kits.

(D) Shin pads are compulsory for all players.

6. Determining Final Positions (Competitive Age Groups Only)

(A) Teams earn 3 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. The team with the highest points in their division wins.

(B) Group stages will use a league format, with each team playing all others once.

(C) If a team withdraws, all points for or against them will be expunged. Tiebreakers for knockout progression are:

  1. Goal difference

  2. Goals scored

  3. Head-to-head result

  4. Kicks from the penalty mark

7. Match Duration

(A) Matches (except Finals) last 20–30 minutes straight, Finals are 25 minutes per half.

(B) Half-time may last up to 8 minutes.

(C) Penalty Kick Procedure for knockout ties:

  • Referee selects goal and conducts a coin toss.

  • Teams alternate five kicks initially; additional kicks continue until one team leads.

  • Only players on the field at full time may take kicks.

  • Goalkeeper substitutions allowed if injured, within substitute limits.

  • All other Laws of the Game apply.

8. Substitutes and Format

(A) Clubs may use substitutes according to the Laws of the Game.

(B) For U10–U12 Boys and U10–U12 Girls, up to 7 substitutes may be used; rolling substitutions are allowed for younger teams.

(C) Standard football rules (throw-ins, corner kicks, goal kicks) apply.

(D) Fouls result in direct free kicks; walls must be ≥5 metres from the ball.

(E) No offside for 4, 5, 7 sides; applies for 9 & 11 sides.

(F) Goalkeepers may not be changed during penalties unless injured.

(G) Pass-back rule applies (except for 4, 5, 7 sides).

(H) Goalkeepers cannot score from a goal kick.

(I) Goalkeeper areas are marked; fouls inside result in penalties.

9. Dispensation

All requests for special dispensation must be submitted in writing 14 days prior to the tournament.

10. Reporting Results

Referees are responsible for reporting match results to the TECC.

11. Referees

(A) Registered referees will be appointed by the TECC and sanctioned associations.

(B) If no assistants are provided, clubs may supply a club assistant referee.

(C) The referee decides on pitch fitness, subject to local authority or ground owner approvals.

12. Protests and Complaints

(A) Eligibility and rule interpretation disputes are referred to the TECC.

(B) Complaints regarding pitch dimensions, goals, or facilities will not be entertained. Objections to referees are not permitted.

13. Trophies, Medals & Awards

Winners receive 1st, 2nd, 3rd place trophies in competitive groups. Non-competitive participants receive participation medals.

14. Exclusion & Misconduct

(A) The TECC may exclude teams or clubs for undesirable conduct.

(B) Club officers or members inducing rule breaches may face expulsion, including the club.

(C) Players sent off for violent or abusive conduct miss the next game.

15. Abandonments

(A) Abandoned matches are reviewed by TECC; points may stand if fair to all teams.

(B) Matches involving suspended teams may be null and void.

(C) Abandoned/cancelled matches due to pitch/weather with no alternative time result in 1 point each.

16. Insurance

All clubs must maintain relevant insurance.

17. Alteration to Rules/Fixtures

Changes will be circulated to clubs via the official App.

18. Non-Competitive Competition Rules

4-a-side (Boys U8/2019): 4 outfield players, max 7 per squad, rolling subs, 10 minutes per game, corners/free kicks apply.

5-a-side (Boys U9/2018): 4 outfield + goalkeeper, max 9 per squad, rolling subs, 10 minutes, corners/free kicks apply, retreat to halfway after goals.

7-a-side (Boys U10/2017 & U11/2016, Girls U10): 6 outfield + goalkeeper, max 11 per squad, rolling subs, 20 minutes, corners/throw-ins/free kicks/penalties apply.

9-a-side (Boys U12/2015, Girls U12): 8 outfield + goalkeeper, max 14 per squad, rolling subs, 25 minutes, corners/throw-ins/free kicks/penalties, offside applies.

19. Fixtures Changes

The organisers reserve the right to change groups, fixtures, times, and fields up to 24 hours before the event.