Tournament Rules 2026

§1 GAME RULES
The tournament is played in accordance with the applicable FIFA and KNVB rules.
Unlimited substitutions are permitted in all groups. These substitutions must be made with the referee’s permission, in accordance with FIFA regulations. Therefore, they cannot be made during play. If the referee determines that substitutions in the final minutes of play are being made solely to gain time, they may decide not to allow the substitution.

In all groups that play on an entire field, the playing time is 1 x 30 minutes. In the matches between the eights and sevens, the playing time is 1 times 20 minutes. At the U7 the playing time is 1 times 10 minutes. The mentioned playing time applies to both the matches in the group phase and the matches in the play-off phases, including the finals.
In matches where a decision has to be made (in the play-offs), in the event of a tie, penalties will immediately be taken and no extra time will be played.

The scoring is in accordance with the three-point system, so;
3 points for a win
1 point for a draw
0 points for loss
When two or more teams finish in a tie in the group stage, the following will be considered;
1. Goal difference
2. The number of goals scored
3. Mutual result
If this is also inconclusive, then;
1. In the event that both teams play (simultaneously) at the same location that day, penalties will be taken.
2. In the event that both teams are playing at a different location that day, so that penalty kicks are not possible, will be decided by drawing lots. The result of this draw will be announced via the website and no correspondence will be entered into about the result of the draw.

Starting in 2026, the player list for the tournament must be submitted by email, so one list for both Saturday and Sunday. The leader/coach must report to the secretariat before the start of the matches. Players are required to provide identification if the organizers request it, and will regularly conduct random age checks. If a player is unable or refuses to provide identification, the organizers may deny them further participation. If, after providing identification, it appears that a player has participated unlawfully for the team in question, all previous matches played by that team will be declared void and converted into a 0-2 loss by default. The player in question will also be denied further participation, and the organizers may decide to expel the team in question from the tournament.
A player may be registered for multiple teams during the tournament, but may not be registered in the same age group. A team (players + reserves) may field a maximum of three exempt players, who may be no older than 12 months above the permitted age for their respective division. England and Wales have their own age groups.

All teams must ensure they are present on time for the start of their match. Teams that, without good reason, are unable to arrive on time for the start of their match will automatically lose 0-2. Not being able to find the sports park or not knowing where to play is not a valid excuse. Therefore, it is also important to carefully check on Saturday where and at what time you are scheduled to play on Sunday. If your team is late and you have a good reason for this, we urge you to contact the (local) organizers in a timely manner.
When two teams in the same color shirts compete against each other, the first mentioned team is obliged to either put on other shirts or ask the organization to play with vests, provided these are available locally. It is therefore advisable to bring spare shirts. If no solution is found, the (local) organization will decide on the result.
All matches will be played with official referees appointed by the organizers. These referees are demonstrably referees for their respective associations in their respective countries. For all boys’ and girls’ matches, the team will be played without assistant referees. For the final matches for first and second place on Sunday, the organizers will appoint official assistant referees. ALL decisions made by the referee on the field are binding, and no protests are possible. Complaints about referees will only be considered by the organizers in exceptional circumstances.

A player who receives a yellow card during a match must leave the field for two minutes. They may not be substituted during this period. The referee MUST indicate this by showing the yellow card. A player who receives a second yellow card must leave the field and is excluded from the remainder of that match. A player sent off with a straight red card is excluded from the remainder of that match and their team’s next match. In the event of serious fouls or violent acts, the (local) organization may decide on a longer suspension.
When a match is abandoned, the following applies:
– The referee informs the tournament management of the reason for the strike
– In consultation, a guilty team is designated by the referee and organization
– This team will then lose the match 0-2, and can be removed from the tournament
– ​​When both teams are at fault, both teams will be deducted 1 victory point and can be removed from the tournament
In case of (repeated) misconduct or violent acts, the organization will not hesitate to immediately remove teams from the tournament. We stand for respect and fair play. Also, misconduct along the field by parents or leaders will be dealt with harshly and this too can lead to expulsion of individuals or the entire team. The police will be called in at all times in the event of serious (violent) crimes.
Again, ALL decisions by both Referee and Organization are binding and no correspondence will be entered into.

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Starting with the 2019 edition, the referee will ask both coaches to sign the score sheet after the match. This is to ensure a correct result. If a coach refuses to sign, for whatever reason, they automatically accept the result. If you nevertheless notice an incorrect result, please report it to the local tournament management. On Saturday, incorrect results can be corrected UNTIL 7:00 PM; after that date, all published results are binding. All results and match schedules will be published on www.tournify.nl.

– Every team is expected to arrive at the accommodation in sportswear. Shower facilities are provided.
– All spectators at the matches must be behind the fence or at least 2 meters from the field. This also applies to teams waiting to play their own match if the previous match has not yet started. The umpires will not start until everyone complies with this request. If this does not happen, the match will not be started and the organization can take measures against the offender(s).

It is possible to submit oral and/or written complaints against decisions taken. A deposit of 50 euros must be paid for this. If the complaint is upheld, this amount will be refunded. If the complaint is declared unfounded, the objector will lose this amount. We would like to emphasize that protests against decisions taken by referees have no chance in most cases.
In ALL cases not provided for in these regulations, the tournament management/organization will decide.

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