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Tournament Rules Blackpool Cup 2026

Tournament organiser:                   Euro-Sportring

Location:                                           Common Edge Community Sports Village Blackpool & UCLAN Sport Arena Preston

Dates:                                                 4^th & 5^th April and 2^nd & 3^rd May 2026

1.  Rules. All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the game as laid down by the International Football Association Board, as issued by F.I.F.A and in accordance with the rules of the English FA.

The organisers (tournament committee) which shall be responsible for all arrangements about the competition.

2. Referees. All matches will be controlled by referees affiliated to their national association. There will be no assistant referee for any of the group matches, when possible for finals there will be official assistant referees appointed. Referees, will have full control and decision making.

3. Teams - sanctioned by their national football association are entitled to participate in this tournament. 

4.Team Leader. Every team must be accompanied by an adult (over 18 years of age), the name, address and date of birth of this adult must be printed clearly on his team's registration sheet. This adult will be deemed to be the team leader and they will be responsible for the behavior of his / her players, on and off the field of play.  They will be held responsible for the actions of his / her team within the sports complex and within all other facilities available to the group.

5. The tournament shall be organised for teams at the following classes for boys aged (we recognise the International Dateline of 1^st January):

General dispensation for teams from England: all players born on/after 01.09 the year before. Teams from elsewhere maximum 3 players born on/after 01.09 the year before.

Age Control.  Prior to commencement of the tournament the team leader must submit, to the tournament committee, a registration sheet which contains the full name, date of birth and National FA registration number (if applicable) of every player in the team. All players must have proof of their age and identity as they may be asked to show this proof at any time. No player can take part until this is met to the satisfaction of the tournament committee.

6. Duration of Play / Match Balls

a. All Matches: G17, U17, G16, U16, G15, U15, G14, U14, G13 U13, G12, U12, G11, U11, G10, U10, U9 - 2 x 20 minutes         U7, U8 - in any one day, no player shall play more than 40 minutes

The tournament committee has the right to alter the duration of play and the tournament format, should a situation arise which makes this necessary.

b. Size of Ball – 7, 8, 9,10, – Size 3  c. Size of Ball – 11, 12, 13 – Size 4   d. Size of Ball – 14, 15, 16, and 17 – Size 5

7.  Tournament Format.

A ‘Smart’ tournament format will be in operation throughout the tournament until the finals.  Essential a tournament within a tournament structure. This ensures that teams are competing against other teams at similar level and ability.  A fixture list will be shown at the information point and on the official website.

Where teams are level on points in their group, the following will apply:

the result of the mutual match (head to head score), penalty kicks or the drawing of lots/toss of coin

Placing matches Intermediate rounds. In the event of a draw, penalty kicks will be taken in accordance with the system laid down by the International Football Association Board in order to determine the winners.

Finals.  In the event of a draw, penalty kicks will be taken in accordance with the system laid down by the International Football Association Board in order to determine the winner.

8. Substitutions.

U7 to U12 & Girls U13 (5v5, 7v7, 9v9) – A maximum of 20 players can be registered for one team. Substitutes can re-enter the field if they have been substitute in the game.  U13 to U19 (11 a-side) A maximum of 25 players can be registered for one team. Only five players (including one goalkeeper) from 5 named substitutes on the team sheet may be played at any time during the game. In ALL age categories rolling subs are allowed throughout the game with the permission of the referee.  Players can only register for one team at the same age group during the tournament. If a club enters multiple teams at the same age group, they must not alternate players between their individual teams. Players must be assigned a team before the beginning of the tournament and no alterations will be permitted.

9. Every team is obliged to bring a second-choice strip of contrasting colour.  If, according to the referee, before the start of the match, the colours are too similar then the team mentioned first in the program must change.

10. Discipline.  

(a) All cases of disciplinary action and reports may be reported back to the appropriate National or County Football Association.

(b) Protests or complaints

All questions of eligibility of players or interpretations of the rules will be referred to the tournament committee.

The committee shall entertain no objections relative to the dimensions of the playing area or other appurtenances thereon unless a protest is lodged with the referee before the commencement of the game.

Before the tournament committee will consider any protests or complaint it must be lodged in writing and accompanied with a £25 administration fee.
Protests surrounding a referee decision will only be considered where video evidence exists and provide for consideration  within a reasonable timeframe. The tournament committee retains opportunity to eliminate any of the below sanctions should they deem it appropriate. The tournament committee's decision on all protests is final and binding.

Red & Yellow Cards;

(a)     A player who is dismissed from the field of play for any reason apart from violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour shall be suspended automatically for one match in the Tournament immediately following the match in which he/she was sent off. This includes two yellow cards received within the same match or a straight red card.

(b)     A player who is dismissed from the field of play for violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour whether he/she has previously been cautioned in the match or not, shall be suspended automatically for one match in the Tournament immediately following the match in which he/she was sent off.  Any red card offence whereby the match referee deems additional suspension should be considered, will be reported to the tournament committee, who will make a final decision. This decision will be made and reported to the club official before the commencement of the teams next match

(c)     All extraordinary incident should be reported to The Football Association. In exceptional circumstances the Football Association may deem it necessary to impose a greater sanction.

In case of group matches all results of a team will be rendered invalid in the following cases:

-          if that team is late for a game without a valid reason (at the discretion of the tournament committee)

-          if the referee must abandon a game due to misconduct of players, officials or spectators of that team

In the case of any abandoned match, the outcome will be decided by the tournament committee based on the facts and evidence available.

12.  Schedule. The tournament committee has the right to alter the competition schedule should unforeseen circumstances occur.

13.  Responsibility.  It is the responsibility of each team to make sure that adequate insurance cover is provided for their players. Euro Sportring are not responsible for damage to, and loss or theft of possessions or equipment of participants or clubs. They are also not responsible for personal harm or injury to participants. 

14.  Point Awarding.  Teams will receive 3 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. If during the group stages teams are level on points, and a decision needs to be made further progression in the tournament. Then the calculation will be based upon:

Result of Mutual Game (head to head score), goal difference, goals for, system generated toss of coin.

In the event of failure of the opponents turning up, then team will be awarded points. 

15. Penalties - If during the knock-out stages a match ends in a draw, the penalty shootout will take place in an area designated by the match referee. Penalty kicks can be taken by any registered player in the tournament.  5 nominated penalty takers from each team taking a penalty in turn. After 5 penalties each, if the scores remain level, sudden-death penalties will be taken to decide the winner.

16. All teams participating must have received permission in writing from their own and National Associations. They must also have adequate insurance cover for Accident, Injury & Illness.

Copies of both permission and insurance cover must be lodged with the tournament committee prior to participation.

17. Each team is held responsible for the behaviour of its parents and supporters on the touchline and throughout the tournament.  Any cases of misconduct will be reported by the referees and dealt with by the tournament committee, who in turn will report it to the appropriate County Association.

18. If anyone is found to be causing wilful damage to property, the club associated with the offending person(s) will be responsible for any damage caused and be liable for any costs incurred.  In any such instances the club will be eliminated from the tournament.

19. All matters not covered by these regulations shall be determined in accordance with the regulations of the Football Association.

Blackpool Cup (5 a-side, 7-a-side)

Rules for U7’s, U8’s, U9's, U10's, G10,’s U11's, G11’s (5 a-side, 7-a-side)

1.  All U7’s U8’s, U9's, U10's, U11's competitions will be played in accordance with FA rules.

2. A maximum of 15 players can be registered for one team. Substitutes can re-enter the field if they have been substitute in the game.

3. The competition will be run on a SMART tournament basis with approx. 8 teams in the age group. Normally, the top two teams in each section will play in the knockout stages of the Cup competition.  The remaining teams will normally play in the knock out stages of the Plate competition.  

4. In group games, 3 points shall be awarded for a win, 1 points for a score draw, and 1 point for no score draw. Should teams finish level on points, the team to be placed highest will be determined by (a) winner of the group game between the two tied teams. In the unlikely event that the teams are still equal then a penalty shootout will take place to determine who is placed highest or even a toss of a coin/draw lots, with 5 nominated penalty takers from each team taking a penalty in turn. After 5 penalties each, if the scores remain level, sudden-death penalties will be taken to decide the winner.

5. The top 2 teams in each league will normally qualify for the Semi Finals. Where teams in different groups have the same number of points, then a penalty shootout will take place or a toss of a coin/draw lots (if both teams are not present) following the rules defined above. If the game should end with the scores level, there will be NO Extra-Time and a penalty shootout will decide the winner (following the rules defined above).

6. In line with the FA Laws, it is recommended that players should not play more than 100 minutes game time during the tournament. It is the Team Manager's responsibility to ensure that this is adhered to.

7.  A Size 3 Ball – U7, U8, U9, U10, G10 and a Size 4 – U11, G11 will be used for all games.

8. Kick-ins: When the ball goes out, it is returned to play with a kick rather than a throw.  Corners are to be taken in accordance with the laws of the game.

9. Deliberate heading is prohibited in matches for ages U7-U11. If a player deliberately heads the ball, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team.

10. There will be NO off-side rules enforced for the 5 a-side / 7 a-side games. Each team will be required to supply a lines-person. 

11.  The back-pass rule will be strictly enforced, i.e. the goal-keeper is NOT permitted to handle a back pass. 

12. a. Goal kicks will be taken out of the hands (ball NOT out of play) or from the floor (ball out of play). Goal keepers may take as many steps as they need. 

12. b. Retreat Rule: as soon as the ball is in the keepers' possession or goes out for a 'goal kick', the opposition must quickly retreat to half way. The referee will manage this. There's no retreat after a pass back.

13.  All free kicks are direct. Opponents must be at least 10 yards away from the ball. Offences committed inside the opponent's penalty area will result in the award of a penalty, which will be taken 12 yards from goal in accordance with the FA rules. 

14.  Players will be cautioned in accordance with FA rules. Red or Yellow Cards - All cases of disciplinary action and reports shall be reported back to the appropriate National or County Football Association.15.  Players who have been sent off cannot be substituted.

16.  Point Awarding.  Teams will receive 3 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. If during the group stages teams are level on points, and a decision needs to be made further progression in the tournament. Then the calculation will be based upon:

1. Result of Mutual Game (head to head game)

2. Penalties or toss of a coin (depending if both teams are present and at the discretion of tournament committee)

CODE OF CONDUCT

MANAGERS CODE OF CONDUCT

Coaches/Managers must respect the rights', dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.

Coaches/Managers must place the well-being and safety of each player above all  other considerations, including the development of performance.

Coaches/Managers must adhere to all guidelines laid down within the Constitution and the Rules of The Football Association.

Coaches/Managers must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

Coaches/Managers must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

Coaches/Managers must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

Coaches/Managers must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate is appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players. Coaches/Managers should, at the outset, clarify with the player (and, where appropriate, their parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.

Coaches/Managers must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player. Coaches/Managers must always promote the appropriate Code of Conduct and positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) to players, parents and spectators alike. Never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.

Coaches/Managers must consistently display high standards of behaviour and experience and be a role model for players

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Play for the 'fun of it', not just to please your parents or coach.

2. Play by the Laws of the Game.

3. Never argue with the Referee or Assistant Referee's decisions.

4. Control your temper and use your energy for playing better football.

5. Play well for yourself and your team, your team's performance will benefit and so will your own.

6. Be a good sport. Recognise all good play, whether by your team or by your opponent's team.

7.  Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.

8. Remember that the aims of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.

9. Co-operate with your coach/manager, teammates and opponents, because without them you will not have a game.

10.  Learn the Laws of the Game and you will be a much better player.

11. Promote the Code of Conduct.

SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Remember that children play organized sports for their own enjoyment. They are not there to entertain you.

2. Be on your best behavior. Do not use profane language or harass (physically or verbally) players, managers, coaches, referees or assistant referees.

3. Applaud all good play by your own team and the other team.

4. Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them, there would be no game.

5. Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a game.

6. Condemn the use of violence and verbal abuse.

7.  Respect to the referee and assistant referees' decisions. Remember they are only human with the same feelings as you and, like you, sometimes make an honest error.

8. Encourage players always to play according to the Laws of the Game.

9. Read the Laws of the Game to better understand what you are looking at and commenting on

Blackpool Cup - Child Protection (safeguarding) Policy Statement

The Blackpool Cup acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and The Football Association requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of  age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children

• have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at The Blackpool Cup in a safe and child centred environment
• are protected from abuse whilst participating in the youth football tournament or outside of the activity.

The Blackpool Cup acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.  

As part of our safeguarding policy the Blackpool Cup will

• promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
• ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved the Blackpool Cup. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

• changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and/or Home Country Sports Councils and The Football Association.
• as a result of any other significant change or event.

Blackpool Cup Designated Safeguarding Lead - Kathleen Mason FAN NO: 1836959 (07730 570688) and Sandy Innes FAN NO: 58269792 (07854 420684)