Over 40/ 7-a-side tournament format
All teams will play 4 X 15 minute matches in the group stages (sections A, B, C and D). Five teams will be drawn into each group section. 4 matches will be running consecutively across the full length of pitch, (Each match on 1/4 of the pitch). Each team can have a maximum of 12 players per squad.
The top two teams of each section with most points (Group A+B+C+D) will play for the Lava Cup and Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals in a knock-out system. Knock-Out: Winner Group A v Runner Up Group C; Winner Group B v Runner up Group D; Winner Group C v Runner Up Group A; Winner Group D v Runner Up Group B. Two losing Semi-Finalist will play-off for 3rd place medals.
Teams finishing in 3rd and 4th place of group A+B+C+D will compete for The Consolation Ice Plate in knock-out format. Medals and Ice Plate will be presented for winning team only. Knock-Out: 3rd Group A v 4th Group C; 3rd Group B v 4th Group D; 3rd Group C v 4th Group A; 3rd Group D v 4th Group B.
Teams finishing in 5th position – Group A v Group C; Group B v Group D (Semi-final) – Winners play a final.
TOURNAMENT RULES
- Straight 15 minute matches (no breaks or added time). FOOTWEAR – Moulded studs or Astro boots. All matches on artificial pitches. (Chewing gum prohibited at the pitch)
- Each team will play a minimum of 5 matches, possibly 7 if you are in the medal positions.
- Corner kicks as usual.
- Kick-in rather than throw-in (No shy’s). Kick-ins must be below knee hight.
- Rolling subs in can be used throughout matches, subs can only enter play when the ball is not in play.
- No offside rule will apply.
- Goalkeeper’s can’t pick up footed back passes, only headed back pass.
- After holding the ball, the goalkeeper must immediately return the ball into play within 5 seconds.
- (No slide-tackling allowed).
- Red Cards – (Off for remainder of match and 1 game ban – Following match).
The referee’s decisions on all on-field matters is final, any abuse or arguing with refs will lead to yellow or red cards. No aggressive play will be tolerated, this is a fun charity tournament with an ethos based on wellbeing, fitness and getting the older generation playing international football.
Teams equal on points in group stage – best goal difference will come into operation, if still equal after goal difference, the best head to head will come into force, if still equal – penalty shoot-out 3 penalties between each team then sudden death if required.
Penalty shoot-out for all knock-out matches if the game is drawn – 3 penalties each, then sudden death if required.
There will be TV cameras and other various media outlets along with kid flag bearers covering the event, please keep any bad language minimal. Teams can exchange club pennants, gifts/mementos etc before kick-off.
A brief meeting will take place between each club captain, referees and organisers before the tournament starts.
Draw for tournament will take place live online 19th March – Fixtures will be released the following day. A full tournament itinerary including opening ceremony will be published in April.
- 10:00 The opening ceremony will start at 10:00am, Bagpipes and Scotland National Anthem from piper, (Iceland National Anthem will be played over Stadium Tannoy system). There will be national flag bearers and ball boys for the full event.
- 10:30 Tournament will Kick-off at 10:30am, and finish approximately 16:30. *All times may be subject to change.
- 17:00 Presentations, speeches will be hosted in the South Stand Lounge/concourse at 17:00, along with auctions raising money for our chosen charities – Andys Man Club/Stenhousemuir & Maggies Forth Valley (Cancer Care).
There will be a buffet served in the concourse, there is also an alcohol license in the South Stand hospitality area of the stadium.
There will be a hospitality event at a venue later in the evening in Falkirk town centre. More information will be released in April about this.
