Rules

1. Tournament rules

International Youth Football Tournament Donosti Cup will be played in accordance with FIFA and SPANISH FOOTBALL FEDERATION rules (F.E.F.).

2. Categories

Men

. B-35 Players born before 31-12-1990  ( 7-a-side soccer )
.  B-45 Players born before 31-12-1980  ( 7-a-side soccer )
.  B-50 Players born before 31-12-1975  ( 7-a-side soccer )
.  B-55 Players born before 31-12-1970  ( 8-a-side soccer )

Women

. G-30 Players born before 31-12-1995  ( 7-a-side soccer )

Special permits:

• In the +35 category, a maximum of 2 players born between 1-1-1991 and 31-12-1995 (30-34 years old) may be called for each match.
• In the +45 category, a maximum of 2 players born between 1-1-1981 and 31-12-1985 (40-44 years old) may be called up for each match.
• In the +50 category, a maximum of 2 players born between 1-1-1976 and 31-12-1980 (45-49 years old) may be called for each match.
• In the +55 category, a maximum of 2 players born between 1-1-1971 and 31-12-1975 (50-54 years old) may be called for each match.

3. Competition system

Groups of 4 teams will play one leg league. After the league the Play Offs will be played. The first 2 teams will play the Champion League and the 3rd and 4th the B League. The competition will be held under the modality of 7-a-side soccer, except in the +55 category, which will be played in 8-a-side soccer.

 Scoring System

• Won matches: 3 points
• Tied matches: 1 point
• Lost matches: 0 point

Length of the match:   1 x 25 min*

*In the final phase, if both teams agree, the match duration may be reduced from 25 to 20 minutes. This decision must be made before the start of the match and communicated to the referee.  

4. Qualifying standards

1st phase (league)

 If two or more teams have the same number of points, the order will be decided as follows:

• 1º-  Particular Golaverage: Results of the matches played between the tied teams.
• 2º-  Overall points average. Difference of goals for and against, taking into account all the league matches (*)
• 3rd-  Fair play. Lower coefficient in disciplinary sanctions. (Point 11).
• 4º-  Higher number of goals scored in favour, taking into account all league matches.
• 5º-  Computer draw

(*) In case of a triple tie, the goals scored and received by the teams not involved will not be taken into account.

  2nd phase (Final Phase) (Play Off)

 Draws in the play-off will be decided by penalty kicks, without extra time, following the FIFA rules. 

5.- Number of players and substitutes

A team can register a maximum of 20 players and a maximum of 3 staff members on every match. SUBSTITUTIONS ARE ROTATIVES: a substituted player may reenter the match. All the substitutions must be made from the center of the field, requesting authorization to the referee and once the game is stopped.

6.- Accreditations

A bracelet will be given to all players so that they are accredited. To obtain accreditation, age checks are compulsory, and players must bring an original document certifying their age (identity card, passport...). Players must be registered on the DONOSTI MASTERS CUP OFFICIAL PLAYER LIST, which is made available to all teams prior to the tournament, and which team delegates must present to the tournament organizers.

7.- Clothing

All shirts will be numbered and must correspond to ones in players' list. Numbers must be on the backs of the shirts. In case of similarity of t-shirts, visitor players should to change their shirt. (Visitor team is the one appearing last in the program). The use of shin guards is mandatory.

8.- Football fields

All games will be played on artificial grass fields. It is strictly forbidden to use aluminium studs in the fields of artificial grass.

9.- Puntuality

Match timetables will be strictly respected. The team must be ready 10 min. before the kick-off. Any team not appearing at the field will be declared loser by 3 - 0. 

10.-Penalties

If a player receives two yellow cards in the same match, it is considered a direct red card and results in a suspension of one or more matches. The player will not be able to play in that category until the suspension has been served. They may play with other teams from their club in other categories, provided they meet the age criteria and the suspension is only for one match.

Any player who accumulates three yellow cards during the tournament in the same category will be suspended for one match. The player will not be able to play in that category until the suspension has been served. They may play with other teams from their club in other categories, provided they meet the age criteria. Yellow cards are cumulative throughout the entire tournament, including the final stage. If the team reaches the final, any pending suspension due to yellow card accumulation will be waived.

A player who receives a direct red card will be suspended for one or more matches, depending on the severity of the offense. In serious cases, the player may be expelled from the tournament. Until the suspension is served with the team in which they were sent off, the player may not participate with their club in any other category, even if they meet the age requirements. If the team is eliminated before the suspension is completed, the player will not be able to play again in the tournament.

Suspensions imposed by the Competition Committee must be served in the category where the offense occurred. In addition, the player may not participate with their club in any other category, even if they meet the age requirements. If the team is eliminated before the suspension is served, the player will not be able to play again in the tournament.

If a coach receives an accumulation of cards, a double yellow, or a direct red card, they must serve the suspension with the team where the sanction occurred. During the suspension, they may not sit on the bench of any other team from the club.

It is the responsibility of the team to ensure that no suspended player or coach is listed on the match sheet or takes part in a game until the suspension has been served.

11.- Competition committee

The competition committee meets every day. They talk and discuss about all important questions happened during the day. The decisions cannot be appealed. All participants must accept their decisions. They will verified the bracelet before the matches

12.- Playing program

The organizing committee hast the right to change the groups, times and fields. Notice about this will be given to all team delegates. Also they will published the modification in Internet.

13.- Insurance

All participants will have a private accident insurance valid only during official matches.

 The procedure to follow will be as follows: In case of serious injury, notify the Field Delegate (identified as “Staff”) , fill out the injury report and go to the Polyclinic with the report. It is essential to keep and send us the medical report and the steering wheel, in order to process the accident report. 

Ambulances will be used only for urgent transfers. For minor injuries (sprains, contractures, bruises, etc.), you must go on your own to Policlinica Gipuzkoa after completing the report with the delegate.