ASTROPLEX INTER MADRESSAH

6 a -side TOURNAMENT
20TH JULY 2024
RULES

Age Group Criteria

Team are to made up of players ranging from minimum 12 yrs old to max 16 year
olds.
No players born before 1st January 2008 will be allowed to participate.
Due to the event being social / non -competitive , Astroplex will not be checking
ID’s, Birth Certificates. It is the responsibility of the Institution to ensure that the
ages of the players are within the stipulated age group.
We trust that the tournament will be played in the correct spirit , and that
sportsmanship and brotherhood are on display at all times.

Proposed Tournament Format

• 3 Groups of 5 teams per Group
• Each Team will play the applicable number of Round Robin games within their
group ( 4 games)
• In the event of a team not pitching up for the tournament, each team in that group
will receive a bye with a score of 1-0.
• If a team prematurely ends participation during the group stages, all match
scores vs that team will reflect a bye score of 1-0
• Top 2 teams from each Group ( winners and runners up. and 2 of the best 3rd
place teams chosen from across the 3 groups will progress to Quarter Finals.
(Total 8 teams progress to Quarter Finals /Knockout stage).
• Thereafter Semi Finals and Finals will apply.

Criteria to determine Group Positions

1) Most Points ( 3 points for Win , 1 point for Draw , 0 points for Loss )
2) If equal points , then superior goal difference will apply
3) If equal Goal Difference then superior goals scored will apply
4) If Equal Goals Scored, then Head to Head Result will be considered.
5) If equal Head To Head (Draw) , then a Penalty Shoot Out will be contested to
determine Group Winner

*3 Penalty Kicks Per Team. Sudden Death Rule will apply in the event that penalty kicks
score is equal after 3 kicks per team)
Match Format:
• 6 a side (1 x GK, 5 x Infield Players).
• Rolling Subs Rule will apply
• Group Matches consist of 1 half of 15 minutes
• Knockout matches consist of 1 half of 12 minutes
• All Matches will start and end via a Central Whistle.
• Referee may at his discretion add additional time to compensate for time lost
due to stoppages, injuries , unforeseen incidents etc.

Prizes:
• Tournament Winners : Trophy + 10 x medals
• Tournament Runners- Up : 10 x medals
• Awards for Best Player and Best Goalkeeper (chosen by Tournament
Committee)
Rules

1. Should a team fail to pitch for their scheduled fixture, this will result in the
offending team forfeiting the match 0-1
2. Please exercise due punctuality. Teams are encouraged to be ready at least 5
minutes before end of preceding game.
3. Teams that arrive on pitch late for scheduled kick off (when central whistle is
blown to start other games) may be penalized at Committee discretion with a 1
goal penalty for every 2 mins that kick off is delayed
4. If for any reason a Team cannot field enough players to fulfill a Group fixture, the
respective Captain can seek prior permission from the opposing Team Captain
to field a replacement player/s who play for another team, provided they’re from a
different group. (No player may play for more than 1 team in a particular group)
Both Captains must inform the referee of such permission obtained. Thereafter
the match will be allowed to proceed. If opposing captain refuses such request,
then opposing team will play with a player short or forfeit the match.
If a Team is short of Players in KO stages, Captain of such Team has to seek
permission before the game from opposing Team Captain to field a player who
may have played for another Team during the Tournament. If opposing captain
refuses such request, then opposing team will play with a player short or forfeit
the match.
5. Tournament Committee reserves the right to change the above rules as required
in order to ensure efficient and smooth flow of the tournament.

MATCH PLAY RULES

1. Squad /Team Composition:
1. Teams may register up to 10 players per squad for the tournament.
2. A maximum of 5 Players plus a goalkeeper ( total 6) per team may be on the
field at once, with up to 4 substitutes per team who may substitute in for other
players during the game ( Rolling Subs)
3. A minimum of 4 players plus a goalkeeper (total 5) per team is required to
constitute a valid game.

2.Tackles:
1. No tackling a player from behind. This results in a free kick to the opposing team.
Referee may at his discretion award the offender a yellow or red card depending
on the severity of tackle from behind. If offence occurs in the goalkeeper’s area,
the Referee may award a penalty against the offending team.
2. No bicycle or scissor kicks allowed. This will be deemed as dangerous play, and
a free kick will be awarded to the opposition. If offence is committed by defending
team in their own goalkeeper’s area, the Referee may at his discretion award a
penalty against the offending team.
3. No slide tackling, sliding for interception, or any form of sliding will be permitted.
A free kick will be awarded to the opposition. If offence is committed by
defending team in their own goalkeeper’s area, the Referee may at his discretion
award a penalty against the offending team. Sliding offences (with contact) will
result in a yellow card being issued.
4. No two-on-one tackles allowed.
5. Referees discretion and decision is final regarding the above.

3. Goalkeepers

1. Goalkeepers may not pick the ball up from a direct back pass. If Goalkeeper has
picked up an Intentional direct back pass to him by a team mate, the result will be
an award of a penalty kick to the opposing team.
2. Goalkeepers may pick up a back pass if it is played off the side walls only
(excludes back wall), or if it last came of the head or chest of a team mate.
3. Goalkeepers may only handle the ball in the demarcated goalkeeper’s area. .The
goalkeeper has 6 seconds to distribute the ball once picked up. Failing to do so
will result in a penalty spot kick given to the opposing team.
4. The goalkeeper may slide anywhere within his designated box. (No studs up).
However if in the opinion of the referee that the slide by the goalkeeper was
dangerous or constituted foul play , he may award a penalty to the opposing
team.
5. 2-on-1 challenges are allowed in the box provided one of the two defending
players is the goalkeeper.
6. The goalkeeper may score a goal from his/her penalty box, provided the ball has
touched the ground at least once. No direct throw-in goals are allowed.
7. Goalkeepers may throw or kick ball over the halfway line.
8. Referees discretion and decision is final regarding the above.
4.Open Play

1. A player in possession of the ball may not carry that ball backwards for more
than two steps in an attempt to win a free kick from a “challenge from behind”.
2. Players may not hold on to the nets or the boards (wall) that surrounds the pitch.
This will result in a free kick being awarded to opposing team at the spot where
the offence was committed.
3. Outfield players may not deliberately handle the ball at any time during open
play. Handball includes from finger tips, the entire arm up to, but not including the
shoulder. Referee will use his discretion to judge whether handball was
deliberate or accidental. This will result in a free kick being awarded to opposing
team. If offence is committed by the defending team within the Goalkeepers area,
this will result in a penalty to the attacking team.
4. With the exception of the Goalkeeper, players may not play the ball whilst laying
on the ground. This will include :
i. Player laying on the ground.
ii. Player with one or both knees on the ground.
iii. This offence will result in a free kick to the opposing team.
iv. If such offence is committed by the defending team in the goalkeeper’s area, a
penalty will be awarded to the opposing team.
5. Referee’s discretion and decision is final regarding the above.

5.The Corner Arcs

1. Corner Arcs are indicated in each corner of the field, 5 seconds are allowed for
the player in possession of the ball in the corner to play the ball.
2. Space (min 2ft) should be given by opposition to allow player in possession to
pass or maneuver out of the corner arcs.
3. If player in possession of the ball has not played the ball within 5 seconds, the
opposing player may attempt to legally win control/possession of the ball.
4. Players may not hold onto either the nets or boards whilst attempting to either
play or regain possession of the ball.
5. No pushing of opposition players onto boards will be allowed.
6. Referee’s discretion and decision is final regarding the above.

6.The Side Lines

1. Side Lines are indicated on either side of the field. Player in possession of the
ball within the side lines have 3 seconds to play the ball, either further along the
lines or infield.
2. Space (min 2ft) should be given by opposition to allow player in possession of
the ball to pass or manoeuver out of the side lines.
3. If player in possession of the ball has not played the ball within 3 seconds, the
opposing player may attempt to legally win control/possession of the ball.
4. Players may not hold onto either the nets or boards whilst attempting to either
[lay or regain possession of the ball.
5. No pushing of opposition players onto boards will be allowed.
6. Referee’s discretion and decision is final regarding the above.
7.Free Kicks
1. During a free kick:
2. The opposition player(s) must be a minimum of 1m away from the ball or as
directed by the referee.
3. The attacking player may shoot for goal directly.
4. The player cannot pass the ball to himself and continue with play, he must pass
to a team mate . he may play the ball if it has first been touched by an opposing
player
5. The player cannot use any wall to pass to himself from a free kick.
6. Referee’s discretion and decision is final regarding the above.

8.Penalty Kick

1. One footed penalty kick method will apply.

2. Kicker will place non kicking foot beside the ball and kick with the other foot in
one continuous motion.
3. The defending goalkeeper is not allowed to move off his goal line until the ball
has been touched by the penalty taker
4. Referee/s decision is final with regard to whether the Penalty Kick was taken
properly and with regards to it’s validity.

9.Cautions /Disciplinary Action

Blue Card:

1. As per Referee’s discretion, Referee may issue a verbal ‘ Blue Card’ to player
indicating that such player leave the field of play to ‘ cool down’ for 3 minutes,
either due to continuous technical fouls or rising temper, arguing with referee etc.
2. Offending Player’s Team may effect a substitution during this time.
3. Referee will indicate when 3 minutes have elapsed so that offending player who
was shown the blue card may return to play.

Yellow Card:
1. As per Referee’s discretion, Referee may issue a Yellow Card to player
indicating that such player leave the field of play for 5 minutes, either due to
technical fouls, dangerous play, rising temper, dissent, arguing with referee etc.
2. Offending Player’s Team may not effect a substitution during this time.
3. Referee will indicate when 5 minutes have elapsed so that offending team may
return an extra player into play.
Red Card:
1. As per Referee’s discretion, Referee may issue a Red Card to player indicating
that such player leave the field of play for the rest of the match either due to
repeated technical fouls ,dangerous play, rising temper, dissent, arguing with
referee etc. Offending Player’s Team may not effect a substitution and will play
the remainder of the match with a man short.
2. Any player receiving a Red Card will serve an automatic one match ban.
However, if the red card was issued due to a serious offence, the Tournament
DC may at its discretion extend ban to either 2 games or more, possibly
extending to rest of tournament, season or life time ban.

10. Authority

1. The Referee has full control of the game to enforce the laws of the game
as indicated above.
2. The Referee will at times use his sole discretion to judge the incidences or
severity of any infringements that may occur.
3. Whilst the Referees are impartial , non-biased and continuously strive for
consistency , we have to take into account that by the very nature of Football and
Refereeing at all levels of the Game all over the world, errors/ misjudgments by
referees are likely to occur . We urge all players not to constantly appeal every
decision by the referee as it disrupts the flow and mood of the game.
4. In order to ensure that matches are played in the true Spirit of the Game, all
players. Teams have to respect that the Referee’s decision is FINAL.
5. No arguing, dissent, intimidatory action, actual or threatened physical
/verbal assault will be tolerated.
6. Any violation of the above will result in action either in terms of cautionary
cards (yellow, red) or extended bans as per Astroplex Disciplinary
Committee decision. Persons (Players, Officials, Team Entourage) found to
have assaulted Referees or Match Officials will also be subject to Criminal
Charges if necessary.
7. Any Issues relating to Referee Performance should be directed to the
League/Tournament Manager Mr.Humayd Moosa on 0824958730 or Mr.Abdul
Sibda on 0713978082.
8. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to effect any changes to any or
all the above rules and regulations in order to ensure the smooth running of the
Tournament.
9. NB! PLAYERS AND TEAMS MAY BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY VANDALISM /
WILFULL DAMAGE TO ASTROPLEX PROPERTY.

THANK YOU AND ENJOY

THE DAY !