4th Annual Over 35 Challenge Cup ’24

by admin · Published February 25, 2024 · Updated February 25, 2024

TOURNAMENT RULES / 2024

ELIGIBILITY

Only players born on or before 1 January 1989 are eligible to play in the 2024 SAINTS F.C. O/35 OPEN PRE-SEASON CHALLENGE CUP.

All players must have their Identity document/smart card or valid passport available for purpose of registration and identification.
If a player is not able to produce proof of identification, such a player will be deemed to be ineligible and will not be allowed to play in the tournament.
Identity document/smart card or valid passport do not make a player eligible to play without proof of registration on the squad list.
Teams found using an ineligible player/s will be disqualified from the tournament.
Entry Fees of (One Thousand Four Hundred Rands) must be paid up in full by the 17 March 2024 before participating in the tournament.
A Compulsory tournament briefing session will be held on the Tuesday 2 April 2024 at 18h00 at Saints Clubhouse.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

Sixteen (16) teams divided into four (4) groups (A to D) of four (4) teams each shall contest the tournament.

The four (4) teams play each other once in their group and a league table of the results is drawn up.
In the event of two (2) teams ending with the same number of points in their groups, the team with the superior goal difference shall be declared the higher group finisher.
If the teams cannot be separated by goal difference (refer to point above), the team that scored the highest number of goals will then be declared the higher group finisher.
If the teams cannot be separated by the highest number of goals scored, the corresponding result between the teams in the round robin stage will be declared the higher group finisher.
If the teams are still tied (having referred to the points above), kicks from the penalty mark shall be taken (as per FIFA guidelines). Both teams shall require not more than eleven eligible players on the field for the purpose of the penalty kicks.
Should a team refuse to take penalties, then the opponent will be declared the higher finisher in the respective group.
The top team of each of the four (4) groups will proceed to contest the semi –finals.

The two loosing semi – finalist will contest for the third place.

MATCH DURATION

Round Robin stage:

Each league round robin match shall consist of two (2) halves of 20 minutes each with no extra time.

Knockout format for winners’ section.
The semi-finals will consist of two (2) halves of twenty five (25) minutes each way.
The final will consist of two (2) halves of thirty (30) minutes each way.
In the event of the scores being level at full time, a further duration of eight

(8) minutes each way shall be played.

If the match is still level after the extra time, the match will be decided by kicks from the penalty mark (as per FIFA regulations)

POINTS SYSTEM

The points system is applicable to the qualifying league round only and will be allocated as follows:

Three (3) points for a win.
Two (2) points for a score draw.
One (1) point for a goalless draw.

GENERAL RULES OF THE COMPETITION

Registration

Participating teams shall register a squad of twenty (20) players, 1 Manager and 1 Coach.

The manager and coach must be registered for the tournament as well.

A total of four (5) substitutes (including the goalkeeper) are allowed in

all games. Although, twenty (20) players are registered as a squad, only sixteen

(16) player’s must be used per match and must be listed on the team sheet prior to

the start of the match.

A player having received two (2) cautions in different matches shall

serve an automatic one-match (1) suspension.

All cautions will fall away after the round robin stage.
A player dismissed from the field of play during any match shall serve

a one-match (1) suspension.

Such a player may be summoned to appear before the Tournament Disciplinary Committee at the discretion of the tournament organisers.
The Disciplinary Committee will have the right to review the one-match

suspension.

If a player was sent-off in the last match of the round robin stage, the

suspension will carry through to the knock-out stage.

The referee’s decision shall be final and binding and the Tournament Committee shall entertain no protests.
In the event of a colour clash, the second (2nd) team mentioned on the fixture will affect the change of strip. Should a team fail to affect an alternative strip they will forfeit the match.
All teams shall have an alternative strip.
The referee will decide if there is a clash of colours or not.
Any team bringing the tournament into disrepute shall not have any claim to any awards.
All teams shall make themselves available for squads, as well as individual photographs. Teams shall also avail themselves for media interviews if required to do so.

INCENTIVES:

The tournament organisers shall have the sole right to decide on the incentives to teams, players, managers or coaches.

There is prize monies, including medals.

PRIZE MONIES

First Place – R5000.00
Second Place – R2500.00
Third Place – R1000.00

DISCLAIMER:

Neither the Saints FC 0/35 Open Pre-Season Challenge Cup committee, nor the sponsors or the host club can be held responsible for the following:

Damages to or theft of vehicles belonging to spectators, visitors or players.
Any injuries sustained as a visitor or player. First aid will be available throughout the tournament especially for players.
The loss of personal items.
The loss of playing kit or valuables from the dressing rooms or anywhere in the proximity of the sports field.

The Saints FC 0/35 Open Pre-Season Challenge Cup Tournament Committee will arbitrate any matter not covered by the rules of the tournament. Their ruling will be final and binding on the matter/s concerned.

STRICT SECURITY –

SPECTATORS WILL BE ALLOWED – GATE COVER CHARGE

(R10.00 PER ADULT – R2.00 PER SCHOLAR)

FULLY LICENSED BAR AND FOOD ON SALE!!!!!!

NO ALCOHOL WILL BE ALLOWED, TO BE BROUGHT ONTO THE PREMISES.

Tournament Organiser: Gregory Kops

Cell: 082 312 2022

Email: greggkopps@gmail.com