Match rules

01Be on time

• Kick-off times are strict. Games run back to back, one every 30 minutes, so every match has to start exactly on schedule.
• Late teams forfeit. A team that arrives late is handed a 3-0 forfeit loss.

02Age

Tournament #1 is for players under 25. Every player on the team must meet this age limit. Age may be checked with an ID on the day, and a team with an overage player can be disqualified.

03Match time

• Every match lasts 30 minutes, played straight through with no half-time break.
• The clock keeps running. It only stops for a penalty kick or a serious foul.

04If a match ends level

• It goes to a penalty shootout, old MLS style: each attempt is a 1v1 against the goalkeeper, with the shooter starting from the middle of the pitch.
• 5 attempts per team, most goals wins. Still level? One attempt each until one team leads after the same number of attempts.

05Set pieces

• Throw-ins and corner kicks are taken with the feet (kick-ins). No throwing.
• All free kicks are indirect: the ball has to be touched by a second player before a goal can be scored.

06Red cards

• A player shown a red card is sent off and can't play any further part in that match.
• Their team plays one player down for 2 minutes. If either team scores during those 2 minutes, the team can go back to full strength straight away.
• The replacement must be a different player. The sent-off player can't come back on.

07Substitutions

Substitutions are made in coordination with the match referee. Check with the referee before a player comes on.

08Respect & the referee

• Any fight, whether between players or with the referee, is an immediate red card.
• The team captain can discuss a referee's decision with them.

09Your spot

Spots are first come, first served, based on who pays first. A team's spot is confirmed only once full payment is received (within 7 days of our WhatsApp confirmation). If all 16 spots are filled, teams that haven't paid yet are not confirmed. See the payment terms.

10Injuries and safety

1. Risks of the sport. Football is a physical sport. By registering, every player accepts the ordinary risks of 7-a-side play, such as collisions, falls and muscle injuries during normal play.
2. Limitation. El3ab is not responsible for injuries resulting from normal contact between players during a game. This does not cover anything within the organizers' control, such as the pitch, the equipment or the safety measures at the venue.
3. Fitness. Each player confirms they are in good health and have no medical reason not to play. The captain is responsible for sharing these rules with every player on the team.
4. Safety on the day. A first-aid kit and an emergency contact are available at the venue. Report any injury or safety concern to the organizers immediately.