Acorn Cup

1. Group Formats

   1. Blue - Development

   2. Red - Strong

2. 'Blue' competition is run-off first and is then followed by the 'Red' competition.

3. Approximate times:

   1. 'Blue' Competition - 12.00pm to 1.30pm

   2. 'Red' Competition - 1.30pm to 3.00pm

4. 4 Groups of 4 teams. All teams play each other in the group. (i.e. minimum 4 games,3 groups games and at least 1 knockout).

5. Qualification to the knockout round.

   1. The 4 teams that finish in 1st Place will qualify for the semi-finals of the Super Cup.

   2. The 4 teams that finish in 2nd Place will qualify for the semi-finals of the Cup.

   3. The 4 teams that finish in 3rd Place will qualify for the semi-finals of the Shield.

   4. The 4 teams that finish in 4th Place will qualify for the semi-finals of the Plate.

6. All semi-finals fixture will be drawn on completion of the group stage.

7. Winners of the semi-finals will play in the finals.

8. Losers of the semi-finals will play 3rd/4th place play-off.

Cups & medals for winning teams

General 

1. Team coaches and subs stand on the same side of the pitch. 

2. Parents should stand outside the main pitches and no coaching of or shouting at players 

3. All visiting teams are reminded to respect the Drom facilities - only warm-up where you are directed to.

4. Players cannot switch teams unless for a valid reason.

5. Squad Sizes

   1. U9 - max 8 players per squad. 

Age Groups

1. U9 is classified as a child born in or after 2016.

Jersey Colours & Players’ Equipment.

1. All teams must bring a full set of jerseys for all squad players and also bring a set of bibs which are a completely different colour to the "home jersey". The away team, as per the fixtures schedule, will be required to wear bibs in the event of a jersey colour clash. 

2. Coaches must ensure that all players wear shin guards.

Game Time 

1. Games will be 10 mins per game (no half time).

2. The teams must leave the pitch immediately after their game. 

3. Games start on the Air Horn and finish once the ball is dead after Air Horn. If a team is not on the pitch at the start time, game time will be diminished accordingly. 

Substitutions 

1. Roll On-Off throughout the game.

2. Subs cannot come onto to pitch until the player being substituted has left the pitch.

3. Competitive Substutions:

   1. If a team is losing by 4 goals, they are permitted to bring on an extra player i.e. 6 v 5. 

   2. If they fall a further 2 goals behind (deficit of 6), they are permitted to bring on a further extra player i.e 7 v 5.

   3. If they fall a further 2 goals behind (deficit of 8), they are permitted to bring on a further extra player i.e 8 v 5, this is the maximum allowed.

   4. If the deficit returns to 2, teams must go back to 5 v 5.

Retreat Line 

1. Retreat line has been introduced from U6 to U10 to allow young players to learn and gain confidence in how to play the ball from the back.

2. At kick-out from goals, opponents must retreat outside the retreat line. 

3. Opponents cannot advance until the player receiving the ball from the goalie has the ball under control.

4. Goalie cannot kick the ball long out of their hands.

Throw-ins 

1. No throw-ins. Play restarted by a kick pass or dribble from the sideline.

2. No score direct from side-line. 

Free Kicks 

1. All free kicks are indirect.

Back Pass 

1. The goalie is not allowed to handle the ball from a back pass.

2. An indirect free kick will be awarded.

Comer Kicks 

1. Normal rules apply.

2. Opposing players must be 5 meters back. 

Penalties 

1. No penalties will be awarded, only indirect free kicks.

2. However, penalty shootouts will be used to decide results in the knockout stages of the tournaments if the scores are level at the end of the match.

Fouls / Misconduct 

1. Normal rules apply.

2. Remember these are kids so let them play.

3. Respect all referee decisions.

Group Stage League Standings / Positions

• 1. Points total

  2. Goal difference

  3. Goals for

  4. Winner of head to head during group game.

  5. The first goal scored in head to head

In the event of a draw in the knockout stages

• 1. Penalties