UNION CUP

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Tournament Rules

UNION CUP 2026

INDOOR OFFICIAL RULES

THESE RULES APPLY TO ALL CATEGORIES

EXCEPT WHERE SPECIFICALLY INDICATED

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1. PLAYER REGISTRATION

• All players must be registered on their team registration form before playing any match.

• Any team or player determined by the event director to have falsified name or age will be expelled from the tournament.

• All players must carry original valid identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.) including:

• Player name

• Date of birth

• Recent photo

• Teams must present identification immediately upon request by tournament officials.

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2. NUMBER OF PLAYERS

• All categories play 7v7:

• 6 field players

• 1 goalkeeper

• Each team may register 18 players on the initial roster.

• From player #19 onward, there is a $50 fee per player for:

• U-17 (2009)

• U-19 (2008/2007)

• U-21 (2006/2005)

• U-15 (2011) is limited to 18 players maximum (no exceptions).

• Maximum roster size: 22 players.

• If a wristband is damaged, the player must present:

• Damaged wristband

• Valid identification

• All players must wear wristbands before entering the complex.

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3. PLAYER ROSTER

• Initial rosters must be submitted by Friday at 9:00 PM.

• Teams not registered Friday must arrive early enough to complete registration.

• Tournament is not responsible if a team arrives late.

• Deadline to add players:

• Before the team’s second group-stage match on Saturday

• Wristbands:

• One wristband per player per day

• Must be worn at all times

• A player who did not play Saturday may play Sunday if registered.

• A player may only play for one team in the tournament.

Roster Violations

A. Unregistered player participation → 2–0 loss

B. Coach playing must be registered as a player

C. Coach playing unregistered:

• Group stage → 2–0 loss

• Playoffs → Disqualification (if protested per Section 14)

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4. EQUIPMENT

• Shin guards are mandatory.

• No dangerous equipment allowed (referee discretion).

• Official ball: Size 5, provided by Union Cup.

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5A. UNIFORMS

• Teams must have two different uniform colors.

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5. REFEREE FEES

• No referee fees.

• Two referees per match.

• Teams must submit the official match roster to the referee before kickoff.

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7. MATCH DURATION

• Match length: 30 minutes

• Two halves of 15 minutes

• Group stage:

• Matches may end in a draw

• Playoffs (single elimination):

• No draws

• Tied matches go directly to shootouts

• 3 shooters per team

• 5 seconds per shooter

• Only shooter and goalkeeper participate

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8. UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS

• No unauthorized persons on the field.

• Wristbands are required to enter the complex.

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9. POINT SYSTEM (GROUP STAGE)

• Win = 3 points

• Draw = 1 point

• Loss = 0 points

• Forfeit score: 2–0

• Team must have at least 7 players present to win by forfeit.

• If a team loses by a large score and later withdraws:

• Remaining matches will be recorded with the same score.

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10. TIEBREAKERS (GROUP STAGE)

1. Points

2. Goal difference

3. Goals scored

4. Head-to-head

5. Red cards

6. Yellow cards

7. Coin toss (qualified teams)

8. Penalty kicks (if qualification is affected)

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11. PLAYER EXPULSION (RED CARD)

• Referees may issue red cards for serious misconduct.

• Tournament directors may impose suspensions.

• A red-carded player may play next match only if the offense is deemed not serious.

If suspended player participates:

• Group stage → 2–0 loss

• Playoffs → Disqualification

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12. SPORTSMANSHIP

• Players, coaches, and spectators must show sportsmanship.

• Abuse toward referees will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification.

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13. REFEREE ASSAULT & ANTI-VIOLENCE

13A. Referee Assault

• Existing score stands if goal difference exists.

• If tied or offending team is losing → 2-goal win awarded

• Playoffs → Disqualification

13B. Fighting / Violence

• Zero tolerance policy.

• Mutual fights result in:

• Match suspension

• Both teams disqualified

• Players expelled from complex

• Responsibility for damages

• Decisions are final and not appealable.

13C.

• Video evidence may be requested only from official Union Cup media.

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14. PROTESTS

• Protest fee: $125

• Must be submitted within 5 minutes of receiving match report.

• Referee decisions are final.

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15. SUBSTITUTIONS

• Unlimited substitutions.

• Players may re-enter.

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16. AWARDS

Champions receive:

• Trophy

• Medals

• Champion shirts

• Match MVP

• Best Goalkeeper (Final)

Runners-up:

• Medals

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17. CHECK-IN

• Teams must submit completed roster forms.

• Players do not need to be present.

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18. WRISTBANDS

• Wristbands issued at registration.

• Must be worn at all times.

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19. TEAM BENCH

• Allowed:

• Registered players

• 2 coaches

• 1 equipment manager

• 1 trainer

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20. MATCH START

• No grace period.

• Referee may start clock if one team is ready.

• Absent team:

• 1 goal every 5 minutes

• Match ends at 3–0 after 15 minutes

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21. READY TIME

• Teams must be ready 15 minutes before kickoff.

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22. MATCH FIXING / NOT COMPETING

• Teams not competing to win may be disqualified.

• Quitting at halftime = Disqualification