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CONTENT Section 1: Introduction
1.1 Definitions
1.2 Interpretation
1.3 Organizers
1.4 Participating Institutes
1.5 Delegation
1.6 Effective Date
1.7 General Conduct

Section 2: Technical Regulations

2.1 Matches played in accordance with the Laws of the Game
2.2 Duration of Matches
2.3 Field of Play
2.4 Footballs
2.5 Competition Format
2.6 Venues
2.7 Team Benches and Technical Area
2.8 Playing Kit and Equipment
2.9 Match Officials
2.10 Match Schedule
2.11 Cancellation of Matches
2.12 Abandonment of Matches

Section 3: Entries for Tournament

3.1 Eligible Entries

3.2 Duties and Obligations
3.3 Withdrawal, arriving late, penalty for failing to play

Section 4: Team Officials and Players

4.1 Eligibility of Players

4.2 Registration and Replacement of Players
4.3 Documentation for Registration of Players
4.4 Registration and Replacement of Team Officials
4.5 Documentation for Registration of Team Officials
4.6 Size of Delegation Attending Matches
4.7 Team Sheet
CONTENT
Section 5: Disciplinary Procedure and Measures
5.1 Match Commissioner (MC)
5.2 Venue Head
5.3 City Head
5.4 Football Competition Manager (FCM)
5.5 Tournament Disciplinary Committee (TDC)
5.6 Offences Leading to Disciplinary Action
5.7 Disciplinary Hearing
5.8 Disciplinary Procedure
5.9 Penalties and sanctions
5.10 Cautions and Suspensions
5.11 Code of Conduct
5.12 Indiscipline or Violent conduct
5.13 Protest

Section 6: Miscellaneous
6.1 Matters not provided for
SECTION 1 :

INTRODUCTION
1.1: Definitions

In these Regulations:

“Assistant Referee” means the Match Officials appointed by RFYS who assist the Referee in
controlling the Match and whose duties are defined in the Laws of the Game;

“College Boys” means the category of the tournament which has boys pursuing an
undergraduate degree course in a college or university and is U-23 (born on or after July 1,
1996) and that the eligibility criteria laid down in Rule 3.1

“City Head” means the person appointed by RFYS in respect of each City to oversee matters
related to Matches and other Tournament activities held in his assigned city. The Venue Head
reports to him;

“Football Competition Manager/s or FCM” means the person/s appointed by RFYS to oversee
and be in overall charge of the competition and operational management for the football
Tournament. The City Heads and Match Commissioners report to him;

“Force Majeure” means any cause or event outside the reasonable control of any Participant,
arising from or attributable to acts, events, omissions or accidents, including but not limited to
the effect of any elections, abnormally inclement weather, flood, lightning, storm, fire,
explosion, earthquake, structural damage, epidemic or other natural disaster, failure or
shortage of power supplies, war, terrorist action, military operations, threat of terrorist action,
riot, crowd disorder, strike, lock-outs or other industrial action (but not strikes, lock-outs or
other industrial action of any participating Institute), acts or omissions of public authorities or
any changes in any law, regulation or policy of the government;

“Fourth Official” means the Match Official appointed by RFYS whose duties are defined in the
Laws of the Game and who shall replace the Referee or the Assistant Referee in case either is
unable to continue;

“Head Coach” means, in relation to each Participating Team, the most senior Team Official
responsible for coaching and/or managing such Participating Team;

“Institute” means any school, junior college or college that could be eligible to participate in the
Tournament in accordance with the eligibility criteria prescribed by RFYS;

“Institute Registration Form” means the entry participation form to be submitted by an Institute
without which an Institute is not eligible to participate in the Tournament;
“Junior Boys” For the Junior Boys competition, means the category of the tournament which
has boys from Class 9-10 student (born on or after July 1, 2003) and that fulfils the eligibility
criteria laid down in Rule 3.1;

“Laws of the Game” means the laws of the Game as determined and published by the
International Football Association Board (IFAB) from time to time;

“Lucky Loser” means a Team which fails to qualify for the next round, but gets another chance
to progress further via playing and winning additional Matches and/or having a better record
among the losing Teams as per Rule 2.5 h i) below.

“Matches” means, together, the qualifiers, group Matches and the Play-Off Matches;

“Match Commissioner” means the Match Official appointed by RFYS who acts as RFYS’s official
representative at a Match/venue and is responsible for overseeing the technical organization of
the Match and compliance with the applicable Regulations (under his purview);

“Match Officials” means Referees and Assistant Referees (including any reserve officials and
Fourth Officials), the Match Commissioner and any other person appointed by RFYS to officiate
at a Match;

“Medical Support Team” means a medical team includes one paramedic, one support staff and
one ambulance

“National Qualifiers” means stage of the competition where each zone is divided further into a
two sub-zone and they compete for a place in National Championship

“National Championship” means stage of the competition where teams from each zone will
compete with each other in a format suggested by RFYS to be crowned as RFYS National
Champions

“Participant or person subject to these Regulations” means each Participating Institute, Player,
Team Official and/or Match Official or any other person who from time to time is bound by these
Regulations;

“Participating Institute or Participating Team” means any Institute duly registered and
participating in the Tournament;

“Player” means a student who plays football and is enrolled as a full time student with a
Participating Institute he is representing in the Tournament;

“Play-Off Match” means knockout Matches that shall follow the group Matches, namely
quarter-finals, semi-finals and final (as applicable) to decide the overall winner of the City
Championships stage and the National Championships stage;

“Referee” means the Match Official appointed by RFYS who controls the Match and whose duties
are defined in the Laws of the Game. The Assistant Referees and the Fourth Official operate
under the direction of the Referee;
“Refereeing Matters” means and include all disciplinary matters occurring between the time
Teams arrive at the venue for a Match and the Referee leaves the field of play after the Match
ends (including kicks from the penalty mark, if applicable), and which fall within the purview of
the Referee as per the Laws of the Game;

“Regulations” mean these Regulations which may be amended from time to time by RFYS;

“Reserve Players” means the additional Players that can be registered by a Participating Team
as part of their preliminary squad and who may be brought in when a Participating Team needs
to replace a Player in their final squad as per 4.2 below;

“RFYS” means Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, the organizer and holder of all proprietary
rights (including without limitation all intellectual property rights thereto) associated with the
Tournament;

“School Girls”means the category of the tournament which has girls from Class 9-12 and is
U-18 (born on or after July 1, 2001) and that fulfils the eligibility criteria laid down in Rule 3.1;
Additionally, only to complete a squad and on a special written request case basis, a squad may
field up to 4 girl athletes from classes 7 or 8 who are U-18 (born on or after July 1, 2001);

“Senior Boys” means the category of the tournament which has boys from Class - 11 - 12 and is
U-18 (born on or after July 1, 2001) and that fulfils the eligibility criteria laid down in Rule 3.1;

“Sub-junior Boys” means the category of the Tournament which has boys who are students of
class 6-8 and under 14 years (born on or after July 1, 2005) and that fulfils the eligibility criteria
laid down in Rule 3.1;

“Team” means the team selected by a Participating Institute to play in the Matches in the
Tournament from within their final squad;

“Team Bench” means the benches/dugouts placed in the Technical area to seat Players and
Team Officials listed in the Team Sheet;

“Team Official” means any teacher, officer, coach, doctor, physiotherapist or other person
employed or otherwise appointed (whether temporarily or for the whole Tournament) and
registered by any Participating Institute in relation to its Team;

“Team Registration Form” means the form to be submitted by each Participating Institute in
respect of each Player being its full time student, under Rule 4.2 and 4.3, as the same may be
amended by RFYS from time to time;

“Team Representative” means any student whether or not registered as a Player of the
Participating Institute or any other person including owner, trustee, directors or any other
person employed or otherwise appointed by such Participating Institute whether or not they are
registered as a Team Official;

“Team Sheet” means the list of Players and Team Officials who will represent a Participating
Institute in a particular Match and/or sit on the Team Bench;

“Technical Area” means an area which a coach, other Team Officials listed on the Team Sheet,
and substitute Players are allowed to occupy during a Match. The technical area includes the
Team Bench and a marked zone adjacent to the pitch;
“Tournament” means the amateur football tournament organized by RFYS in respect of which
these Regulations are being published;

“Tournament Disciplinary Committee” means the disciplinary committee appointed by RFYS

pursuant to Rule 5;

“Tournament League Secretary” means the person appointed as the league secretary to
oversee primarily the administrative function of the disciplinary process and other functions as
set out under these Regulations;

“Venue Head” means the person appointed by RFYS who acts as RFYS’s official representative
at a venue and is responsible for overseeing the operational organization of Matches and
compliance with the applicable Regulations at that venue;

“Venue Partner” means any Participating Institute providing its ground/venue for hosting RFYS
Tournament Matches; and

“Working Day” means any day (not being a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are generally
open for business in Mumbai.

1.2: Interpretation

(a) Unless the context otherwise requires:

(i) words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa; and
(ii) words importing any particular gender shall include all other genders.

1.3: Organizers - Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS)

a) The Football Tournament will be played under the auspices of RFYS.

b) All rights associated with the Tournament which has not been granted by these Regulations
and/or specific agreements to any Participating Institute or a Participant shall remain with
RFYS.

c) These Tournament Regulations and any other Guidelines, Circulars or Codes related to the
Tournament are binding for all Participants.

1.4: Participating Institutes

a) The obligations and responsibilities of the Participating Institutes are stipulated in the
Institute Registration Form and in these Regulations and any other agreements reached
between RFYS and the Participating Institute.
b) Each Institute shall sign and submit the prescribed Institute Registration Form to RFYS not
later than the registration deadline communicated to the Participating Institutes, in order to
be eligible for participation in the Tournament. If the Institute Registration Form does not
reach RFYS by the registration deadline, the participation application of the Institute shall be
liable to be rejected as per the sole discretion of RFYS.

1.5: Delegation

RFYS shall be entitled to delegate any power or authority bestowed on it under these
Regulations to any other sub-committee or to any other person/entity such as the Tournament
Disciplinary Committee (TDC) and/or the Football Competition Manager (FCM) either generally
or in respect of any individual events or circumstances.

1.6: Effective Date

Each Participant agrees that these Regulations shall come into force as on the date it is
adopted. Participating in the Tournament shall constitute an agreement with RFYS and
acceptance by each Participant to be bound by and comply with these Regulations. Participants
can find the Regulations on rfyouthsports.com. Any amendment to these Regulations shall
become effective upon the publication of the amended document on rfyouthsports.com.

1.7: General Conduct

Each person subject to these Regulations shall:

(a) Not at any time act in a manner which does or which might be anticipated to bring such
person, RFYS, its agencies /representatives, the Tournament, any Participating Team, any
Player, RFYS Partners, any RFYS sub-committee, or any Committee Member and/or the
Game into disrepute or adversely affect its/their reputation.

(b) Strictly comply with these Regulations.

(c) Co-operate with RFYS and its representatives to help run the Tournament to the highest
possible standards and with the utmost integrity.

(d) In the event that the RFYS enquires into any suspected or alleged breach of these
Regulations, or if the Participating Institute/Team Official/Player becomes aware of any
suspicious or unusual activities or information that may have an impact on the integrity of a
Match or the Tournament, the Participating Institute/Team Official/Player shall report such
matter within 72 hours of having become aware of such information/activity and co-operate
with such investigative procedures and forthwith provide accurate and complete information
of such activity to the RFYS.
SECTION 2 :

TECHNICAL
REGULATIONS
2.1: Matches played in accordance with the Laws of the Game

a) All Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game laid down by the
International Football Association Board and published by FIFA, except for the modifications
provided, if any, with regards to youth football in the Regulations.

b) Up to three (3) substitutes listed in the Team Sheet may play in a Match. A Player who has
been substituted out may take no further part in the Match.

c) If, at any time, a Participating Team is able to field fewer than seven (7) Players, the Match
shall be abandoned/cancelled. In such a case, the Participating Team which has more than
seven (7) Players shall be declared the winner by a score of 3-0 or the score at the time of
abandonment, whichever is higher.

2.2: Duration of Matches

a) For all rounds of the Sub-Junior Boys, School Girls, Junior Boys category till the semi-final
stage, each Match shall last forty (40) minutes, comprising two periods of twenty (20)
minutes, with an interval of ten (10) minutes in between from the whistle ending the first
period to the whistle starting the second period, from Semi-Final onwards each Match shall
last sixty (60) minutes, comprising two periods of thirty (30) minutes, with an interval of ten
(10) minutes in between from the whistle ending the first period to the whistle starting the
second period.

b) For all rounds (including qualifiers, group stage and Play-offs) of Senior Boys and College
Boys categories, each Match shall last sixty (60) minutes, comprising two periods of thirty
(30) minutes, with an interval of ten (10) minutes in between from the whistle ending the first
period to the whistle starting the second period

c) For the Senior Boys and College Boys categories, starting from the semi-final stage, each
Match shall last ninety (90) minutes, comprising two periods of forty five (45) minutes, with
an interval of fifteen (15) minutes in between from the whistle ending the first period to the
whistle starting the second period, unless required to be reduced to a period of sixty (60)
minutes in accordance with and set out under Rule 2.11 (c) below.

d) If the result is level at the end of normal playing time during the Knock-Out Matches, no
extra time shall be played and Penalty Kicks shall be taken to determine the winner, in
accordance with the procedures described in the Laws of the Game.
 2.3: Field of Play

a) Matches may be played on natural or artificial surface.

b) The field markings shall be the same width or as close as possible to the width of the
goalposts.

2.4: Footballs

a) The balls to be used in Matches shall be as supplied by RFYS before the commencement of
the Matches.

2.5: Competition Format

a) The Tournament shall be played in three stages – the City Championships, National
Qualifiers and the National Championships.

b) Any knockout Match’s result shall be determined taking into account Rule 2.2 c) and d).

c) The system of play for all group Matches shall be each Participating Team playing one Match
against each of the other Participating Teams in the same group, with three points for a win,
one point for a draw and none for a defeat.

d) RFYS shall form and/or rearrange groups at its discretion, taking geographical and
organizational factors into consideration. The decision of RFYS on the group formation is
final and binding on all Participating Teams.

e) RFYS shall introduce a league plus knockout format in select cities and categories. League
structure, teams participating and its format will be decided by RFYS. The decision of RFYS
on the league formation is final and binding on all Participating Teams.

f) City Championships
i. The City Championships shall consist of qualifying Matches in a knockout format up to
the round of 32 in each city.

ii. For the purpose of the City Championships competition, certain neighboring areas of a
city shall also deemed to be included in that city and shall compete with the Teams of
such city (please refer to Annexure A at the end of the document for more details).

iii. The 32 winners from the qualifying Matches shall be divided into eight (8) groups of four
(4) Participating Teams each. The distribution of Participating Teams into groups of four
(4) shall be done by a draw of lots or any other mechanism deemed fit by RFYS in its sole
discretion.

iv. The winner of each group, the ranking criteria for which shall be as per Rule 2.5 h) below,
shall advance to the quarter-finals, which shall be a one-leg, knockout Match.
 v. The four winners of the quarter-finals shall advance to the semi-finals, which shall also
be a one-leg, knockout Match.

vi. The two winners of the semi-finals shall advance to the City Finals.

vii. The winner of the City Finals shall progress to the National Qualifiers, the format of
which shall be as per 2.5 f) below.

The structure for the City Championships shall usually follow the above format. However, the
format may be tweaked, if necessary by RFYS as per its sole discretion, such as if fewer than 32
Teams or only a few more than 32 Teams have entered the Tournament in any category, such
that it is felt that there is no requirement to play the qualifying rounds or there is a requirement
to divide the Teams into fewer/more number of groups or fewer/more Teams in each group.
RFYS’ decision on all matters relating to such format shall be final and binding on all
Participating Teams.

g) National Qualifiers
i. Winners from each city of the City championships shall progress to the National
Qualifiers and shall be divided into four zones – North, East, West and South – primarily
basis their geographic location.

ii. The National Qualifiers shall have the city winners divided into four zones of two
sub-zones each (as shared in the below table) - north, east, south and west- and shall
be played in a round-robin format with each team in their respective sub-zone once.
The system of play for all group Matches shall be each Participating Team playing one
Match against each of the other Participating Teams in the same group, with three
points for a win, one point for a draw and none for a defeat.

The position of Teams in the Table while the group matches are in progress shall be
determined by (in this order):
a) Maximum number of points obtained in group matches completed;
b) Higher goal difference in group matches completed;
c) Maximum number of goals scored in group matches completed;
d) Least number of goals conceded in all group matches completed;
e) Maximum number of wins in group matches completed.

However, the final position of the Teams in the group Table (when all Teams have
played all their group matches) shall be determined by (in this order):
a) Maximum number of points obtained after all group matches;

If two or more Teams are equal on the basis of the above criterion, their place shall be
determined as follows:
a) Maximum number of points obtained in the group match/es between the Teams
concerned;
b) Higher goal difference resulting from the group match/es between the Teams
concerned;
c) Maximum number of goals scored in all group match/es between the Teams
concerned;
d) Least number of goals conceded in all group match/es between the Teams
concerned;
 e) Higher goal difference after all the group matches;
f) Maximum number of goals scored after all the group matches;
g) Drawing of lots.

iii. The division of the cities into zones and the number of Teams advancing to the National
Championships from each zone shall be as follows:

Zone Cities Sub-Zone No. of Teams to

advance to National
Championships
Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi,
Each zone will be divided 2 Teams (one team
North Dharamshala, Jaipur,
from each sub-zone)
Lucknow, Ludhiana, Rohtak into 2 sub-zone

Assam, Bhubaneswar, Imphal, 2 Teams (one team

East Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Each zone will be divided
Megahalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland into 2 sub-zone from each sub-zone)

Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, 2 Teams (one team

South Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode, Each zone will be divided
Madurai, Vizag into 2 sub-zone from each sub-zone)

Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Goa, 2 Teams (one team

West Indore, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Each zone will be divided
Nagpur, Pune into 2 sub-zone from each sub-zone)

iv. The ranking for the zones shall be decided in accordance with Rule 2.5 h) below.

v. A total of eight (8) teams in accordance with Rule 2.5 f iii) above shall progress to the
National Championships, the format of which shall be as per 2.5 g) below

h) National Championships
i. The National Championships shall have the eight (8) winners from the National Qualifiers
divided into two (2) groups of four (4) Participating Teams each. The distribution of
Participating Teams into groups shall be done through a draw of lots or in a mechanism
deemed fit by RFYS in its sole discretion.

ii. The Participating Teams finishing first and second in each group shall advance to the
semi-finals which shall be a one-leg, knockout Match.

iii. The winner of group A shall play the runner-up of group B and the winner of group B shall
play the runner-up of group A in the semi-finals.

iv. The two winners of the semi-finals shall advance to the National Finals.

v. The winner of the National Finals shall be the overall champion of the Tournament in the
respective category.

i) Ranking Determination
i. If required, to make up an even number of Teams or to make up a required number of
Teams for a particular round, RFYS may nominate “Lucky Losers” to advance into the
next round.
 The determination of Lucky Losers in the qualifying rounds will be in the following order:
(a) Higher average goal difference across all qualifying round/s played by the Team;
(b) Higher average number of goals scored in all qualifying round/s played by the Team;
(c) Lower average number of goals conceded in all qualifying round/s by the Team;
(d) Drawing of lots.

For any Team/s that has played zero Matches in the round/s of qualifiers due to having received
bye/s and/or walkover, the said Team/s shall play a decider Match against the lowest ranked
Lucky Loser Team/s determined to be proceeding to the next round by the ranking criteria in
clause 2.5 (h) (i). The winner/s of this Match/es shall go through to play the next round. If there
is more than one such Team then the draw of the decider Matches shall be done by drawing of
lots by RFYS.

The determination of Lucky Losers in a group stage shall be determined as per Rule 2.5 h) iii),
2.5 h) iv) or 2.5 h v) below, as applicable.

ii. The position of Teams in the Table while the group Matches are in progress shall be
determined by (in this order):
a) Maximum number of points obtained in all group Matches;
b) Higher goal difference in all group Matches;
c) Maximum number of goals scored in all group Matches;
d) Least number of goals conceded in all group Matches;
e) Maximum number of wins in all group Matches.

iii. However, the final position of the Teams in the group Table (when all Teams have played
all their group Matches) shall be determined by (in this order):
a) Maximum number of points obtained in all group Matches;

If two or more Teams are equal on the basis of the above criterion, their place shall be
determined as follows:
a) Maximum number of points obtained in the group Matches between the Participating
Teams concerned;
b) Higher goal difference resulting from the group Matches between the Participating
Teams concerned;
c) Maximum number of goals scored in all group Matches between the Participating
Teams concerned;
d) Least number of goals conceded in all group Matches between the Participating
Teams concerned;
e) Higher goal difference in all the group Matches;
f) Maximum number of goals scored in all the group Matches;
g) Drawing of lots.

iv. If Participating Teams from different groups are required to be ranked in order to
determine which team/s advance to the next round, the following procedure will be
applied (using the second-placed Participating Team as an example):

a) All the runners-up teams in each group shall be identified and ranked in the
following order:
 b) Maximum number of points obtained in all group Matches;
c) Higher goal difference in all group Matches;
d) Maximum number of goals scored in all group Matches;
e) Maximum number of wins in all group Matches;
f) Drawing of lots.

v. If Participating Teams from different groups, where the number of teams in the groups
varies, are required to be ranked in order to determine which team/s advance to the next
round, the following procedure will be applied (using the second-placed Participating
Team as an example):

a) All the runners-up teams in each group will be identified;

b) Due to the varying number of teams per group, teams in different group would have
played different number of matches. Therefore, in order to ensure equality when
comparing the runner-up team of all the groups, all teams will be compared across
similar number of matches. RFYS will decide on the number of matches in its sole
discretion. In general, the results of the Matches between the runner-up team and
the bottom placed team in the group will be considered null and void. All points,
goals scored and goals conceded in this Match will not be taken into account;
c) Once B) is done the best team among those ranked second in the different groups
will be determined as per Rule 2.5 h iv) above.

vi. If a Participating Team is disqualified during the Tournament, the results of all of its
Matches will be declared null and void, and the points awarded forfeited.

Notwithstanding anything contained herein, RFYS reserves the right to change the format of the
Tournament at their sole discretion any time before and/or during the Tournament, if it deems
it necessary.

2.6: Venues

a) The Venues for the matches in the Tournament shall be decided at the sole discretion of
RFYS.

b) High standards of behaviour and discipline is expected from each Participating Team. Any
damage that is caused to the venue or the facilities provided, attributable to any act of
negligence or misconduct of a Player or Team Official shall be recovered from the
Player/Team Official’s Institute as compensation based on actual costs in addition to any
sanction as prescribed under these Regulations.

c) Due to a likely schedule of back-to-back matches at each venue and also otherwise, all
Participating Teams are expected to strictly adhere to the pre-Match activities timings
and kick-off times for the start and re-start of play after interval.
 2.7: Team Benches and Technical Area

a) Up to a maximum of three (3) Team Officials and a maximum of seven (7) Players
(substitutes) are allowed to sit on the Team Bench during the Match, provided they are duly
Registered as per Rule 4 and in possession of the appropriate accreditation/identity card
issued by RFYS.

b) All officials and Players on the Team Bench must wear their accreditation card at all times.
The accreditation cards shall always be available for inspection prior to the start of and
during the Match.

c) All persons on the bench must wear kits that are contrasting with the kit of the Players and
Referees on the pitch. In case of a clash, bibs should be worn on top of the jerseys.

d) The benches (left or right when facing the field) shall be assigned to the Teams prior to the
start of the Match.

2.8: Playing Kit

a) Players shall compulsorily wear registered numbers on their jerseys and if possible on
shorts as well. Each Player shall wear the same number allocated to him on the Player
Registration Form submitted to RFYS during the registration process and his number shall
remain unchanged throughout the Tournament.

b) Teams are allowed to choose numbers only between 1-18 for their playing squad and
substitutes. Numbers 19-21 are to be assigned to their Reserve Players. If the Players of a
Team come to a Match wearing jerseys which have numbers beyond 21 they will be asked to
wear bibs (provided by RFYS which shall be numbered 1-21) as per their registered
numbers on top of their jerseys.

c) If there is a clash between the kit colours of competing Teams, the Referee will decide by a
coin toss as to which Team would need to change their kit in order to achieve a clear
distinction between the two Teams. It would be preferable for each Team to carry two sets of
kits that are distinct in colour to each Match, however, in case this is not possible the Team
that is asked to change its kit shall wear bibs on top of their jerseys. The bibs shall be
provided by RFYS.

2.9: Match Officials

a) A Referee, two Assistant Referees, a Fourth official and a Match Commissioner shall be
appointed for each Match by RFYS.

b) If the Referee or one of the Assistant Referees is prevented from carrying out his duties,
such Referee or Assistant Referee shall be replaced by the Fourth official.
a) A Referee, two Assistant Referees, a Fourth official and a Match Commissioner shall be
appointed for each Match by RFYS.

b) If the Referee or one of the Assistant Referees is prevented from carrying out his duties,
such Referee or Assistant Referee shall be replaced by the Fourth official.

2.10: Match Schedule

a) All Matches shall be played according to the dates, venue and kick-off times as set by RFYS.

2.11: Cancellation of Matches

a) The Referee in consultation with the Match Commissioner and the Venue Head shall take the
final decision on whether a Match needs to be delayed and/or cancelled due to Force
Majeure reasons such as weather conditions or the field is not fit for play. If a decision is
taken to delay or cancel a Match the Referee//Match Commissioner shall as soon as
practicable submit a report to the Venue Head detailing the reason for the cancellation.

b) If a Match cannot commence on time due to Force Majeure as stated above, the RFYS
team based on the remaining schedule of the day, and in consultation with the Match
Commissioner may, as per its sole discretion, reduce the duration of the remaining
Matches (with the minimum duration of each Match being at least 40 minutes) but this
shall be decided before the start of the relevant Match/es.

c) In circumstances where it is not possible to play the Match at all due to a Force Majeure
condition even after the delay as prescribed under paragraphs (a) and (b) above, RFYS
may, in its absolute discretion and taking account of any relevant considerations such as
Match scheduling, sporting or other organizational issues decide to order such cancelled
Match to be played at the earliest possible date and time provided this can be done. If it is
not possible to order the rescheduling of the cancelled Match (due to scheduling, sporting
or other organizational issues), RFYS shall determine the result of the cancelled Match in
accordance with the following:

i. If the said Match is a qualifying round Match (before round of 32 in the City
Championships stage), RFYS shall try and organize kicks from the penalty mark to
determine the winner, however if even that is not possible, the winner shall be
decided by draw of lots;
ii. if the said Match is a group Match, the result will be considered a 0-0 draw;
iii. if the said Match is a Play-Off Match Championships, the Team finishing higher in the
group rankings (as per Rule 2.5 h) in that particular stage of the Tournament shall
be considered the winner.

d) No appeals may be lodged against decisions under Rule 2.11.

 2.12: Abandonment of Matches

a) The Referee in consultation with the Match Commissioner and the Venue Head shall take
the final decision on whether a Match that is underway needs to be stopped due to Force
Majeure reasons such as weather conditions or the field is not fit for play. If a decision is
taken to stop the Match and eventually abandon it, the Referee/Match Commissioner
shall as soon as practicable submit a report to the Venue Head detailing the reason for
the abandonment.

b) In case of the above, any re- start of the play shall account for the time lost and the
remaining Match schedule of the day. If necessary, based on the remaining schedule of
the day, the RFYS team in consultation with the Match Commissioner may reduce the
duration of the remaining Match/es (with the minimum duration of each Match being at
least 40 minutes), but this shall be decided before the start of the relevant Match/es. For
the avoidance of doubt, the duration of the Match, which was already underway before
stoppage, shall not be reduced.

c) In circumstances where it has not been possible to complete a Match under paragraph (a)
above, RFYS may, in its absolute discretion and taking account of any relevant
considerations such as Match scheduling, sporting or other organisational issues decide (A)
to order the part of such Match which has not been completed to be played at an earliest
possible date and time provided this can be done, or (B) that it is not (due to scheduling,
sporting or other organizational issues) possible to order the remainder of the abandoned
Match to be completed under (A) of this paragraph in which case RFYS shall determine the
result of the abandoned Match in accordance with the following:

a) The Referee in consultation with the Match Commissioner and the Venue Head shall take
the final decision on whether a Match that is underway needs to be stopped due to Force
Majeure reasons such as weather conditions or the field is not fit for play. If a decision is
taken to stop the Match and eventually abandon it, the Referee/Match Commissioner
shall as soon as practicable submit a report to the Venue Head detailing the reason for
the abandonment.

(i) if 60 minutes or less (40 minutes or less for a 60-minute Match) and 25 minutes or less
for a 40-minute Match have been played (according to the Referee’s watch) at the
time of the abandonment of the Match then the result will be a draw if either the score
is level or if one Team is winning by a margin of 1 or 2 goals but if one Team is winning
by a margin of 3 or more goals then such Team will be the winner and the score at the
time of abandonment will hold; or
(ii) if more than 60 minutes (40 minutes for a 60-minute Match) and 25 minutes for a
40-minute Match have been played (according to the Referee’s watch) at the time of
the abandonment of the Match then the result will be a draw if either the score is level
or if one Team is winning by a margin of 1 goal but if one Team is winning by a margin
of 2 or more goals then such Team will be the winner and the score at the time of
abandonment will hold;
(iii) In case of a draw subject to Rule 2.12 (c) – (i) and (ii) however, the goals scored by
each Team will be accounted for in the points table, if it is a group stage Match
 (iv) In case of a draw, if it is a qualifying round Match (before round of 32 in the City
Championships stage), RFYS shall try and organize kicks from the penalty mark to
determine the winner, however if even that is not possible the winner shall be
decided by draw of lots;
(v) if the said Match is a Play-Off Match, the Team finishing higher in the group rankings
(as per Rule 2.5 h) in that particular stage of the Tournament shall be considered the
winner.

d) In case of an abandoned Match, where under Rule 2.12 only the part of the Match, which
has not been completed, is ordered to be played at an earliest possible date, the following
principles shall apply:

(i) The Match shall recommence at the minute at which play was interrupted, and with the
same score line;
(ii) The Match shall recommence with the same Players on the pitch and the same
substitutes available as when the Match was abandoned;
(iii) No additional substitutes may be added to the list of Players on the Team Sheet;
(iv) The Teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they were still entitled
when the Match was abandoned;
(v) Players sent off during the abandoned Match cannot be replaced;
(vi) Any sanction imposed before the Match was abandoned shall remain valid for the
remainder of the Match;
(vii) Any other matter not set out above shall be decided by RFYS at its sole discretion.

e) No appeal may be lodged against decisions under Rule 2.12.

SECTION 3 :

ENTRIES FOR
TOURNAMENT
3.1: Eligible Entries for Participating Institutes

a) Only a school/junior college affiliated to a state government board, Central Board of

Secondary Education (CBSE), Council of Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE),
International Baccalaureate Programme or the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
is eligible to participate in the Tournament.

b) Only a full time student who is currently enrolled/registered for an undergraduate degree
course at a college or university in India which is affiliated to a central university, state
university, deemed university or a private university which is recognized by the University
Grants Commission (UGC) shall be eligible to participate in this Tournament (post-graduate
course students and diploma course students are not eligible).

c) Apart from the above, other autonomous Institutes granted the permission to autonomously
award degrees and falling under the administrative control of the Department of Higher
Education such as the Indian Institutes of Information Technology, Indian Institutes of
Technology, the National Institutes of Technology, the Indian Institutes of Science Education
and Research, School of Planning and Architecture, the Indian Institutes of Management
and all Institutes listed under Institutions of National Importance by Ministry of Human
Resource Development (MHRD) shall also be eligible to participate as long as the student is
enrolled in an undergraduate degree course.

d) The Institute must be in existence for at least 5 years, with at least 2 batches having passed
from the following: i) from Class 10th, for the Junior Boys category, ii) Class 12th (for the
Senior Boys and School Girls categories), /and iii) from the relevant college for the graduate
College Boys category.

e) Students studying in open Institutes or part of distance learning programs are not eligible to
participate.

f) An Institute can only enter a bonafide full time student who is currently enrolled/registered
at the said institution.
g) Foreign students are eligible to participate, however only up to five foreign students can be
fielded and playing on the pitch at all times throughout each Match. Failure to comply with
this rule shall result in a 3-0 loss for the defaulting Participating Team unless the opposing
Team was winning/has won the Match by a better score, in which case the result on the
pitch will be upheld.

h) A student shall not be allowed to represent more than one Institute or play in more than
one category during the same season of the Tournament.

i) Provisional admission to an Institute shall not make a student eligible to represent that
Institute.

j) Institutes shall complete an official entry form (Institute Registration Form) in full and
submit it to RFYS not later than the entry deadline communicated to the Institutes.

k) Entry Forms received after the deadline and/or incomplete forms will not be accepted.

l) A Participating Institute, who may also be the Tournament’s Venue Partner, may get a direct
entry into the round of 32 or the corresponding stage (in case there is a change in format due
to any reason) in one of its participating categories.

m) Any issue regarding the eligibility of a particular Institute shall be decided by RFYS in such
manner as RFYS shall deem fit as per its sole discretion.

3.2: Duties and Obligations of the Participating Institute

On entering the Tournament, the Participating Institute shall automatically undertake:

a) To observe any agreement entered into with RFYS as well as these Tournament Regulations,
decisions, guidelines and circulars issued by RFYS and/or its sub-committees from time to
time;

b) To comply with the Laws of the Game laid down by IFAB;

c) To accept that all the administrative, disciplinary and Refereeing Matters connected with the
Tournament shall be settled by RFYS in compliance with these Regulations;

d) To respect their opponent and observe the principles of Fair Play;

e) To be responsible for the behavior of their Players, Team Officials and any person carrying
out any duty on their behalf throughout the Tournament;

f) To accept all arrangements made by RFYS for the conduct of the Matches;

g) To attend and participate in all Matches as scheduled and organized by RFYS;

h) To ensure that its Team reports at the venue well in time and at least an hour before the
communicated kick-off time to ensure a timely start to the Match;

i) To inform the Organizers as soon as practicable in case of an unavoidable delay and/or their
inability to attend a Match due to Force Majeure. Whether the reason is reasonable and
acceptable and whether the change can be accommodated shall be decided by the FCM at
his sole discretion. If the reason is not recognized or deemed unacceptable the FCM can
sanction the Participating Institute including with a 3-0 forfeit of the Match and/or other
measures decided by him at his discretion in accordance with Rule 3.3 e). For avoidance of
doubt, even in the case a Participating Institute has a valid reason, if the FCM is unable to
accommodate the change and reschedule the Match, the FCM may award a 3-0 walkover to
the opposing Team of such Participating Institute;

j) To accept the use and/or sub-license by RFYS of any of the records, names and images of its
Players and Team Officials, including any still and moving representation thereof, which
shall appear or be generated in connection with the Participating Institute and its Players
and Team Officials in the Tournament.

3.3: Withdrawal, disqualification, arriving late, penalty

for failing to play and replacement

a) Participating Institutes shall play in all their Matches in the Tournament.

b) If a Participating Institute withdraws after entering, RFYS has the right to replace it with
another eligible Institute if the withdrawal takes place before the start of the Tournament.
Where it is not possible for RFYS to replace the said team and if the fixtures for the Matches
have already been created, RFYS may give a bye to the opposing Team at its discretion.

c) If a Participating Team withdraws while still in contention in the Tournament, it shall be

sanctioned as decided by the FCM or TDC. RFYS shall, at its discretion, also take such
necessary steps as are required to make up for the withdrawal or disqualification of a Team.
This could include changing the fixture, format, giving a Participating Team a bye or inviting
a Luck Loser to replace the Participating Team that has withdrawn or been disqualified.

d) If a Participating Team is disqualified during the Tournament, the results of all of its Matches
will be declared null and void, and the points awarded forfeited.

e) If a Participating Institute does not report for a Match at any stage of the Tournament, except
in cases of Force Majeure recognized by RFYS, or if it refuses to continue to play or leaves
the stadium before the end of the Match, the Participating Institute shall:

i. Forfeit the Match by a score of 3-0 unless if the Match was already underway and the
opponent Team was winning by a higher margin then the Match score shall stand;

ii. At least one-match suspension for the Team coach;

 iii. Be referred to the FCM for further action, if required;

f) Other than in the case of Force Majeure recognized by RFYS, if a Participating Team fails to
arrive at the match venue by the scheduled time of match kick-off as communicated to it,
then its opponent Team (provided they have arrived at the venue by the scheduled kick-off
time) shall get a walkover, resulting in a 3-0 win for the latter.

g) Other than in the case of Force Majeure recognized by RFYS, if neither Team arrives at the
match venue until the scheduled match kick-off time, a maximum delay of up to 30 minutes
will be allowed for the Match to take place. In such a case,

i. If only one Team makes it to the venue within that extended period then it shall get a
walkover win of 3-0 but shall receive Penalty Points in accordance with Rule 5.11.

ii. if neither Team has arrived at the match venue even after the completion of this extended
30 minutes, then both Teams shall be handed a 3-0 loss resulting in both of them being
eliminated in case it is a knockout match. In a group stage match, the 3-0 loss result shall
be added to both teams’ tally in the points table. Additional sanction in accordance with Rule
3.3 e) above shall also be applied.

iii. if as per point g ii) above, both Teams end up being eliminated, then RFYS shall take such
steps as necessary to make up for it. This could include giving a bye to the eliminated Teams’
opponents in the next Match or selecting a replacement Lucky Loser should the need arise.

h) RFYS shall take whatever action it deems necessary in cases of Force Majeure.
SECTION 4 :

TEAM OFFICIALS
& PLAYERS
4.1: Eligibility of Players

a) A Player is eligible to play in the Tournament provided he/she fulfils the following conditions
relevant to his/her relevant category of the competition:

i. He/She fulfils the conditions set out in Rule 3.1;

iii. For the Sub-Junior Boys competition, means the category of the tournament which has
boys, students from Class 6-8 and is U-14 (born on or after July 1, 2005);

iii. For the Junior Boys competition, means the category of the tournament which has boys,
students from Class 9-10 and is U- 16 (born on or after July 1, 2003);

iv. For the Senior Boys competition, means the category of the tournament which has boys,
students from Class 11 - 12 and is U-18 (born on or after July 1, 2001) and;

v. For the School Girls competition, means the category of the tournament which has girls,
students from Class 9-12 and is U-18 (born on or after July 1, 2001). Additionally, only to
complete a squad and on a special written request case basis, a squad may field up to 4
girl athletes, students of classes 7 or 8 and is U-18 (born on or after July 1, 2001).

vi. For the College Boys category, means the category of the tournament which has boy
students pursuing an undergraduate degree course in a college or university and is U-23
(born on or after July 1, 1996)

b) A Player is deemed ineligible if:

i. He/She does not fulfill the conditions set out in Rule 3.1 and 4.1 a).

ii. RFYS finds that any document submitted during registration is false.

4.2: Registration and Replacement of Players

a) In each participating category, each Participating Team shall register a squad of a minimum
of eleven (11) Players and a maximum of eighteen (18) Players, of which at least two (2) must
be goalkeepers. Additionally they may register 3 more players as Reserve players.
b) ) The Team Sheet shall identify the starting eleven (11) and up to seven (7) substitute Players
for each Match during the Tournament

c) Participating Teams can replace Players in their squad during the Tournament for reasons
such as injury, a Player leaving the relevant Participating Institute and other exigencies by
including a Reserve Player by written notice to RFYS a minimum of 24 hours before their
scheduled game.

d) When a replaced player is fit / available to rejoin the team, this may be done by written notice
to RFYS a minimum of 24 hours before their scheduled game. The player may take the place
of the reserve player who replaced the injured player in the team only. (For example.
Jersey#2 is replaced by Jersey #19, when Jersey#2 is available to rejoin the team he may do
so in place of Jersey#19 only and no other jersey number.)

4.3: Documentation for Registration of Players

a) For the registration of Players, Players must be registered using the Team Registration
Form with the supporting documents as mentioned in the form.

b) Documentations for the registration of Players are, but not limited to, the following:

i. Team Registration form;

ii. Color Copy of Birth Certificate and/or National ID (mentioning the birth date), which
should preferably be an aadhaar card (unless the Player is a foreigner in which case a
passport copy shall be submitted);

iii. Passport-size colored photo (taken within 6 months prior to the submission of the
registration);

iv. Institute student identity card (in its original form as issued/attested by the Institute).

v. For Senior Boys Category it is mandatory to share copy of passing certificate of Class X

vi. For College Boys Category it is mandatory to share copy of passing certificate of
Class XII

c) Each column in the Team Registration forms must be completed with correct information.

d) Any Form with missing information or documentation will not be accepted. All eligible
Players will be issued with an official accreditation/identity card.

e) It is the responsibility of the Participating Institute to ensure that all forms and supporting
documents are submitted within the deadline communicated by RFYS.

f) RFYS reserves the right to request for additional documents/information than those
mentioned in clauses b) and c) above, if it deems it necessary.
g) All Players must carry their original ID (this ID shall be the same as a copy of which was
submitted during the registration process) during all Matches for verification. Accreditation
cards to students shall be given after the verification which shall be done at the registration
desk at the relevant venue.

4.4: Registration and Replacement of Team Officials

a) In each participating category, each Participating Team may register up to three (3) Team
Officials, of which at least one must be designated as the Head Coach.

b) Participating Teams may replace or add officials subject to maintaining the maximum limit
of three (3) officials provided all necessary documents have been submitted as per Rule 4.5.

4.5: Documentation for Registration of Team Officials

a) For the registration of Team Officials, officials must be registered using the Team
Registration Form.

b) Documentations for the registration of Officials are, but not limited to, as following:

i. Team Registration form;

ii. Passport-size colored photo (taken within 1 year prior to the submission of the
registration);

iii. Color copy of National ID, which should preferably be an aadhaar card (unless the official
is a foreigner in which case a passport copy shall be submitted);

iv. Coach’s Institute identity card (in its original form as issued/attested by the Institute).

c) Each column in the Team Registration Form shall be filled up with correct
information.

d) Any Form with missing information or documentation will not be accepted. All registered
Team Officials will be issued with an official accreditation/identity card.

e) It is the responsibility of the Participating Institute to ensure that all forms and supporting
documents are submitted within the deadline communicated by RFYS.

f) RFYS reserves the right to request for additional documents/information than those
mentioned in clause b) above, if it deems it necessary.

g) In addition to the team official registration one Parent will be nominated by the school to be
single point of contact, coordinates of this person will be required for communicate
regularly with the team
 4.6: Size of Delegation Attending Matches

1. In each participating category, each Participating Institute is entitled to bring an official

delegation (“Official Delegation”) to the relevant venue, consisting of a maximum of eighteen
(18) Players and up to three (3) Team Officials, who must all be registered as per Rule 4, for
a City Championships stage Match. This Rule needs to be strictly adhered to.

2. The size of the Official Delegation allowed for National Qualifiers and National
Championships stage Matches shall be notified to Participating Teams on their qualification
to that stage.

3. Participating Institutes, at their own cost, shall be allowed to invite guests and other
spectators to watch the Match.For avoidance of doubt, the Participating Institute shall be
solely responsible for the conduct and behavior of such guests/spectators.

4.7: Team Sheet

a) Participating Teams must mark the names of their eleven (11) Players who will start the
Match while other seven (7) Players shall be marked as either substitutes or not playing in
the Team Sheet. Each Team must also identify its team captain and the Team Officials that
will be sitting on the bench in that Match on the Team Sheet. This shall be done at least thirty
(30) minutes before the kick-off of their Match.

b) After the Team Sheet has been completed and signed by both Teams’ officials and returned
to the Referee, and if the Match is yet to be kicked-off, the following instructions apply:

i. If any of the eleven (11) Players selected to start the Match are not able to start the
Match for any reason, they may be replaced by any of the substitutes listed on the Team
Sheet.

ii. The replaced Player shall be eligible to participate in the Match as a substitute.
SECTION 5 :

DISCIPLINARY
PROCEDURES AND MEASURES
RFYS shall appoint a Match Commissioner for each Match or Match day, one or more Tourna-
ment Football Competition Manager (FCM) and a Tournament Disciplinary Committee (TDC) to
oversee disciplinary matters. Their disciplinary tasks and functions are defined below.

5.1 Match Commissioner (MC): Refereeing Matters

a) Disciplinary matters in respect of Level 1 will be dealt with by the Match Commissioner if the
incident occurs before, during and after a Match and is a Refereeing Matter (as defined
above).

b) In instances of disciplinary Level 2 offenses under Refereeing Matters, the MC shall award
sanctions for such offence based on the range of minimum sanctions prescribed under the
Regulations.

c) In addition to 5.1 b) above, the Match Commissioner shall refer any case of Level 2 to the
Football Competition Manager (FCM) where he feels that any higher sanction needs to be
imposed over and above the prescribed range of minimum sanction as full and appropriate
corrective action. The FCM shall then refer it to the Tournament Disciplinary Committee
(TDC) with the assistance of the Tournament League Secretary (TLS) for further action.

d) Any incident of Level 3 under the purview of the MC will be immediately reported to the
Football Competition Manager by the MC, for being placed before the TDC.

e) All decisions taken by the MC are final and binding and not subject to appeal.

5.2 Venue Head (VH): Non –Refereeing Matters

Any incident of Level 1, Level 2 and/or Level 3 offense not covered under the purview of the MC
will be reported to the FCM by the Venue Head.

5.3 City Head (CH):

Any complaint specifically against the MC or the VH only, shall be sent directly to the City Head
at cityhead@rfyouthsports.com. The CH shall forward it to the FCM for further action, after
reviewing the merit of the complaint. The FCM shall then review the matter and take appropriate
corrective action, if necessary.
 5.4 Football Competition Manager (FCM):

5.4.1 Football Competition Manager (FCM):

a) Level 1 offences: Any incident reported by the VH will be dealt with by the FCM, and he/she
shall award sanctions from the prescribed range of minimum sanctions in these
Regulations. The decision of the FCM in such matters shall be final and binding and not
subject to appeal.

b) Level 2 offences: In instances of such offenses, the FCM shall award sanctions based on the
range of minimum sanctions prescribed under these Regulations. He may further refer the
matter to the TDC (Tournament Disciplinary Committee) in case of any written appeal by any
relevant party against the FCM’s imposition of minimum sanctions as authorized under this
clause 5.4.1 (b) which is received not later than two Working Days of the date of the decision.

c) In addition to 5.4.1 (b) above, the FCM may refer any case of Level 2 to the TDC where he feels
that any higher sanction needs to be imposed over and above the prescribed range of min
imum sanction as full and appropriate corrective action.

d) Level 3 offences: The FCM shall refer each such case to the TDC directly for a hearing and a
decision.

5.4.2 Refereeing Matters:

Level 2 and Level 3 Offences: For matters referred to the FCM by the MC under 5.1 c) and /or 5.1
(d) above, the FCM shall refer the same to the TDC with assistance from the Tournament League
Secretary (TLS) for further action;

For clarity, the communication of decisions taken by FCM may not necessarily be made through
him. The FCM shall have a team to support the implementation and compliance of the
Regulations and communication on his behalf may be sent by designated authorized persons
such as, without limitation,a relevant City Head or Venue Head.

5.5 Tournament Disciplinary Committee ( TDC):

a) The TDC shall entertain cases with a disciplinary hearing and shall impose sanctions in
cases of:

i. Any matter placed by the Football Competition Manager before the TDC under 5.4.1 (c),
5.4.1 (d) and 5.4.2 above;

ii. Any other matter not specified under the Regulations which could be deemed a Level 2 or
Level 3 offence; For the avoidance of doubt, any matter not specified under the Regulations
which is deemed to be a Level 1 offence will be referred for adjudication to the MC
(Refereeing Matter) and/or the FCM (Non-Refereeing Matter);
 iii. Failure to comply with any directions or decisions given by the MC and/or the FCM may
result in further action involving a disciplinary hearing by the TDC on receiving such report
of non-compliance from the FCM;

iv. The TDC shall be the final authority in all such matters and all relevant parties including
the subject of any complaint (the “Subject”) shall be bound by its directions and orders.

b) Every person (natural or legal) under reference with the TDC has :

i. The right to expect fair and consistent treatment;

ii. The right to adequate notice from the TDC;

iii. The right to legal representation at a hearing;

iv. Except in cases of a Level 3 offence, no Subject will be expelled from the Tournament for
the first instance of (i) Level 1 offence and/or (ii) Level 2 offence unless the TDC decides
otherwise as per its sole discretion;

v. All disciplinary actions taken by TDC will be duly recorded and placed on file for reference
at a future date.

5.6 Offences Leading to Disciplinary Action

The actions listed below may be interpreted to fall within the purview of “Level 1”, “Level 2” and
“Level 3” offence. However, the lists are not to be considered as fully inclusive, exhaustive or
covering all possible offences, and in case of any ambiguity of interpretation, the TDC shall be
the final authority on the same and their decision shall be binding.

5.6.1 Level 1 :
“Level 1” is the carrying out of an offence by a Subject considered to be of a minor nature (unless
frequently repeated) and will normally incur the minimum sanction prescribed under the
Regulations imposed by the Match Commissioner or the Football Competition Manager as the
case may be. Examples of offences that may be considered a Level 1 offence include: -

• Not being punctual for pre-Match activities such as submission of Team Sheet and Matches;

• Discourteous, crude, indecent, inappropriate, abusive or offensive behavior which is not very
serious;

• Offensive disregard for equipment or property;

• Refusal to carry out reasonable instructions issued by Tournament officials or organisers;

• Any action, which in the opinion of the FCM, may prejudice the reputation of the Tournament,
RFYS and/or the Organizers, or which left unpunished, may result in the detriment of the
Tournament or other Participants / stakeholders;

• Any other actions of similar gravity to the above on field and off field, at the discretion of the
Match Commissioner and Football Competition Manager respectively.
5.6.2 Level 2 :
“Level 2” is the carrying out of an offence by a Subject of such gravity that in the opinion of the
relevant disciplinary authority it warrants a higher sanction than a Level 1 offence. Examples of
offences, which may be considered as Level 2 include:
• Level 1 offences mentioned above if specially grave or repeated;
• Deliberate or persistent breaches of Level 1 offence;
• Theft or misappropriation;
• Use of aggressively threatening or grave abusive behaviour;
• Continuous inappropriate or indecent behavior towards any other person;
• Refusal to play or Failure to attend and participate in a scheduled Match;
• Serious damage to equipment or property;
• Disregard for one’s own or other people’s safety;

• Any action, which may seriously prejudice the reputation of the Tournament, RFYS and/or
the Organizers, or which left unpunished, may result in the detriment of the Tournament or
other Participants / stakeholders.

5.6.3 Level 3 :
“Level 3” is an offence by the Subject of such seriousness that the FCM or the TDC may require
the expulsion and/or a disqualification of the Subject from the Tournament/future editions of the
Tournament. The Subject shall have a right to a disciplinary hearing in such case, however, the
FCM or the TDC, as applicable, may provisionally expel such Subject on immediate basis and the
Subject shall remain provisionally expelled till such time that the disciplinary hearing is
conducted and such expulsion is either confirmed or withdrawn. Examples of Level 3 are:

• Physical violence or assault by a Participant or its supporters towards other persons at a

Match or Tournament event or related activity, including serious threatening, intimidating or
forceful behavior;

• Participating in the Match whilst under the influence of alcohol or banned drugs;

• Reckless disregard of safety and basic safety rules;

• Any attempt to achieve gains or advantage over others by unfair or unscrupulous means or
partake in match manipulation;

• Deliberate or persistent breaches of Level 2 offence (or a Level 1 offence, the persistent
breach of which has already categorized it into a Level 2 offence);

• Providing false information on the registration form (including Player or Institute eligibility);

• Acts that may bring the Tournament, RFYS and/or the Organizers into seriously grave
disrepute;

• Other acts that are considered to be of an extremely serious nature perpetrated against the
Tournament, any other Participant or any other party.
 5.7 Disciplinary Hearing

a) On receiving a reference of any matter, the TDC shall:

i. Advise the complainant that if a disciplinary hearing is called, then the complainant and all
relevant witnesses will be invited to attend and give evidence. Such attendance would
ordinarily be appropriate but the TDC could decide that this is not required;

ii. Contact the Subject (or Participating Institute representative), to advise of the official
complaint and request the Subject to submit a written statement of events. The Subject will
be entitled to see a copy of the complaint;

iii. In cases of disputes of a personal nature, the TDC will attempt to resolve the situation
amicably and to the mutual satisfaction of the parties concerned;

iv. If settlement cannot be agreed between the parties, or if the offence merits it, then a
disciplinary hearing will be arranged as soon as possible;

v. Notify all parties as to the hearing date and ensure the parties have all relevant copies of
paperwork in good time prior to the hearing.

b) The panel for the TDC shall be decided by RFYS.

c) The quorum for the TDC may consist of a single member and shall be decided on a
case-to-case basis by the Tournament Legal Secretary in consultation with RFYS.

5.8 Disciplinary Procedure

a) The procedure followed at the Hearing shall be at the discretion of the Tournament
Disciplinary Committee, provided that the Hearing is conducted in a fair manner and in
accordance with the principles of natural justice.

b) After the TDC has reached a decision, the relevant parties shall be notified in writing of such
decision and informed of any penalties within 7 days of the decision being reached, penalties
will be effective from the date of the decision.
 5.9 Penalties/sanctions

Following the hearing, the TDC will apply such penalties/sanctions as the TDC may consider
appropriate, including temporary or permanent expulsion of the Subject from the Tournament.
The decision of the TDC shall be final and binding on all parties without any further appeal.

For the avoidance of doubt, the fact that any Subject is liable to face sanctions or has pending
any other criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings in relation to the same matter shall not
prevent or fetter any disciplinary authority set out in these Regulations from conducting
proceedings and/or imposing sanctions under these Regulations.

5.10 Cautions, Expulsions and Suspensions

a) A caution (yellow card) is a warning from the Referee to a Player during a Match to sanction
behavior or action of a less serious nature (in accordance with Law 12 of the Laws of the
Game).

b) Head Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their Teams. In the absence of a Head
Coach due to suspension or any other reason, he shall designate this responsibility to
another Team Official. The same should be indicated on the Team Sheet.

c) A suspended Player and/or Team Official shall not be allowed on the Team Bench or enter
the field of play before or during the Match.

d) Two cautions received during the same Match results in an expulsion (indirect red card) and,
consequently, shall result in an automatic suspension from the next match. The two
cautions that resulted in the red card are rescinded and not counted in the Player’s overall
tally of yellow cards.

e) For the City Championships stage, a Player who receives four (4) cautions in four (4)
separate Matches shall automatically be suspended from participating in the Match
following the Match in which he received the fourth caution.

f) For the National Qualifiers stage Matches, a Player who receives two (2) cautions (yellow
cards) in two (2) separate Matches shall automatically be suspended from participating in
the Match following the Match in which he received the second caution.

g) For the National Championships stage Matches, a Player who receives three (3) cautions
(yellow cards) in three (3) separate Matches shall automatically be suspended from
participating in the Match following the Match in which he received the second caution.

h) For the avoidance of doubt, a pending suspension from the accumulation of four (4) cautions
in four (4) separate Matches in the City Championships stage shall carry over to such
Player’s first Match of the National Qualifiers stage (if qualified) with the effect that the
Player shall be suspended from playing in such first National Qualifiers Match. However, if a
Player receives less than four (4) cautions during these separate City Championships stage
Matches, then such cautions shall not be carried forward to the National Qualifiers stage
 Matches (such that he shall be deemed to have no accumulated cautions at the start of the
National Qualifiers stage). After any suspension of a Player as a result of him receiving four
cautions as provided above, the Player shall then have no accumulated cautions.

i) For the avoidance of doubt, a pending suspension from the accumulation of two (2) cautions
in two (2) separate Matches in the National Qualifiers stage shall carry over to such Player’s
first Match of the National Championships Stage (if qualified) with the effect that the Player
shall be suspended from playing in such first National Championships Match. However, if a
Player receives less than two (2) cautions during these separate National Qualifiers stage
Matches, then such cautions shall not be carried forward to the National Championships
stage Matches (such that he shall be deemed to have no accumulated cautions at the start
of the National Championships stage). After any suspension of a Player as a result of him
receiving two (2) cautions as provided above, the Player shall then have no accumulated
cautions.

j) If an abandoned Match is to be replayed, any caution issued during that Match shall be
annulled. If the Match is not to be replayed, the cautions received in the Match are upheld.

k) An expulsion is the order given by the Referee to someone to leave the field of play and its
surroundings, including the Technical Area, during a Match. The person who has been sent
off may be allowed into the stands unless he is serving a stadium ban.

l) Expulsion takes the form of a red card for Players. The red card is regarded as direct if it
sanctions serious unsporting behaviour as defined by Law 12 of the Laws of the Game; it is
regarded as indirect if it is the result of an accumulation of two yellow cards as elucidated in
point d) above.

m) If a Player is guilty of serious unsporting behaviour as defined in Law 12 of the Laws of the
Game and is sent off (via a direct red card), any other caution he has previously received in
the same Match is upheld. A Team Official who is sent off during a Match shall also
automatically be sent off from the field for that particular Match.

n) An expulsion also automatically results in a suspension from the subsequent match, even if
imposed in a Match that is later abandoned and/or annulled. The duration of the suspension
may be extended depending on the cause of the expulsion.

o) If a suspension is to be served, only those Matches actually played count towards execution
of the suspension. If a Match is abandoned, cancelled or forfeited, suspension is only
considered to have been served if the Team to which the suspended Player or official belongs
is not responsible for the facts that led to the abandonment, cancellation or forfeit of the
Match.

p) Carrying over of Match Cautions and Suspensions

i. Cautions received during one season of the Tournament are not carried over to another
season;

ii. Match suspensions resulting from several cautions issued to a Player in different Matches
shall not be carried over from one season to another;
 iii. Match suspensions resulting from two cautions issued to a Player in the same Match
shall not be carried over from one season to another;

iv. Suspensions not served during one season of the Tournament shall be carried forward to
the same age-category Tournament next season or the subsequent season whenever the
Player/Official and/or the Participating Team participates (in case of a Player/Official this
will apply regardless of whether he has changed his Institute);

v. Where the suspension cannot be served in the same age group category, it shall be carried
over to a higher age category should and when the Player/Official and/or Participating Team
participate in the Tournament again.

q) Each Participating Institute shall bear the responsibility of monitoring the cautions and/or
suspensions received by their Players and Team Officials and shall ensure that all Players
and Team Officials are eligible to play or sit on the Team Bench in respect of the relevant
Match.

5.11 Code of Conduct

Basis the below Code of Conduct, Match suspensions will be applicable for individuals while
Penalty Points (PP) will be imposed on Participating Teams, as per the prescribed sanctions, if
and when a Participating Team is also liable. An accumulation of 20 Penalty Points for a
Participating Team (for the same or different offences) will result in a 3-0 forfeit or a possible 3
point deduction (if applicable such as in a group stage) for the Participating Team in the Match
subsequent to the one in which their tally of PP added up to 20 or more points. Subsequently, if
a Participating Team accumulates 30 or more points it will be reported to the TDC for stricter
and appropriate action.

Offense Description Level 1 Level 2

Receiving a second caution 1 Match NA

(yellow card) in a Match

Denying an obvious goal

scoring opportunity by an
offence punishable by a free 1 Match NA
kick or penalty kick (Law 12)

Denying an obvious goal

scoring opportunity by handling
1 Match NA
the ball
Serious Foul Play 1-2 Match 2-4 Match

Violent Conduct (such as 1-2 Match 2-4 Match

elbowing, punching, kicking etc)

Spitting at another Participant NA 2-4 Match

Team Misconduct: 5 or more First Time: Warning, 5 Penalty Points
Players receiving a sanction each time third time
2nd Time: 3 Penalty
(cautions or expulsions) in the onwards
same Match Points

Team Misconduct: Several 0-2 Match for 2-4 Match for

Players and/or officials from individual individual
the same Team threaten,
3 Penalty Points for 6 Penalty Points
harass or misbehave with a
each infringement up each time third time
Participant/s or a Match Official
to two times onwards
until it is categorized
as a Level3 offence
for persistent breach
or because of the
gravity of the
incident

Involvement in a brawl 2-4 Match for

0-2 Match for
individual
individual
6 Penalty Points
3 Penalty Points for
each time third time
each infringement up
onwards until it is
to two times
categorized as a
Level 3 offence for
persistent breach or
because of the
gravity of the
incident

Not being punctual for First Time: Warning, 3 Penalty Points

pre-Match activities such as each time fourth
2 Penalty Points
submission of Team Sheet and time onwards
thereafter for each
start and restart of Matches
infringement up to
two times
Indulging in offensive, insulting 1-2 Match for 2-4 Match for
or abusive language or behavior individual individual
(including discrimination) 3 Penalty Points for 6 Penalty Points
each infringement each time third time
up to two times onwards until it is
categorized as a
Level 3 offence for
persistent breach or
because of the
gravity of the
incident

Engage in intimidation, abuse 1-2 Match 3-4 Match

or harassment of Match
Officials

First Time: Warning

Entering the pitch during or 4 Penalty Points
after the Match by any Team 3 Penalty Points
each time fourth
Representative to protest any thereafter for each
time onwards
decision of the Referee infringement up to two
times

Bringing or allowing First Time: Warning, 4 Penalty Points

unauthorized person (such as 2nd Time: 3 Penalty each time third time
Players or officials not part of Points onwards
the Team) in or around the
Technical Area.

Disregard for equipment or Warning-2 Match for 2-4 Match for

property individual, individual
3 Penalty Points for 4 Penalty Points each
each infringement up time third time
to two times onwards
and Payment of until it is categorized
amount equal to the as a Level 3 offence
monetary damage for persistent breach.
charged to the Additionally, payment
Participating Team of amount equal to
the monetary damage
charged to the
Participating Team
Participating Team arriving NA As per Rule 3.3
later than the communicated
time of kick-off

A Participating Team refusing NA As per Rule 3.3

to play a Match or to continue
playing one which it has begun

Failure to attend and

participate in a scheduled NA As per Rule 3.3
Match

An action which brings any one 1-2 Match for 2-4 Match for
or more of the following into individual individual
disrepute: RF, RFYS, any Match 4 Penalty Points for 6 Penalty Points
Official, any Participating Team, each infringement up each time third time
any Player or the Game or to two times onwards
which left unpunished, may
result in the detriment of the until it is categorized
Tournament or other as a Level 3 offence
Participants / stakeholders. for persistent breach

Theft or misappropriation NA Warning-4 Match

and return of or
compensation for the
stolen item

Participating in the Match NA Level 3 offence

whilst under the influence of
alcohol or banned drugs

Disregard for one’s own or 1-2 Match for 2-4 Match for
other people’s safety individual individual

First Time: 3 Penalty 6 Penalty Points

Points for each each time third time
infringement up to onwards until it is
two times categorized as a Level
3 offence for
persistent breach
 2-4 Match for individual
Engage in public criticism of the 1-2 Match for
Match or Tournament officials 6 Penalty Points
individual
or making any adverse each time third time
3 Penalty Points for
comment (such as about the onwards until it is
each infringement
integrity of a person) in media categorized as a Level 3
up to two times
etc. anytime offence for persistent
breach

Unruly behavior such as, but 0-2 Match for 2-4 Match for
not limited to, bursting of individual individual
cracker, stone pelting, water 3 Penalty Points for First Time: 6 Penalty
bottle throwing, using laser each infringement up Points
beam pointed towards to two times
Players/officials by Team 6 Penalty Points
Representatives or supporters each time third time
of a Participating Team. onwards until it is
categorized as a
Level 3 offence for
persistent breach

Fielding suspended
NA 3-0 forfeit
Player/official or an ineligible
Foreign Player (in regard to
Rule 3.1 g)

Fielding ineligible Player or NA NA – Level 3 offence

participation of ineligible which will be decided
Institute by TDC

For red card offenses, the above listed sanctions are including the automatic one match
suspension.

In exceptional circumstances, the relevant disciplinary authority may, even where a minimum
sanction is specified in these Regulations, choose to impose a sanction lower than the minimum
due to significant mitigating circumstances.

In general, a sanction would be on the higher side of the range when an offence committed is
against a Match Official/s, which shall be considered an aggravating circumstance.

Unless otherwise specified, the disciplinary authority may increase a sanction if an infringement
has been repeated, which shall be considered an aggravating circumstance.
 5.12 Indiscipline or Violent Conduct

a) Any Player, Team Official, Team Representative or Participating Team reported for
indiscipline or violent conduct anywhere at the venue including but not limited to the field of
play, the dressing rooms, and/or at their place of stay, if applicable (if a Team has travelled
out of their city for a Match and been accommodated by RFYS) which directly affects or is a
consequence of the Participants’ participation in the Tournament shall be dealt with by the
relevant disciplinary authority as described in the disciplinary procedure above.

5.13 Protest

a) A protest is an objection of any kind to any matter that has a direct effect on Matches and any
matters related to breach of these Regulations such as the fielding of an ineligible Player/s
or ineligibility of a Participating Team. 

b) Unless otherwise stipulated in this article, protests shall be submitted in writing to the
Match Commissioner/Venue Head within 90 minutes of the end of the Match by the Team
concerned and with a protest fee of Rs. 1000. No protest shall be entertained after the
stipulated time and without the payment of the fee. The Match Commissioner, at his
discretion, may resolve or reject a protest falling under his purview there and then at the
venue. If required, the Match Commissioner and/or the FCM may ask a Team to follow up the
initial protest with a full written report to enable them to make a decision.

c) Protests against any incidents that occur during the course of a Match shall be made to the
Referee by the team captain immediately after the disputed incident and before play has
been resumed.

d) No protests may be made against the Referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with
play, such decisions being final.

e) If any of the formal conditions of a protest as set out in these Regulations are not met, such
protest shall be disregarded.

f) In the case of a protest on a Player's eligibility concerning his / her age or a Participating
Institute’s eligibility, it is mandatory for the Team which lodges the protest to produce proof
to support the protest. The Participating Institute shall submit this proof within 24 hours of
the end of the Match. The FCM and/or TDC will at its sole discretion determine the veracity
of the proof submitted by the Team concerned and its decision shall be binding.

g) Should the relevant disciplinary authority determine that a protest is irresponsible or

malicious, it may impose Penalty Point/s on the Team that lodged the protest.

h) The FCM can decide to refer a protest regarding ineligibility directly to the TDC, if he deems
it appropriate.
SECTION 6 :

MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Matters not provided for

a) All the prize money due to the City and National Champion institutes will be credited after
the culmination of the National Championship.

b) All prize money will be credited by Bank wire transfer only to the Winner and Runners-up
Institutes of the City and National Championships. Therefore such winning Institutes need to
ensure that their financial details (Pan; Bank account details etc.) is submitted as per
requested format with the respective RFYS City Head within 14 working days of completion
of the City finals. In case of delay in submission of the documents RFYS holds the right to
forfeit any such prize money accrued to the institutions.

c) Any damage that is caused to the venue or the facilities provided, attributable to any act of
negligence or misconduct of a Player or Team Official shall be recovered from the
Player/Team Official’s prize money due to them from winning the City / National
Championship.

d) Matters not provided for in these Regulations and cases of Force Majeure shall be decided
by RFYS whose decisions are final.

e) In case of illness, or injury caused to an RFYS athlete while participating in any RFYS
competition, basic /emergency medical treatment shall be administered by the RFYS
Medical Support team at RFYS cost. However in case of hospitalization, and/or special care
or treatment required to treat such injury or illness, the Athlete or his / her Institute shall be
obliged to arrange and pay for such treatment without liability to RFYS. However, in case of
exceptional circumstances, if RFYS is required to incur any expenses towards such
hospitalization, and/or special care or treatment, the Athlete or his / her institute shall
reimburse the expenses to RFYS within three working days of request for payment by RFYS.

f) RFYS shall have the right to delete, add or amend these Regulations.

g) RFYS adopted these Regulations on 15th July, 2019

 ANNEXURE A

West Zone Centres South Zone Centres

CHAMPIONSHIP CITIES / REGIONS CHAMPIONSHIP CITIES / REGIONS
CENTRES INCLUDED CENTRES INCLUDED

Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Bengaluru Bengaluru

Vadodara Chennai Chennai
Bhopal Bhopal Coimbatore Coimbatore
Goa Entire state Hyderabad Hyderabad
Indore Indore Kochi
Kolhapur Kolhapur Thiruvananthapuram
Kochi
Mumbai Mumbai Kollam
Navi Mumbai Idukki
Thane Kozhikode
Nagpur Nagpur Malappuram
Kozhikode
Pune Pune Palakkad
Pimpri Chinchwad Kannur
Madurai Madurai
East Zone Centres Vizag Vizag

CHAMPIONSHIP CITIES / REGIONS

CENTRES INCLUDED North Zone Centres
Assam Guwahati CHAMPIONSHIP CITIES / REGIONS
Tangla CENTRES INCLUDED
Kokrajhar
Changsari Chandigarh
Chandigarh Mohali
Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Panchkula
Cuttack
Dehradun Dehradun
Imphal Imphal
Mussoourie
Jamshedpur Jamshedpur
Kolkata Kolkata New Delhi
Barasat Gurgaon
Delhi Noida/Greater Noida
Hooghly
Kalyani Faridabad
North 24Parganas Ghaziabad
South 24 Parganas
Dharamshala Dharamshala
Siliguri
Asansol Jaipur Jaipur
Shillong Ajmer
Megahalaya
Ri-bhoi Lucknow Lucknow
Jowai
Khliehriat Ludhiana Ludhiana

Aizawl Rohtak Rohtak

Mizoram
Lunglei Sonipat
Champhai Panipat
Hissar
Nagaland Dimapur
Kohima
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