Tournament rules

A. General Conditions

Category

The tournament is open to U-11 juniors, players born between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015.

Player List

The player list must be submitted to the jury 15 minutes before the first match. In case of a team’s absence, a fine of CHF 400 may be imposed.

Qualification for the UGS Champions Cup

The top two teams from the qualifying tournament will participate in the UGS Champions Cup, scheduled for Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Conditions for UGS Champions Cup Qualifiers

Participation in the UGS Champions Cup 2025 on Sunday, March 9, is free for the two qualified teams, including lunch on both days. However, each team must host a foreign team and provide, by February 9, 2025, a list of eight families willing to accommodate two or more children per family.

Registration Fee

The registration fee is CHF 350 per team and must be paid via bank transfer before the qualifying tournament on Sunday, February 2, 2025. This fee includes meal vouchers for 10 players and two coaches (12 meal vouchers in total). Any additional meals will be charged at CHF 16 each.

Trophy/Challenge

The UGS Champions Cup is a challenge trophy to be won three times within five years to retain it permanently. The winning team must return the trophy for the following year’s tournament in Geneva.

B. Equipment and Materials

Player Equipment

Jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards, and futsal-appropriate shoes. Distinctive bibs for substitute players will be provided by the tournament organizers. If necessary, the visiting team will wear the bibs.

Ball

A futsal-specific ball, appropriate for the category, weighing 360 g.

C. Playing Surface and Match Duration

Match Duration

All matches are played in a single 12-minute period without changing sides.

Dimensions

The playing field dimensions are as follows:

  • Football goals: 5×2 meters
  • Length: Minimum 25 meters, maximum 42 meters
  • Width: Minimum 16 meters, maximum 25 meters
  • Substitution zone (5 meters): Along the touchline in front of the team benches

D. Game Rules

Number of Players

5 players (4 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper)
Minimum of 3 players to start a match
Match will be stopped if fewer than 3 players remain on the field

Substitutions

Substitutions are unlimited and free. The outgoing player must cross the substitution line and leave the field before the substitute enters via the same line.

Ranking and Winner Determination

The tournament consists of 16 teams divided into 4 groups of 4 for the preliminary round. Each team plays all other teams in its group. Points are awarded as follows:

  • Win: 3 points
  • Draw: 1 point
  • Loss: 0 points

Tiebreakers are determined by:

  1. Goal difference
  2. Head-to-head result
  3. Best attack
  4. Penalty shootout (3 per team, followed by sudden death)

The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.

In knockout rounds, ties are resolved by:

  • 3-minute extra time with one fewer player (3 players + 1 goalkeeper) using the golden goal rule (first goal wins)
  • If no goal is scored, penalty shootout (sudden death directly).

Goalkeeper Rule

The goalkeeper can only handle the ball within the clearly marked area. After a goal kick, the ball must be thrown back into play within 4 seconds. Drop kicks are prohibited.

Team Fouls

Each foul results in a direct free kick.

Tackles

Legal tackles are allowed for intercepting passes, blocking shots, or regaining possession, provided only the ball is touched without any contact with the opponent. Illegal or overly aggressive tackles will be penalized at the referee’s discretion.

Offside

The offside rule does not apply.

Free Kicks

Opposing players must maintain a 5-meter distance from the ball. A 4-second rule applies after the referee’s whistle.

Penalty Kick

A foul within the 6-meter area (penalty area) results in a penalty kick from 6 meters.

Corner Kicks and Goalkeeper Throws

Balls out behind the goal line result in either a corner kick or a throw-in by the goalkeeper.

Throw-Ins

Throw-ins are taken with the feet. The ball must be stationary and placed on the touchline. Opposing players must remain 5 meters away. A 4-second rule applies (visual signal by the referee).

Ball Touching the Ceiling

If the ball touches the ceiling, the opposing team restarts play with a throw-in from the touchline at the point closest to where the ball hit the ceiling.

Sanctions

  • A second yellow card in the same match results in expulsion and suspension for the next match.
  • A red card for a last-defender foul results in expulsion and suspension for the next match.
  • A red card for violent conduct or unsporting behavior results in expulsion for the entire tournament and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

E. Disputes and Jury

Responsibilities

The UGS Champions Cup association does not provide insurance and declines all liability for accidents, theft, or other damages occurring during the tournament. Each team is responsible for its own equipment.

Disputes

All disputes not covered by the rules will be decided by the jury.