Rules

1. Team Composition:

A team must consist of a minimum of 6 players.
For each team, there must be 5 players on the field at all times, including the goalkeeper.
For each team, there must be at least two players of different genders on the field at all times. We recognize and respect all gender identities and expressions.
Substitutions are allowed during stoppages in play and are unlimited.

2. Field Dimensions:

The field size should be approximately 40 meters in length and 20 meters in width.
Goals should be 5 meters in width and 2 meters in height.
Penalty areas should be 7 meters from the goal line.

3. Game Duration:

Each group match consists of two halves, each lasting 4 minutes.
Knockout matches consist of two halves, each lasting 6, 8 and 10 minutes for quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals respectively.
There is no break between halves.
If a knockout match ends in a draw, a penalty shootout (7 meters) will determine the winner. Each team will take 5 penalties, followed by sudden death if needed.

4. Start of Play:

All teams must be on time for their matches. A match will be forfeited if a team is not present at the scheduled time.
The game begins with a kick-off from the center spot.
Opposing players must be at least 5 meters away from the ball during the kick-off.

5. Scoring:

A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line into the goal.
Each goal counts as one point.
A goal can only be scored from within the attacking half of the field.

6. Fouls and Misconduct:

Common fouls include tripping, pushing, holding, and deliberate handball.
A direct free-kick is awarded for fouls.
A penalty kick (from 7 meters) is awarded for fouls committed inside the penalty area.
A player receiving a red card is sent off and cannot be replaced.

7. Offside:

There is no offside rule.

8. Throw-ins and corner kicks:

Throw-ins must be performed from the ground (roll-in).
They are used to restart play when the ball goes out of bounds over the touchlines.
Corner kicks are awarded when the ball goes out of bounds over the goal line and was last touched by the defending team.

9. Goalkeeper Rules:

Goalkeepers can pick up the ball if it is passed back to them by a teammate.
They are the only players allowed to use their hands within their penalty area.

10. Fair Play and Sportsmanship:

All participants are expected to uphold the principles of fair play and good sportsmanship.

11. Tournament Format:

The tournament consists of group stages followed by knockout rounds.
Teams are awarded 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.
Teams are ranked based on points, goal difference, and goals scored.
The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds.

12. Equipment:

No footwear with cleats or spikes are allowed.
Jewelry and accessories that may cause injury are not permitted.

13. Refereeing:

Each team must provide at least one referee for other matches.
Decisions made by the referee are final.

14. Final Authority:

Tournament organizers have the final authority in interpreting and enforcing these rules.

15. Organisation of the next ChemCup:

The loser team of the match for the 3rd place will be organising the next ChemCup.
If the current organising team loses the 3rd place match, the team that lost last to the current organising team will be organising the next ChemCup.

16. Enjoyment:

Above all, the tournament is about enjoying the game of football and fostering camaraderie among participants.
There are no drinking games allowed during the tournament. Violations will be penalized by the tournament management and can lead to exclusion from the tournament.

17. Rule Modifications:

Tournament organizers reserve the right to modify or add rules as necessary for the smooth running of the tournament.