REG N°1: TOURNAMENT GENERAL RULES:
Africa Youth Cup shall commence with a match between two teams to celebrate the opening ceremony of the tournament. However, the opening ceremony match shall not be regarded as a ceremonial game, matches shall continue the following day in group stages. Games Standings will be determined according to points. Victory shall attract 3 points, draw 1 point, defeat 0 point. The first and second placed teams after the group stages shall automatically advance to Play-off-A (Quarter final). The other teams will now play in the consolation Play-off-B (Consolation quarter final). This stage of the tournament shall be determined by direct elimination, and in case of a draw, teams shall proceed to penalties according to FIFA regulations. Note that if two or more teams have the same number of points: Goals difference, Highest number of goals scored, results in the match(es) between teams with equal points (head-to-head), Penalty shoot-out according to FIFA regulation shall be exploited to resolve such issues.
REG N°2: TOURNAMENT:
The tournament is open to all teams/academies around the world, boys and girls offering both African content and a blend of Western, South American, including Asian flavors. Participation cost covers feeding, accommodation, tournament T shirt, return airport transfer, shuttle bus to matches, medals, trophies for winners, runner-up, third place, fair-play team, MVP, best goalkeeper, and highest goal scorer.
REG N°3: MATCH BALLS: All the match balls in this category shall be size N°5.
REG N°4: NUMBER OF PLAYERS IN TOURNAMENT:
Africa Youth Cup matches in the 11 VS 11 categories shall allow only the use of 11 players on the field at any time and 7 substitutes. Substitution can be done without bringing the game to a halt, but the referee and the lines men must be consulted so they can make the substitution. All substitutions must be made at the centre line area where the lines men are positioned. The outgoing player must leave the pitch before the incoming player can enter the pitch during a substitution. Any incorrect substitution shall attract a yellow card. In the case of substitution involving a goalkeeper, the game shall be stopped to make the change and the referee must be informed accordingly. The minimum number of players per team in tournament shall be 18 and 2 officials.
REG N°5: PLAYING FIELD:
All the playing fields are artificial turf. In the case of bad weather condition, a game can be rescheduled, decided by penalty kicks, or by toss of the coin.
REG N°6: MATCH TOURNAMENT PROGRAM:
Tournament organisers are at liberty to adjust or change fields, match schedule, tournament date, before opening ceremony and first game. Team leaders as indicated shall be promptly informed in case of any such changes.
REG N°7: TOURNAMENT JURY:
The AYC jury shall handle all protests and sanctions arising from any game or any other football issue related to participation in tournament. The decision of the jury is final and cannot be appealed.
REG N°8: SANCTIONS AND PROTESTS:
Note that any protest concerning the decision of referees will not be entertained. All protest must be sent to the tournament jury at the office not later than 90 minutes after the game in question and must be done in writing. A protest fee of 100 euro must accompany the protest letter. This sum shall be refunded accordingly if the protest is favourable.
REG N°9: CONSEQUENCES OF CARDS AND CAUTION:
Note that a red card means the player misses the next match. The Jury shall decide further actions on red card issues depending on the severity of the offence. Two Yellow cards in one game, the player misses the next match. In the event a player is suspended for more than one match, the decision shall be put in writing and sent to the club concerned. If a player still under suspension plays any other match, his team will be punished with a loss of 0-3. All yellow and red cards shall be annulled after the group stages. The knockout stages shall begin on a clean slate with all players eligible to participate.
REG N°10: DRESSING ROOMS/SHOWER AFTER MATCHES:
Teams should leave accommodation already dressed for games. Not all fields have enough dressing room space for all teams to use. In the same manner, teams should take their shower at accommodation after returning from the games.
REG N°11: ABANDONED MATCH/WALKOVER:
Any team involved in a walkover considered by the jury to be deliberate and seen to either favour team or detrimental to another team in the group shall be punished by forfeiture of 3 points and 3 goals. If a team fails to appear for a game at the appointed time, a grace period of 15 minutes shall be given and a walkover 0-3 if the team fails to appear. If the delay is due to considerable and acceptable reasons like issue with bus transportation or traffic etc., an extra 15 minutes shall be accorded, or the game shall be rescheduled at a different time on the same day if possible.
REG N°12: TEAM LIST/AGE CONTROL:
All teams must submit a list of players and officials with passport information to AYC organisation one month or two weeks before the opening ceremony date, the control of players shall be done using this list sent. Leaders of team delegation shall be responsible for the presentation of team’s required documents upon arrival for accreditation at the AYC office. Valid documents accepted are plastic coated team ID card for players issued by club. All foreign players shall be required to present ID and passport before a game, the ID must contain information of player like date of birth, full name, photo, and identification number. Note that for teams from Cape Verde, only team ID card shall be required for both accreditation and matches.
REG N°13: GAME/MATCH INFORMATION:
It is mandatory to present to the match officials a match list document which shall be given to all teams at accreditation. This document must be filled accordingly and only those players and officials mentioned in this document shall be eligible to be in the field and the reserve bench on any match day. Jersey numbers during matches must correspond with information on the match list. Two players cannot use the same jersey number in any given match, players are not allowed to change jersey numbers during a game. Where there are conflicting jersey colours, the team playing HOME shall have the privilege to retain their jersey while the team playing AWAY shall change jersey, so the game can hold. Teams are to be present on the field 15 minutes before kick- off time to allow for age control by the match officials. Team managers must sign the referee’s match report immediately after the game concerning match results, red cards, and other incidents that occurred in the match. Note that teams are responsible for their supporters conduct during games, and a team can lose a game due to supporters’ behaviour or misbehaviour to referee.
REG N°14: ACCOMMODATION RULES:
The team leaders of delegation as stated in the team list are responsible for the conduct of all players in their respective accommodations. Smoking is prohibited in all accommodation centres. Consumption of alcohol is also prohibited. Accommodation must be kept clean always and must be kept very clean especially before departure day. Cooking of whatever kind and making tea or coffee is not allowed in accommodation.