Department of Mechatronics and Control

Sports Gala 2024

Football Rulebook
Prepared by: Syed Irtaza Abbas (Co head Football 2024)

1. Tournament Format.
1.1. The tournament will be played in a single round-robin format i.e., every team will
face every other team, followed by the final. The match schedule will be shared
separately.
1.2. The top two teams on the points table from the round-robin stage will advance to
the Final.
1.3. In case of a tie in points, the following tie-breakers will be applied (in order):
1) The team with the highest goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded) among
the tied teams will advance to the Finals.
2) The team with the highest number of goals scored among the tied teams will advance
to the Finals.
3) The team with the least number of yellow cards received among the tied teams will
advance to the Finals.
2. Match Duration.
2.1. Each match will consist of two halves of 25 minutes each.
2.2. There will be a 5-minute halftime break.
2.3. In the Finals, if a match ends in a draw after regular time, a penalty shootout will
determine the winner. 5 penalties will be awarded to each team with the condition
that one player is allowed to take only one penalty kick. In case of a tie in penalties,
one penalty will be given to each team till a winner emerges. In these extra penalties,
all the players must take the penalty in order till a team wins.
3. Team Composition.
3.1. Each team will consist of a maximum of 8 players on the field at any given time
(minimum 3 from each section). A squad of a maximum of 14 players is allowed
per session however, a maximum of 12 players will be playing any given match day
(8 on-field and 4 substitutes, in total minimum 5 from each section). Each team
must share the playing 12 before every match.
3.2. Teams are allowed to have 4 substitutions per game. Substitutions must be made
during stoppages with the referee's approval (Rolling Substitutions are allowed as
per Futsal rules) .
3.3. All players must be registered before the start of the tournament. No additions or
changes are allowed during the tournament, captain himself has to register his team.
3.4. The captains of each team must nominate two referees from their session with the
criteria: The nominated student must be familiar with the rules.
 • The student should not be registered in cricket or at least should not have any
overlapping games.
4. Foul Play.
4.1. During the match, a referee may award a free kick or a penalty if they deem that a
player has been fouled.
• Direct Free Kick: For a direct free kick to be awarded to the opposition team, a player
may have done one of the following to a player on the opposite team: kicked, tripped,
jumped into, charged, struck, pushed, etc. Body/shoulder pushes are allowed.
Additionally, a free kick will also be awarded if the goalkeeper keeps the ball to
himself for 10 or more seconds, touches the ball with his hand on a throw-in or touches
the ball with his hands outside the box.
• Penalty Kick: A penalty kick will be awarded to the team if any of the offenses
mentioned above are committed by a player in their own penalty box.
4.2. The referee's decision is final. A yellow card will be a warning, while a red card
will lead to expulsion from the game. Another player cannot be substituted in place
of the recipient of a red card.
4.3. A player who receives two red cards or three yellow cards in the group games will
be expelled from the tournament.
4.4. Any violent conduct will be subject to further disciplinary action by the tournament
committee.
5. Goals.
5.1. A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts
and beneath the crossbar.
5.2. Goals scored after the final whistle or during a stoppage will not count.
5.3. In case of a goal kick or a free-kick, the ball must be stationary before it is kicked.
Violation of this rule will lead to a yellow card.
6. Points Scoring.
6.1. 3 points will be awarded for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.
6.2. If a team is not present and ready to play within 10 minutes of the scheduled kick-
off time, the opposing team will be awarded a 2-0 victory.
6.3. In case both teams are not present, none of the teams will be awarded any points,
and the match will be recorded as a 0-0 draw.
7. Attire.
7.1. It is mandatory for each player to wear the official Sports Gala team shirt provided
by the organizers during the matches. Violation of this rule will result in a
termination of the player from the current game.
7.2. Football cleats/grippers/regular shoes are mandatory. Playing bare foot is not
allowed. Metal cleats are not permitted.
7.3. Players are not allowed to wear any jewelry, watches, or other items that may pose
a danger to themselves or other players.
7.4. Goalkeepers must wear proper gloves.
8. Match Interruptions:
8.1. In the event of unforeseen circumstances or interruptions (e.g., weather conditions,
field conditions), the referee or tournament officials may temporarily suspend or
reschedule a match.
8.2. If a match is abandoned due to reasons beyond the control of the teams, the
tournament committee will decide on the appropriate course of action, which may
include a replay or awarding points based on the match status at the time of
interruption.
9. Fair Play.
9.1. All participants are expected to play in the spirit of fair competition.
9.2. Unsportsmanlike behavior, including verbal abuse, physical abuse, or any form of
discrimination, will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification from the
tournament.
10. Final Authority.
10.1. The tournament committee reserves the right to make decisions on any matter which
not covered by these rules.
10.2. The decision of the tournament committee is final and binding.
11. Amendments.
11.1. The organizers reserve the right to amend these rules with prior notice to all
participating teams.
11.2. Teams will be notified of any rule changes in a timely manner.

By participating in the tournament, all teams agree to abide by these rules. The tournament’s
management wishes all teams the best of luck and hopes for an enjoyable and competitive
tournament.