Some important rules to note:
- All free kicks are indirect from U7–U11.
- Throw-ins will be used to restart play when the ball goes out on the sidelines for all games.
- Goalkeepers are not allowed to kick the ball directly out of their hands after they have gained possession — they must throw it or place it on the ground to kick it. Once the ball is on the ground, it is “live” and goalkeepers can be tackled.
All other rules are as per Miniroos FFA rules for U8–U11 age groups, and Football Victoria Rules for the U12 and U13 age groups. All other rules are as noted under the FIFA Laws of the Game.
Tournament Management reserves the right to modify the playing conditions above to facilitate a suitable competition for a particular age group.
Final placing of teams after pool games is decided by applying the following, in order:
- Team with the most points
- Best Goal Difference
- Most Goals For
- Least Goals Against
- Team with the most wins
If all of the above is equal, then the following will occur:
- The result of the game between the two equal teams.
- If the teams still cannot be separated, a penalty shoot-out in accordance with FIFA regulations will be used to decide the placings.
In the event of the Play-Offs and/or Grand Final being drawn at full time, a penalty shoot-out will be conducted in accordance with FIFA regulations.
Match points are awarded as follows:
- Win — 3 points
- Draw — 1 point
- Loss — 0 points
- Forfeit — 3 points and a 3-0 result to the opposing side
All players need to be registered via the Cup Manager online system, which can be accessed under the Team Login menu on the Youth Super Cup website: youthsupercup.com.au.
Registrations must be completed by the player's parent/guardian, not by the team manager. Team Managers are responsible for ensuring that each player on their squad has registered.
All team sheets must be completed online before your first game. Please ensure all players have proof of identification with them — including a photo and date of birth — in case they are ever required to provide it.
Each player is required to have a number on their playing shirt that matches their entry on the team sheet.
If you are asked to provide proof of a player's age, you must do so with appropriate documentation, which can be in the form of an FFA ID card, school ID, passport, birth certificate, or other suitable photo ID document.
If the opposing team requests proof of age for one of your players and you cannot produce reasonable proof, that player will not be allowed to participate in the game. The required standard of proof is at the discretion of tournament management.
For all divisions, each squad can only have the maximum number of players on the bench as stated in the Competition Format table above, and only players listed on the team sheet will be allowed to play.
The age categories and birth-year requirements for the 2026 Post-Season tournament (2027 age groups) are:
Each team in the Miniroos age groups (U8–U12) may register one (1) player born between 1 October – 31 December of the previous qualifying year, as part of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) allowance. These players still need to register and be approved by the YSC organising committee to participate in the tournament.
Any other players seeking to play in a younger age group must apply for dispensation in line with our Overage Application Policy: youthsupercup.com.au/overage-application-policy. Written authorisation from the player's local federation is required as part of this process; where the local federation cannot provide written confirmation, a letter from the club president may be considered.
Any team found to be providing incorrect documentation, or purposely playing older players to gain an unfair advantage, will receive a 0-3 loss for any games those players participated in. The ineligible players will also be disqualified from the tournament.
Repeated offending teams will be disqualified and may affect the participation of their other club's teams at future events, at the discretion of tournament management.
To be eligible to participate in the tournament, players must:
- Comply with the age eligibility requirements set out in section 3.2 (including the Overage Application Policy where relevant).
- Be registered on an allocated team sheet for a participating team.
- Ensure that the team has arranged full payment.
Failure to comply with the eligibility criteria may result in the whole team being disqualified and expelled from the competition.
Squads with incomplete compliments are still required to participate in their scheduled matches. The opposition team does not have to reduce their numbers accordingly, but may choose to do so.
Players from younger age groups can play up an age group in order to lessen this problem.
Players from another team that participates in the same age group cannot be used.
Each player is required to have a number on their playing shirt that matches their entry on the team sheet.
Should uniform colours clash, it is the responsibility of the away team to wear an alternate colour. The first-named team in the fixture is deemed the "Home" team and will therefore play in their regular colours. It is the responsibility of the away team to change into an alternate strip; if there is still a clash, bibs will need to be used by the away team. Teams can use their own bibs or see the ground marshal in their area to obtain tournament bibs.
Goalkeepers may wear any colour, provided it does not clash with either team's outfield players.
Teams without playing numbers on their shirts may be approved to play at the discretion of tournament organisers. These teams must always carry sufficient player ID's with them in order for players to be identified if required.
Match balls will be provided. Only official match balls can be used for matches. The ball must be approved by the referee at the commencement of the match, or at the re-start of play if the ball is changed at any time.
- Size 3 balls will be used for U7 to U9 competition.
- Size 4 balls will be used for U10 to U13 competition.
- Size 5 balls will be used for U14 and above.
Qualified referees will be provided and appointed. All decisions of the match referee are final and binding as far as the result of a match is concerned, and no protest can be lodged.
Under no circumstances are supporters allowed to approach, question or criticise referees during the tournament.
Any misconduct towards referees will not be tolerated and may result in teams losing points or being disqualified from the tournament, and may affect the future participation of teams from the same club. Any serious incidents will also be reported to Football Victoria for further action.
Qualified referees may be appointed as Assistant Referees in final matches, where available. During the group stages, assistant referees will not be provided, and teams will be required to allocate an AR for 11v11 games only.
Tournament Officials wearing branded apparel will be located on all fields, to enable easy identification in case information needs to be relayed or clarification needs to be provided to coaches, parents or referees. Any higher-level issues can be directed to the Information Desk.
We ask all players, coaches, supporters and parents to respect and work with event officials to ensure a better experience for everyone involved in the tournament. Players, officials and supporters found to be displaying aggressive or abusive behaviour towards Tournament Officials may be subject to disciplinary action.
All fields will have clearly designated technical areas. These will be clearly identifiable by permanent or temporary fencing and/or ropes, as well as signage.
Each team will only be permitted to have coaches, team managers and team officials enter the Technical Area for their respective game.
Spectators are not permitted to enter the technical area at any time, and will have full view of the games from behind the ropes or fences. Spectators must stand clear of clearly marked technical areas and comply with any requests from the referee or Tournament staff in this regard. If unsure of where the technical area is located, please approach the closest staff member.
When permitted, players or officials may enter the technical areas only via the clearly designated gates.
These rules ensure the game can proceed without obstruction, in a safe environment for players, team officials and referees. Please ask your supporters to respect the Technical Areas and all officials.
Immediately at the conclusion of each game, a tournament official will obtain the official score from the referee.
The official will require the coach or team manager from each team to sign off the game card before the score of the game is submitted.
Coaches are reminded not to leave the field without signing off the game card, to make the score official.
Any serious incidents occurring during matches will be referred to our Grievances and Disciplinary Committee (GDC) for review. The GDC is an independent committee that sits outside of YSC Tournament Staff.
Teams involved in these incidents must provide a report within 72 hours of the fixture, and may be contacted by tournament organisers as part of the review process.
If a team is not on their allocated pitch and ready to start, five minutes after their scheduled kick-off time, they will forfeit the game, and a 3-0 loss will be recorded as the official result for that game.
Generally, injury time will not apply; however, the referee and tournament officials reserve sole rights to add on injury stoppage time at their discretion.
Interchanges may only take place during a stoppage in play and with the referee's permission.
Each team can make an unlimited number of interchanges in any given fixture, provided they only have the maximum number of players on the bench at any time.
Teams will be placed in groups, where they will play a round-robin format and accumulate points.
Please refer to the published fixtures for further information on progression from the group phase to the knock-out stages. This will be confirmed once all groups are finalised.
In extreme weather conditions, tournament management or the appointed match official reserves the right to shorten, postpone, delay or abandon any fixture that, in their opinion, compromises player safety.
In extreme heat conditions, tournament management or the appointed match official reserves the right to include drink breaks at any time during a fixture. Matches may be shortened, postponed, or cancelled as a last resort.
Red and yellow cards can be issued during a match at the discretion of the referee, to players and team officials.
A red card serves an automatic 1-match suspension for the subsequent game. If a match official is assaulted, or extreme violent or abusive behaviour is demonstrated, the player, official or coach may be suspended from the tournament.
If a whole team demonstrates repeated abusive behaviour, they will be expelled from the competition and may be banned from future tournaments run by Sports Group Melbourne.
If a player receives two (2) yellow cards in different games, they will serve an automatic 1-match suspension for the subsequent game. The card count is reset after the group stages.
The event takes crowd behaviour seriously, and inappropriate behaviour from spectators will not be tolerated. Each team will be required to supply a Team Marshal, who will be responsible for liaising with their team's supporters to ensure the opposition, referees, tournament staff and other spectators are respected. Team Marshals must stay outside the technical areas and remain located near their team's supporters.
Teams and clubs will be held responsible for their supporters' behaviour. Matches may be forfeited at the referee's and/or tournament officials' discretion. Teams may also be deducted points or disqualified from the tournament. Where multiple teams from a particular club are found to be displaying poor behaviour, tournament management reserves the right to suspend whole clubs from future Sports Group Melbourne tournaments.
Under no circumstances are supporters allowed to approach, question or criticise referees during the tournament.
Supporters must never enter the designated playing areas. Failure to comply with this may have severe ramifications for the team, including loss of points or disqualification from the tournament.
In the event a player from either team suffers an injury or wound resulting in the loss of blood, the appointed match official will require the injured player to receive attention outside the field of play. Only when the appointed match official is satisfied that the injury or wound has been safely covered and contained will the player be permitted to re-join the game.
If the player's uniform or attire is contaminated with blood, the referee will instruct that player to change their attire before being permitted to re-join the game. Should the injured player be required to change their uniform, the appointed match official will use discretion in allowing the player to wear an alternative numbered shirt if another shirt of the same number is unavailable.
In accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game, players are forbidden from wearing jewellery of any kind. Players wearing jewellery will be required to leave the pitch until the offending jewellery is removed and the player has gained the Match Official's permission to re-enter the playing area.
First Aid staff will be on hand for the duration of the tournament. Taping and strapping are not part of the duties of the First Aid staff. If your team requires assistance from First Aid, please approach the nearest Tournament Official.
Ambulances may be called by First Aid staff in case of emergency. It is the responsibility of the player or official to ensure they have adequate ambulance cover.
The consumption of alcohol is not permitted at the venue. Anyone found consuming alcohol will be instructed to leave the venue.
Smoking is not permitted around the pitches and should be kept to the area designated for this purpose. Where there is no designated area, smoking must be kept at least 20 metres away from any pitch while a game is in play, and away from other tournament attendees.
The below Codes of Conduct apply to all players, team officials and supporters at the tournament. By entering or attending this tournament, you agree to abide by the relevant Code of Conduct below.
Any breach of the relevant Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action by Sports Group Melbourne. This may include the offending individuals, teams and/or clubs being suspended and/or expelled from the premises, and not being permitted into future events or programs operated by Sports Group Melbourne.
“For the good of the game”
- Winning at all costs isn't everything; at this age, learning is more important than winning.
- I will only listen to my coaches' instructions during training and games. No one else.
- I will not engage in the use of crude, foul or abusive language that may be deemed offensive, or engage in any conduct detrimental to the image of the game, on or off the field.
- I will never argue with the referee and/or assistant referees regarding decisions they make.
- I will treat participants, officials and spectators with respect.
- I will play by the laws of the game.
- I will cooperate with my coach, teammates, referees and officials at all times.
- I will not use any banned substance or drugs of dependence throughout my involvement in the tournament.
- I will display good sportsmanship at all times.
- I will play for the fun of it, not just to please parents and coaches.
“For the good of the game”
- Parents and supporters must never enter the field of play under any circumstances; this is a serious breach of the code of conduct and may result in heavy sanctions for your team and/or club.
- Any abuse towards referees and tournament officials will not be tolerated and may result in heavy sanctions for your team and/or club.
- Do not coach your child during training sessions and games. That's what the coaches are there for; it sends mixed messages to the players and creates confusion.
- Do not interfere with team warm-ups; stay clear of training areas.
- Cheer on and always encourage the players, including the opposition. Applaud good football all-round.
- Winning isn't everything. Players need to develop, and at this age learning is more important than winning.
- Remember that children play sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage children to participate; do not force them.
- Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
- Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every person at the event, regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
- Do not intimidate, harass, or use foul language or violent conduct towards players, match officials, club officials or spectators.
- Respect officials' decisions and teach children to do likewise.
- Show appreciation for coaches, officials and administrators — without them, your child could not participate.
- Respect the facilities that are being used.
- Keep clear of technical areas, benches and change rooms during games.
- Always follow the instructions of the referee and/or tournament staff.
- Do not enter the fields of play under any circumstances.
“For the good of the game”
- Remember that players participate for fun, and winning is only part of the fun.
- Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or for not winning games.
- Be reasonable in your demands on a player's time, energy and enthusiasm.
- Always operate within the rules and spirit of the game, and teach your players to do the same.
- Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All players deserve equal attention and opportunities.
- Ensure that the equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.
- Display control, respect and professionalism to everyone involved with the sport — opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, media, parents and spectators. Encourage players to do the same.
- Show concern and caution towards sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a doctor or tournament first aid staff when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition games.
- Any physical contact with a player should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player's skill development.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, playing ability, cultural background or religion.
- Refrain from over-coaching during games; let the players play and learn from their own mistakes.
- Set the example. Players look up to coaches as role models — display the behaviours you want your players to follow.
- Always follow the instructions of the referee and/or tournament staff.
- Do not intimidate, harass, or use foul language or violent conduct towards players, match officials, club officials or spectators.
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
youthsupercup.com.au | 1300 436 682 | info@sportsgroup.melbourne
