Rules

• Prior to the commencement of the 2024 season a Football Tasmania review took place on age criteria parameters for competitions. Football Tasmania reviewed parameters set across other Member Federations. In turn, their age parameters have been set very broadly to provide clubs flexibility selecting players in teams. To allow for this, RAE applications will only be accepted for the Devonport Cup in exceptional circumstances.

• Birth years with an asterisk require a “2025 Youth Player Exemption” to play from Football Tasmania. Players playing up in these age groups should already have these completed and approved prior to play in their normal season roster.

• Complete the form found here for player exemptions – these will be cross referenced with Football Tasmania for player exemptions.

• Appendix A – 2025 Youth Age Eligibility can be found here

• Please note girls playing in mixed competition can play down one year.

Rules

Under 9’s, 10’s, 11’s and 12’s will play by the rules of Mini Roos as issued by FFA, with the exception of Interchange (please see below).

Under 13 and above will play by the FIFA Laws of the game.

 Interchange of Players

1. Each team is allowed a maximum of six (6) interchanges per match, 3 per half. Coaches may interchange as many players as they wish at any one time but can only do this 6 times.

2. Interchanges can only be made with the referee’s permission, and the ball must be out of play.

3. Players must be ready to enter the field of play straight away and all interchanges MUST take place from the halfway line.

4. The interchange player cannot enter the field until the player being replaced has crossed the touchline.

5. Further interchanges are permitted at the half time break and are not included in the 6 permitted per match.

6. This rule will be waived in the event of a player being injured after all 6 interchanges have been made. An injured player may interchange in order to receive treatment.

7. All interchange players need to be wearing a bib whilst waiting on the bench and before entering the pitch.

 Grouping of Teams into Divisions:

We endeavour to have all teams entered playing in their correct age group and division. If an age group does not have sufficient teams, they will be given the opportunity to play in the next appropriate competition and grouping of teams into divisions within an age group will also be dependent on team numbers.

E.g., U10 Tier 2 Teams will play in an U10 combined competition if there are insufficient teams entered into the Tier 2 competition.

Registration of Players:

All players must be registered with FFA, these must be finalised within www.playfootball.com.au.

Each team will submit a team list with names, dates of birth, and player kit numbers. These will be entered into the Torneopal website. Codes to login will be emailed when registering teams.

Any team found playing a player who is not correctly registered or who does not appear on the team sheet shall be deemed to have lost that match and the opposing team shall be awarded 3 points and goals recorded as 3-0 in their favour.

Players can only play for one team for the duration of the Cup.

 Uniform and Equipment

Each team must have an alternate playing kit (at least top) or a set of bibs.

If two teams are wearing a similar colour, then the team named second on the roster will be required to change shirts or wear bibs.

No two teams will be permitted to play in the same colours.

Goalkeepers must wear a top that distinguishes them from the rest of the players and the Referees.

Socks must cover the shin guard. No player will be permitted to play without shin guards.

Players or goalkeepers are not to wear of any kind of jewellery. Any player found wearing any jewellery will be asked to leave the field of play until such time as it has been removed.

 Undershirts and Undershorts

Undershorts/skins are permitted but MUST be the same main colour as the playing shorts

Undershirts are permitted but MUST be the same main colour as the playing shirt.

 Allocation of Points

Teams will be awarded points for each game played as follows:

Win 3 Points

Draw 1 Point each

Loss 0 points.

Teams found breaching tournament rules will be penalised by loss of points.

 Winners

The team finishing with the most points will be declared the winner.

If teams finish on equal points, the winner will be determined:

• firstly, by goal difference then

• by the number of goals scored by each team.

• If a draw remains, then the team winning the round match between the drawn teams will be declared the winner.

• If this match was drawn the teams shall be declared joint winners

For divisions where finals matches are held between 1v2 or 1v1 (where there are two pools of teams) the winner will be determined by:

• The winner of the 1v2 or 1v1 final will be declared the winner.

• Game will be played according to normal rules for that division.

• The referee will keep a record of corners awarded to each team during the game.

• At full-time if the scores are even then most corners will decide the winner.

• If still even, then the winner will be determined by results of the rostered games as below:

• The team finishing with the most points will be declared the winner.

• If teams finish on equal points, the winner will be determined:

  1. 1. firstly, by goal difference then

     2. by the number of goals scored by each team.

     3. if still even the teams shall be declared joint winners.

 Match Balls

Referees will provide a match ball for each game. 

 Referees

DJSA will endeavour to supply a referee for each match. If a referee is not available, each team will be asked to referee half the game each. Each team from under 13 and above must provide an Assistant Referee.

Please remember that our referees are here to learn and develop, as are the players. Any breach of the Code of Conduct against any referee will not be condoned.

Disciplinary Actions

All players and officials agree to be bound by the FFA Code of Conduct for the duration of the tournament.

Code of Conduct for Coaches, players, parents and spectators can be found on the DJSA website.

Each Club will be expected to fill out a Code of Conduct jotform on behalf of their coaches and players.

Red and Yellow Cards

In the event of a player/team official receiving two (2) yellow cards in a single match the player/team official will be shown a red card and asked to leave the field of play and leave the area under the referee’s guidance. The player will receive an automatic one (1) full half suspension, and this must be served in the team’s next scheduled match without dispute.
Note. That Two (2) yellow cards served in one game resulting in a red card will not count in the players accumulated yellow card tally as is regarded as a red card for the purpose of suspension.

In the event of a player/team official receiving a straight red card in a match the player/team official must leave the field of play and leave the area under the guidance of the referee. The player is suspended for the remainder of game.
The incident is then presented to the appropriate committee members for where the duration of the suspension will be determined depending on the severity.

Suspension ranges from: 1 x Full Half to Tournament Suspension / notifying Football Tasmania.

Where a player accumulates three (3) yellow cards or a team official accumulates two (2) yellow cards during the tournament the player/team official will receive an automatic one (1) match suspension that must be served in the team’s next scheduled match. The yellow card tally reverts to nil once this suspension has been served.

As per FIFA laws the decision of the referee is FINAL. Only in the event of mistaken identity in cautioning or the sending off of a player can there be consideration of any written appeal. There will be no appeal against yellow cards and no protests will be heard on any judgement calls by a referee.

Any team found playing an ineligible or suspended player will be deemed to have lost the match and the opposing team awarded 3 points and goals recorded as 3-0 in their favour.

Presentations

Presentations will be made as soon as practical once final group placings have been decided and they will take place at the nominated presentation area. Postage arrangements may be made for teams when the presentation time does not suit the team’s travel arrangements.

Winning and Runners Up teams will receive team trophies and individual medallions.

Amendments

Devonport Junior Soccer reserve the right to alter or add to these rules as seen fit.