REGISTRATION RULES

1. Age Requirement
The Junior Cup is a U11 competition.
Players must have turned 11 years old on or after January 1 of the tournament year, in accordance with FIFA age-group rules.

2. School Enrollment
Only regular students enrolled in the current school year are eligible to participate.
Players who are not officially enrolled at the school they represent will not be permitted to compete.

3. Documentation Required
A copy of their birth certificate (or passport) to verify age.
Schools must submit a completed team registration form listing all players, along with jersey numbers.

4. Team Delegates
Each team must be accompanied by a delegate (coach or manager), officially appointed by the school’s principal.
The delegate is responsible for the conduct of players, adherence to tournament rules, and communication with officials.

5. Verification Process
All documents must be submitted to the Youth Football League before the tournament deadline.
Random checks may be conducted on matchdays, and ineligible players will result in forfeiture of the match.

JUNIOR CUP U11 TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS

OVERVIEW

The Youth Football League Junior Cup U11 is an invitational tournament for primary and preparatory schools across Jamaica.

General aspects of the tournament are based, for the most part, on the regulations of the International Football Federation (FIFA). Given the age of the participants, the principle of FAIR PLAY must be demonstrated and modelled by everyone involved.

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

• Teams shall be comprised of children who are regular students enrolled during the current school year.

• • Players who are not officially enrolled at the school they represent are not eligible.

• For eligibility in the U11 category, players must have turned 11 years old on or after January 1 of the tournament year (2025), in line with FIFA rules.

• Each team must be led by a delegate (coach or manager) appointed by the school’s principal.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS PER TEAM

• Minimum: 9 players
• Maximum: 14 players
• Only registered players may participate.

AGE OF PARTICIPANTS

• All players must be 11 years old or younger.
• Age verification requires submission of an authentic birth certificate or passport.
• It is the responsibility of the school delegate to ensure compliance.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

To participate in the Youth Football League Junior Cup U11, teams must:

1. 1. Submit all required documentation on or before the deadline.
   2. Provide a completed registration form (including coaches pl  edge and liability forms), electronically signed and stamped by the principal, listing players and two adult team officials.

• Submit proof of identification birth certificates/passports for all players. Some teams may be asked to provide passport verification only.

Important Notes:

• Any irregularities or false documents will result in disqualification on or before match day
• Registration is $18,000 and must be paid to confirm registration.
• The Youth Football League reserves the right to invite, accept, or reject ANY team.

LATE REGISTRATION

A player may be registered late only in the case of injury or unforeseen circumstances. A formal request must be submitted to the admin@youthfootballleagueja.com, and approval granted before participation.

TOURNAMENT DATES & FORMAT

• Urban Championship – Kingston: October 4, 2025

• Rural Championship – Manchester: October 11th, 2025

• All-Island Finals: October 18th, 2025 (Kingston)

Format:

• 7v7 Competition.

• Teams are divided into two regions: Urban (Kingston) and Rural (Manchester).

• The top 6 teams from each region will qualify for the All-Island Finals.

• Team can register multiple teams and in any region of their choice.

• Teams are guaranteed 3 matches in the regional games.

MATCH RULES

• • Duration: 30 minutes per game (2 halves of 15 minutes each, 5-minute halftime).

• Points System:

• • • Win = 3 points
    • Draw = 1 point
    • Loss = 0 points

• Knockout Stage:

• • If teams are tied on points, FIFA tie-break rules apply.
  • If knockout matches end in a draw, the game goes directly to penalties (3 each, then sudden death).

FIELD & EQUIPMENT

• Format: 7 vs. 7

• • Field Dimensions: Maximum 35m x 50m; Minimum 30m x 45m

• Goal Size: 6ft x 14ft

• Substitutions: Unlimited; re-entry allowed.

REFEREES & DISCIPLINE

• • The referee is the highest authority on the field.

• Yellow Cards:

• • • 2 in one game = ejection.
    • 3 accumulated in tournament = suspension for next game.

• Red Card:

• • Automatic suspension from the next game.
• Field misconduct, violence, or playing suspended or ineligible players will result in forfeiture (opponents awarded 3-0).

SUSPENSION OF GAMES

Matches may be suspended or cancelled due to acts of God, such as heavy rain, dangerous lightning. Games may also be suspended due to aggression towards referees, players or organisers.

PROTESTS & COMPLAINTS

• Must include supporting evidence and must be submitted in writing within 24 business hours of the match where applicable.
• Youth Football League will review and issue a final decision.

OBLIGATIONS

Teams:

• Arrive 60 minutes before kickoff.

• Present Team Photo ID Card

• Be present for ID verification 30 minutes before match.

• Minimum of 7 uniformed players required to start.
• Teams that arrive late will risk their match being forfeits and result in a 3-0 win for the opponent.

Coaches/Delegates:

• Must be 18+ years old.

• Share and enforce rules with players.
• Respect referees, officials, and organisers.
• Ensure venue care and player safety.

Players:

• Respect referees, coaches, and opponents.
• Wear proper uniforms, including shin guards.
• Goalkeepers must wear distinct colours.

FINAL AUTHORITY

The Youth Football League (YFL) is the final authority of the Junior Cup U11.

• YFL reserves the right to amend rules if necessary, without prior notice to schools.
• YFL may suspend or terminate the tournament at its discretion.

Sincerely,
Youth Football League