Youth Football League Junior Cup 2026

Rules and Regulations

Respect  Development  Fair Play

These rules govern the 2026 Youth Football League Junior Cup for primary and preparatory schools. Entry in the competition confirms that each school, team official and player agrees to comply with these rules, the official fixture schedule and the directions of the YFL Organising Committee and match officials.

1 Competition details

YFL may amend a venue, fixture, kick-off time or competition format where operational, safety or weather conditions require it. The official fixture schedule issued by YFL will form part of these rules.

2 Eligibility

• The Junior Cup is an Under 11 competition. Eligible players must have been born in 2015 or later.
• A player must be currently enrolled at the primary or preparatory school that the player represents. A player may represent only one school and one team in the competition.
• Each school must nominate a delegate authorised by the principal. The delegate, coach or team manager is responsible for the accuracy of all registration information.
• A school that uses an ineligible, unregistered or improperly identified player may forfeit the affected match and may be disqualified from the competition.
• YFL may conduct eligibility checks before or during the competition. The decision of the Organising Committee on eligibility is final.

3 Registration and team composition

• The registration fee is J$20,000 per team. Registration is confirmed only when the completed submission and full payment have been received and accepted by YFL.
• Each team must register a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 14 eligible players. No player may be added or replaced after the registration deadline without written approval from YFL.
• The registration submission must include each player’s full name, date of birth, jersey number, recent photograph and a copy of a birth certificate or passport, together with the required school and team-official information.
• Incomplete registrations will not be accepted. The published registration deadline applies unless YFL grants a written extension.
• A team may register no more than two team officials for match-day access unless otherwise approved by YFL.

4 Match day verification

• The school must bring a printed photo-identification roster for inspection on match day. Original or legible supporting proof of age must be available if requested.
• All players and team officials must complete match-day registration before receiving entry credentials or player bands. A player may not participate without the required identification or band.
• Player bands and credentials may not be transferred, exchanged or reused by another person.
• Teams should arrive by the reporting time stated in the official schedule. Late arrival may result in forfeiture where the delay disrupts the competition schedule.

5 Competition and match format

• Matches will be played seven-a-side, including the goalkeeper, on small-sided fields unless YFL confirms a different format in writing before the competition.
• A team must have at least five players ready to start or continue a match. If a team falls below five players, the referee will stop the match and refer the matter to the Organising Committee.
• Each team is expected to play a minimum of three preliminary matches, subject to the number of registered teams and the published regional format.
• Match duration, reporting times and intervals will be stated in the official fixture schedule. Time may be adjusted to keep the tournament on schedule or because of weather, safety or other operational conditions.
• Rolling substitutions are permitted. A substituted player may return, but every substitution must be made with the referee’s permission and from the designated substitution area.
• The regional qualification structure and the number of teams advancing to the All Island Championship will be confirmed in the official competition schedule.

6 Points and deciding positions

Preliminary matches will award three points for a win, one point for a draw and no points for a loss. If teams finish level on points, positions will be decided in the following order:

1. Goal difference
2. Goals scored
3. Head-to-head result, where applicable
4. Fair-play record
5. Drawing of lots by the Organising Committee

A knockout match that is level at full time will be decided by kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the procedure announced for the competition. Extra time will not be played unless YFL states otherwise in the official schedule.

7 Laws of the game and equipment

• FIFA Laws of the Game will apply with the small-sided modifications stated in these rules or the official competition schedule.
• The offside rule will apply only if confirmed in the official match instructions for the field and format being used.
• Teams must wear matching numbered shirts, shorts and socks. Where colours clash, the team directed by the match official must wear bibs or an approved alternate colour.
• Shin guards are compulsory. Players may not wear jewellery or any item considered dangerous by the referee.
• The goalkeeper must wear colours that distinguish the goalkeeper from both teams and the match officials. A size 4 football will be used unless YFL confirms otherwise.

8 Discipline and conduct

• Players, team officials and supporters must demonstrate respect, sportsmanship and fair play at all times. Schools are responsible for the conduct of their teams and supporters.
• The referee may caution or send off a player or team official. A person sent off must leave the technical and playing areas and will be suspended for at least the next match, subject to further review by the Organising Committee.
• Serious misconduct, abusive language, threats, violence, discrimination, field invasion or interference with match officials may result in additional suspension, match forfeiture or disqualification.
• Only the authorised school delegate, coach or team manager may communicate with tournament officials about an administrative matter. No person may confront or abuse a referee.
• YFL may refer serious matters to the school, venue authorities, the Jamaica Football Federation or law-enforcement authorities where appropriate.

9 Forfeits, abandoned matches and protests

• A team that fails to report, refuses to play, uses an ineligible player or otherwise causes a match to be abandoned may forfeit the match. Unless the Organising Committee determines otherwise, a forfeited match will be recorded as a 3-0 loss.
• Where a match is stopped because of weather, safety, venue conditions or another matter outside either team’s control, the Organising Committee will decide whether the result stands, the remaining time is played or the match is replayed.
• A protest must be submitted in writing by the authorised school delegate to the Organising Committee within 30 minutes after the match. A protest concerning a referee’s judgement decision will not be considered.
• The Organising Committee may request documents or statements before making its decision. Its competition decision is final.

10 Safety, welfare and consent

• Each school must ensure that every player has permission from a parent or legal guardian and is medically fit to participate.
• A team official must remain responsible for the supervision and welfare of the players throughout the event. Any injury or welfare concern must be reported immediately to the match-day medical or tournament team.
• YFL may postpone, suspend or cancel play where conditions create an unacceptable risk. Safety decisions take priority over the competition schedule.
• By registering, the school confirms that it has authority to submit player information and photographs and has obtained the permissions required for participation and event coverage.

11 Authority and acceptance

The YFL Organising Committee has authority to interpret and apply these rules, determine matters not expressly covered and impose proportionate competition sanctions. Participation confirms acceptance of these Rules and Regulations and any official written tournament instructions issued by YFL.

Youth Football League  2026 Junior Cup  |  www.youthfootballleagueja.com  |  876 849 7368