JUNIOR CUP U11 TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS 2026
Overview
The Youth Football League (YFL) Junior Cup U11 is a tournament for primary and preparatory schools across Jamaica. All participants must demonstrate respect, development and fair play.
Participating Teams and Player Eligibility
Players must be regular students enrolled at the school they represent during the current school year. A player who is not enrolled at that school is ineligible.
2026 U11 age rule: Players must have been born on or after 1 January 2015. A player born on 1 January 2015 is eligible; a player born on 31 December 2014 is not. Eligibility is determined by year of birth, so a player who turns 11 during 2026 remains eligible.
Each team must have a coach or manager appointed by its principal. Only registered players may take part. Each team may register a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 14 players, plus two adult team officials.
Registration and Verification
Submit the completed team registration, player names and jersey numbers, coach pledge, liability/consent forms, and the principal’s electronic approval by the communicated deadline. Provide an authentic birth certificate or passport for every player and a team photo ID roster for matchday checks. YFL may request additional verification.
The registration fee is JMD $20,000 per team, and payment is required to confirm entry. Documents and payment must be complete before participation. False or irregular documents may result in disqualification. YFL reserves the right to accept or decline team entries.
A late player addition is permitted only for injury or unforeseen circumstances. Send a formal request to admin@youthfootballleagueja.com and obtain YFL approval before the player participates.
Tournament Dates and Locations
Western Jamaica: Saturday 3 October 2026, William Knibb High School, Trelawny. Schools from Hanover, St James, Trelawny and other parishes may enter.
St Catherine and Portmore: Saturday 10 October 2026, Ferdie Neita Park (Portmore FC).
Kingston and St Andrew: Saturday 17 October 2026, UWI Mona Bowl.
Schools may choose the regional leg that suits them. The top four teams from each of the three regional legs will advance to the All-Island Finals at UWI Mona Bowl, Kingston, on Saturday 24 October 2026. YFL will communicate the Finals match bracket. Regional kick-off is 8:00 a.m.; schools will receive their match schedules prior to match day.
Competition Format and Matches
Matches are 7 versus 7 and use size 4 footballs. Teams are expected to play at least three matches in the regional competition, subject to the final draw and weather or safety interruptions. YFL will publish groups, advancement rules and any tie-break order before play.
Standard match duration is 40 minutes (two 20-minute halves and a 3-minute interval). YFL may adjust match time to fit the published schedule; regional semifinals and finals may be 30 minutes. A win earns 3 points, a draw 1 point and a loss 0 points.
A knockout match tied at full time proceeds directly to penalties: three kicks per team, then sudden death if needed.
Field, Equipment and Substitutions
The field is 30–35 m wide and 45–50 m long, with goals approximately 6 ft by 14 ft. Substitutions are unlimited and players may re-enter. All players must wear matching team kit and shin guards; goalkeepers must wear a colour distinct from other players and officials.
Referees and Discipline
The referee has authority over the match. Two yellow cards in a match result in ejection. Three accumulated yellow cards in the tournament result in suspension for the next match. A red card carries an automatic next-match suspension.
Violence, aggression toward officials, or use of an ineligible or suspended player may result in a 3-0 forfeit and further sanctions determined by YFL.
Suspension of Play and Protests
YFL may suspend, postpone or cancel matches for heavy rain, lightning, unsafe conditions or aggression toward players, referees or organisers.
Protests must be submitted in writing with supporting evidence to YFL within 24 business hours of the relevant match. YFL will review the matter and issue a final decision.
Matchday Obligations
Teams must arrive at least 60 minutes before their first match, present the team photo ID roster and attend player ID verification 30 minutes before play. At least seven uniformed players are required to start. Late arrival may lead to a 3-0 forfeit.
Each school is responsible for arranging and paying for its team’s transportation, meals and refreshments, and a tent for its team on match day. Schools should bring these provisions to every regional match day and, if they qualify, the All-Island Finals.
Coaches and delegates must be at least 18 years old, explain and enforce these rules, respect officials and opponents, supervise players, and care for the venue. Players must respect referees, coaches, teammates and opponents.
Final Authority
YFL is the final authority for the Junior Cup U11. It may amend these regulations when necessary and will communicate material changes to participating schools. YFL may suspend or end the tournament if circumstances require.
Youth Football League 2026 Junior Cup | www.youthfootballleagueja.com | 876 849 7368
