Rules of Volta Cup 2023

I FIFA Rules

The youth football tournament Volta Cup 2024 follows international FIFA rules.

NB! If there are conflicting statements between the FIFA rules and the Volta Cup 2023 tournament regulations, the tournament guide applies.

II Age groups & dates

In the 9v9 age groups, maximum of 2 players who were born later than August 1 of the previous year can participate in one team.

In the 7v7 age groups, maximum of 1 players who were born later than August 1 of the previous year can participate in one team.

In the 5v5 and 4v4 age groups it is not allowed to use any older players without permission. 

. For example: in the age group of boys born in 2012, two players who were born later than 1.08.2010 can participate for one team.

For girls age groups (2011/2012 & 2013/2014) it is not allowed to use older players without permission. 

For example: It is not allowed to use girls born after 01.08.2010 in agegroup 2011/2012 without permission. 

IV Participation of players in several teams

In the Volta Cup 2024 youth football tournament, players are not allowed to play in more than one age group or team during the age group tournament. If the rule is violated, the player will be disqualified from the tournament and the game of the team that violated the rule will be canceled. In the tournament table, the result -/+ is marked to the detriment of the team.

V Stadium

Volta Cup 2024 games will take place in the Sõle hall, Tallinn, Sõle 40A.

VI Tournament system

Volta Cup 2024 tournaments in different age groups are divided into subgroup tournaments and screening games.

In the subgroup tournament, the teams are divided into subgroups of 4 to 6 members, where all teams play each other once. The game held in the subgroup gives 3 points in the table for a win, 1 point for a draw.

In case of equal points in the subgroup, the final superiority is determined by:

1. match between themselves
2. goal difference between matches
3. overall goal difference
4. number of goals scored
5. disciplinary sanctions:
     - giving up games, canceling the result
     - red cards
     - yellow cards
6. draw/penalties

All places in the Volta Cup 2024 tournament will be played out except 2016 and 2017 who will not play out any places and all the players will be awarded. 

The place match system for each age group will be announced by the organizers 1 week before the start of the tournament.

NB! Tournament organizers reserve the right to make changes to schedules during the tournament!

VII Penalties

In the place games and in the finals, games tied in a draw are immediately followed by penalties at the end of the playing time.
Overtime is not applied in tournament games.

Number of penalties in all age groups (except 2016 & 2017):

• 3 penalties

VIII Protest

The protest is directed against the validity of the game result. A protest is based on the justification of a player's participation, a significant violation of the rules by a referee, or any other incident that affected the outcome of the game.
The protest must be submitted in writing by the team representative (the person designated as the team manager on the registration sheet) no later than 30 minutes after the end of the protested game.
A general protest against the entire opposing team is not accepted.
A protest against the showing of a yellow or red card, or against being removed from the field of play after two cards have been shown, is allowed only if the referee was mistaken about the identity of the player concerned.
The protest processing fee is 75 EUR. The amount will be refunded in full if the protest is upheld.

IX Jury

Possible disagreements and protests will be resolved by a 3-member jury.
The jury consists of the chief judge of the tournament and two chief organizers of the tournament.
NB! The final decision of the jury is not subject to appeal!

X Judges

All referees are recognized by the Estonian Football Association or by the head referee of the tournament.

XI Defaulters

If there are not at least 7 players (age group 11v11), 6 players (age group 9v9), 4 players (age group 7v7), 3 players (age group 5v5 & 4v4) 5 minutes after the start of the official playing time, a +/- loss will be entered in the tournament table.

XII Prizes

In all the age groups (except boys 2016 & 2017), the first, second and third place teams with trophies and medals.

XIII Medicine/medical care

The organizers of the football tournament Volta Cup 2024 do not take responsibility for injuries that occur during the football tournament. The teams have the responsibility to ensure the resolution of game trauma situations that arise. If possible, the organizers of the soccer tournament will assist with medical skills.

XIV Warnings and removals

A player removed from the field of play is disqualified for the next Volta Cup 2024 match, in the event that the head judge of the tournament judges the situation that brought the red card to be worthy of it (violent and disrespectful behavior).

NB! The referee serving the match has the right to demand a more severe punishment for the disqualified player (e.g. removal for the rest of the tournament). The referee must submit a corresponding written statement to the head referee of the tournament, who will make the final decision. The decision made by the head judge of the tournament is final and not subject to appeal. The decision will be notified to the team representative, who is indicated in the box provided on the registration sheet.

XV Recognition of fair play

To recognize fair play, players are advised to thank the opposing players and the referee after the line-up, before the start of the game and after the final whistle.

XVI Warranty

Participation in the football tournament Volta Cup 2024 confirms that the team is aware of all the rules established by the tournament.

XVII Game balls

Volta Cup 2024, all balls used in the tournament matches will be marked "FIFA APPROVED" or "FIFA INSPECTED".

XVIII Registration of the team at the tournament

Upon arrival at the tournament, all teams are required to submit a completed registration form to the tournament organizers before their first match.
If possible, the signed registration sheet can be submitted by e-mail to erki@revalsporttours.eu
Players who are not registered on the registration page may not participate in the tournament.
Teams are not allowed to add more players to the registration sheet during the tournament.

XIX Starting the game and accompanying rules

The team is required to be at the field where their game takes place 5 minutes earlier.
In the case of single-color competition uniforms, the second-placed team changes shirts or uses vests.
Vests are provided by the tournament organizer.
Maximum team size in age groups:

• 9v9 - 20 players
• 7v7 - 16 players
• 5v5 & 4v4 - 14 players

XX Special situation, organization of the tournament

The jury of the tournament has the right to make changes in game places and times if it is considered necessary and if an unavoidable event requires it!
NB! The tournament organizers are not responsible for thefts that occur during the tournament