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Schools Competition Rules 2025-2026

STAFFORDSHIRE SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES FA

COMPETITIONS RULES 2025-2026

 

 

  1. All matches must be played by the limit date in the competition. This will be especially for all exam age groups. The finals of the Under 18 and Under 16 Boys and the Under 16 Girls will be played before the Easter Break at the latest. Please ensure that these fixtures especially are a priority.

  2. Permission for postponements must be sought and given by the competition secretary.

  3. Failure to adhere to Rule 2 may result in both teams being excluded from the competition.

  4. The winners of each tie must within 48 hours of the match concluding, e-mail the competition secretary with the result, failure to do say may result in disqualification.

  5. The finals will be organised by the competition secretary and each finalist may be required to contribute £40 to the cost of the venue hire and match officials.

  6. Match officials for the final ties will be appointed by the competition secretary.

  7. A trophy will be awarded to the winners and medals will be presented to both sides, the trophy will be retained in perpetuity by the winning school.

  8. It shall be the responsibility of the home team to make contact to arrange games, at least 2 dates must be offered, If there is a dispute , the competition secretary shall be informed and his/her ruling shall be final. County fixtures will take priority over inter school matches allowing players to play for the county.

  9. In the event of a colour clash between the teams the home team shall change.

  10. All other rules for the competition regarding time played, ball size , pitch dimensions, substitutes etc shall be those as laid down in the ESFA handbook for the appropriate age group competition. Please see below

    Under 11 - 9x9 - 25 minutes e/w - 5 minutes e/w in ET - Ball Size 4

    Under 12 - 9x9 - 30 minutes e/w - 7 minutes e/w in ET - Ball Size 4

    Under 13 - 11x11 - 35 minutes e/w - 7 minutes e/w in ET - Ball Size 4

    Under 14 - 11x11 - 35 minutes e/w - 10 minutes e/w in ET - Ball Size 4

    Under 15 - 11x11 - 40 minutes e/w - 10 minutes e/w in ET - Ball Size 5

    Under 16 - 11x11 - 40 minutes e/w - 10 minutes e/w in ET - Ball Size 5

    Under 18 - 11x11 - 45 minutes e/w - 10 minutes e/w in ET - Ball Size 5

    Girls competitions are played in 9x9 format, however if BOTH sides agree then an 11x11 format can take place [Only Under 13 Girls and above]

    Teams can go straight to penalties without ET being played if mutually agreed prior to the game and the match referee informed.

    5 substitutes permitted, roll on, roll off

  11. 3G/4G pitches are acceptable to be used in these competitions. Schools cannot refuse to play on these pitches.

  12. Players are only allowed to play in one competition.

  13. All results must be e-mailed to ssfacompetitionresults@gmail.com

  14. All results will be posted on the Staffordshire Schools FA website www.staffordshireschoolsfa.org.uk