2025 CARTERS Auckland International Cup Competition Rules

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1.1Auckland International Cup (AIC) will be played in accordance with the applicable sections of FIFA  rules and NZL F.A. rules. In case of any doubt, the English version of the FIFA rules will be applied. 

2.1 AIC is an open event that welcomes all teams to participate. 

2.2 The competition adopts a single round-robin scoring system.  

2.3 3 Points will decide the order among teams. Three points will be awarded for a win, 1 point for a  draw and 0 points for a loss.  

2.4 In the event of a tie, direct penalty shootouts (3+1) will be held until a winner is decided. The  winning team will earn 2 points, and the losing team will earn 1 point.  

2.5 If two or more teams have the same points, rankings will be determined in the following order:  

         2.5.1  Results of matches between teams with equal points (head-to-head). The winner is ranked  higher.  

         2.5.2  Goal difference in matches between those teams

         2.5.3  Total goals scored in matches between those teams.

         2.5.4  If still equal, a drawing of lots will determine the ranking.     

3.1 Eligible age: Players must be born after January 1st, 2013.  

3.2 Exemptions: Teams may register up to five players born in or after July 1 2011, with a maximum  of two allowed on the field simultaneously.  

3.3 Female players may participate in the boys’ category, which is one year younger than their age.  

4.1 All matches will be played with eight players per team.  

4.2 Each match will consist of two halves, each lasting 20 minutes, with a halftime break not exceeding  five minutes. A size 4 football will be used for the matches.  

5.1 Substitutions must adhere to the principle of “top-down first.” Substitutes will enter the field  through the designated substitution area, and players leaving the field must exit through the same  area while exchanging shirts with substitutes on the bench.  

5.2 There are no restrictions on the number of substitutions; players who have been substituted may re enter the game.  

5.3 Substitution timing is unlimited, but players must exit before re-entering. Goalkeeper substitutions  must be made during a stoppage in play.  

5.4 All participating players must be listed on the submitted participant list of the AIC.  

6.1 Participating teams must submit a player registration list to the “Auckland International Cup” in the  uniform format specified by the organising committee. A template will be provided.  

6.2 All players must present original identification (ID) or passports for pre-match identity verification.  The referee will check players' eligibility before each match, and only eligible players may  participate. If a player cannot present ID due to special circumstances, they must provide alternative  documentation that includes their name, date of birth (DOB), and photo. Such documentation must  be approved by the organising committee in advance.  

6.3 After verifying player qualifications, participants must wear wristbands issued by the organising  committee; those without wristbands are prohibited from competing. 

7.1 Teams must purchase insurance for their players (covering both on-field and off-field activities). The  “Auckland International Cup” does not provide any group insurance for player injuries. The organising  committee is not responsible for injuries or economic losses resulting from war, civil conflict,  government actions, strikes, quarantine, or similar events. Note: Please do not leave valuables and  money unattended in rooms.  

8.1 The player numbers on the registration list must correspond to the numbers on their jerseys.  

8.2 Each player may only have one jersey number; different players may not share the same number  (non-compliant numbers may be taped).  

8.3 Only rubber or plastic studded football boots are permitted; metal-studded boots are prohibited.  

8.4 All players must wear shin guards and other protective gear.  

8.5 Each team must supply two sets of jerseys, one in a dark color and one in a light color, with  consistent jersey numbers on both sets. The home team wears dark jerseys, while the away team  wears light jerseys. If a team does not possess two sets of jerseys, the team with conflicting colours  must wear training vests provided by the organising committee. Teams may also agree upon a dress  code based on mutual consent. 

9.1 A player receiving two yellow cards in a match will automatically receive a red card.  

9.2 A player shown a red card will be suspended for the next match. 

10.1  The first and second competition days will be held on artificial turf, while the third competition  day will take place on natural grass.  

10.2  In the event that fields are unplayable due to inclement weather or other force majeure  circumstances, the organising committee reserves the right to change the venue or determine the  outcome of a match through penalty shootouts or drawing lots.  

11.1  The organising committee reserves the right to change match groups, times, and venues and  will promptly communicate any changes to the team managers.  

11.2  Extreme weather: If extreme weather prevents matches from continuing, play will be paused  for 30 minutes. If conditions remain unsuitable after 30 minutes, the referee will announce the  cancellation of the match.  

11.3  If a match is cancelled before kickoff, the organising committee will schedule a makeup match.  If rescheduling is not possible, the outcome will be decided by penalty shootouts or drawing lots.  

11.4  Normal rain conditions allow matches to continue at the referee's discretion; however, play  must be halted immediately in the event of thunder. 

 The final interpretation rights of the event Rules belong to the organising committee.