LT Nations Football League 7x7 regulations
1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1. These regulations govern the organization and operation of the amateur football tournament “LT Nations Football League 7×7” (NFL).
1.2. NFL matches take place in different cities across the Republic of Lithuania.
1.3. The tournament format is 7 vs 7 (6 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper).
1.4. Teams represent different countries based on national identity.
1.5. The purpose of NFL is to promote integration of national communities living in Lithuania, encourage intercultural dialogue, and strengthen cooperation through sport.
2. TOURNAMENT OBJECTIVES
2.1. To involve national minorities in organized sports activities.
2.2. To promote respect for cultural identity and national heritage.
2.3. To ensure a safe, friendly, and non-discriminatory sporting environment.
2.4. To strengthen relationships between different national communities.
2.5. To guarantee equal opportunities for all teams.
3. PARTICIPATION AND TEAM FORMATION
3.1. Each team represents a specific country (e.g., Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, Germany, etc.).
3.2. Players may participate if they identify with the represented nationality.
3.3. By registering a team, the team representative confirms that all players have read and agree to follow the NFL regulations.
3.4. The registration must include the responsible person, team captain, and contact details.
3.5. Team composition:
3.5.1. Minimum 7 players.
3.5.2. Maximum 25 registered players.
3.6. Minimum player age: 16 years, unless otherwise determined by the organizer.
4. COMPETITION FORMAT
4.1. Matches are played in 7v7 format.
4.2. Goal size: 5 × 2 meters.
4.3. Pitch size: approximately one quarter of a full football field.
4.4. Match duration: two halves of 35 minutes.
4.5. Half-time break: up to 10 minutes.
4.6. Substitutions are unlimited and can be made when the ball is out of play.
4.1 MATCH SCHEDULE
4.1.1. The match schedule is organized by NFL.
4.1.2. Team managers must provide their home pitch address and available match times.
4.1.3. Any changes to match dates or venues must be approved by the NFL organizers.
4.2 NUMBER OF MATCHES
4.2.1. Teams play two matches against each opponent.
4.2.2. If the number of teams is small, up to four matches between the same teams may be played.
4.2.3. Matches are played at venues agreed upon by the teams.
4.3 POINTS SYSTEM
4.3.1. Points are awarded as follows:
4.3.1.1. Win – 3 points
4.3.1.2. Draw – 1 point
4.3.1.3. Loss – 0 points
4.3.2. If teams have equal points, ranking is determined by:
4.3.2.1. Head-to-head results
4.3.2.2. Goal difference
4.3.2.3. Goals scored
4.3.2.4. Drawing of lots
4.4 MINIMUM ACTIVITY
4.4.1. Each team must play at least one match per calendar month.
4.4.2. Failure to do so without agreement with organizers results in a warning.
4.4.3. Repeated violations may lead to removal from NFL and annulment of results.
4.4.4. The season fee is non-refundable.
5. MATCH RULES (7×7)
Adapted FIFA Laws of the Game apply.
5.1 GENERAL RULES
5.1.1. The offside rule does not apply.
5.1.2. Throw-ins are taken by hand.
5.1.3. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.
5.1.4. Opponents must keep a minimum distance of 5 meters during free kicks and throw-ins.
5.1.5. A direct shot on goal is not allowed from kickoff.
5.2 STANDARTD SITUATIONS
5.2.1. Corner Kick – awarded when the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line.
5.2.2. Direct Free Kick – awarded for fouls or handball; a goal may be scored directly.
5.2.3. Indirect Free Kick – awarded for technical violations; a goal counts only if another player touches the ball.
5.2.4. Penalty Kick – taken from 9 meters.
5.2.5. Throw-in – awarded when the ball crosses the touchline.
5.2.6. Goal Kick – awarded when the attacking team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line.
5.3 ADDITIONAL RULES
5.3.1. Sliding tackles are allowed only when preventing the ball from crossing the goal line or touchline, or when defending the goal.
5.3.2. The goalkeeper may not handle a deliberate back pass from a teammate.
6. DISCIPLINE AND ETHICS
6.1. Yellow card – player is suspended for 4 minutes, and the team plays with fewer players. If the opponent scores during this time, the penalty ends.
6.2. Second yellow card – results in a red card and 8 minutes suspension.
6.3. Direct red card – player is sent off and the team plays 8 minutes shorthanded.
6.4. Yellow cards do not carry over to the next matches.
6.5. Discriminatory, racist, or hostile behavior based on nationality is strictly prohibited.
6.6. Teams may be removed from NFL for unacceptable conduct.
7. ORGANIZATIONAL RULES
7.1. Season fee – 120 EUR (paid in advance).
7.2. Referee fee – 15 EUR per team per match.
7.3. Teams must arrive 10 minutes before kickoff.
7.4. Failure to appear results in a 0:3 forfeit loss.
7.5. Failure to notify cancellation 48 hours in advance results in a 30 EUR fine.
7.6. If a team has fewer than 5 players, the match is recorded as a 0:3 loss.
7.7. Teams must have a home pitch (can be shared) and provide its address to NFL.
7.8. A match report must be submitted after each match.
7.9. Teams agree to photography and video recording during matches.
8. UNIFORMS
8.1. Teams must wear proper football attire: jerseys, shorts, and socks.
8.2. Jerseys with numbers are recommended.
9. SAFETY AND LIABILITY
9.1. Participation is at players’ own risk.
9.2. Shin guards are recommended.
9.3. Metal studs are prohibited.
9.4. The organizer is not responsible for personal belongings or injuries.
9.5. Medical assistance must be arranged by the home team.
10. FINAL PROVISIONS
10.1. All disputes are resolved by the NFL Organizational Committee.
10.2. These regulations come into force upon approval.
10.3. The organizer reserves the right to modify or supplement the regulations.
11. ORGANIZERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
11.1. Publish match results and statistics.
11.2. Award the top scorer of the tournament.
11.3. Organize awards for champions and prize winners.