Little League Football Officers' Manual

25 CUP COMPETITION

Refer to

The Little League Football programme normally includes an internal cup competition played by all teams in the section to supplement the League programme.

Additional Tournaments may also be run - see Section 30.

Format
The format of the Cup Competition is for each League Management Committee to decide. But whatever is agreed must be clearly laid down before the competition starts.
Note that six teams is an awkward number for a competition, and the number of spare weeks in the season may help determine how many games are played. Leagues may also wish to spread the competition over the season, to maintain interest.

The most common formats (assuming a six team section) are as follows: -
The teams play in one group of six, with each team playing three of the other teams. (A draw decides which teams meet.) The top four teams in the group go through to the semi finals.
Or draw the teams into two groups of three, with the top two in each group going through.

If level on points, group placings could be determined by goal difference, goals scored, and ultimately a play off. Drawn games in the semi-finals and final may be replayed, or if time does not permit, go to penalty kicks.

Normal Little League Football rules would apply to all cup games, but to help avoid having teams with equal points, an extra point could be awarded for teams winning by two clear goals.

Don't forget that finding a sponsor for your Cup Competition will produce an extra source of income.

It is usual for mementoes to be awarded to the winners and runners up.