Hamad Bin Khalifa University Football

League & Tournament, Rules,

Regulations & Guidelines
Season 2018

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Introduction
The main objective of the Guidebook is to define what are the guidelines and
regulations to participate in the Hamad Bin Khalifa Universities Football League
(HBKUFL) and the Hamad Bin Khalifa Universities Football Tournament (HBKUFT)
2018

The Hamad Bin Khalifa Universities Football Organizing Committee (HBKUFOC)

reserves the right to amend the Guidebook at the HBKUOC’s sole discretion from
time to time.

Contents
Basic Principles.....................................................................................................4

SECTION 1 – The Organisation of Football in 4

1. HBKUFOC Aims……….........................................................................................5
2. HBKUFOC Duties and Competences..................................................................5
3. HBKUFOC Mision...............................................................................................5
4. HBKUFOC Visions..............................................................................................5
5. HBKUFOC Objectives.........................................................................................5

SECTION 2 – HBKUFOC Competitions..................................................................6

1. Hamad Bin Khalifa Universities Football League……………………….…..…….......7

2. Hamad Bin Khalifa Universities Tournament …………………………………………..7

SECTION 3 – Technical Standards………………………………………………………..…..8

1. Application of FIFA Laws of the Game................................................................9

2. The Duration of the Match and Score.................................................................9
3. Fixtures of HBKUFOC Competitions…………….…………………………………………..9
3.1. Kick Off-Time…………………………………………………………………………………..9
3.2. Arranging / Rearranging of Matches................................................................9
3.3. Postponement / Abandonment of Matches.....................................................9
3.4. Failure to play League Matches.......................................................................9

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4. Protest...............................................................................................................9
5 The Official Ball and the Ball Boys......................................................................10
5.1. Official Ball....................................................................................................10
5.2. Ball Boys........................................................................................................10
6. The Number of Players.....................................................................................10
6.1. The starting eight (8) players and substitutes.................................................10
6.2. Team Sheet...................................................................................................10
7. During Play…....................................................................................................10
8. Teams Colours..................................................................................................10
9. Jersey Numbers................................................................................................11
10. Other Match Procedures for HBKUFOC Competitions.....................................11
10.1. Match Countdown........................................................................................11
10.2.Team Bench Occupation...............................................................................11
10.3. Technical Area.............................................................................................12
10.4. Match Officials.............................................................................................12
10.5. Referees.......................................................................................................12

SECTION 4 – Ground Regulations....................................................................13

1. Education City Football Grounds..................................................................13

2 Warm-up area...............................................................................................13
3 Floodlights and Back Up Power…..................................................................13
4. Clocks...........................................................................................................13
5. Benches........................................................................................................13
6. Goals and spare goals...................................................................................13
7. First aid and treatment facilities for players and officials...............................13
8. VIP areas……………………………………………………………………………………….13

SECTION 15 – General Remarks........................................................................14

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3
Basic Principles

The Organisation of Football

The Competition Regulations 2016 are the competent regulations governing
the HBKUFL & HBKUFT in Education City for the season 2018 only.

Section 1
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Section 1 l The Organisation of Football in Education City

1. HBKUFOC Aims
The HBKUFOC aims to develop and support football in Education City and
amongst for the Universities of Qatar Foundation

2. HBKUFOC Duties and Competences

In achieving its goals the HBKUFOC shall exercise the following duties and
competences:

1. Developing and implementing effectively and professionally, policies needed

for management of the HBKUFL & HBKUFT

2. Taking decisions with regards to plans and programs, and following up its
implementation.

3. Developing and implementing rules and regulations to develop the HBKUFL &
HBKUFT

4. Ensuring that university players meet the administrative standards of the

HBKUFOC.

5. Supporting and advising the teams during the process of their registration
according to the HBKUFL & HBKUFT rules and regulations.

6. Other tasks related to developing the HBKUFL and HBKUFT.

3. HBKUFOC Mission
To be committed to promoting and improving football amongst the
Universities of Qatar Foundation

4. HBKUFOC Vision
To provide a comprehensive football league and tournament for the
Universities of Qatar Foundation

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5. HBKUFOC Objective
Provide leadership in the development of key initiatives to improve the

HBKUFOC Competitions
quality of the game in Qatar Foundation, and to set a pace and direction for
football in Qatar Foundation for the Universities of Qatar Foundation

Section 2
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 end of the extra time, the result shall be decided by penalty shootouts
from penalty mark.
Section 2 l HBKUFOC Competitions 3.

The HBKUFOC organizes and coordinates the following competitions held in the 4. If any two (2) or teams have scored the same number of points to determine the
grounds of Education City for the season 2018 second place or other following places in the League, the following criteria are
applied:
- “Hamad Bin Khalifa Universities Football League”;
4.1. The number of points earned by the tied universities, in the matches played
- “Hamad Bin Khalifa Universities Football Tournament” among the teams in question;

EFOC Competitions
4.2. Superior difference between the number of goals scored and the number of
1. “Hamad Bin Khalifa Universities Football goals conceded by the tied universities, in the matches played among the
universities in question;
League”
4.3. Goal difference in the League.

Section 2
1.1 The “Hamad Bin Khalifa Universities Football League” will be played with
X (x) universities in one leg. Each university shall play two (2) League 4.4. The highest number of goals scored in the League.
matches against each of the other universities – all games will be held in
Education City. 4.5. The highest number of wins in the League.

1.2 In the HBKUFL & HBKUFT system the points are awarded as follows: 4.6. Drawing of lots.
- Three (3) points will be awarded for a win;
- One (1) point for a draw;
- Zero (0) points for a loss.
4. Hamad Bin Khalifa University Tournament;
2. The position of universities in the table shall be determined in the light of the total The x (x) teams shall be divided into two (2) groups of x (x) teams and each group
points gained by each team in all the matches according to the following: shall play a one-round league, where each team in the group shall play one match
against every other team.
2.1. The team having scored the highest number of points wins the league.
The top two (2) teams in each group qualify for the semi-finals.
2.2 The team that obtains the lowest number of points shall be bottom of the
League. The winners of the semi-finals qualify for the final.

2. If two (2) teams have scored the same number of points to determine the
first place in the League, the two teams shall play a playoff match after
the last match in the League. In case of a draw in playoff match, the teams
shall play an extra time of thirty (30) minutes divided into two (2) halves
where each half shall last for fifteen (15) minutes. In case of draw at the

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 Section 3
Technical Standards

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Section 3 l Technical Standards
1. Application of FIFA Laws of the Game
If not stated otherwise in this Guidebook, the Laws of the Game laid out by the IFAB
Technical Standards
and published by FIFA shall apply to the Game.
2. The Duration of the Match and Score
All matches shall be fifty (50) minutes in duration consisting of two (2) equal halves
of twenty-five (25) minutes with a half-time that shall not exceed five (5) minutes
Section 4
from whistle to whistle, plus any added time as indicted by the referee.
3. Fixtures of HBKUFOC Competitions
The Rights regarding the fixtures of matches, to arrange, re-arrange, postpone or
abandon matches; kick-off-time etc. lies with the HBKUFOC. The dates of matches
shall be fixed and published by the HBKUFOC as soon as is it practical prior to the
commencement of each season and, except otherwise provided in this Guidebook.
Matches shall be played on the dates thus fixed. The HBKUFOC shall have the right
to change the date on which a match is to be played. Before exercising such power,
it will consult with and take into account any representations made by the
universities participating in the match in question, and any other university or
universities which may be affected thereby. The HBKUFOC has the right to order
that a match should be replayed; such a decision will be final.
3.1. Kick Off-Time
3.2.
For matches the HBKUFOC shall determine the time of kick-off, if
necessary, in consultation with the participating universities. Any
university which, without good reason, causes the kick-off of a Match to
be delayed by more than fifteen (15) minutes from the fixed time will
forfeit the Match. Consideration for prayer time, if applicable will be
given.
3.3. Arranging / Rearranging of Matches
Universities should notify the ECFOC 7 days for any request of
amendment of schedule and the university must obtain the consent in
writing from the opposing team with regards to the proposed
amendment of fixtures.
3.4. Postponement / Abandonment of Matches
If a match has to be postponed or abandoned as a result of an incident (i.e. the
decision of the officiating referee, by order of Qatar Foundation Security or other
authority exercising its statutory powers, walkouts by teams, lack of order,
spectators invading the field, bad weather, bad field of play conditions, etc.), the
HBKUFOC must meet within twenty-four (24) hours of such an incident and
determine the action to be taken. If the match is interrupted by the referee before
the end of 50 minutes or during any extra time or penalties because of any force
majeure or any other incidents such as, but not limited to, the field is not fit for play,
weather conditions, floodlight failure, etc. the following procedures must be
followed:
• The match is automatically suspended for the duration of thirty (30) minutes,
unless the referee decides that the match can be resumed earlier, to allow
conditions to improve sufficiently to restart the match.
• At the discretion of the match referee, another suspension of a maximum of thirty
(30) minutes shall be allowed if in his opinion this extra period of suspension will
allow the match to be resumed. Otherwise, at the end of this second thirty (30)
minute period, the referee must declare the match to have been abandoned and
inform the HBKUFOC. Should it be necessary to award a match to one team, three
(3) points shall be awarded with a score of 3–0 or possibly more goals if the
aggregate (goals scored minus goals conceded) at the time of stoppage showed a
greater number for the team declared the winner. In the case of an abandoned
match, the HBKUFOC shall decide within twenty-four (24) hours of the referee’s
decision to abandon the match, whether the match result at the time of
abandonment is valid or whether a replay shall be arranged, taking sporting and
organizational considerations into account. No appeals may be lodged against
respective decisions.
3.5. Failure to play Matches
Any university which causes the postponement or abandonment of a match on the
match date will be in breach of these rules and will be dealt with by the HBKUFOC
at their discretion
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 4. Protest
Complaints and protests are submitted to the HBKUFOC within a period not
exceeding (2 hours) from the end of the match excluding public holidays for filing
the protest and it should be hand-delivered to a representative of the HBKUFOC..
5. The Official Ball and the Ball Boys
5.1. Official Ball
In all HBKUFOC matches only the “Official Ball” approved by the HBKUFOC shall be
used.
5.2. Ball Boys
The HBKUFOC shall provide and ensure a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of
four (4) ball boys for all League and Tournament matches. The colors of the clothing
worn by ball boys shall not clash with the colors of either of the competing
universities and they must be properly attired. If there is an interference with the
colors of the clothing, the referee has the right to request a change to their uniform
or leave the vicinity of the field of play before the match begins.
6. The Number of Players
6.1. The starting eight (8) players and substitutes
In every HBKUFL and HBKUFT match each participating university shall field a team
of eight (8) players. Players must be full time university students in Universities of
Qatar Foundation; documentation at the time of registration proving this must be
submitted. Team sheets must be filled out using the approved HBKUFOC template
provided. All players will be required to sign the HBKUFOC disclaimer upon signing
up to the league and tournament. Each participating university is entitled to list up
to eighteen players (18): eight (8) players as starting line-up and six (6) substitutes
(4) reserved. They have option to list (3) Alumni from their university and (15)
students total (18) players. Only 2 Alumni per game are allowed to play. The team
captain must be identified on the team sheet. Only players on the team sheet will
be allowed to play. If there are fewer than seven (7) players on the field in either of
the teams, the match shall be abandoned. Additional rules, for all teams once
proven and caught that one players is professional or part of club member, the team
will be declared loose by default.
The match shall not start if any team has fewer than seven players.
6.2. Team Sheet
Twenty (20) minutes before the time fixed for the kick-off of each match, each
participating university shall hand to an HBKUFOC member a completed team
sheet.
No player whose name does not appear on his universities team sheet shall take
the field of play in that Match.
Only those players bearing an official eligibility card are eligible for registration. If
the team sheet is not completed and returned on time, the matter will be
submitted to the HBKUFOC and dealt with according to their discretion.
7. During Play
Pass back to the goal keeper is allowed, and the goalkeeper may handle the ball
with his hands.
There are no off sides.
Only captains may speak to the referee; non conformity of this rule may result
in the referee issuing a card to the violator.
Unlimited substitutions may take place during the Match only on a dead ball and
with the referees acknowledgement and approval. Substitute may only enter the
pitch once the player coming off has crossed the sideline.
Red and yellow cards will be given at the judgment of the referee;
A player may receive one (1) yellow card per game if another yellow card is to be
issued in the same game it is an automatic red card and player will be sent off (no
player can be substituted on for the current game) and the player will miss the
following one (1) game.
If a red card is issued that player is sent off for the remainder of the game (no
player can be substituted on for the current game) and the player will miss the
following two (2) games.
Three (3) yellow cards in a season and the player must miss the following game.
1 yellow and a red and that player will be sent off for the remainder of the game
(no player can be substituted on for the current game) and the player will miss the
following two (2) games.
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All players must wear football shoes and shin-guards in order to play. Any player 10.1. Match Countdown
who enters the match without shin-guards will be issued an automatic red card
thereby missing the next match forcing his team to play a man down Time Countdown to Kick Off
-60’ Pitch is open
-20’ Referees, HBKUFOC representative arrive at the pitch.
Pre-match meeting with all match officials and two
8. Teams Colours teams’ representatives.
-20’ Both Teams arrive at pitch.
Teams are required to wear the same color tops and shorts. -15’ Distribute the team sheet to both Teams
-10’ Collection of team sheet
If, in the opinion of the referee, the two (2) teams’ colors might cause confusion or Ball boys take their positions around the pitch.
prove unsuitable, the challenging team will have to either change its playing kit or -10’
Both Teams' goalkeeper start warm-up on the pitch.
wear bibs provided by the HBKUFOC
-10’ Both Teams' field players start warm-up on the pitch.
The colors worn by the goalkeepers must distinguish him from the other players, -5’ Both Teams finish warm-up
the referee(s). -5’ Referees check goal nets.
Announce name of both Teams players
Any breaches could cause the universities to be penalized at the discretion of the -3’
Announce referee.
HBKUFOC Both Teams line up
-3’ Check for equipment of both Teams’ players.
9. Jersey Numbers Ball boys take their positions around the pitch.
Players of both Teams shake hands.
It is compulsory that numbers on jerseys must start from 1 to 99 only. The
-1’ Line-up for team photos.
numbers must be in contrasting color from that of the colors of the playing kit and
be legible from a distance for spectators and officials Coin toss.
0' Kick off.
The numbers must be of one (1) color only and for better legibility, they may be Half Time whistle-to-whistle
surrounded by a border or shadow outline. HT(1) Both Teams' players exit pitch and head back to the side lines
HT+3 mins Both Teams' players, referee re-enter pitch
If a player participates in an ECFOC match with a different number than that HT +5 mins Second half kick off
registered on the team sheet, the university team will be penalized. Half-

The player is not allowed to change the registered jersey number during the
season 2016.

Section 3 l Technical Standards

10 Other Match Procedures for HBKUFOC Competitions

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10.2 Team Bench Occupation
The team bench shall be occupied during the match only by a maximum of ten (10)
substitute players and a maximum of (3) team officials whose names must appear
on the team sheet. The team officials may only consist of the following:
Head coach
Assistant Coach
Team Manager
The officials seated on the team benches, must always bear their accreditation
cards provided by the HBKUFOC.
Moreover, all players and officials who will take seat on the benches must also be
dressed in attire that is contrasting to that worn by the players and referees on the
field of play. If colors should clash, the persons who will take seat on the benches
must wear bibs of a contrasting color.
All Match officials that will be responsible for the Match procedures and
Organization will be appointed by the HBKUFOC:
10.5 Referees
All referees for the competition will be appointed by the HBKUFOC and will be
qualified/professionals.
** 10.6 Mid Tournament
In the event where there are injured players mid tournament, replacements will be
acceptable if their QF ID has been confirmed as well as if they have signed all the
appropriate waivers. 4 | Technical Standards

10.3 Technical Area

The technical area shall include the team benches and shall extended one (1) meter
either side of each and to within one (1) meter of the touchline. An ECFOC official
shall identify the occupants of the technical area before the commencement of the
match.

Only one (1) person at a time is authorized to convey tactical instructions from the
technical area.

The coach and other officials must remain within the confines of the technical area
except in special circumstances, for example, with the referee’s permission to assess
an injured player.

The coach and other occupants of the technical area must remain within the
confines of the technical area at all times during the course of the match. The coach
and other occupants of the technical area must behave in a responsible manner at
all times.

The coaches and other technical staff are not allowed to enter the field of play
during the match, unless the referee asked them to do so, only the medical crew
members are allowed to enter the field of play in case the referee give such
permission.

10.4 Match Officials

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 As matches will be held in the evening, the grounds must be equipped with
HBKUFOC approved lighting.

Grounds Details
4. Clocks
The grounds must have a clock which shows playing time during the match. The

Section 4
time must run from zero (0) to twenty-five (25) minutes for the first half and from
twenty-five (25) to fifty (50) minutes for the second half. Time must be stopped at
the end of normal playing time in each half, i.e. after twenty-five (25) and fifty (50)
minutes respectively.
This stipulation shall also apply if extra time is played (i.e. after ten (10)
minutes of each half)

5. Benches
The Grounds must be equipped with two benches at pitch level for each university,
each with seating room for at least eleven (11) people and positioned at least three
meters (3) from the touchline

6. Goals and spare goals

Goalposts and crossbars must be made out of aluminum or similar material and
must be round or elliptical.
a. The goalposts and crossbars must be white;
Section 4 l Grounds Regulations b. They must not pose any danger to players.

7 . First aid and treatment facilities for players and

1. Education City Football Grounds Officials
The Grounds nominated for the season 2018 will be in the grounds of Education City

a) An emergency medical facility or ambulance located in close proximity to the field

2. Warm-up area of play, fully equipped with emergency medical supplies and supported by trained
A warm-up area for substitutes will be made available. Specified area will be medical staff in Emergency Medicine must be provided. Facilities or ambulance
temporarily marked out and shown to team coach prior to match. must include the following:
i. Oxygen with appropriate masks/oral airway
ii. Splints (Spinal injuries)
3. Floodlights iii. Stretchers
iv. Suction machine

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 v. I/V drip sets with emergency injections and medication
vi. Minor surgery supplies and equipment
vii. Automated External Defibrillator

8. VIP areas

General Remarks
a) The Grounds must be equipped with VIP seats
b) The VIP seats must be situated as close to the halfway line as possible.

Section 5
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 Section 5 l General Remarks
Community
Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. The HBKUFOC will take into
account community feeling when making decisions.

Equality
The HBKUFOC is opposed to discrimination of any form, and will take any necessary
measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.

Trust and Respect

The HBKUFOC will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved
in the game, whether they are individuals, universities or other organisations.

Participants
Football recognizes the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels
of the game. This includes those who play, those who coach or help in any way, and
those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters.

Violence
Football rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.

Fairness
Football is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.

Integrity and Fair Play

Football is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

- This Guidebook shall be applied in the 2016 sports season and entered into force
on the date of their approval and ratification by the HBKUFOC

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