The Corporate Ball Game – Season 3

5-a-Side Corporate Football Championship

Tournament Guidelines

Introduction

Welcome to The Corporate Ball Game, Season 3, a premier football tournament that continues to bring together corporate teams in the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and sporting excellence. This document serves as your comprehensive guide, covering eligibility, match rules, and participation details. Please review carefully to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Best wishes to all participating teams!

Eligibility

• Private and Public Business Enterprises, Corporations, Central and State Government Sectors, Public Sector Undertakings, Professional Firms, and other bona fide businesses are eligible to participate.
• Only full-time employees of the above-mentioned organizations are eligible to play.
• Only registered players may participate in the tournament.
• Changes to the registered squad are allowed up to two days before match day.
• Players must submit a copy of their company ID during registration and carry the original ID on match days.
• The organizer reserves the right to reject entries in case of discrepancies during registration.

Schedule

Venue: TBD

Date: 15 & 16 November, 2025

Match Timings: 9 am to 9 pm

Captains’ Meet

Date & Venue: TBD

• To be held 2–4 days before the tournament begins.
• Tournament draw.
• Tournament kits distribution.
• Tournament trophy unveil.

Match Rules — 5-A-Side

Match Duration: 20 minutes

• Group Stage Matches: 10 minutes each half with a 4-minute halftime interval.
• Added stoppage time may be applied for injuries or delays.

Team Composition

• Each team may register up to 9 players (5 on field + 4 substitutes).
• Unlimited rolling substitutions permitted with referee approval. The outgoing player must exit fully before the substitute enters.

Field

• Pitch dimensions: length 40 m, width 30 m
• A centre mark for kick-offs.
• Semi-circular D-Box, the goalkeeper area, is 6 m from the centre of the goal.
• A penalty mark just outside the D Box.

Penalty Area (D-Box)

• Players are allowed inside the penalty area.
• The goalkeeper may leave the penalty area.
• Goals may be scored from inside the penalty area.
• Fouls or handballs by defending players inside the penalty area result in penalties.
• Penalty run-up cannot exceed 2 m.

Playing Rules

• Goalkeeper distribution and area rules follow standard 11-a-side football.
• ‘Back-Pass rules of 5-a-side format’ will not be applied here.
• Goalkeepers are not allowed to handle a back pass. However, back passes using the head or chest are permissible.
• Indirect free kick to the attacking team at the spot of infringement.
• All players (except the kicker) must be in their own half at kick-off; the ball must be stationary; the kicker may score directly from kick-off.
• A goal is valid only when the entire ball fully crosses the goal line.
• No extra time or tiebreaker in group stage matches. The tiebreaker starts from the knockout stage.
• Goals may be scored directly from kick-off.
• No offsides.
• Ball crossing the touchline results in a kick-in (no throw-ins).
• Two referees will officiate each match, with a third official outside the playing area.
• Unlimited rolling substitutions are permitted, but players must seek the 3rd official’s permission before entering.
• FIFA guidelines apply to all other rules.

Fouls and Misconduct

• Referees will manage all fouls and misconduct, and referees’ decisions on fouls, cards, and timekeeping are final and binding.
• Sliding tackles are permitted within the laws of the game.
• All free kicks are direct; defending players must retreat 3 yards.
• Retaliation after a foul will result in a straight red card.
• Offensive or vulgar language is prohibited; serious penalties will apply.
• Violent conduct may result in team disqualification.

Disciplinary measures:

• Verbal Warning
• 1st Offense: Yellow Card
• 2nd Yellow in same game = Red Card (player expelled)
• 3 Yellow Cards = Suspension for next match (stage of the tournament will not matter)
• Straight Red = Expelled from that match + suspended for next match

Team Kit

• All players must wear official kits provided at the captains’ meet.
• Shin guards are mandatory.
• Footwear: Rubber/plastic studs or soles permitted; metal studs prohibited.
• Accessories (rings, earrings, necklaces, etc.) are not allowed.

Prizes & Awards

Team Awards

• Winner & Runner-up trophies for Gold and Silver Plate.
• Fair Play Award for the most disciplined team.

Individual Awards

• Best Player
• Best Goalkeeper
• Highest Goal Scorer
• Man of the Match for all matches.

Team Registration & Walkover Policy

• Teams must register at the scheduled briefing on the inaugural day.
• Failure to report 10 minutes before kick-off may result in a walkover.
• Exceptions may be considered in special cases.

Medical Facilities

• Medical personnel and first-aid services will be available.
• Ambulance deployed for emergencies.

Process of Participation

• Submit the Google form shared here, or send a scanned, filled, and signed form to mailfootballjunction@gmail.com.
• Only fully filled and signed forms will be accepted.
• Confirmation will be given once the participation fee of Rs. 15,000 + GST is paid.
• Team details will be uploaded on www.footballjunction.in.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations must be emailed at least 15 days before the tournament.
• A 30% cancellation fee will be deducted.
• No refunds for cancellations within 15 days from the tournament start date.

Additional Information

• All participants must carry employee IDs and accreditation cards issued for the tournament.
• No postponement or timing changes will be entertained.
• Decisions of the Tournament Committee (Football Junction Foundation) are final and binding.

📧 mailfootballjunction@gmail.com

🌐 www.footballjunction.in

Football Junction Foundation

CIN: U85410WB2023NPL261597

GSTIN: 19AAFCF4524L1ZD

Saket Building, 4th Floor, 44, Park Street, Kolkata-700016

+91 9330300937 | footballjunction.in | info@footballjunction.in

GOLD PLATE – KNOCKOUT

SILVER PLATE – KNOCKOUT

BRONZE PLATE – KNOCKOUT

GROUP A – ROUND ROBIN

GROUP B – ROUND ROBIN

Group A

Group B