Jim McHugh Under-12 Memorial Tournament Rules

In keeping with the spirit of this u12 tournament, please ensure where possible, particularly in the earlier rounds, that ‘hammerings’ are avoided. This can be achieved by running your bench and using common sense. This is the first time that many of these u12 players will have played or experienced a tournament setting outside of the ‘GO Games’ fixtures.
Playing rules are in accordance with the planning report for Westmeath u13s 2024 and are included as follows:

Match Rules:

• 15-a-side, unlimited substitutions

• 13-a-side if both teams agree

• All games 30-minutes a side

• A size 4 football is to be used in these games.

• Home club to provide official referee, and pay said referee.

• In the event of a tie, the result of the match played between the teams will apply.

• Extra time in all level 4, 5 and 6 games where needed, 7mins a half .

• In the event of a tie after extra time a kick-off from the "Top of the D" out of the hands (best of 5 points), sudden death thereafter. 

• Small goals on the 13m line either end of the pitch.

• Full width of the pitch to be used.

Playing Rules:

• There shall be the regular GAA rules in all matches at all levels except those mentioned below.

• Fouls in the area between the 13m (which will be the end-line) and the 20m line will result in a free from the 13m line. Goalkeepers to be protected at all times.

• Kick out from the ground on the 20m line or from the hand inside the 20m line.

• 45's from the ground, from the 45m line.

• Unlimited substitutions in all games up to and including finals.

• Two plays: Football (2 solos or 1 hop and 1 solo) (indirect free given against).

• Normal rules will apply in relation to Yellow/Red Cards, the Black Card rule will not apply.

• There will be no Square in operation, i.e., no Square Balls or Penalties.

Rules for Coaches:

• Only mentors will be allowed on the sidelines for Finals. 

• No coaching beside goals, umpires behind the goals. 

• Tournament Games must not impede on County U12 fixtures. 

• All players and mentors should be made aware that the theme of the tournament is ‘To Respect the Referee’ 

Fixture Rules:

• Any team that leaves the field of play before full time will concede the match.

• Any team that doesn’t fulfill a fixture will be removed from the tournament.

• Any team fielding over-age players will be removed from the tournament. 

• Games have to be played off between Monday and the following Sunday of the week that they are fixed for on the fixtures list . 

Tournament Logistics:

• The organizing committee's decision is final on all Tournament matters.

• 70 euros entry fee to be paid at launch/information night. 

• Results to be texted back to Mickey Mulvihill (087 457 17 62) along with referee's name.

• League tables will be posted on the Garrycastle GAA website and updated weekly.

• Garrycastle GAA will organize the referees for the finals which will be played in Garrycastle.