The Tournament

In the football tournament, 32 teams compete against each other. Every student and staff member can register for the tournament – prior knowledge is not necessary, as the idea of the tournament is to include everyone. Fun is the focus.

The match is played on the grass pitch of the sports centre at Hubland according to simplified football rules. The group phase starts at midday; in the evening, the two best teams play the final in two halves of 15 minutes each. This is followed by the awards ceremony and supporting programme.

If you cannot put together your own team, you can register alone and will be assigned to an "open team". The tournament is limited to 32 teams – "First come, first served!" Registration for 2027 opens in good time before the tournament; minimum team size, participation fee and payment method will be announced then.

Rules at a Glance

Two players in white kits high-five each other on the grass

Two FLINTA* in the Team

At least two FLINTA* must be in a team. One FLINTA* must always be on the pitch.

Match scene at Unicup: Players in orange and white kits compete for the ball

Seven on the Pitch

A team consists of six outfield players and one goalkeeper. Unlimited substitute players are possible.

Player in orange bib shoots at goal, an opponent in white runs towards it

Simplified Football Rules

Play follows simplified football rules: no offside, flying substitution, smaller goals. You can find the complete rulebook further down.

Team in black and green kits stands arm in arm in a circle on the pitch

Fair Play

The tournament is meant to be fun and give you the opportunity to meet new people, which is why Fair Play.

How the Tournament Day Runs

This is how the schedule looked in previous years – the exact timetable for 5 June 2027 will be published in good time.

11:00 – Meeting and registration: From 11 o'clock you can arrive and start training with your team. Have you got everything you need?
12:00 – Kick-off first match: At 12 o'clock the first match of the group stage will kick off. The first DJ will also start creating atmosphere!
20:00 – Kick-off final: The two best teams of the Unicup will start the final at 20:00. The final match is divided into two halves of 15 minutes each.
20:45 – Prize ceremony: The evening then continues with the supporting programme – in previous years with public viewing and live DJs.

Equipment and changing facilities

We recommend that you bring your own pair of trainers – metal studs are forbidden – and possibly shin guards. The sports clothing (shirt, shorts, etc.) is to be organised by your team. We recommend equipping the team with colour-coordinated clothing. In the event that two teams have the same colour, bibs are available.

The Hubland Sports Centre provides two changing facilities. These include showers and toilets.

Rulebook

A team consists of seven players (six outfield players and one goalkeeper).
A team can have an unlimited number of substitute players.
A team must have at least two FLINTA* members. At least one FLINTA* must be playing at all times.
Substitutions are unlimited (rolling substitutions), but only within the coaching zone.

There is no offside.
Direct and indirect free kicks are allowed.
If the ball goes out of play at the sideline, there is a throw-in.
If the ball goes out of play at the goal line, there is a corner kick.
If the ball is passed back from a team-mate, the goalkeeper is not permitted to catch it with their hands.
The penalty area size is 9 metres.
For fouls within the penalty area, there is a 7-metre penalty kick.
The first-named team on the tournament schedule has kick-off and must wear bibs if shirt colours are the same.
A goal may be scored from all halves of the pitch.
During kick-off and when executing free kicks, penalty kicks and corner kicks, players of the opposing team must maintain a distance of at least 5 metres from the ball.
During a throw-in, a minimum distance of 2 metres must be maintained.

The referees may impose the following personal penalties for misconduct or unsporting behaviour:

Yellow card.
2-minute time penalty: The person concerned must take a seat on the substitute bench and may only re-enter the playing field with the consent of the referee.
Yellow-red card: The person concerned must leave the field for the remainder of the current match and the team plays with one fewer player in numerical disadvantage.
Red card: As with yellow-red; in addition, the person is suspended for the next match and may only participate again in the match after that.

A person receiving a yellow-red or red card must leave the playing field (e.g. take a seat in the stands) and may only re-enter once they are eligible to play again. All persons in the coaching zone may also be penalised; in the event of a yellow-red or red card, the person must leave the playing field for the remainder of the current match.

Iron-studded football boots are not permitted.
Smaller goals are used.
All rules not mentioned here are applied analogously to standard football rules.

Download

Rulebook (as of 2024) — The complete tournament rules as a PDF. Changes for 2027 will be announced in good time.

Still Have Questions?

Team size, equipment, changing rooms, catering – answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Go to the FAQ