I. General principles
The "Nick Heidfeld Cup" is an open event that welcomes youth teams from all over the world. During the event, the International Youth Football Development Forum and the International Sports and Leisure Products Expo will be held.
Event time: August 7th to August 15rd, 2026.
Venue: Haikou Guanlanhu International Football Training Base.
The "Nick Heidfeld Cup" follows the International Football Council (IFAB) Rules of Football Competition 2025 / 2026 (unless otherwise specified in this tournament).
Organizational structure
Organizer: Nick Heidfeld (Hainan) Sports Industry Co., Ltd
Co-organizers: Haikou Guanlanhu Group, Haikou Guanlanhu Double Excellence Experimental School, Haikou Guanlanhu Overseas Chinese School, Hainan Automobile Group, etc
Guiding unit: relevant football associations and government agencies
In addition, each team can make their own matches and play friendly matches. Steps: 1 Make an appointment with the organizing committee one day in advance. 2 Negotiate the rules and referees and ensure safety; 3 Comply with the rules of the competition and participate in the competition with integrity.
II. Registration method
Registration period: Starts on December 18, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026.
Registration channel: The official website of the "Heifield Cup" (www.seafieldcup.cn).
Registration requirements:
A player may only compete for one team. There is no upper limit on the number of registered members per team, but the minimum requirements are as follows:
11-a-side:
At least 5 officials must be registered, including: 1 team leader (who also serves as head of delegation), 1 head coach, 1 assistant coach, 1 team doctor, and 1 team administrator (who also serves as translator for international teams).
At least 20 players must be registered, including at least 2 goalkeepers.
8-a-side:
At least 3 officials must be registered, including: 1 head coach (who also serves as head of delegation or team leader), 1 assistant coach, and 1 team doctor (who also serves as team administrator; for international teams, the translator doubles as team doctor and administrator).
At least 14 players must be registered, including at least 2 goalkeepers.
5-a-side:
At least 2 officials must be registered, including: 1 head coach (who also serves as head of delegation or team leader) and 1 assistant coach (who also serves as team doctor and team administrator).
At least 10 players must be registered, including at least 1 goalkeeper.
3-a-side (KT Football):
At least 1 official must be registered, consisting of: 1 head coach (who also serves as head of delegation or team leader).
At least 4 players must be registered.
When registering, all team members must submit valid sports accident insurance proof materials.
3. Event Management
3.1 Check-in and qualification review
All participating teams should arrive at the Haikou Guanlanhu International Football Training Base before 8:00 pm on August 15, 2026 to complete the registration.
Players must present their original ID card or passport for identity verification. (Do not accept household registration books, student ID cards, copies, etc., special circumstances require approval from the organizing committee) and receive the entry certificate. Before each match, the referee will verify the player's eligibility through the participation certificate. If there is any impersonation or other behavior, the entire team's qualification and all results will be cancelled.
3.2 Pre-match process
Each team should organize their own warm-up in advance.
10 minutes before the start of the match, the head coaches of both sides must be present to communicate with the referee team before the match.
If the player fails to show up within 15 minutes after kick-off time or if there are not enough players on the field, it will be considered as a forfeit, resulting in a 0:3 loss.
3.3 Forfeit and Withdrawal
Unilateral waiver: The abstaining party loses 0:3; If the actual score difference is greater than 3 goals, the actual score will be used.
Both sides forfeit: Both sides have no results in this game, with 0 points awarded.
3.4 extreme weather treatment
In the event of extreme weather, the referee will decide whether to suspend, postpone, or cancel the match.
If the competition is canceled, the organizing committee will arrange a rescheduled match.
3.5 Post-match procedure
After each match, the head coaches of both sides must go to the fourth official to sign and confirm the match record.
3.6 Appeals and arbitration
If there is any objection to the opponent's eligibility, a written appeal must be submitted to the Competition Arbitration Committee within 90 minutes after the end of the competition.
The referee's decision in the match is final and no appeal against such decisions is accepted.
3.7 Information release
Stay tuned to www.seafieldcup.cn for the latest schedule (match times, matchups and venues), live broadcasts and replays.
3.8 Accommodation management regulations
Accommodation management:
The team coach is responsible for any damage to the property caused by the team's players.
Drinking alcohol is prohibited in the dormitory.
From 11pm to 6am the next day, please keep quiet.
You must clean up the room before you check out.
Fire safety:
Smoking is prohibited on campus.
It is prohibited to use open flames for cooking in corridors and bedrooms.
Do not stack combustible materials, move tables and chairs, or block Fire exit in the corridor.
Violators will be handed over to relevant departments for handling and may be disqualified from participating in the competition and accommodation.
IV. Race style and discipline
In order to ensure the successful completion of the event and shape a civilized, friendly, and professional image of the event, this code of conduct is formulated. This specification applies to all athletes, coaches, referees, staff, media reporters, spectators, and accompanying personnel.
1 The core spirit
All participants should uphold the principles of "respect, professionalism, and friendship," respect the host culture, and adhere to sportsmanship.
2. Within the competition field: Professional competition and civilized viewing
2.1 Athletes, coaches and officials
Absolutely respect the referee, unconditionally obey the final decision, and strictly prohibit post-match encircling or harassing the referee.
Intentional injury, retaliation, and provocative behavior are strictly prohibited. The opponent should kick the ball out of bounds when injured.
The substitute seats must be kept in order, and only one person is allowed to stand and command in the technical area. After the match, you must shake hands with the opponent and the referee team.
2.2 referee
Fair refereeing, maintaining consistent penalty standards.
Communicate with players in a professional and calm manner, maintaining authority on the field through clear body language and necessary explanations.
2.3 Audience and accompanying personnel (including parents)
Watch the game in a civilized manner and applaud for the wonderful performance. Insulting and discriminatory words and actions are strictly prohibited, and throwing objects into the venue is prohibited.
Follow the security check regulations, sit in your assigned seat, do not carry prohibited items, and do not enter the competition area. Please take the trash with you when you leave.
Parents should lead by example and guide young people to rationally view victory and defeat.
3 Outside the competition field: Orderly life and international communication
3.1 Life Management
Accommodation: Follow hotel regulations, keep quiet, take care of facilities, and save water and electricity. Gambling and drinking are prohibited. Take care of personal belongings.
Cafeteria: Eat according to the specified time and voucher, queue in an orderly manner, pick up meals as needed, and avoid waste. Please take your plate to the recycling area after your meal.
Respect the eating habits of different ethnic groups and dine in designated areas.
3.2 Public behavior and cultural communication
Respect the cultural, religious and customary differences of countries.
Encourage friendly exchanges between teams and exchange souvenirs.
When accepting media interviews, one should dress appropriately, speak appropriately, and demonstrate good qualities.
In public places, attention should be paid to words and actions to maintain the image of the event.
4 traffic and safety
Please take the designated vehicles for the event to and from the venue.
Please strictly follow the departure time to avoid delays.
When going out, please comply with local laws and regulations and pay attention to personal and property safety.
V. Overall Initiative
This event is not only a stage for competition, but also a grand event for cultural exchange and friendship transmission. Every participant has the responsibility and obligation to maintain a fair competition environment, create a harmonious and friendly atmosphere, ensure the smooth operation of every aspect of the event, and leave behind beautiful and precious international sports memories.
