Rules for the Group based competition

There are four groups of 4 teams (A,B, C & D) and two groups of 3 teams (E & F).
The six group winners will qualify for the quarter-finals, along with the two best runner-ups from groups A, B, C and D (the 4 team groups).
The other four runner-ups (including those from groups E & F) will go into a shadow cup, along with the four 3rd placed teams from groups A to D.
The six teams that finish bottom of their groups are eliminated.
The quarter-finals of both competitions will be played in week 4. Teams cannot be drawn against another team that qualified from their group until at least the semi-final stage.
The semi-finals and final of both competitions will be played later in the season.
Group games will be 3 points for a win and 1 for a draw. Should teams finish level on points then the result of their meeting will decide which team goes through - if still level then qualification will be decided on goal difference and then goals scored if still level.
"Best runners-up" will be decided, in order, on points, then goal difference, then goals scored.
Results must be submitted to the league for all games.
ONLY registered players for the teams are eligible and NO swapping is permitted. Match Report forms MUST be submitted to the Results Co-Ordinator - failure to send the form may lead to sanctions against the home team.
No stand-downs will be allowed and the Management Committee will make a decison on games not played. Games postponed due to the weather will be refixtured.