Rules
Tournament Rules:
- These rules apply to the current edition of Gorila Cup 2026.
- The tournament is played according to the valid rules of the International Floorball Federation (IFF).
- Only teams that register on time and pay the entry fee are eligible to participate. In case of high demand, teams will be admitted based on the payment date of the entry fee.
Age Categories and Exceptions
| Category | Birth Year | Game Format | Exceptions |
| U17 | 1.1.2010 and later | 5+1 | No exceptions, only rules * and ** apply |
| U15 | 1.1.2012 and later | 5+1 | No exceptions, only ** applies |
| U13 | 1.1.2014 and later | 4+1 | Max. 4 girls per team, 1 year older; no other exceptions |
| U11 | 1.1. 2016 and later | 3+1 | Max. 4 girls per team, 1 year older; no other exceptions |
| U9 | 1.1.2018 and later | 3+1 | Max. 4 girls per team, 1 year older; no other exceptions |
The organizer reserves the right to cancel a category if fewer than 8 teams register.
* Exception for teams outside IFF TOP6
The main organizer reserves the right to allow up to three players one year older than the category if the team comes from a country ranked 7th or lower in the IFF ranking. (More details available on the IFF website)
Teams from TOP6 countries are not eligible for this exception.
** Exception – “Player who has played the whole season”
If your domestic league allows one-year exceptions, you may apply for such permission by email. The organizing team reserves the right to approve these exceptions in any category.
Tournament System
Teams will be divided into groups of 4–5 teams.
In the group stage, each team plays against all others.
All teams advance to the playoff stage (Playoff A or Playoff B), based on group results. A minimum of 5 matches is guaranteed.
All playoff matches are played in a single elimination format.
The bronze medal game will be played between the losing semifinalists.
Match Schedule
The schedule will be published on the Gorila Cup website. The organizer reserves the right to make changes. Team leaders will be informed promptly of any changes affecting their teams.
Referees
Each match will be officiated by referees with a valid Czech Floorball license. In the case of foreign referees, a license from their respective national floorball federation is required.
Match Time
Mini categories (U9 and U11):
Played 3+1 on a small pitch, 2 × 8 minutes running time. Instead of a 2-minute penalty, a penalty shot is awarded. The winner of the MINI tournament is determined by the final round. The system may be adjusted depending on the number of teams.Other categories:
All matches, including playoffs and finals, are played 2 × 15 minutes running time. Only the last minute is stopped time. Otherwise, time is stopped only in these cases: after a goal, a penalty, a penalty shot, or upon referee’s request.Mercy rule: If the goal difference is more than 7, time is only stopped at the referee’s discretion.
Differences between 3+1, 4+1 and 5+1 tournaments:
In 5+1 playoff matches, each team has one 30-second time-out available. In 3+1 tournaments, no time-outs are allowed.
Group Stage Ranking
Ranking is determined by points:
- Win = 3 points
- Draw = 1 point
- Loss = 0 points
Tiebreakers if two or more teams have equal points:
- Points in head-to-head matches
- Goal difference in head-to-head matches
- Goals scored in head-to-head matches
- Overall goal difference
- Overall goals scored
- Draw (lot)
Play-off (5+1, 4+1)
- In case of a tie after regular time, 5 minutes of overtime will be played (last minute stopped). The first team to score wins.
- If no goal is scored, penalty shootouts follow.
Penalty shootout procedure:
- Each team selects 3 shooters (names and order must be given to referees, preferably in writing).
- The starting team is decided by a coin toss.
- If still tied after 3 shots each, sudden-death penalty shots continue, one by one, until decided.
- Any field players may take part in sudden-death shots without restriction.
Players and Rosters
- No maximum roster size, but only 20 players can dress for each match.
- A player may represent only one team per category.
- A maximum of 4 girls may play in a boys’ category (unless otherwise approved by the Jury).
- Final rosters must be submitted 7 days before the start of the tournament.
- After this date, roster changes are only possible through organizers and only during group matches (rosters are locked before playoffs).
- Teams withdrawing after registration will not be refunded. If accommodation was booked via Gorila Cup, the team forfeits the right to a refund.
Red Cards
Technical penalty (TT): 2+2 minutes + ejection from the match; no further consequences.
Match penalty (TDKU): 2+2 minutes + ejection; the Jury decides further sanctions. Referees and organizers must immediately inform the Jury after the match. The Jury’s decision is final.
Team Leaders
- The appointed team leader is responsible for the team both on and off the field.
- The leader is the main contact for organizers in case of changes, issues, or problems.
- The leader must be at least 18 years old.
Identity Check
Organizers reserve the right to request player identification and age verification at any time.
Players 15+ must carry an ID card or another photo ID. The team leader is responsible for compliance.
Protests
- A team leader may file a protest for serious rule violations.
- Protests against results or referee decisions must be announced to referees and organizers immediately after the match.
- A written protest must be submitted within 45 minutes to a member of the Jury (or to any organizer, who will inform the Jury).
- The protest must describe the situation in detail.
- A fee of 1500 CZK must be paid. It is refunded if the protest is upheld; otherwise, it is forfeited.
- The Jury’s decision is final.
Jury Contacts
- Libor Bolda (+420 777 624 860)
- Kryštof Lehečka (+420 605 740 093)
- Martin Forman (+420 602 227 444)
Forfeits
A team forfeits if:
- It does not show up within 10 minutes of the scheduled start.
- It does not have at least 3+1 players ready to start.
- It is disqualified from the tournament.
Insurance
Team leaders are responsible for ensuring their players’ insurance, both on and off the pitch. Participation is at the players’ own risk.
The Gorila Cup organizers are not liable for any injuries, illnesses, or losses during the tournament.
Locker Rooms
All locker rooms are open and shared. Organizers are not responsible for lost items. Locker rooms are intended only for changing and hygiene.
Safety and Conduct
The Jury reserves the right to intervene in cases of inappropriate behavior by players, parents, or fans and may disqualify a team.
All participants and supporters are expected to behave respectfully and uphold fair play.
Players are recommended (but not required) to wear protective goggles.
Participants, fans, and spectators are advised to safeguard valuables in all areas (halls, locker rooms, schools, canteens, etc.). Organizers are not responsible for lost items.

