Q: Who may apply to play in this tournament?
A: Its an ALT Tournament (Assistant Language Teacher) for foreign people living and working in Japan , so really we encourage teams to be made up of such people. However Japanese players in your team are VERY VERY WELCOME! Generally teams are made up largely of JET partcipants. Although there is no set quota on the number of foreign / Japanese players in a team, we request that teams bear in mind that the tournament is essentially for the benefit of 'gaikokujin'.
Q: How many teams can participate?
A: Depending on our pitch allocation, we can have around 20 mens / 20 womens teams participating in each tournament.
Q: I am part of a local Japanese team, may we apply?
A: Sorry, you may not. This tournament is aimed at foreign language teachers in Japan, although being an ALT is not mandatory
Q: We have a lot of players, may we field two teams?
A: We have a limited number of places, but if we can we will try to accomodate your second teams. Get in touch.
Q: Whats the difference between the men's and women's tournaments?
A: The mens is regular 11-a-side, whereas the womens is 6-a-side on half sized pitches (with smaller goals). Apart from that, the tournaments run on similar lines. See our page on how the tournament works for more details.
Q: Can we field a mixed team of men and women?
A: You may do so in the mens tournament, but not in the womens.
Q: How do I get to the hotel / grounds?
A: See our help page for Nagano or Awaji
Q: Is food provided at the hotels?
A: Food is served to guests at the hotels on Saturday & Sunday morning, and Saturday evening at around 6pm. A curry lunch is also available to all players & supporters at the grounds on Sunday. However, lunch on Saturday is not provided, and since there are only two convenience stores in town we suggest you bring your own.
Q: Are referees and linesmen provided?
A: No, they are not. The cost of employing and quartering a small army of old men in rural areas is really exohorbitant! So teams are assigned refereeing duties. Equipment is provided, but teams must provide a referee and 2 linesmen for certain games. Take a peek at a sample days schedule to get an idea of how it works. Please note that the smooth running of the tournament depends very much upon teams fulfilling their reffing duties. Yoroshiku.
Q: How does the tournament work? What are the rules?
A: It's regular Association Football Rules, with one or two alterations! Check out our rules
page for more info. Yellow and red cards are also used, although players will not be suspended if they get marched (unless it is a really bad foul!)
Q: Does the hotel provide vegetarian options?
A: Yes、but all meals are prepared in advance so please specify on your application form. If you have any specific requirements, get in touch and we should be able to help.
Q: Are the hotels Japanese style?
A: Most are, some are not. If you prefer one or the other, please let us know
Q: Are we allowed to camp in the area?
A: Definitely not, it has caused huge problems with the locals in previuos tournaments. See our criteria on participating in this tournament for more information
Q: How do we get from the hotels to the grounds
A: Shuttle buses are provided, and they will be zipping back and forth all weekend!
Q: Can I get a private room for just my partner and myself?
A: Yes, couples rooms can be arranged, although occasionally we cannot satisfy (a-hem!) everyone. Be sure to specify on your application form.
Q: How do I pay?
A: If you are a team captain, then you are responsible for collecting your team money and sending it to us by furikomi (bank transfer). If you are a player, you should get in touch with your team captain. See our How to apply page for more details. If you hvae never done a furikomi before, ask your friendly bank clerk. We would ask that players not pay individually, as it gets a bit messy dealing with 500 transfers!
Q: Can I get a refund after I have paid?
A: Yes, upto Friday night. See our prices page for more details on refunds.
Q: Whats this 500 yen dontaion all about?
A: It goes towards The Pepyride, a fine charity working in Cambodia and led by a former tournament player. Although donation is by no means manadatory, we ask you to please consider paying it as you will go straight to heaven, no doubt. See our Pepyride page for more details
Q: Can I add extra players after I have submitted my application and paid my money?
A: It's usually possible, so get in touch with us as soon as you can.
Q: I am hopeless / brilliant at football, can I play?
A: Bloody right you can! It's all about having fun! We have experienced and beginners competing, you will love it.
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: Everything you need for an active weekend. See our Remember page for more info
Q: What do we get if we win?
A: Winners and runners-up get trophies and cases of beer!
Q: What happens if I get injured?
A: First aid kits and a trained nurse are available at the pitches to treat minor injuries, and there are medical facilities in the area in case of serious knocks. DO NOT FORGET YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS!
Q: Why can't I bend it like Beckham?
A: Because he wears flashy boots
Q: Who organises these tournament?
A: They are and always have been organised by ex-JETs still living in Japan, here are our profiles if you really want to know!
If you have any other questions, please email Chris Moore at Altsoccertournament@gmail.com