Terms, Rules & Participant Guide

01

Acceptance of Terms

By registering, participating or representing an organisation in the Cyber Unity Championship 2026, teams and individual participants agree to follow these terms, the tournament rules, venue instructions and any reasonable guidance issued by the organising team.

The organising team may review applications before confirming participation. Submitting a registration form does not automatically guarantee entry into the tournament.

02

Eligibility

• The tournament is designed for cybersecurity, IT, technology, digital innovation and related professional communities.
• Team participation is organisation-based and may include companies, public institutions, academic institutions, startups, innovation communities and recognised technology groups.
• Players must be properly linked to the organisation or community they are representing, unless otherwise approved by the organisers.
• The Women’s Showcase is open to eligible women professionals across cybersecurity, IT, technology, digital innovation and related communities, and is not tied to organisational teams.
• Participants may be asked to provide basic identity, organisation or professional confirmation before matchday.

03

Registration and Team Requirements

• Each team should submit its organisation name, preferred team name, sector, team manager details, team captain details and squad list.
• Recommended squad size is a minimum of 8 players and a maximum of 12 players, including substitutes.
• Teams are responsible for ensuring that submitted player details are accurate and that players are available for scheduled matches.
• Changes to squad details should be shared with the organising team before the stated deadline or before matchday confirmation.
• Team registration submissions closed on 31 July 2026.
• A team registration fee may apply if required, and any such fee will be used primarily to support cybersecurity awareness activities linked to the tournament.
• Women’s Showcase participation submissions also closed on 31 July 2026.
• A Women’s Showcase participation fee may apply if required, and any such fee will be used primarily to support cybersecurity awareness activities linked to the tournament.
• Teams should arrive early for check-in, briefing, warm-up and kit confirmation.

04

Matchday Rules

• Tournament venue: Ilupeju Secondary School, 1 Obokun St, Ilupeju, Lagos 102215, Lagos
• Official fixtures, venues, kick-off times and match duration will be communicated by the organising team.
• Referees and match officials are responsible for decisions on the field. Their matchday decisions should be respected.
• Teams must be ready to play at the scheduled time. Late arrival may lead to shortened preparation time, fixture adjustment or forfeiture, depending on the circumstances.
• Players should wear appropriate football kits, footwear and protective items such as shin guards where required by the venue or match officials.
• Substitutions, disciplinary decisions, tie-break procedures and match format details will be confirmed before the tournament begins.
• Teams are expected to maintain fair play, respect opponents and avoid unsafe or unsporting conduct.

05

Code of Conduct

The championship is a community-facing event. All participants must contribute to a respectful, inclusive and professional environment.

• No harassment, discrimination, intimidation, abusive language or aggressive behaviour will be tolerated.
• Players, team officials and supporters should respect referees, organisers, venue staff, partners and spectators.
• Teams are responsible for the behaviour of their players, representatives and invited supporters.
• The organising team may warn, suspend, remove or disqualify any individual or team that breaches the tournament standards.

06

Health, Safety and Player Considerations

• Participants should only play if they are fit and comfortable to do so.
• Players should disclose any relevant medical or fitness concern privately to their team manager or the organising team before participating.
• Participants should hydrate, warm up properly, use appropriate footwear and follow venue safety instructions.
• Teams should encourage responsible play and avoid unnecessary physical risk.
• The organising team may pause, reschedule or stop activities where safety, weather, venue or security conditions require it.

07

Media, Photography and Data

• The event may be photographed, filmed and promoted across DoH Africa channels, partner channels, media reports and post-event materials.
• By participating, individuals acknowledge that event photos and videos may be used for awareness, documentation, reporting and promotional purposes.
• Registration information will be used for tournament coordination, communication, eligibility review, safety planning and event administration.
• Participants who have specific media concerns should contact the organising team before the event.

08

Changes, Disputes and Final Decision

• The organising team may update fixtures, venues, match arrangements, rules or participation requirements where necessary.
• Any dispute should be raised by the team manager or captain through the official tournament coordination channel.
• The organising team’s decision on eligibility, participation, scheduling, disciplinary matters and tournament administration will be final.