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Rules and Regulations

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Malta School games

Rules and Regulations for Schools and Stakeholders

The Malta School Games (MSG) aim to promote inclusive participation, physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship among students across Malta and Gozo. This document outlines the official rules and regulations governing participation by schools and the responsibilities of all stakeholders involved.

General Principles

  • The MSG are open to all Primary, Middle, and Secondary school in all sectors, state church, and independent.
  • Participation is voluntary but highly encouraged to foster a national culture of sport and wellness.
  • All events will follow age-appropriate categories and standards.
  • All participants, educators, and stakeholders must uphold the values of fair play, inclusion, respect, and integrity.

Eligibility and registration

  • Students must be enrolled full-time in the respective school during the current scholastic year.
  •  Schools must complete and submit the official registration forms by the deadline communicated by the MSG Organising Committee.
  • Teams must be composed of eligible students only. False declarations will result in disqualification.
  • Each school must designate a School Sport Coordinator (SSC) responsible for communication and logistics.

Code of Conduct

All participants, including athletes, coaches, staff, and supporters, must:

  • Show respect towards referees, officials, opponents, and spectators.
  • Avoid abusive language, unsporting behavior, or intentional misconduct.
  • Follow event-specific rules and the guidance of teachers and coaches.
  • Represent the school positively and be ambassadors of good sportsmanship.

Breaches of conduct may result in individual or team penalties, disqualification, or exclusion from future events.

Safety and Supervision

  • Schools are responsible for the supervision and welfare of their students at all times during MSG events.
  • A suitable ratio of staff to students must be maintained as per MEYR guidelines.
  • Students with medical conditions must be declared and managed appropriately.
  • Schools are to ensure that they have parents’ approval to send children directly to Mater Dei hospital by ambulance if parent is unreachable  in case of emergency

Transportation and
Attendance

  • Schools are responsible for organising student transport to and from venues.
  • Punctuality is essential; teams must report to their event location at least 15 minutes before start time.
  • Absences or withdrawals must be communicated in advance to avoid disruption.

Attire and Equipment

  • All participants must wear appropriate sports attire and footwear.
  • Schools may provide team uniforms with school logos (no commercial advertising is allowed).
  • Safety equipment (e.g., helmets, pads) must be worn where applicable.
  • MSG provides standardised equipment for events unless otherwise communicated.
  • Schools are to encourage children to take all precautions for exposure to sun, rain and wind. Outdoor events are obviously exposed to the elements. Umbrellas, rain jackets, caps, sun-block, adequate hydration.  

Media, Communications, and
Branding

  • All communications, public relations material, social media posts, photographs, and any other media content related to the Malta School Games must be approved in advance by  the MSG Organizing Committee.
  • No content should be published or circulated externally without prior written consent.
  • All proposed activities, events, or initiatives under the MSG umbrella must be submitted to MEYR for approval before any planning or promotion begins. This ensures alignment with national education and sports policies and upholds the values of the MSG.
  • The Malta School Games name, logo, and all related branding elements are the exclusive intellectual property of MEYR.
  • These materials may not be used, reproduced, or modified in any format without explicit written permission from the Ministry.
  • Unauthorized use of MSG branding is not permitted under any circumstances.

Appeals and Complaints

  • Complaints should follow the official protocol, avoiding public confrontations.

Environmental Responsibility

  • All schools and participants must contribute to a clean and respectful environment.
  • Littering is strictly prohibited.
  • Reusable bottles and sustainable practices are encouraged.

Event-Specific Regulations

Each sport or activity will have its own set of detailed rules provided prior to the event. These will be based on national federation guidelines or age-appropriate adaptations.

Final Remarks

All stakeholders are reminded that the Malta School Games are not solely competitive in nature but celebrate participation, health, and unity through sport. Collaboration and goodwill from all involved are essential for a successful and safe series of events.

Issued by:
Malta School Games 
Department for Curriculum, Lifelong Learning and Employability
Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation