All matches will be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game observed by USYSA and FIFA except where outlined below

 

Ball Size - U14 & U13 shall use size 5 balls.  U12 through U10 shall use size 4 balls.

 

Number of Players - Substitute players must enter the field at the midfield line. Players leaving the match may exit by the closest touchline or goal line. Unlimited substitutions may be made with the consent of the center referee at the following times:

·         Prior to a throw-in (team in possession only)

·         Prior to a goal kick by either team

·         After a goal by either team

·         Prior to the start of the second half or prior to each overtime period (either team)

·         For an injured player. The opposing team may also make one substitution (with the referee's acknowledgement).

·         NO substitutions may be made for a player that is sent off (red card infraction) for the remainder of the match.

 

Player Equipment - All equipment must conform to the following rules:

·         Shin guards are required and are to be worn by all players during all warm-ups and matches.

·         All screw in studs will be ruled on at the field by the referee for safe play.

·         In the event that teams' jerseys are the same or similar color, the home team (listed first on the schedule) will change color. The referee will be final authority regarding the need to change.

·         With the exception of the goalkeeper, players must wear numbers on the back of their jersey that corresponds with the number on the tournament roster. The goalkeeper's shirt must be easily distinguishable from all other players and from the referee.

·         No jewelry of any kind may be worn.

·         A player wearing an orthopedic cast shall not be eligible to participate in any game.  An orthopedic brace may be allowed if the player has a written statement from a physician stating that, in his/her opinion, the brace is necessary and that no further injury is likely to occur to the joint which is supported by the brace.  The referee for each match shall determine if the brace is safe for that match.

·         The designated home team shall provide the game ball.

 

Player Age Groups - All players are born in the year of their age group classification, or in a later group. Teams must be properly registered and in good standing with their state, national and regional associations. Each player shall possess a valid pass from his or her national association and a medical release form.   The age classifications are as follows:

U14

Born on or after 8/1/91

U13

Born on or after 8/1/92

U12

Born on or after 8/1/93

U11

Born on or after 8/1/94

U10

Born on or after 8/1/95

 

Guest Players - All guest players must meet the following criteria:

·         Must be registered and possess a valid player pass.

·         Must not be from another team participating in the tournament.

·         Must be identified on the tournament roster.

·         Three guest players are allowed.

 

 

Referees – In the event that the assigned referee fails to appear, the senior assistant referee assigned shall become the referee.  In the event that the referee and assistant referees fail to appear, the Site Coordinator, together with the coaches of the two teams, must find acceptable alternates.  The game will be played as scheduled and will be deemed official. 

 

 

Assistant Referees – Two assistant referees will be used.  In the event an assigned assistant referee fails to appear, the referee, together with the Site Coordinator, must find a suitable alternate. The game will be played as scheduled and will be deemed official.

 

Duration of the Game - The duration of each match is indicated below. Two equal halves will be played with a five-minute half-time interval. Matches may be shortened or canceled at the discretion of the Tournament Director in the event of any unforeseen problems. The Tournament does not require the referees to add time for substitutions or injuries.

 

AGE

Preliminary Matches

Semi-Finals and Finals

U14

65 Minutes

65 Minutes

U13

60 Minutes

60 Minutes

U12

60 Minutes

60 Minutes

U11

50 Minutes

60 Minutes

U10

50 Minutes

60 Minutes

 

Conduct-Discipline - All players, managers, coaches and fans are expected to conduct themselves appropriately with respect to the “Laws of the Game”.  The Site Coordinators have the authority and responsibility to remove anyone from the tournament for abuses of good conduct.

 

Any player sent off from a match will not be replaced and will not be allowed to participate in the team's next game. Any coach ejected from a match will not be allowed to coach his/her team in its next game with the team that the ejection occurred with. Each coach is responsible for the conduct of the players and parents on his/her team. Coaches not taking responsibility for their sidelines' conduct may be warned and/or ejected. Coaches or spectators ejected must leave the venue. In accordance with FIFA rules, only players will be shown a card (yellow or red) when being cautioned or sent off.

 

Depending on the severity of the unacceptable conduct, the Tournament Director may suspend the offending manager/player/coach for the duration of the tournament and/or recommend further disciplinary action by the appropriate controlling organization.  If an individual is coaching more than one team, any suspension shall be applicable to the team in which the infraction occurred.

 

Point System -  Each team will be awarded points as follows:

·         Win: 6 points

·         Tie: 3 points

·         Loss: 0 points

·         Shutout: 1 point

·         1 point per goal, up to 3 goals per match 

 

Group Play - There will be NO OVERTIME in group-play. The advancement and resolution of ties will be handled in accordance with Sections 7, 8 & 9 below.

·         Divisions with 4 teams: A single group of four teams will be guaranteed three matches in a round robin format. The two teams with the most points will advance to a final game.

·         Divisions with 5 teams: A single group of five 5 teams will be guaranteed four matches in a round robin format. The two teams with the most points at the end of the round robin will be declared the Winner and Finalist.

·         Divisions with 6 teams: Teams will be divided into two 3-team groups with each team playing two matches within its group. The top two teams in each group advance to semi-final matches; 1A vs. 2B, 1B vs. 2A. The third place team in each division plays a consolation match.

·         Divisions with 7 teams: Teams will be grouped into a 4-team group and a 3-team group. The 4-team group will play a round robin within their group. The team with the most points advances to the finals. The 2nd place team will play a consolation match against the other group. The 3-team group will play each team in their group once. The top two teams in the group will play a semi-final to determine which team will advance to the finals. The third place team plays a consolation match against the 2nd place team from the other group.

·         Divisions with 8 teams: Teams will be divided into two 4-team groups with each team playing three matches within its group. The top team with the most points in each group will advance to the finals.

 

·         Divisions with 12 teams: Teams will be divided into four 3-team groups. Each team will play the other two teams in their group. The group winners will advance to semi-final matches. The second and third place teams will play consolation matches.

 

Preliminary Tie Breaking Procedures - Preliminary matches tied at the end of regulation time will remain tied. At the end of the preliminary rounds, the group winner shall be the team with the most points in their group. In the event of a tie within a group, the following criteria shall be used to determine the winner:

1.       Head-to-head competition

2.       Most wins.

3.       Goal differential (total goals scored minus goals scored against (Maximum of +3 or -3 per match).

4.       Least number of goals allowed.

5.       Most goals scored.

6.       Teams with the most shutouts.

 

Tie Breaking Procedures in Semi-Final Rounds - In the event a semi-final match is tied after regulation time, FIFA penalty kicks will be taken to determine the winner.  No overtimes will be played.

 

Tie Breaking Procedures in Final Matches - In the event a “Finals” match is tied after regulation time, the following procedures will be observed:

1.       Sudden death overtime will be played (Golden Goal).

2.       The duration of overtime for U13-U19 will consist of two (2) ten (10) minute periods.

3.       The duration of overtime for U10-U12 will consist of two (2) five (5) minute periods.

4.       If no goals are scored during the overtime play, FIFA penalty kicks will be taken to determine a winner.

 

Forfeited Games - The following procedures shall be observed regarding forfeitures:

·         A forfeit shall be awarded if a team is not present and prepared to play within 10 minutes of the scheduled start time.

·         A minimum of seven (7) players constitutes a team for U11-U19 and six (6) players for a U10 team.

 

Protests - NO protests are allowed!!

 

Inclement Weather - Regardless of weather conditions, coaches and their teams must appear at the respective venue ready to play as scheduled. Failure to appear will result in a forfeit of the match. Only the Tournament Director may cancel or postpone a match. In case of severe weather, the Tournament Director, in his discretion, may cancel any and all matches. In the event of severe weather that occurs after the beginning of play, the Site Coordinators or Tournament Director may reduce the length of the match and may discontinue or cancel the match. Should a match be terminated due to weather conditions after 20 minutes of play, the match will be considered official and the score at the time will stand. Referees and Site Coordinators will not consider beginning or continuing matches when a lightning storm exists. The Tournament Director reserves the right to make the following changes in the event of inclement weather:

·         Relocate and/or reschedule a match

·         Change division structure

·         Reduce scheduled duration of match

·         Cancel a match

 

Game Reports - The center referee and an official from each team must sign the game report. This is for score verification. The winning coach (or home team coach in the event of a tie) is responsible for turning in the game report in to the Venue Site Coordinator.

 

Other

·         All judgment decisions of the referee are final and binding.

·         The Tournament Committee, and all sponsors and organizers, will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any team or club if the tournament is cancelled in whole or part, nor will any refunds be given.

·         Awards for the top two teams (i.e. 1st and 2nd) shall be awarded immediately following the championship match.