Tournament Rules & Regulations

1. GAME RULES

All matches will follow FIFA Laws of the Game, as modified by US Club Soccer and the Tournament Committee.

2. SPORTSMANSHIP

All participants—players, coaches, spectators—are expected to exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship.

• Coaches are responsible for their teams and affiliated spectators.

• Abusive, insulting, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

• Misconduct may result in ejection and further disciplinary action by the Tournament Director.

3. CREDENTIALS

Each team must present:

• Valid US Club or USYS passes for 2024/2025

• Medical release forms signed by a parent/guardian

• Guest player loan forms (if applicable)

Players may not compete for more than one team in the same division.

4. AGE GROUPS

All age groups follow the 2024/2025 season calendar-year matrix.

5. TOURNAMENT CHECK-IN

Online check-in is mandatory by Thursday at 12:00 PM.

• Late check-ins result in a 1-point deduction.

• Teams must also complete on-site check-in Saturday morning.

6. DIVISIONS & PLACEMENT

Teams will be placed by the Tournament Committee based on performance history and seeding. Adjacent age groups and mixed competitive levels may be grouped together.

7. SCORING SYSTEM (POOL PLAY)

• Win: 6 points

• Tie: 3 points

• Loss: 0 points

• 1 point per goal (max 3 per game)

• 1 point for a shutout

• Forfeit: 9 points (scored as 2–0)

• Red Card (player): –1 point

• Red Card (coach/staff): –2 points

8. TIEBREAKERS (POOL PLAY)

1. Head-to-head result

2. Most wins

3. Goal differential (max +6 per game)

4. Most goals scored (max 6 per game)

5. Fewest goals allowed

6. Most shutouts

7. Fewest red cards

8. Penalty kicks (if both teams present)

9. Coin toss

9. ADVANCEMENT

In knockout rounds (QFs, SFs, Consolation, Finals), rematches from pool play will be avoided if possible. Re-pairing will prioritize fairness based on seeding.

10. SIDELINES & LOGISTICS

• Teams and spectators must sit on opposite sides of the field.

• Spectators are not allowed behind the goals.

• A credentialed adult must be present on the team sideline at all times.

11. GAME START TIMES

• Arrive 30 minutes before kickoff.

• Teams must have the minimum number of players ready at kickoff:

  • 7v7: 5 players

  • 9v9: 7 players

  • 11v11: 8 players

• Games will start on time.

• Preliminary games can end in a tie.

• Games are considered complete after 15 minutes of play.

12. JERSEY COLORS

Home team (listed first) wears dark. Visitors wear light. The referee has final say on jersey conflicts.

13. HALF TIME

5 minutes max. Marshals may adjust if necessary.

14. OVERTIME & PENALTIES

• Semi-finals & 3rd place: Direct to FIFA PKs

• Final:

  • Two 5-min OT periods (Golden Goal)

  • If still tied: FIFA PKs

  • Only players on the field at the end of OT may participate in PKs

15. TERMINATED GAMES

May be resumed, concluded, or decided by PKs at the Tournament Director’s discretion depending on the cause (e.g., weather, misconduct).

16. SUBSTITUTIONS

Unlimited at referee discretion before any restart.

17. HEADING RULES

• No heading in U11 (2014) and younger.

• Allowed beginning with U12 (2013).

18. DISCIPLINE

• 1-game suspension for any red card or send-off.

• Further penalties may be imposed by the Disciplinary Committee.

• Fighting or referee harassment may result in team expulsion.

19. PROTESTS

Referee decisions are final. No protests allowed.

20. FORFEITS

• Score recorded as 2–0

• Offending team receives 0 points

• Forfeiting team may not advance

21. EQUIPMENT

• No metal cleats

• Mandatory shin guards

• No casts/splints unless approved by referee

• Eyewear must be safe and sport-appropriate

• No jewelry (except medical alert bracelets)

22. FIELD RULES

• No food, seeds, or gum on turf

• Clean up your team area

• No alcohol permitted at any venue

23. MEDICAL & EMERGENCIES

All injuries must be reported to a Field Marshal. Emergency services (911) will be called if needed. Accident reports will be completed as necessary.

24. WEATHER POLICY

In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen conditions, the tournament may:

• Shorten or cancel games

• Go straight to PKs

• Cancel the event (partial refund possible before kickoff)

25. REFUNDS & WITHDRAWALS

• Withdrawals before acceptance: $100 fee

• After acceptance: No refund

• Late applications: $75 penalty

• No refunds once games have started

26. RULE CHANGES

Tournament Director may adjust these rules at any time prior to the tournament. All decisions are final.