Rules of play:
It is the understanding of this tournament committee that all teams, including all players, coaches, spectators, and officials, will participate in the spirit of FAIR PLAY and will conduct themselves in accordance with the Tournament Rules.
Protests:
No protests will be allowed during this tournament. The decision of the Referee, Field Marshall, and the Tournament Director shall be final. All games will be considered final.
Credentials:
Laminated 2022-2023 USYSA or US Club player ID cards will be required. All teams must provide a team roster. Birth certificates must be available upon request.
Medical Release:
All players must have signed medical release forms at team check in and throughout the tournament.
Players Age Groups:
The tournament will host U9-U19 age groups for boys and girls.
2016 – U8
2015 – U9
2014 – U10
2013 – U11
2012 – U12
2011 – U13
2010 – U14
2009 – U15
2008 – U16
2007 – U17
2006 – U18
2005 – U19
Roster Size:
Teams may register/roster a maximum of 22 players for the U16, U17, U18 and U19 age groups with a maximum of 18 players suited up per game, 18 players max roster for U13 through U15 age groups, 16 players max roster for U11-U12 and 13 players max roster for U9-U10. A team may use unlimited guest players but any team utilizing guest players is still limited to the stated maximum roster size. Note: Rosters are frozen once the first game is played and no additional players may be added after the competition has started.
Player’s Credentials and Equipment:
The referee has the final determination as to the safety of each player’s equipment. All players are required to use shin guards. No rings, chains, watches, casts, metal objects, jewelry, or headbands may be worn. Soft cast are permitted with the permission of the referee. Casts are allowed in CYSA if padded and the referee considers them to be safe.
Player picture identification cards are to be present and available at all matches.
Identification cards are required to be checked by the referee prior to each match.
The shirt number of each player must be the same as the player’s shirt number on the game card or roster.
Home Team:
Home Team will be listed on the website. The home team is responsible for game balls unless provided by tournament and if there is uniform conflict the home team will change uniforms.
Requirements for Check-In & Registration:
At the Mandatory Registration, teams must provide the required credentials. All US teams must provide valid laminated Player ID Cards with photographs and signed medical Release forms. US teams registered must provide the appropriate travel documentation for the organization to which they are affiliated. International teams must provide a certified team roster, League ID Cards, Medical Release Forms, Travel Papers , and Passports. In the event an International teams does not have League ID cards, a photo of each player should be provided in addition to the passport.
Teams From the United States:
1. The players must present picture identification cards issued by the teams Federation Organization Member (USYS, US Club )
2. Teams must provide proof of approval of the team’s participation from the teams Federation Organization Member.
Foreign Teams:
1. Players must present passports at registration or, if not from a nation that the United States does not require a passport, proof of entry into the United States that is required by the United States.
2. Teams are required to have and present player picture identification cards.
3. Teams are required to have letter from the Provincial or National Association approving the team’s participation in the tournament.
Conduct:
All coaches should be mindful to ensure that their players, bench, friends, and spectators associated with their respective teams, obey tournament rules and act civilly and in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. Failure to do so may result in penalties or sanctions against the respective team, at the sole discretion of the tournament:
- No mechanical devices are used;
- The tone of voice is instructive and not derogatory;
- Each coach or substitute remains within 10 yards of either side of the halfway line
- No coach, substitute of spectator makes derogatory remarks or gestures to the referees, other coaches, players, substitutes or spectators;
- No coach, substitute of spectator uses profanity or incites, in any manner, disruptive behavior.
- Fighting will not be tolerated and zero tolerance. Anyone involved in a fight throwing punches will be removed from the event.
Any parental behavior on the sideline such as profanity, coaching, fighting or other behavior that is not sportsmanlike is not accepted. Teams can be removed from the tournament per the Tournament Committee if they feel the team sideline is out of control.
Cautions & Ejection’s:
A player or coach receiving two (2) yellow cards in a single game is considered to have received an ejection (red card). Ejected players or coaches may not be replaced in the current game and shall serve a minimum of one game suspension at their next game played. For flagrant violations, longer suspension or additional disciplinary action may be enforced based on mandatory review of the Tournament Director. The tournament director will hold ID cards of the player or coach until suspensions are served. Suspended coaches cannot be on the same sideline as the team with no communication of any manner. Players may sit with the team but may not be in uniform. Suspended Coaches must be “Out of Sight & Sound of the Field”.
Suspended Games:
If, in the opinion of game officials, a game must be terminated due to misconduct of players, bench or spectators, the offending team could be suspended from further play and forfeit all points and position previously earned. Additionally, the home league and state association will be contacted as appropriate.
Substitutions:
Unlimited substitutions allowed in all ages. However, teams may substitute only with the referee’s permission. Substitutes must wait on the sideline (off of the field of play) until the field player has left the field of play and/or the referee has indicated the substitute may enter the field of play. Substitutions are allowed only at the following times (including over-times):
- Substitutions by either Team are allowed at any stoppage of play with the permission of the referee.
Side Lines:
Both teams and coaches will be on the same sideline directed by the field marshal or referee unless otherwise notified. All spectators will be on the opposite sideline.
Forfeitures & Byes:
Games not played will be classified as “Forfeits & Byes”. Teams failing to report ready to play within Five (5) minutes of scheduled kick-off time forfeit that game. All teams who Forfeit will have the game scored 0-1 loss. The winner will be awarded 8 tournament points for a win (6 for the win, one for the goal, and one for the shutout). A team needs at least 6 players for a U9-U10 match and 7 players for a U11-U18 match for the game to get started. Teams taking actions which cause the game to be terminated will forfeit.
Disputes:
The Tournament Committee will handle all disputes that are non-referee decisions and make all final decisions.
Decisions by referees may not be appealed and any decision on a dispute will be final and may not be appealed.
Playing Times:
Play will be based on halves as specified below:
Injury:
Delays of the game due to injury will result in appropriate time being added to the full game time, based on the judgment of the referee. In the discretion of the tournament and its staff all Preliminary games will be terminated not less than five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled start of the next game regardless of the amount of time played in each half up to that point.
Home Team:
The home team appears first on the game schedule. The Home Team will supply game balls, unless supplied by the tournament. The game ball is subject to referee approval. The home team will be required to switch to an alternate jersey, if the referee declares color conflict.
Bracket Prelims & Qtr. Semi Finals Finals Overtime for Finals Ball Size
U-17/U18/U19 30 Mins 35 Mins 40 Mins 2 halves x 10 Mins 5
U-16 30 Mins 35 Mins 40 Mins 2 halves x 10 Mins 5
U-15 30 Mins 35 Mins 40 Mins 2 halves x 10 Mins 5
U-14 30 Mins 30 Mins 35 Mins 2 halves x 10 Mins 5
U-13 30 Mins 30 Mins 35 Mins 2 halves x 10 Mins 5
U-12 25 Mins 30 Mins 30 Mins 2 halves x 10 Mins 4
U-11 25 Mins 30 Mins 30 Mins 2 halves x 10 Mins 4
U-10 25 Mins 25 Mins 25 Mins 2 halves x 5 Mins 4
U-9 25 Mins 25 Mins 25 Mins 2 halves x 5 Mins 4
- All teams will be scheduled for a minimum of 3 games.
- All Preliminary games will be terminated not less than five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled start of the next game regardless of the amount of time played in each half up to that point.
- A game is “complete” upon completion of one half of play regardless of the circumstances of termination during the second half with final results based on the score at termination.
- A preliminary game can end in a tie.
- In the event that the wild card is coming out of the same group the tournament will determine that Group 1 Winner will then play Group 2 Winner and Wild Card will then play Group 3 winner.
- Quarterfinals & Semi-Final Games ending in a tie will go directly to FIFA Kicks from the Mark to determine a winner.
- CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, if tied after regulation, will play two (2) 10-minute equal sudden death golden goal overtime halves or two (5) minute equal sudden death golden goal overtime halves for U9-U10 (first team to score “wins”, Golden Goal).
- CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, if tied after overtime, will proceed immediately to FIFA Kicks from the Mark procedure to determine the winner. In the event of an injury, time may be added on at the option of tournament officials.
Half-time:
Half-time will be exactly five (5) minutes. Please help officials with this request.
Tournament Points System:
6 Points For each Win
2 Point For each tie
0 Point For each Loss
1 Point for each goal scored up to a maximum of 3 per game
1 Point for each shutout
0-0 tie will be scored as 3 points for each team (2 for tie, 1 for shutout)
Score Reporting:
Scores after each game will be reported by the referees reporting the scores to the Field Marshal
Tie Breakers:
In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined as follows:
- The winner of head to head competition
- Fewest goals against
- Most goals for
- Most total wins
- Most Shut outs
- If a tie still exists after steps 1 through 4, FIFA Kicks from the Mark will be taken 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the Semi-Final game. If a 3-way tie exists within a bracket after steps 1-5, a three-way coin flip will be conducted. The teams that tie in the coin flip will compete in FIFA Kicks from the Mark to eliminate one team prior to proceeding to FIFA Kicks from the Mark with the third team. The coin flip and time of the FIFA Kicks from the Mark will be determined at the fields.
- If a team advances as a wildcard and is set to play a team from the same group, the tournament most likely will move the wildcard team to play opposite semi-final.
Rain or other weather conditions during the tournament shall not delay play unless the referee determines the field to be unsafe for play, or the venue determines that field damage will result due to continued play. In the event of such a delay or postponement games, the tournament will endeavor to rescheduled such games in a reasonable manner, if possible. If games cannot be rescheduled or played due to rain, weather, or other Acts of God there will be no refund or credit of fees.
Three Way Tie Scenario:
If more than two teams are tied at the end of preliminary rounds, the tie breaker criteria list shall be used in order shown to advance or eliminate teams. Once one team advances or is eliminated and if the remaining two teams are still tied, those two teams will then be compared beginning with criterion 1 (Head to Head) to determine ultimate placement. (See different examples below).
Example 1: Three way tie:
Head to Head cancels out since all 3 teams either beat or tied each other.
Team A Goal Differential +3
Team B Goal Differential +2
Team C Goal Differential +1In this above example Team A is first place, Team B is second place and Team C is third place.
Example 2: Three way tie:
Head to Head cancels out since all 3 teams either beat or tied each other.
Team A Goal Differential +3
Team B Goal Differential +3
Team C Goal Differential +1In this above example Team C is Eliminated. Since Team A and Team B are tied, those two teams will then be compared beginning with criterion 1 (Head to Head) to determine ultimate placement. In this case, Team B beat Team A 1-0 in pool play. Therefore, Team B is first place, Team A is second place and Team C is third place.
FIFA Laws of the Game will apply as modified by USYS and Cal South as described herein.
All 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 games will be played using the US Soccer mandated rules for the 2021/22 season.
7 V 7 games:
Deliberate heading is not allowed in 7v7 games. If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.
Build out line:
When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play.
Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed).
After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal.
The opposing team must also move behind the build out line during a goal kick until the ball is put into play.
If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.
The build out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can be called.
Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build out line. Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build out line and goal line.
9 v 9 games:
Deliberate heading is NOT allowed in 9v9 games for the U11 (2011) birth year games. If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.
Deliberate heading is allowed in the 9v9 games for the U12 (2010) birth year games.
Punting or drop kicking the ball by the GK WILL BE ALLOWED. However, the punt may not go past midfield or an in-direct free kick will be given to the opposing team at midfield. Goals may not be scored directly from kick-off.
There is no build out line on 9 v 9 games.
Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage.
CAUTIONS AND EJECTIONS: A player receiving two cautions (yellow cards) in a single game will be given an ejection (red card). A player who has been ejected (sent off), will not be replaced. A player who has been ejected will not return for that game and will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game.
9. Acts of God:
Rain or other weather conditions during the tournament shall not delay play unless the referee determines the field to be unsafe for play, or the venue determines that field damage will result due to continued play. In the event of such a delay or postponement of games, the tournament will endeavor to reschedule such games in a reasonable manner, if possible. If games cannot be rescheduled or played due to rain, weather, or other Acts of God there will be no refund or credit of fees.
10. Rules of the Game:
Law 1: Field of Play
• U13- U19 No change per FIFA “Laws of the Game”
• U11& U12 (9v9) & U9/U10 (7v7) must play in accordance with the USSF new player development initiatives.
3. Law 2: The Ball
• U13 and older Size #5
• U12 and younger Size #4
4. Law 3: Number of Players
• U13 and older Maximum Eleven (11)- Minimum Seven (7) per side per FIFA
• U11 and U12 Maximum Nine (9)- Minimum Six (6) per side
• U09 and U10 Maximum Seven (7)- Minimum Five (5) per side
• U13 and Older Game Roster shall have a maximum of 18 players. Players not on the game roster are allowed to sit on the bench in the team’s opposite uniform or street clothes.
• **All other U12 Rules of Competition including no heading will apply.
11. Concussion Policy:
• Pursuant to Florida Statutes (FS 943.0438) Florida in 2012 enacted a very stringent Head injury and Concussion Law. If the referee (or assistant referee) believes that, in her/her opinion, a player has suffered a head injury or possible concussion, the match must be stopped IMMEDIATELY.
• The injured player if able to leave the field on their own must be escorted to their coach, and the coach must be told that the player cannot return for the duration of the match. If a trainer is brought onto the field because the player is incapacitated, the referee must still notify the coach that the player cannot return to the game. It is the responsibility of the coach and the player’s parent(s) or legal guardians to seek medical attention.
• The player may not resume participation until he/she has been cleared by a medical doctor. The Referee HAS NO FURTHER responsibility beyond removing the player from the match in which the player was injured. The referee crew must ensure, that UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES or due to the appeal from any coaching staff that the player is allowed to return to the game.
12. Heading Guidelines:
• Deliberate or accidental heading is not allowed in 11U and below games. If a player deliberately or accidentally heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate or accidental header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the offense occurred.
• Heading is allowed in games 12U and older without limitations. Heading is only allowed by players that have turned 11-years-old. If a 10-year-old is playing in a game, he is not allowed to head the ball, and it is the responsibility of the coaches and club to make sure this is clearly communicated prior to each game.
13. Orthopedics:
• b) Orthopedic casts can be worn at any sanctioned FYSA tournament with written approval from a doctor and written permission from a tournament official, final judgement as to its safety is at the discretion of the referee.
• c) Soft braces can be worn with written approval from a doctor, and judgement as to safety is at the discretion of the referee.
14. Equipment:
No Jewelry
Casts are allowed if padded and the referee considers them safe.
Mandatory that all players wear shin guards
No alcohol permitted at the tournament
No noise makers
No smoking
No animals (Dogs)
15. The Technical Area/Box, Laws of the Game, FIFA Rules:
The technical area relates to matches played in game fields with a designated seated area for team officials, substitutes and substituted players as outlined below:
The technical area shall only extend 1m (1yd) on either side of the designated seated area and up to a distance of 1m (1yd) from the touchline
• markings shall be used to define the area, temporary or Permanent.
• the number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by the competition rules
• the occupants of the technical area:
o are identified before the start of the match in accordance with the competition rules
o must behave in a responsible manner
o must remain within its confines except in special circumstances, e.g., a physiotherapist/doctor entering the field of play, with the referee’s permission, to assess an injured player
• only one person at a time is authorized to convey tactical instructions from the technical area
16. Conduct 502 and Discipline 504.1 Policy:
• It shall be solely the team’s responsibility to determine the status of its players and coaches. Any suspension from a tournament, local league, etc., is the responsibility of the team to notify the Tournament Director of this suspension at the time of the player’s check-in.
• Per FYSA Rule 504.1, red card suspension or send off suspensions can only be served with the team with which the suspension was earned in games played by their team. Players may not serve suspensions as “guest players.”
• The Tournament Committee shall have a Discipline Committee of three (3) members. This committee will review and rule on all reports of unacceptable conduct by players, managers, coaches, referees, spectators, etc. using the FYSA standards as set by Rules Section 502.
• Any player or manager/coach ejected (red carded) will not complete the game in which the ejection occurred. The ejected player or manager/coach will not participate in the next scheduled tournament game regardless of the cause.
• Depending on the severity of the unacceptable conduct, the Discipline Committee may recommend the suspension of up to the duration of the tournament in accordance with FYSA requirements. The committee’s recommendations must be available to the affected parties no later than following the next scheduled match.
• At the conclusion, of the tournament, passes will be returned to the coach, even if the suspension has not been completed. A complete discipline report will be sent to the FYSA office within 72 hours of the tournament’s conclusion for possible further discipline.
17. Forfeits: A team is allowed a fifteen (15) minute grace period from the scheduled time before awarding the game to the opposing team. A minimum of eligible players (7 for 11v11) must be present, dressed, and ready to play within the grace period, to constitute a “team.” The game will be scored as 4-0. If the scheduled time is revised from the printed schedule, coaches/managers will be notified by email, tournament website, phone or in person by a Tournament Official of the new game time.
18. Refunds: After a team has been accepted into the competition, NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN should the team decide to withdraw from the event. Tournament entry fee returns/refunds will be granted, as follows:
• Within five (5) days after notification that the team has not been accepted.
• Within five (5) days of cancellation of the tournament.
• Within ten (10) days of request of withdrawal of the application by a team before acceptance of the application by the tournament.