All matches will be played in accordance with FIFA, USYS and NCYSA laws, except where specifically modified by tournament rules and with the following age specific exceptions:

 

 

When a team is awarded a goal-kick, the opposing team must have ALL of their players BEHIND the midfield line on their own side of the field before the goal-kick is taken.

 

 

For player safety in 12U and younger matches, no heading or playing the ball with the head, will be allowed.  The restart for a heading infraction will be an indirect free kick.

 

 

                  09U – 10U               7 v 7                           4                                25 mins

                  11U – 12U               9 v 9                           4                                25 mins

                  13U – 15U              11 v 11                      5                                30 mins

 

9U – 12U matches will follow NCYSA rules for “small sided” play

Match balls are to be provided by the designated home team

In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen problems the Tournament Director or his/her designee may modify length of games.          

 

 

Divisions with 4 teams – three matches guaranteed.  Top 2 teams in points will play in a final match.

Divisions with 5 teams – three matches guaranteed. Top team in division in points is champion.

Divisions with 6 teams – three matches guaranteed. Teams are divided into 2 groups with each team playing 2 matches.  Then the 3^rd in each group will play in a consolation game.  2^nd and 1^st place  teams in each group will play crossovers in the semi-finals to make it to the finals match.

Divisions with 8 teams – three matches guaranteed.  Teams are divided into two groups with each team playing 3 matches within its group.  The top finishers in each group will advance to a final match.

 

 

 

 

Win = 3 points

Tie = 1 point

Loss = 0 points

 

***Forfeits will be recorded as 3 – 0 with 3 points awarded to the winner.

 

If more than two teams are tied, head to head competition is excluded and steps 2-5 will be used to resolve the tie until a winner is decided.  After a winner is decided, return to step 1 to determine second and third place teams.

 

 

A fifteen-minute grace period will be allowed after the scheduled match start time before a forfeit is awarded, however the tournament directors reserve the right to extend this this grace period depending on the circumstances of the delay.  To start a match 7 players must be present for the 11U – 15U groups.

 

 

Unlimited substitutions are allowed at the following times with the permission of the referee:

Note: All substitutes must enter the field of play from the halfway line with the permission of the referee and should not enter the field until the player they are replacing has exited the field.

 

 

Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players.  If they receive an ejection during the match the offending player must sit on the players bench for the remainder of the game.  They must remove their socks and cleats.  Players receiving a red or two yellow cards in a game and coaches that are ejected in a match are automatically banned from their team’s next tournament match.  Any coach who is involved with multiple teams and who is ejected from a game must leave the complex until the game involving the ejection is completed.  Per FIFA, cards can only be shown to players. Spectators sent off from a match site are banned from all tournament play venues for the remainder of the tournament, unless the Tournament Director determines otherwise. Violations deemed of a serious nature may

warrant further disciplinary action such as banning further tournament participation.  The Tournament Director in consultation with the Referee Coordinator will make such determinations.  All disciplinary measures imposed by the Tournament Director and Referee Coordinator shall be limited to placing restrictions upon an individual’s participation in the tournament.  The issuance of all red and yellow cards and other matters involving the conduct of a team, its players, coaches or supporters will be recorded on the match report and also reported to the home state association and the home league excepting matters involving referee assault or abuse shall, in accordance with the US Soccer Policy 531-9 be immediately refereed to NCYSA.

 

 

Players and coaches shall occupy the same side of the field.  All spectators shall must occupy the other side of the field opposite their players and coaches.

 

Players, coaches and spectators must remain at least two yards behind the touchline.  All players, coaches and spectators must remain between the 18-yard and midfield lines on their side of the field.  Coaches are responsible for the conduct of spectators with their team.  All players, coaches and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner.  Dissent will not be tolerated.

 

 

In the event of inclement weather, the tournament directors reserve the right to make the following changes:

 

 

Every attempt will be made to have all matches played.  However, the safety of all tournament participants is the primary concern of tournament staff.  The Tournament Director’s decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.

 

 

No protests will be allowed.  All judgment decisions of the referees are final and binding.  The Tournament Director reserves the right to decide all matters pertaining to the tournament and those decisions are final.

 

 

In general, Law IV of FIFA Law applies.  The referee shall be final authority.