All teams must have their rosters approved, medical release forms checked and travel permits (for out-of-state teams) turned in at the team check in. Players and coaches passes will be checked at the time as well. Coach cards, player passes, and rosters will be checked before each game. Any ejected player or coach will be delivered to the field marshall with a report written on the team's game card concerning the reason for ejection. An ejected player or coach may not play in the next game. If a payer who is not properly registed participates in any game, that game is automatically forfeited to the opposing team 3-0. Up to three guest players may be added to the original roster but must meet eligibility requirements. No player can be register or play with more than one team.
Uniforms and Equipment: All players on a team shall wear identical uniforms (shirts, shorts, & socks). Shirts shall be tucked in at the start of play. The designated “home team” shall wear light colored uniforms and the designated “visiting team” shall wear dark colored uniforms. The home team will change to colors distinct from the opponent if necessary. Goalkeeper jerseys must be different color from the other players/referees. Player numbers must be affixed to the back of the uniform shirt and no two players on the same team shall wear the same number. Shin guards must be worn during all games. No jewelry is to be worn. Playing in a cast is permitted at the referee's discretion. Casts must be covered in bubble wrap or similar material; all equipment is subject to the approval of the referees. The home team will furnish the game ball. The "home team" is the team listed first on the official schedule. The "home team" is the team listed first on the official schedule. The home team will stage to the right of mid-field. (Facing the field at the mid-field line).
Playing Conditions: If a game is canceled, it is up to the coaches of the teams to check with the tournament director for re-schedule information. Games shall be considered complete if one half of the game time has elapsed and the score at the time of the stoppage will be the final score. If one half has not elapsed and the game is stopped, every effort will be made to re-schedule the game if it affects the outcome of the tournament and weather permits. In the event of inclement weather the Murfreesboro City Parks and Recreation Department and the Tournament Committee has the authority to restructure or cancel the tournament.
Starting Times and Forfeited Games: Teams must check in with Field Marshall 15 minutes before kickoff. A ten-minute grace period is allowed before a team forfeits a game. This grace period takes away from the duration of the game. All games must end 10 minutes prior to the next scheduled match.
Start of play: To help keep games on time there will not be a coin toss at the beginning of pool play games. The home team will kick off to begin the first half and will defend the goal in front of their bench. The visiting team will kick off to begin the second half and will defend the goal opposite their bench area. The home team will occupy the bench area to the right of the mid field line and the visiting team the bench area to the left. (Ex. If you are a sub waiting to enter the game the bench area to your right is Home and to your left Visitor.)
Substitutions: Substitutions will be allowed with referee’s consent at the following times:
A. Prior to a throw in, in your favor;
B. Prior to a goal kick;
C. After a goal by either team;
D. For an injured player (Both teams may sub equal number of players);
E. At the beginning of the 2nd half and each overtime period;
F. After a caution;
G. Red carded players may not be substituted for.
Game Reports: Game reports shall be signed by the referee and one official from each team. At this time, player cards shall be returned to the team coach/official by the referee and the game reports (along with the player cards of any ejected players) shall be turned in to the scores table by the Field Marshall as soon as possible. Player cards of any ejected players must be given to the tournament director immediately after the game.
Protests: There will be no formal protests allowed. If a coach wishes to file a complaint, they may do so within 1 hour after the conclusion of the game in the question by notifying the Tournament Director in writing.
Sportsmanship: Players, coaches, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves within the spirit and letter of the LAWS OF THE GAME. There shall be no dissent between players and or coaches and the referees. Questioning a referee's call is considered dissent. Coaches are responsible for the actions of spectators and players and are expected to enforce these rules. Referees can issue caution to the "Bench". A second caution for the same issue may result in a red card or termination of the game.
Scoring: Divisional standings will be determined by the following point system:
Win = 6 points
Tie = 3 points
Loss = 0 points
Shutout = 1 point (For a 0-0 Tie, 4 points are awarded to each team)
Goals = 1 point for each scored goal (Max of 3 goal points per game)
Forfeit is scored as a 3-0 game win and a maximum of 10 points will be awarded to the opposing team. No team that forfeits a game will be allowed to advance beyond bracket play nor will they be eligible for awards in round robin play.
Tie Breakers: In the event of a tie in the preliminary round standings based on total points, the following procedure will be used to determine group winners: Listed in order of priority:
To determine preliminary winners and wild cards, if necessary (in order):
1. Winner of head to head competition.
2. Highest goal differential – goals for minus goals against (max. 3 goals/game).
3. Least total goals allowed (max. 3 goals per game)
4. Most shut-outs
5. Penalty kicks (FIFA rules)
*When determining seeding for semi-final matches, a coin flip will be substituted as the final tie-breaker in lieu of Penalty Kicks
For semi-final and final games:
1. Two five (5) minute overtime periods.
2. If still tied, Penalty kicks (FIFA rules)
Semi-finals and Finals: In games where a winner must be determined on the field (semifinals and finals) there will be a coin toss to begin play with the visiting team making the call.
Consolation games: Sunday consolation games that do not begin at the scheduled game time will be shortened by 5 minutes per half. This is necessary to keep fields on schedule since any semifinal or final that goes to overtime will play two five minute overtime periods in their entirety and then, if necessary, go to penalty kicks. We appreciate your understanding.
General Rules: Except as otherwise stated herein, all games shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as observed by USYSA/FIFA. The tournament committee is not responsible for any expense incurred by any team if the tournament is canceled in whole or in part. The Tournament committee will administer the tournament rules as stated, but reserves the right to adjust and/or amend any of these rules as necessary to accommodate any unforeseen problems or circumstances before and during the tournament. All decisions of the tournament director or acting tournament director are final.