2014 TFC Friendlies-Rules/Format/Check-In

Team Check In

• The TFC Friendlies is an unrestricted event.  There is NO FRIDAY NIGHT CHECK IN.
• Online check-in for non-ASL teams is available as an option.  You must begin the online check-in process by 1/27/14 and complete it by 1/31/14.
• All non-ASL teams local to the Cary/Raleigh area are asked to check-in at PDQ Restaurant (9025 Winston Hill Drive, Cary) on Tuesday, January 28 from 6-9pm.
• All teams unable to use the online or Tuesday check-in in Cary are required to check in at Jordan Soccer Complex 1 hour prior to your first game on Saturday.
• All teams will be required to present player passes and rosters
• USYS or US Club roster (2 copies)
• Guest player roster (if applicable, 2 copies)
• Player passes
• Player medical waiver forms
• Permission to travel form (if applicable)

ASL Team Check In

• ASL teams MUST check-in on site at Jordan Soccer Complex (445 Treetop Drive, Fayetteville) at least 1 hour prior to their first game.
• Additional details about check-in will be emailed from ASL the week of 1/20.

Guest Players

• There is a 5 player limit to the # of guest players you can have with your team.

Substitutions

Unlimited substitutions will be allowed in all ages at the following times:

• Prior to a throw-in (team in possession can sub) 
• Prior to a goal kick by either team
• After a goal is scored
• At half-time

Game Lengths

We've asked the referees to limit half times to 5 minutes and to start each game on time.

ASL Games:

• U14: 35 minute halves
• U15-U16:  40 minute halves
• U17:  45 minute halves

Non-ASL Games:

• U11-U14:  30 minute halves
• U15-U19:  35 minute halves

Game Ball

A tournament ball will be brought to the field by referees.  If the ball is lost, kicked over a fence or in the woods, etc., an acceptable ball must be provided by the home team in order to keep the game from being delayed.

• U11-U12:  size 4 ball
• U13-U19:  size 5 ball

 Conduct

The TFC Friendlies is a showcase style event for all age groups and referees have been asked to not issue red cards.  However, referees can mandate a player leave the field for violent play without showing the card.  The coach of that team may replace that player to continue playing with 8 or 11 players.

• Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and spectators.
• The Event Director or his/her designee has the right to ask anyone to leave the complex for unsportsmanlike behavior.

Spectator and Coaching Area

• Both teams will sit on the same side of the field.
• Parents and spectators must sit in the appropriate areas across from their team.

Inclement Weather

• Regardless of weather conditions, coaches and their teams must appear on the field of play, ready to play as scheduled.
• Only the Event Director or his/her designee can cancel or postpone a game.
• The safety of the players and spectators will be the first concern in making any weather decisions.
• The Event Director or his/her designee may move the location of a game to another field or complex.
• Inclement weather before the game:  in case of severe weather conditions before play begins, the Event Director or his/her designee may reduce the length of the game.
• Inclement weather during the game:  should a game's progress be terminated due to severe weather conditions, the game will be considered official.
• TEAMS SHOULD NOT LEAVE THE COMPLEX UNTIL THE EVENT COMMITTEE HAS DETERMINED THE STATUS OF THEIR GAME.
• For field updates due to weather, call 919.640.6145 or check the TFC Twitter feed: @Triangle_FC

Player Equipment

 In general, Law IV of FIFA Laws applies.

• The HOME team (team listed FIRST) should wear their LIGHTER-COLORED jersey, shorts and socks.
• If color of jerseys is similar or same, the designated home team will change colors.  (Team listed FIRST on schedule is the home team.)
• No plastic or metal jewelry of any kind (except corrective glasses) may be worn.
• Shin guards are required for all players.
• Casts - players who are wearing protective casts are allowed to play if the following conditions are met:
• Cast is wrapped in foam or other material that will protect other players.
• The referee approves the cast protection and such approval will not be unreasonably withheld.

Scoring

Point System

Win - 3 points                Tie - 1 point                   Loss - 0 points             

Bonus Points                Max 5 per game (subtract “goals allowed” from “goals scored”)

Tie Breaking Procedure

·         4 or 6 team group – used to determine playoff seeding

·         5 team group – used to determine champion  

If there are more than two teams tied #1 is thrown out, the tiebreaker will return to number 1 only after a team has been eliminated from the tie, proceed #2-5.

1 - Head to Head

2 - Most goals scored up to 5

3 - Points for goal differential (determined by subtracting "goals allowed" from "goals scored", up to 5 per game)

4 - Fewest Goals allowed

5 - Most shutouts (includes 0-0 ties)

6 - FIFA penalty kicks (reduce to equate FIFA Law will apply)

Tie Breaking Procedure (Semi-Finals and Finals)

·      Five minute break before play resumes

·      Referee will again toss a coin for choice of direction of play

·      One five-minute “sudden victory” period will be played; first team to score wins

·      If first five minute period is scoreless, teams immediately switch goals and a second five minute “sudden victory” period is played

·      If still tied, FIFA Penalty Kicks - best of 5 then rotate 1 for 1 (any player on team may take kick).

Forfeits

Unless superseded by a ruling from the Tournament Director or his/her designee, there will be a maximum grace period of 10 minutes allowed after the scheduled kick-off time before the team not showing forfeits the match. The game clock will begin at the scheduled time of the match and the game will begin play no later than the ten-minute mark.

·        U11 teams must have five (5) or more players present in order to begin a match.

·        U12 and older teams must have seven (7) or more players present in order to begin a match.

·        Score of a forfeited match will be 5-0.

Scores and Standings

To be posted by 9:00pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings - www.tfcfriendlies.com

Awards

Awards (on-site) and website recognition will be given in each age group, for the following:

·         Champion – team and individual awards

·         Finalist – individual awards

General

• All decisions of the referee that do not conflict with the event rules are final and binding.
• The Friendlies Committee, TFC and USCS will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any team or club if the event is canceled in whole or in part, nor will any refunds be made.