The following documents shall be required for each team to be properly registered for the tournament:

·         State Association Certified Team Roster – 1 copy for Adi Elite Cup to keep

·         Soccer In College Team Roster – 4 copies – Players names must be printed – No handwritten players will be accepted.

·         Soccer In College Tournament Roster and Release Form – 1 copy

·         Permission or Notification of Travel for out-of-state teams only for Adi Elite Cup to keep

·         Individual Medical Release for each player - this can be from your state association or club.

·         Three guest players allowed.

 

 

The Tournament Games Committee shall consist of a Director, Venue Coordinator, Referee Assignor, and the UFA - Norcross ED.  The TGC shall ensure that the tournament progresses as planned in a fair and proper manner.  Some of the TGC’s responsibilities are included in these rules. 

 

Teams shall be grouped in brackets by age level and competitive parity as much as possible by the TGC.  There shall be 3 to 10 teams in each bracket with challenge games in round-robin format followed by semi-final (if necessary) and championship games. Refer to the modifications shown below to the Laws of the Game for Law VII in the event of a game that is tied at the end of regulation time.  There will be no protests.

 

 Bracket winners for the challenge games that are used to determine semi-finalists or finalists shall be determined by the following point system:

 

 

In the event that two teams in a bracket have an equal number of points, the following TIE-BREAKER rules apply if needed:

1. Head-to-Head Competition                            

2. Fewest Goals Allowed                                      

3. Goals Scored

4. FIFA Penalty Kicks

 

Tournament teams must have a minimum of seven players to start a match and a minimum of 6 (7v7) or 7 (9v9)  players to finish the match.  If a team does not have the minimum number of players to begin the match 10 minutes past the scheduled start time, the team forfeits.  If a team forfeits but still has enough points to advance, they will be allowed to advance.  

 

This tournament is primarily for Academy program teams.  Any team comprised of properly registered youth players as defined by the rules of the USYSA in an age group indicated on the tournament approval form shall be eligible to play in this tournament, provided such team is in good standing with its youth association.

 

It shall be the responsibility of each state association to certify the eligibility of its competing team by providing a certified copy of the roster.  In addition, an out-of-state team is required to have a “Permission to Travel” form from its state association.

Foreign teams must have written permission and verification from USSF/USYSA and their federation indicating authorization to participate in the tournament.

 

The Adi Elite Cup is open to boys’ and girls’ teams in the U-8 through U-12 age groups.  Players must be legally registered with their team in accordance with their state and national registration requirements including a current player pass complete with photo ID.  A player may only play for one team in the tournament.  Player and Coach Passes shall be presented during initial registration and must be available for each game. Any player that receives a red card will miss the next game.

 

Up to 3 guest players are allowed per team if they are necessary to fill out a team.  Guest players must be rostered to a team below or on the same level of the team where they will guest.  If teams of different ages or classifications are combined into one bracket, guest players can be the same age or classification as other participating teams.  Guest players must be USYSA registered players and must have a player pass.

 

All tournament teams are guaranteed a minimum of three matches and a maximum of four matches (two matches on Saturday and one or two matches on Sunday).

 

All tournament referees and assistant referees must be USSF certified.

 

Games shall be played in accordance with the FIFA “Laws of the Game” except as modified below:

Law I – The Field of Play:

All field dimensions shall be in accordance with the Georgia Youth Soccer Association (GYSA) Rules & Regulations.

Law II – The Ball:

U8 - U12  – Size 4

Law III – Number of Players:

 

U9 and U10 (7v7) – Roster Size is a maximum of 14 players

U11 & U12 (9v9) – Roster Size is a maximum of 14 players

U9/U10 (7v7)  - Minimum of 6 to start. U11/U12 (9v9) - Minimum of 7 to start . Unlimited substitution shall be allowed with permission by the referee at any dead ball. 

 

Law IV – Players’ Equipment:  Bars of leather or rubber may be worn across the soles of the shoes as long as they are at least 1/2 inch wide. Studs are permitted on the soles of the shoes, but they must be rounded, at least 1/2 inch in diameter, and not more than 3/4 inch long. Studs molded as part of the sole must be have at least 10 on a sole and have a minimum diameter of 3/8 inch.

(A)          All players of the same team shall wear the same color uniforms, including shirt and shorts or pants.  If partially visible undergarments are worn, such as thermal shorts, they must be the same color as the dominant color of the over garment.  They will be individually numbered and legible, and the numbers must correspond to those shown on the referee report form.  The goalkeeper's shirt does not have to have a number on it.

(B)          Players shall not play with a cast or with a cast that has been wrapped.

(C)          The referee shall determine if there is a conflict of team colors. In the event of a conflict of team colors, the home team shall be required to change to an alternate shirt.  Playing without shirts shall not be allowed.  The home team is the first team listed on the tournament game schedule.

(D)          Any screw-in cleat that is broken or damaged in any way so as to expose any internal structure or present surface deformations with sharp edges or projections that might endanger any player coming in contact with it is prohibited and must be removed and/or replaced before that player is allowed to play

(E)           All players must wear shinguards.

 

Law V – Referees: No modifications. All tournament referees must be USSF certified.

Law VI – Assistant Referees: No modifications.  All tournament assistant referees must be USSF certified.  

Law VII – Duration of the Game:

DIVISION             TIME OF EACH PERIOD

U9 – U12               25 minutes

FIFA Penalty Kicks used to decide winners of semi-final or championship games if the game is still tied at the end of regulation time period.  Only players that were in the game at the end of the Regulation time period will be allowed to take penalty kicks.  In challenge rounds ties will stand. 

Law VIII – The Start and Restart of Play:

(A)          Teams shall be prepared to start each game at the scheduled time, provided an earlier game did not postpone the starting time of following games, referees are available, and weather permitting. A team not prepared to start play (i.e., at least minimum number of players available) shall forfeit the game.

(B)          Each team shall be represented at the field of play by a coach or assistant coach for the duration of the game.  A team not so represented shall forfeit the game.

(C)        The TGC shall make the final decision, at the field of play as to whether or not to begin the game, based upon its judgment of the condition of the field of play, or any other factors it considers pertinent.

Law IX – Ball In and Out of Play: No modifications.

Law X – Method of Scoring:  All forfeits shall result in a score of 3 to 0 against the team being penalized.  In the event of a forfeit, the three (3) goals shall not be credited to any one member of the winning team but to the team as a whole.

Law XI: No modifications.

Law XII – Fouls and Misconduct: A coach who is sent off shall not be allowed to participate for the remainder of the tournament.  Any player receiving a red card will be suspended from his/her next match. There is no penalty for yellow card accumulation by a coach or a player.

Laws XIII through XVII: No modifications.

CONTROL OF THE FIELD AND SURROUNDING AREA

Players, managers, and coaches shall conduct themselves within the letter and spirit of the Laws of the Game.  Field Marshals have the authority to remove anyone from the tournament for misconduct, in addition to any disciplinary action taken by referees and the TGC.  The following specific rules shall apply:

·         The TGC shall designate one sideline on each field to be for players, coaches, and managers of each competing team, each team occupying different halves of the sideline of the field.  Personnel from each team shall remain near the sideline between the midfield line and the top of the Penalty area line on their half.

·         Spectators shall occupy the opposite sideline and shall be controlled as necessary by the referee and Field Marshal.

·         Goal line areas shall be maintained clear of spectators and players by the referee and Field Marshall as much as possible.

·         Coaches or spectators who are sent off or ejected must leave the field and surrounding area for the duration of the current game and any subsequent tournament games.

·         Coaches are responsible for the conduct of the spectators for his/her team.

·         The TGC shall have the authority to make anyone leave the complex for unsportsmanlike behavior.

 

No smoking is allowed at the fields.  No artificial noisemakers are allowed at the fields.  No pets are allowed at the fields. No alcoholic beverages are allowed at the fields.  

 

·         Referees shall check in at the Referee Assignor’s station to get a game assignment.

·         The coach or manager of each team shall present their Official Team Roster with Tournament Stamp to the Field Marshal or Venue Coordinator at least 15 minutes prior to the starting time of each game in which that team participates.  Game Coordinator shall ensure that any individual noted on the Official Team Roster as being sent off during an earlier game will not participate in the upcoming game.  The Official Team Roster will be retained by the Field Marshal or Venue Coordinator during the game.  Field Marshals or Venue Coordinators will be stationed near each field.

·         Referees will check players for proper equipment.

·         Referees shall ensure that each game is started on schedule as much as possible.  If the start of a game is delayed by either participating team, the duration of the match shall be shortened accordingly in order to finish the game on schedule.

·         Refer to the modifications to the Laws of the Game Law IV if there is a conflict of uniform colors.

·         The tournament will provide FIFA inspected game balls.  

 

 POST-GAME PROCEDURES

In the spirit of sportsmanlike behavior, we request that both teams congratulate each other for a game well played.

·         Coach or manager of each team shall ensure that their sideline area is clean and all trash has been disposed of properly.

·         After filling out the post-game portion of the Game Scorecard, Center Referee shall deliver it to the Field Marshal or Venue Coordinator and notify Field Marshal or Venue Coordinator of any send-offs.

·         Field Marshal or Venue Coordinator shall make note of individuals who were sent off on the corresponding Official Team Roster to ensure that those individuals will not be allowed to continue participating in the tournament. 

·         Coach or manager of each team shall confirm the score with the Center Referee and Field Marshal or Venue Coordinator and will also sign the Game Scorecard.  After Scorecard is signed the Official Team Roster will be returned to each coach or manager.

·         Field Marshal or Venue Coordinator shall deliver Game Scorecard and any send offs to the Scorekeeper’s station.  Scores and send-offs for games that are not played at the main complex can be called in.  Scorekeeper will then post game scores and points on Bracket Scoreboards.

·         Referees shall report to the Referee Assignor for assignment to the next game if applicable. 

 

In the event unusual conditions necessitate rescheduling, suspension, or cancellation of games, the Tournament Director shall have the authority to make any changes to best serve the interest of the tournament as a whole, realizing the need to determine champions in each bracket by a certain time period.  The following rules for unusual conditions shall apply:

·         If a game is suspended, the Center Referee shall make note of the score and time remaining for the game on the Game Scorecard.

·         If a game is suspended after completing at least one half has been played and cannot be completed due to rescheduling difficulties, it will be declared a complete game and the score will stand as is.

·         If a game is suspended or postponed (usually by the Center Referee or Tournament Director), a coach or manager from each team shall be responsible for communicating with the Tournament Director in the event that the remainder of the game can be rescheduled. If a coach or manager of one of the two teams fails to contact the Director the game will be scored a forfeit in favor of the other team.  If either coaches or managers fail to contact the Director, the score will stand as it was when the game was suspended.

·         If a game is suspended after play has begun and can be rescheduled, it will be resumed with the time and score as if the game had been played without interruption.

 

The Tournament Games Committee (TGC) and UFA - Norcross shall not be liable for expenses incurred by any team or club if the tournament is cancelled, postponed, or suspended in whole or in part due to reasons beyond the TGC’s control, nor will refunds be issued.  The TGC’s interpretation of the rules will be final.