All games will be played in accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game observed by USSF/USYSA with the adjustments outlined below. 

 

The tournament is open to accepted teams composed of no more than 22 players (18 each game) for teams playing 11v11, 16 for teams playing 9v9, and 14 for teams playing 7v7.  There will be a maximum of three guest players allowed per team. A player may play on only one team in the tournament. Every attempt will be made to have separate divisions for each age group. If there are not a sufficient number of entries in an age group, then it may be combined with an adjacent division. (7v7 age groups would only be combined with 7v7, 9v9 with 9v9 and 11v11 with 11v11.) Every team will be guaranteed at least three games. 

 

Players in the following divisions must be born between the dates shown and will play as follows: 

 

No games will be played if lightning is in the area. If any coach, field marshal or assistant referee sights lightning they will immediately notify the referee who will suspend play or delay the start of the game. Such delay or suspension must remain for a minimum of 15 minutes past the last sighting of lightning or longer at the discretion of the field marshal or the referee. In the event of other inclement weather, refer to the weather policy in the program. In the event of inclement weather, it is the responsibility of each team manager or coach to check the tournament website for any changes. 

 

Registration must be done via SINC SPORTS ONLINE CHECK-IN. 

 

 

The Coach or Team Manager must have possession of the player cards, medical release forms and tournament- approved rosters at all games. Failure to do so can result in dismissal of players or the entire team from the tournament. 

 

The home team shall wear white/light colored jerseys. Field players must wear numbers on the backs of their matching jerseys. Each field player must have a different number, which coincides with the jersey number listed for that player on the roster. The goalkeeper will wear a shirt of a different color than the keeper’s teammates, the referees and opponents, and may have any number or no number. In the event that the referee decides that the two teams’ jerseys are the same or similar color, the home team will change colors. Sharp steel spikes are not allowed on shoes. All players’ equipment, including casts or splints covered by padding, is subject to the referee’s approval. The home team must present a ball to the referee prior to the start of the game for the referee’s approval as the game ball. 

 

A team will be allowed a 10-minute grace period from the scheduled kick-off time before the game will be awarded to the opponent. A team may begin play with a minimum of seven players at 11v11, five at 8v8 and four at 6v6. Addition of late players will take place at regular legal substitution periods. The opposing team will play at full strength. In the event a team forfeits a game, the opponent will be awarded a 4-0 win. Any team forfeiting a game or quitting the field of play before the conclusion of the game is subject to being disqualified from the tournament or being denied advancement to semifinals, finals or placement in a bracket decided by points. Teams causing abandonment will be declared the loser by a 4-0 score.  When the situation causing abandonment is such that tournament officials cannot assign responsibility, both teams will forfeit with no goals scored and a double loss declared. 

 

Each field will have an assigned field marshal. Teams must check in with the field marshal at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled kickoff time. Field Marshals will inspect and retain the stamped, approved rosters. In the event the appointed linesmen are not present for the game, each team will appoint a club linesman for its side. Both teams will be on the same side of the field and each team will locate no closer than five yards away from the halfway line. Field marshals and referees will have the authority to determine team location during the game. No team will be allowed more than three non-players (coaches, trainers, managers, etc.) on the team’s side of the field during the game. Each team will have a coach at the field for the duration of the game. A team not so represented will forfeit the game.

Spectators will be located on the opposite side of the field. Except in games where a winner must be declared (semis and finals) there will not be a coin toss. The home team shall occupy the bench area to the right of the halfway line facing the field. The home team will kick off and defend the goal in front of their bench to begin the match. Visiting team will kick off to begin the second half and attack the goal in front of their bench area. The game clock will not be stopped because of an injury to any player except at the discretion of the referee and if the injured player is removed from the field by medical personnel. Stoppage time may be added if, in the opinion of the referee, a team is delaying the game to their benefit. Games that start late will be shortened as needed to ensure that the next game on that field may begin on time. 

 

Coaches are responsible for the conduct of the spectators, team staff and players of their team. Referees are authorized to take appropriate action to maintain proper control of games. Abuse from players, coaches and spectators will not be tolerated.  If the referee terminates play due to unruly behavior, the Tournament Director/Committee will determine if the game is to be replayed, continued or forfeited by the offending team.

Players ejected from the game are automatically banned from their team’s next tournament game. Violations that are deemed of a serious nature (i.e. fighting) might require further disciplinary action such as banning further tournament play. The player card of the ejected player will be collected by the field marshal, attached to the game report, and delivered to the Tournament Headquarters. The decision of the Tournament Director or Committee on red card violations is final. 

 

There is no limit to the number of substitutions during the game. However, substitutions can only be made immediately prior to a kickoff and, with the permission of the referee, on a throw-in by the team in possession, a goal kick by either team or by either team in the event of an injury. A cautioned/yellow-carded player may be substituted by the coach, as well as a player from the other team if the cautioned player is substituted. An ejected/red carded player may not be substituted. The team of the ejected player must play short for the remainder of the game. 

 

Points will be calculated to determine which teams advance to semifinals or finals or, in some brackets, the seeding for the next round of play or, in “round robin” brackets, first and second place. 

3 points for each win 

1 points for each tie 

0 points for each loss 

Ties in points will be broken in the following order: 

1. Winner of head-to-head competition. 

2. Goal differential (max. of 4 per game; eg. 6-1 win, 2-1 loss=+3). 

3. Fewest goals allowed. 

4. FIFA kicks from the penalty mark. 

Should three or more teams tie, tie breakers will be applied until one team is eliminated; then tie breakers will be applied, starting over at number 1, to the remaining teams. 

 

Games which are tied at the end of regulation time and must result in a winner (i.e. semifinals, finals, etc.) will be decided by playing two five-minute overtime periods in their entirety. The winner of a coin toss before the first overtime period chooses the goal they will defend; the other team takes the kickoff. There will be no half time; teams will simply change ends of the field for the second overtime period and the other team will kick off. If the teams are tied at the end of the second overtime period, the match will be decided by FIFA kicks from the penalty mark. 

 

Game reports will be handled by the referee or a field marshal. Each coach will verify the game results before initialing the report. Reports will periodically be delivered to the official scorer by the field marshals. 

 

Awards will be given to each player on the first- and second-place teams in each division. 

 

Protests will not be allowed. Decisions of the Tournament Director/Committee and/or Referees will be final. 

 

The Tournament Director/Committee will make every effort to ensure this tournament is an enjoyable experience for the players, coaches and fans. Any fan, coach or player who distracts from the competition by abusive, derogatory, vulgar or profane language or actions will be ordered to leave the game site for the remainder of the game. Refusing an order to leave by a referee, field marshal or tournament official will result in the termination of the game and forfeiture by the team with which the offender is affiliated.

Neither the Tournament Director/Committee, nor anyone connected with the tournament, assumes any responsibility or liability if the tournament is cancelled in whole or in part for any reason. The Tournament Director’s/Committee’s interpretation of application information, procedures, rules, regulations and all matters pertaining to the tournament is final. 

 

These rules, in whole or in part, may be changed up until the time the first game of the tournament begins.