# **Soccer Tournament Rule Book**

## **Tournament Game Rules – Match Duration**

To ensure consistency and fairness across all divisions and formats in the tournament, the following rules will govern the **length of games** for each team size category:

### 1. **Match Duration by Format**

| Format | Number of Players   | Half Duration | Total Game Time | Halftime Break |
| ------ | ------------------- | ------------- | --------------- | -------------- |
| 5v5    | 5 players per team  | 20 minutes    | 40 minutes      | 5 minutes      |
| 7v7    | 7 players per team  | 25 minutes    | 50 minutes      | 5 minutes      |
| 9v9    | 9 players per team  | 30 minutes    | 60 minutes      | 5 minutes      |
| 11v11  | 11 players per team | 35 minutes    | 70 minutes      | 5 minutes      |

### 2. **Clock Management**

* The clock runs continuously during each half unless otherwise stopped by the referee for injuries or other significant delays.
* There is **no added time** (stoppage time) in group stage matches.

### 3. **Halftime Intermission**

* A standard **5-minute halftime** break will be observed for all matches.
* Teams must be ready to resume play promptly after the halftime break.

### 4. **Match Start and End**

* Teams must be ready at the field at least **10 minutes before scheduled kick-off**.
* Any team arriving more than 5 minutes late may forfeit the match at the discretion of the tournament committee.

### 5. **Group Stage Match Results**

* All **group stage matches may end in a draw**.
* **No overtime or penalty shootouts** will be used in the group stage.

---

## **Tournament Rules – Team Roster Limits**

To maintain fair play and tournament organization, each team must comply with the following roster size limits based on game format:

### 1. **Maximum Roster Sizes by Format**

| Format | Players on Field | Maximum Roster Size |
| ------ | ---------------- | ------------------- |
| 5v5    | 5                | 10 players          |
| 7v7    | 7                | 13 players          |
| 9v9    | 9                | 16 players          |
| 11v11  | 11               | 18 players          |

### 2. **Roster Regulations**

* All players must be listed on the team’s official roster prior to the start of the tournament.
* No roster additions are allowed after a team’s first game has started.
* A player may only be rostered on **one team per age group and format**. Playing for multiple teams in the same division is prohibited unless explicitly approved by the tournament committee.
* **Guest Players**:

  * Each team is allowed to have up to **6 guest players** on their roster.
  * Guest players must be registered with the tournament and are subject to approval by the tournament committee.
  * Guest players must be properly documented with the team and **cannot exceed the maximum roster size** set for the format.
* **Double-Rostered Players**: Players may be double-rostered (listed on more than one team) **at the discretion of the tournament committee**. Any requests for double-roster approval must be submitted **in writing** to the committee before the start of the tournament.
* Teams found in violation of roster limits, ineligible player use, or incorrect guest player documentation may be subject to **match forfeits** and **tournament disqualification**.

---

## **Tournament Rules – Substitutions**

### 1. **Substitution Policy**

* **All matches use a “substitute-on-the-fly” system**, meaning:

  * Players may enter and exit the field at any time during play **without stopping the game**.
  * Substitutions may occur **from anywhere along the team’s own sideline**.
  * The player exiting the field must be **fully off the field before the substitute enters**.

### 2. **Substitution Guidelines**

* There is **no limit** to the number of substitutions a team may make during a game.
* Improper or unsafe substitutions (e.g., interfering with play or entering too early) may result in:

  * **Indirect free kick** awarded to the opposing team.
  * **Caution (yellow card)** issued to the substitute or coach, at the referee’s discretion.

### 3. **Goalkeeper Substitutions**

* Goalkeeper changes are allowed on the fly.
* However, the referee **must be informed** when a goalkeeper switch occurs during play for proper recording and safety.

---

## **Tournament Rules – Group Stage Scoring & Standings**

### 1. **Match Result Points**

Teams will earn points based on their results in group stage matches as follows:

| Match Result | Points Awarded |
| ------------ | -------------- |
| Win          | 3 points       |
| Tie/Draw     | 1 point        |
| Loss         | 0 points       |

### 2. **Group Standings**

* Teams will be ranked in their group based on **total points** accumulated over group stage matches.
* If two or more teams are tied on points at the end of the group stage, ranking will be determined by the following **tiebreaker criteria** in order (if applicable):

  1. **Head-to-head result** between the tied teams
  2. **Goal difference** (total goals scored minus goals conceded)
  3. **Total goals scored**
  4. **Fewest goals conceded**
  5. **Fair play record** (fewer cards issued)
  6. **Coin toss or drawing of lots** (conducted by tournament officials)

> **Reminder:** Group stage matches **can end in a tie**. There is **no overtime or penalty shootout** during group play.

---

## **Tournament Rules – Knockout Rounds (Semifinals & Finals)**

### 1. **Match Outcome in Knockout Rounds**

* **Semifinal and Championship games must produce a winner.**
* If the match is **tied at the end of regulation**, there will be **no overtime period**.

### 2. **Tiebreak Procedure**

* Matches tied after regulation will proceed **directly to penalty kicks (PKs)**.
* Penalty kicks will follow **FIFA Laws of the Game**:

  * Best-of-5 shootout (each team takes up to 5 kicks).
  * If still tied after 5 kicks, teams continue with **sudden-death rounds** until a winner is determined.
  * Only players **on the field at the end of regulation** are eligible to participate in the shootout.

### 3. **No Extra Time**

* **No extra time periods** (golden goal or otherwise) will be played in any knockout round matches.

---

## **Tournament Rules – Forfeit Policy**

### 1. **Forfeiting a Match**

* If a team fails to appear for a scheduled match or is unable to field the required number of players (as per tournament format) at the scheduled start time, the match will be considered a **forfeit**.

### 2. **Result of Forfeit**

* A forfeit will result in a **3-0 win for the opposing team**.
* The forfeiting team will receive **0 points** for the match, while the non-forfeiting team will receive **3 points**.

### 3. **Forfeiting Team Penalties**

* Any team that forfeits a match may face additional consequences, including:

  * **Disqualification from further tournament play** (at the discretion of the tournament committee)
  * **Removal from rankings** if applicable

### 4. **Notice of Forfeit**

* Teams must notify tournament officials as soon as possible if they anticipate needing to forfeit a match. Failure to provide advance notice may result in further penalties.

---

## **Tournament Rules – Coach Conduct Policy**

### 1. **Code of Conduct for Coaches**

All coaches are expected to uphold the highest standard of behavior and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. This includes, but is not limited to:

* Respecting referees, opponents, players, and spectators
* Refraining from abusive, threatening, or inappropriate language or behavior
* Managing their sideline in a professional and controlled manner
* Complying with all tournament rules and directives from officials or staff

### 2. **Zero-Tolerance Enforcement**

* **Any coach who violates the code of conduct** — including acts of aggression, abusive behavior, or blatant disrespect toward officials, players, or spectators — will be:

  * **Immediately banned** from the remainder of the tournament
  * **Immediately forfeit the match** in which the violation occurs

### 3. **Further Disciplinary Action**

* The tournament committee reserves the right to take **additional disciplinary actions** against the coach's team or organization depending on the severity of the incident.
* Such action may include **team disqualification** or future participation bans.

---

## **Tournament Rules – Spectator Conduct Policy**

### 1. **Code of Conduct for Spectators**

All spectators (family, friends, and supporters) are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship during the tournament. This includes, but is not limited to:

* Respecting referees, players, coaches, and fellow spectators
* Refraining from disruptive behavior, offensive language, or gestures
* Supporting their teams in a positive and encouraging manner
* Complying with all tournament rules and the directions of tournament officials or staff

### 2. **Zero-Tolerance Enforcement**

* **Any spectator who violates the code of conduct** — including aggressive behavior, verbal abuse, or interference with the game — will be:

  * **Immediately removed** from the tournament premises
  * **Cause the team they support to forfeit the match** in which the violation occurs

### 3. **Further Disciplinary Action**

* The tournament committee reserves the right to impose **additional penalties** on the team or organization represented by the offending spectator. This may include:

  * **Team disqualification**
  * **Future participation bans**

### 4. **Safety and Support**

* **Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their spectators** and must ensure that their supporters adhere to the code of conduct.
* **Spectators who continue disruptive behavior** may be escorted off the premises by tournament staff or security.

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## **Tournament Rules – Protest Procedure**

### 1. **Protesting a Decision**

* If a team has a concern about a referee’s decision, player eligibility, or any other aspect