United Futbol Academy
2024 Tournament Series Rules
TOURNAMENT GAMES COMMITTEE (TGC)
The Tournament Games Committee shall consist of a Director, Assistant Director, Venue Coordinator, Referee Assignor, and the United Futbol Academy (UFA) Executive Director. 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.
TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS
Fowler Park - 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, Georgia 30040.
Tournament Director – Jason P. Smith
tournaments@unitedfa.org
TOURNAMENT FORMAT AND SCOREKEEPING
Teams shall be grouped in brackets by age level and competitive parity as much as possible by the TGC. There shall be 4 to 8 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:
3 - WIN
1 - TIE
0 - LOSS
3 – FORFEIT WIN
In the event three teams in a bracket have an equal number of points, the following TIE-BREAKER rules apply if needed:
1. Head-to-Head Competition
2. Goal Differential
3. Fewest Goals Allowed
4. Goals Scored
5. Penalty Kicks
*If you are competing in a group of 6 teams, there will be a semi-final/final format.
FORFEITS
Tournament teams must have a minimum of seven players to start an 11v11 match and a minimum of seven players to finish the match. Minimum number for 9v9 games is 7 players and 5 players for a 7v7 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.
TEAM ELIGIBILITY
This tournament is primarily for Select level teams. Any team comprised of properly registered youth players as defined by the rules of the USSF 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. If required, an out-of-state team must have a “Permission to Travel” form from its state association.
Foreign teams must have written permission and verification from USSF and their federation indicating authorization to participate in the tournament.
PLAYER ELIGIBLITY
UFA Select Tournaments are open to boys’ and girls’ teams in the U-8 through U-19 age groups depending on the event. 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 6 guest players are allowed per team if they are necessary to fill out a team. Guest players must be rostered to a team at or below the same level of the team where they will guest. Club Pass players are not considered guest players. 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 may be US Club Soccer or USYSA registered players and must have a player pass.
TOURNAMENT AND MATCH SCHEDULES
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). Occasionally, Friday matches are added to alleviate scheduling conflicts.
TOURNAMENT REFEREES
All tournament referees and assistant referees must be USSF certified.
LAWS OF THE GAME
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 US Club Rules & Regulations.
Law II – The Ball:
U9 - U12 - Size 4
U13 & above – Size 5
Law III – Number of Players:
U9 & U10 (7v7 Divisions) - 7 players, with a minimum of 5 to start or continue a game (Roster Maximum = 14)
U11 & U12 (9v9 Divisions) - 9 players, with a minimum of 7 to start or continue a game (Roster Maximum = 16)
U13 & older (11v11 Divisions) - 11 players, with a minimum of 7 to start or continue a game (Roster Maximum = 22, only 18 may dress for any game. The remaining four must wear different attire and sit on spectator's side of field.)
Unlimited substitution shall be allowed with permission by the referee during any natural stoppage of the game including but not limited to:
Prior to a throw-in by the substituting team (opposing team cannot substitute)
Prior to a goal kick
After a goal
After an injury where referee stops play
At half time
At the beginning of an overtime period
After a caution
Any freekick
*Substitutions must waiting at midfield prior to stoppage.
Law IV – Players’ Equipment:
Bars of leather or rubber may be worn across the soles of the shoes if they are at least 1/2 inch wide. Studs are permitted on the sole of the shoes, but they must be rounded, at least 1/2 inch in diameter, and not more than 3/4 inches long. Studs molded as part of the sole must 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. 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 need a number on it.
(B) Players may wear a cast that is properly covered and protected according to US Club guidelines.
(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. It is recommended for the Home team to wear Light and Away teams wear Dark. 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 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 shin-guards.
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 - U10 25 minutes
U11 – U14 30 minutes
U15 – U16 35 minutes
U17 – U19 40 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. Any player listed on the game day roster will be allowed to take penalty kicks whether that player is on the field or not. 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, assistant coach or certified adult representative 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 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 4 to 0 against the team being penalized. In the event of a forfeit, the four (4) goals shall not be credited to any one member of the winning team but to the team as a whole. The maximum amount of goal-differential applied to tie-break procedures in a single game is plus-four (+4) goals. All additional goals will be listed in final score but not count towards group standings.
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 unless over-ruled by TGC. A mandatory one-game suspension must be served. 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.
Modification regarding Heading:
Deliberate heading is not allowed in U11 and below age games. If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred. Heading is allowed in U12 games without limitations.
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 where 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 depending on suspension.
· 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.
GENERAL PROHIBITIONS
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.
PRE-GAME PROCEDURES
· Referees shall check in at the Venue Manager station and get the game cards if needed.
· 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 and/or Venue Coordinators will be stationed on site.
· 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 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.
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 record Game Scorecard and any send offs to the Venue Manager station. Scores and send-offs for games that are not played at the main complex can be reported via text. Scorekeeper will then post game scores and points on Bracket Scoreboards.
· Referees shall report to the next game assignment if applicable.
INCLEMENT WEATHER OR OTHER UNCONTROLLABLE CIRCUMSTANCES
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 holistically while realizing the need to determine champions in each bracket by a certain time.
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 to possibly reschedule the remainder of the game. 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.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Tournament Games Committee (TGC) and United Futbol Academy shall not be liable for expenses incurred by any team or club if the tournament is canceled, 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.