Rules and Regulations

COMPETITION

1. All games shall be played by FIFA rules modifies by USYSA and CYSA-S.
2. All games will be considered final and NO protest will be allowed.
3. In case of abandoned game, the Tournament Committee shall review and decide the results of the game.
4. Teams must arrive thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled start of their game for check-in with the Field Coordinator.
5. The (Home team) appears first on the game schedule. The home team shall provide the game ball and in the event of a color conflict (decided by the Referee) the home team must change to an alternate color.

CREDENTIALS

Current laminated USYSA/CYSA-S or AYSO registration cards with picture and signature will be required of all teams (players and coaches/administrators). All teams must at least have one Coach with a current Risk Management Card. All teams must provide an alphabetized team roster. Birth Certificates (or copy) must be available upon request at check-in.

FORMAT OF PLAY

1. Playing times for each half shall be as follows:

   Age Group	Ball	Preliminary	Final	Tie Breakers
   U19 -- U17	Size 5	30 minutes	45 minutes	10-min x 2
   U16 -- U15	Size 5	30 minutes	40 minutes	10-min x 2
   U14 & U13	Size 5	25 minutes	35 minutes	10-min x 2
   U12 & U11	Size 4	25 minutes	30 minutes	5-min x 2
   U10 & U9	Size 4	20 minutes	25 minutes	5-min x 2
   U8	Size 3	20 minutes	25 minutes	5-min x 2

2. Ties shall stand in all preliminary games.
3. Point systems:
   • 6 points for a WIN
   • 3 points for a TIE
   • 0 points for a LOSS
   • 1 point for each goal (maximum 3 points)
   • 1 point for each Shutout (a 0-0 game is a TIE but not awarded any shutout points.)
   • Maximum points awarded for any game is ten (10).
   • One (1) point will be deducted for each red card per game.
4. Semi-final and championship games will consist of two championship length overtime periods as stated above. Then Penalty kicks if necessary under FIFA rules.
5. Penalty kicks will consist of five (5) players selected from each team at the end of overtime if the game is still tied. These players must be on the field at the end of overtime play. If the game is still tied after five shooters from each team. Penalties will continue with a sixth and subsequent players from each team in a sudden death rotation.
6. Halves of regulation games will be separated by a break of five (5) minutes. Halves of overtime games will be separated by a break of one (1) minute.
7. Tie Breakers:
   • Winner of Head-to-Head competition
   • Team which allows the least Goals Against
   • FIFA Penalty Kicks

SPECIAL INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES

1. Game Start: All games will start at the scheduled start time with a running clock. Failure to start on time will result in a forfeiture of the game by the offending team. If a team does not take the field with a minimum of seven (7) at the scheduled time, then that team will forfeit the game (for U10 and below the minimum number of players is 6). A forfeit win is reported as a 3-0 score and awarded the maximum of ten (10) points.
2. Official line-up sheets must be used for each game. After the game a tournament official will return the sheets to the Field Coordinator.
3. Substitutions: unlimited substitutions shall be allowed as follows:
   • Prior to a throw-in by the team with possession of the ball
   • Prior to a goal kick by either team
   • After a goal by either team
   • At the start of the Half
   • In case of injury stoppage
   • After a Caution

Inclement Weather: Rain or other WEATHER conditions during the tournament shall not delay play unless the referee or tournament director determines the field to be unsafe. In the event of such a delay or postponement, games may:

• BE SHORTENED
• GO TO FIFA PENALTY KICKS
• BE RESCHEDULED
• BE CANCELED

There will be NO REFUNDS or REIMBURSEMENTS of the tournament application fee for cancellation or forfeiture of any game.

GAME ROSTERS

All teams must arrive at least 45 minutes prior to their first game on Saturday and present themselves to the appropriate Field Marshal for check-in. This will be the verification of final roster. The team manager/administrator/coach is responsible for presenting game cards and player cards to the referee before the start of each game and collecting the signed cards and delivering them to the Field Marshal at the conclusion of each game. Maximum roster size will be 14 for Division 6 and 5, with eight on the field; and 18 for Division 4 and 3 with eleven on the field.

MEDICAL RELEASE

All players must have signed 2007-2008 medical release forms.

SPIRIT OF PLAY

It is the understanding of this tournament committee that all teams, including players, coaches, administrators, officials and spectators will participate in the spirit of FAIR PLAY and will conduct themselves in accordance with the tournament rules.

CONDUCT

All coaches have total responsibility for the conduct of their players, bench, friends and spectators at all times. Teams and their supporters should occupy opposite sides of the field. Un-sportsmanlike behavior may result in a loss of points or suspension from the tournament.

DISPUTES

The Tournament Director shall settle ALL disputes.

SUSPENDED GAMES

If, in the opinion of game officials, a game must be terminated due to misconduct of players, coaches, or spectators, the offending team may be suspended from further play and forfeit all points and position previously earned. Additionally, the home league and CYSA-S will be notified.

PROTESTS

Absolutely NO PROTESTS WILL BE ALLOWED. The decision of the Referee, Field Marshal, and the Tournament Director shall be final. A referee's judgment call is not subject to appeal.

REFEREES

Referees have been instructed to start the clock on schedule. Failure to start as directed by the referee will result in forfeit by the offending team.

DISCIPLINE

A player or coach receiving two (2) yellow cards in a single game is considered to have received an ejection (red card). Ejected players may not be replaced in the current game and shall serve a minimum of a one game suspension for their next game played. One (1) point will be deducted from the team for any red card given.

For any ejected player or coach, the referee will pull the player card and give it to the Field Marshal, who will return it to the coach after the suspension period is over (this rule applies whether or not the card was retained by the field marshal). A coach may not coach any other team in the tournament until the suspension has been completed. For flagrant or continued violations, longer suspensions may be imposed upon review of the tournament director.

PLAYER EQUIPMENT

The referee has the final determination regarding the safety of each player's equipment. All players are required to use shin guards. NO SHIN GUARDS, NO PLAY. No rings, chains, watches, casts, metal objects, jewelry, or headbands may be worn. Players wearing a cast of any kind will not be allowed to play. The Field Marshal will determine all decisions regarding playability of fields prior to the start of a game.

HOME TEAM/CONFLICTS

The home team will appear first on the game schedule and has choice of sideline, and will supply the game ball. The home team will be required to switch to an alternate jersey if there is a color conflict as determined by the referee.

BRACKET ASSIGNMENTS AND GAME SCHEDULE

All bracket assignments and game schedules are final. Assignments are made to ensure the best possible balance and afford the greatest competition and fairness. All teams are guaranteed three games, unless due to an act of God.