1. Eligible players.
• Teams must check in the morning of the tournament with their team credentials. All players must be registered with USYSA laminated player passes or temporary laminated league passes (2006-07 OR 2007-08 SEASON). Passes and medical release forms will be required at the team check-in and all games. No players may be added after the tournament begins.
• Teams will be allowed unlimited loan players, with a maximum roster size of 18 players. U9 and U10 teams will be limited to a roster size of 14.
• Any player without a laminated player pass will not be allowed to play.
• Travel papers will be required for teams from outside of CYSA-S.
2. Game check-in.
• The Field Marshal or referee will check player ID cards and equipment prior to each game.
• Players must wear shin guards to play.
• Teams must be on opposite sides of the field, home team has choice of side.
3. Forfeits.
• A team failing to report ready to play within 1 minute of scheduled kick-off time will forfeit the game 1-0. The winner will be awarded 7 points (6 for the win, 1 for a goal). No shutout point is awarded.
• If a team forfeits a game, the scores from any completed games will stand.
• Any team found guilty of using an ineligible player will forfeit any and all matches that the player participates in.
• No refunds will be allowed to a team that withdraws during the competition.
• If a team withdraws prior to elimination rounds they will be replaced with the next eligible team in the standings. If a team withdraws during the elimination rounds they will be replaced with the last team eliminated.
4. Point system.
• The following point system shall be used:
• 6 points for a win
• 3 points for a tie
• 1 point for each goal (winner, loser or tie) up to a maximum of 3 goals per game
• 1 point for a shutout victory
5. Tie breakers
• The tie breaking system is as follows:
• (1) Head to head competition (In case of a 3 way tie, head to head is never used, go directly to #2)
• (2) Goal differential
• (3) Most goals scored
• (4) Fewest goals allowed
• (5) Most shutout victories
• (6) FIFA penalty kicks
6. Length of games
* U9 & U10- 40 minute preliminary, qtr-final and semi-final games
• U11 through U12- 50 minute preliminary, qtr-final and semi-final games
• U13 through U16- 60 minute preliminary, qtr-final and semi-final games
• U17 through U19- 70 minute preliminary, qtr-final and semi-final games
• Five minutes will be allowed for half-time.
• No overtime in preliminary games (ties stand).
• A tie in a semi-final or qtr final: teams will play two five minute overtime periods with the teams changing ends between halves. Overtime periods will be played to their conclusion. If the game is tied at the end of the second overtime period the game will be decided by FIFA penalty kicks.
• Finals: games will be regulation length with two 10 minute overtime periods, played to their conclusion, if the score is tied at the end of regulation. If the score is tied at the end of the second overtime the game will be decided by FIFA penalty kicks. U9 & U10 overtime in the final will be two 5 minute periods if the game is tied at the end of regulation.
7. Substitution rules.
• Prior to a throw-in by the team possessing the ball.
• Prior to a goal kick by either team.
• After a goal is scored and at halftime.
• For an injured player after the game has been stopped.
• A player receiving a yellow card MAY be substituted for at that time.
• In any flight involving 1 or more foreign teams, the substitution rules listed above will apply with the restriction that any player removed from the game may not re-enter the game. This applies to U17-U19 only.
8. Home team.
• For all games, the HOME TEAM will be listed first and will have choice of sides, will provide a game ball if needed and will change jerseys in case of a color conflict.
9. Standards of play.
• All players, coaches and spectators will be expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
• Any player or coach given a red card will not be permitted to participate in the remainder of that game and the next scheduled game.
• After the game in which the offense occurred, the Tournament Committee will have complete authority to decide the number of games a player or coach will be suspended for. Players or administrators may be suspended from further tournament play at the discretion of the Tournament Committee. Their decision is final.
• The game referees have been instructed to consider all spectators as a part of the team and will hold the teams responsible for acting according to all game and tournament rules.
• No protests can or will be accepted.
• Each team is responsible for cleaning their side of the field at the end of the game.
10. Discipline.
• Coaches have total responsibility for the conduct of their players, bench and spectators at all times.
• If officials terminate a game for misconduct, the offending team may be suspended from further participation and all points previously earned forfeited at the discretion of the Tournament Committee. Additionally, the offending teams’ league and state association will be notified.
11. Inclement weather.
• In the event of field unavailability due to inclement weather, matches may be shortened or canceled at the Tournament Committee’s discretion.
12. U9 & U10 MODIFIED GAME RULES
• 8 players maximum on the field, one of whom may be the goalkeeper.
• Players must be 8 yds away from the ball at Start of play, on free kicks, penalty kicks or corner kicks.
• Offsides will be called.
NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED ON THE TOURNAMENT GROUNDS. TEAMS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PICKING UP TRASH ON THEIR SIDE OF THE FIELD. OBSERVE ALL RULES PERTAINING TO CONDUCT AND PARKING AT ALL SITES.
