Schedules - Results - RULES

TOURNAMENT RULES

Page 1 of 7

1. GENERAL TOURNAMENT RULES

1.1.

1.2.

1.3.

1.4.

1.5.

1.6.

1.7.

1.8.

1.9.

There are NO protests regarding the outcome of the games; all decisions made by the referee are final and may not

be protested or appealed.

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the tournaments and all interpretations

of the rules are final. If a team disregards any decision made by the tournament committee (including the inclement weather

policy), all remaining games will be forfeited and therefore disqualified from the tournament.

Under no circumstances will the Tournament Committee, the host club, or governing body be responsible for reimbursing

any expenses (including tournament entry fee) incurred by any team; including situations in which the tournament or any

game(s) is canceled in whole or part.

Teams can purchase an event cancellation insurance policy through ViCoverage for 10% of the team's base entry fee.

This policy can be purchased up to 15 days prior to the start of the tournament. Reimbursement of entry fees, for eligible

teams, will be remitted directly to the individual, or organization, that paid for the policy. All purchased policies are a

contract between ViCoverage and the purchaser. Host Club/Elite Tournaments will not be the issuer of refunded entry fees.

Upon notice of acceptance, any team that withdraws from the tournament will forfeit the entry fee in its entirety.

Non-local teams are required to use the tournament’s hotel booking service. Any team who does not use this system will

be subjected to a fine of $700 or refusal of entrance to any future tournament.

No Performance Bond is required for this event.

First and second place awards will be presented to all age groups.

The Tournament Committee has the authority to remove any person(s) from the tournament for abuses in conduct.

Repeated violations may result in the suspension of the team or person from the tournament and/or future tournaments as

decided by the tournament committee.

1.9.1. PETS ARE PROHIBITED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SERVICE ANIMALS.

1.9.2. OUTDOOR GRILLING IS NOT PERMITTED.

1.9.3. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND SMOKING ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

1.9.4. ARTIFICAL NOISE-MAKERS ARE PROHIBITED

1.9.5. RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (RV’s) ARE PROHIBITTED AT ALL TOURNAMENT VENUES.

1.9.6. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH PARKING INSTRUCTIONS FROM SIGNAGE, EVENT STAFF, AND/OR FACILITY

STAFF MAY RESULT IN TICKETS AND/OR TOWING. ELITE TOURNAMENTS AND THE HOST CLUB ARE NOT

RESPONSIBLE FOR TICKETING OR TOWING.

1.9.7. ALL VIDEO RECORDING EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROPERLY ANCHORED AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE WITH

GAME PLAY. IF CAMERAS/TRIPODS ON THE TEAM SIDELINE, OPERATORS MUST BE PROPERLY CARDED ON

THE TEAM'S OFFICIAL ROSTER.

2. TEAM REQUIREMENTS FOR CHECK-IN AND TEAM ELIGIBILITY

2.1. Teams are required to check-in online via GotSport prior to the start of the tournament. The tournament check-in

procedure can be located on the Tournament Website.

2.2. What is needed for Check-In:

2.2.1.

2.2.2.

2.2.3.

2.2.4.

Copy of the current year official USYS State Association, US Club, SAY, or AYSO approved roster. Rosters

must include player jersey numbers, birth date and player identification number.

Player identification cards for each individual participating player, issued by the same organization as the team

roster. No player shall play or be rostered for more than one team in during the tournament.

Medical releases for each individual participating player.

Guest player’s current player identification card and subsequent information added to the bottom of the roster

being submitted (player jersey numbers, birth date and player identification number.)

2.2.5. Permission to Travel (if applicable)

2.2.6. Signed Tournament Liability Waiver (can be found on Tournament Website)

TOURNAMENT RULES

Page 2 of 7

2.3. Each team must be registered with a National Soccer Association affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation or their

national equivalent and possess and present a valid state / provincial or national association roster.

2.3.1. Teams from the United States:

2.3.1.1. Player identification cards authorized by the team’s Federation Organization Member (USYS, US Club) will

be required as proof of age. Players who do not present a valid player pass will not play.

2.3.1.2. Teams registered outside of the region (region 1 – see 2.3.1.2.1.1.) of the host tournament location must

have a copy of the approved Permission to Travel or Notification to Travel form, as required by their host

association, in order to participate.

2.3.1.2.1.1. National State Associations in Region 1

2.3.1.2.1.1.1.

2.3.1.2.1.1.2.

2.3.1.2.1.1.3.

2.3.1.2.1.1.4.

2.3.1.2.1.1.5.

2.3.1.2.1.1.6.

2.3.1.2.1.1.7.

2.3.1.2.1.1.8.

2.3.1.2.1.1.9.

2.3.1.2.1.1.10.

2.3.1.2.1.1.11.

2.3.1.2.1.1.12.

2.3.1.2.1.1.13.

2.3.1.2.1.1.14.

2.3.1.2.1.1.15.

Connecticut Jr Soccer Association

Delaware Youth Soccer Association

Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association

Soccer Maine

Maryland Youth Soccer Association

Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association

New Hampshire Soccer Association

New Jersey Youth Soccer Association

New York State West Youth Soccer Association

Pennsylvania West State Soccer Association

Soccer Rhode Island

Vermont Soccer Association

Virginia Youth Soccer Association

West Virginia Soccer Association

2.3.2. Foreign Teams:

2.3.2.1. Players must present passports at Team Check-In, or if traveling from a nation that the United States does

not require a passport, proof of entry into the United States.

2.3.2.2. Teams are required to have player identification cards.

2.3.2.3. Teams must present travel forms completed from their Provincial or National Association approving

participation

2.4. Rosters submitted at Online Check-In shall govern and must be present at every game (the roster must also be

properly stamped by its state or regional association). At the discretion of the site coordinator, rosters may be reviewed to

identify ineligible players.

2.5. No roster may be comprised of players with different passes from different organizations (no “mixed rosters.”) For Example,

USYS teams may only take guest players registered with properly stamped USYS player pass cards, they may not have a player

use a US Club Pass when using a USYS Roster.

2.6. For information regarding the carding of a guest player that is not already registered with US Club Soccer or USYS, check

with your local club, state, or regional registrar on how to card a guest player.

TOURNAMENT RULES

Page 3 of 7

3. AGE GROUP AND ROSTER REQUIREMENTS

3.1. Participation is open to accepted teams meeting the roster limit and player age limit as defined by US Soccer Guidelines and the

tournaments’ permission to host.

Age Group # of players on the field Roster Size (maximum)

U9 - U10 7v7 14 players

U11 - U12 9v9 16 players

3.2. U13-U19 teams that use the 22 player roster may only dress a total of 18 players per game. All players over the

18 designated players must remain on the spectator side of the field.

3.3. No player shall play or be rostered for more than one team in during the tournament, unless approved prior to the

event by the Tournament Director. Teams found in violation are subject to removal from the event without a refund.

3.4. A maximum of five (5) guest players will be allowed during the tournament. All guest players are required to have the same

information included on the roster as the ‘original’ team members.

4. LAWS OF THE GAME

4.1. All games shall be played in accordance with IFAB Laws, except as specifically modified by these rules in this document.

4.2. The Tournament committee has made the commitment to the use of the three-man referee system for all 11v11 matches

and the one- man referee system for small sided games (7v7 & 9v9).

4.3. Heading Rules for U11 and Younger

Whenever the ball strikes a player in the head, play is stopped. The proper restart depends upon whether the player

deliberately played the ball with his or her head. If deliberate, the proper restart is an indirect free kick to the

opposing team. If this occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel

to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If the play by the head is deemed in

advertent, then the proper restart is a dropped ball.

4.4. 7v7 (U9 - U10) Build Out Line

4.4.1. When the goalkeeper has the ball, either during play (from the opponent) or from a goal kick, the opposing team must

move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play.

4.4.2. Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punting is

not allowed).

4.4.3 After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as

normal.

4.4.4. If a goalkeeper punts the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.

4.4.5.1. The build out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can be called. Players cannot be

penalized for an offside offense between the hallway line and the build out line. Players can be penalized for an

offside offense between the build out line and goal line.

4.5. Any Player or Coach that receives a Red Card will be removed from the game and will serve a minimum 1 game suspension.

The Tournament Committee has the right to shorten or lengthen the suspension.

4.4.4.1. If the punt occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to

the goal line at nearest point to where the infringement occurred.

4.4.5. Offsides

U13 - U15

U16 - U19 11v11 22 players

11v11 22 players

TOURNAMENT RULES

Page 4 of 7

5. EQUIPMENT, UNIFORM AND FIELDS

5.1. Players of the same team must wear uniforms of similar design and color with numbers on the back of their uniforms. The

numbers must coincide with the numbers listed on the team’s official state / provincial roster. If the numbers do not match

those of the roster, the player may not participate in tournament games.

5.2. The home team is to wear light colored uniforms, while the away team is to wear darker colored uniforms. If the uniform

colors are similar, the designated home team on the schedule will change jerseys.

5.3. Players are required to wear shin guards in accordance with IFAB Laws of the Game.

5.4. Players playing with protective casts will require approval prior to each match by the referee(s). If the referee(s) on the field

deem a player’s protective cast is unsafe in any way, the player will not be allowed to play regardless of approval from a

medical professional. Bubble wrap or another soft wrap material is recommended to cover a hard cast.

5.5. Teams must be at the fields 20 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off. Regardless of weather conditions, coaches and teams

must appear on the field ready to play as scheduled, unless otherwise directed by the Tournament Director. Failure to

appear will result in forfeiture of the game, as only the referees and/or tournament committee can postpone or cancel

a game.

5.6. Game balls will be provided by the referees at the start of the match. If the balls provided are lost or damaged throughout

the course of the day, the home team will provide the ball.

5.7. No jewelry may be worn by any player during a game (earrings, watches, necklaces, etc.).

5.8. Coaches and players shall stand on opposite sides of the field from parents and spectators. No coaching shall be

permitted within 18 yards of the goal line, from behind the goal line or from the parent/spectator sideline.

6. SUBSTITUTIONS

6.1. Substitutions without limit may be made during any stoppage of play at the referee's discretion. This can include throw-ins by

either team, goal and corner kicks, free kicks by either team, etc.

7. DURATION OF GAMES

7.1. The following table shows the length of game halves for the tournament. There is no overtime for this tournament.

7.2. In the event, inclement weather forces a cancellation of a game after at least 20 minutes (or at the discretion of the

tournament director) have been played, the game shall be considered official; the score at the point of cancellation will stand as the

final score. If the game is stopped before 20 minutes have passed, the match may be rescheduled for complete replay, resumed, or

considered final at the discretion of the tournament committee.

7.3. In the event of an injury, stoppage time will not be awarded. The clock will continue to run and the game will resume once

the player has left the field. In the event that the duration of the game runs out of time while the injury is still in progress, the

score will stand as final.

Age Group # of players on the field during play Half length Halftime

Length

Ball Size

U9- U10 7v7 25 minutes 5 minutes Size 4

U16 - U19

11v11 30 minutes 5 minutes Size 5

U11 - U12

U13 - U15

11v11

9v9

35 minutes

25 minutes

5 minutes

5 minutes

Size 5

Size 4

TOURNAMENT RULES

Page 5 of 7

8. FAILURE TO SHOW AND FORFEITS

8.1. A game may not start with fewer than the required minimum number of properly uniformed players on each team.The

minimum number of players for a game is as follows:

8.1.1. Seven (7) for any full-sided (11v11) game

8.1.2. Six (6) for any small sided (9v9) game

8.1.3. Five (5) for any small sided (7v7) game

8.2. Once a game has started, it may not continue with fewer than the stated minimum. If a game cannot start or continue

because of a team having fewer than the minimum, that team shall forfeit the game.

8.3. A team shall have a five (5) minute grace period from the scheduled kick off time to take the field before the game is

awarded to their opponent as a 5-0 forfeit win.

8.4. If a team through the actions of its players, coaches, and/or spectators, is the cause for a termination of a game, the

game will be scored as a 5-0 forfeit win for the opposing team.

8.5.

9. DETERMINATION OF DIVISION WINNERS

9.1. At the end of the tournament, the division winner shall be the team with the most points in their group.

Teams will be awarded points on the following basis:

9.1.1. Three (3) points for each win

9.1.2. One (1) point for each tie

9.1.3. Zero (0) points for each loss

9.2. Tie-Breaker System after division play, in the order listed below:

9.2.1. When the tie-breaker system is used, the following criteria is followed in order until one or more team(s) are

superior at any given step. The tiebreaker system will not 'reset' in the case of a 3-team tie.

9.3.

9.4.

9.2.1.1. Head-to-head results between two tied teams (if there is a 3-team tie, proceed to the next tie-breaker)

9.2.1.2. Most wins during division play

9.2.1.3. Goal Differential (the difference between goal scored and goals allowed) with a maximum difference of

five (5) goals per game. For example, an 8-1 final score calls for a +5 goal difference for the winning team, and a

-5 goal difference for the losing team. For example, a 3-1 final score calls for a +2 goal difference for the winning

team, and a -2 goal difference for the losing team.

9.2.1.4. Most shutouts during division play

9.2.1.5. Fewest goals allowed during division play

9.2.1.6. Penalty Kicks – FIFA penalty kick procedure will be used to determine a winner

9.2.1.6.1. In the case that none of the criteria can determine superior teams in a 3-team tiebreaker, a

random draw will be conducted by the tournament committee to determine seeding/advancements.

In the event that a wildcard team must be selected for the playoff rounds, the above procedure will be used across the

entire flight.

During a semifinal and final game, if a tie score exists at the end of regulation, the FIFA penalty kick procedure will be

used to determine a winner. Overtime periods will not be used. No substitutions are permitted

9.5. Penalty Kick Procedure:

9.5.1. Each team will select five (5) players to kick – only players on the field at the end of the game may be selected.

9.5.2. Teams will alternate kicks – first team to kick will be determined by the referee’s coin flip.

9.5.3. If the score remains tied after five (5) kicks, teams will alternate kicks one at a time from the remaining players on

the field until a winner is determined.

9.5.4. No player may shoot more than once until all eligible players have taken a kick.

9.5.5. Goalkeepers may be changed after any shot from the list of participating players for the penalty kicks.

8.6.

A team that forfeits a game for any reason will not be eligible to advance to the playoff rounds (semi-final/final) or

receive awards.

If a team has forfeited a game during the tournament, their performance bond will be cashed for the full amount.

TOURNAMENT RULES

Page 6 of 7

9.5.6. If at the end of the game and before the kicks start to be taken from the penalty mark, one team has a greater

number of players than its opponents, it must reduce its number to equate with that of its opponents and the team captain

must inform the referee of the name and number of each player excluded. Any player thus excluded may not participate

in kicks from the penalty mark or serve as the goalkeeper.

9.5.7. Unless participating in the penalty kicks as a kicker or goalkeeper, team members, coaches and other bench

personnel shall remain on designated sideline (off the field)

10. GAME AND SCORE REPORTING

10.1. Each tournament field will have an assigned field marshal responsible for the reporting of the final game report, which

includes the match score and cards issued. They will ensure that the scores of each game and subsequent cards are reported

to the site and tournament headquarters at the end of every game.

10.2. The field marshal will obtain signatures from the referees, home and visiting team official representative (coaches or

10.3.

manager) to verify all of the information reported on the game report.

10.2.1. Once the team official representative has verified and signed the official game report that information will stand as

reported and will not be modified.

11. INCLEMENT WEATHER

11.1. Regardless of weather conditions, players and coaches must be present at the schedule field at the scheduled time, ready to

play. In the event of inclement weather, the tournament committee will have the authority to change any game as follows:

11.1.1. Relocate or reschedule game(s);

11.1.2. Change the duration of game(s);

11.1.3. Cancel preliminary game(s) that have no bearing on the selection of division winners.

12. PROTESTS AND DISPUTES

12.2.

12.3.

All disputes for non-referee decisions are submitted through the Site Coordinator in writing to the Tournament Director and the

Judicial Committee (consisting of the Tournament Director and other Elite Tournaments Staff). The Judicial Committee will

consider and hear protests and disputes from official team representatives only; which consists of the coaches and managers

listed on the official roster provided to the tournament. Appeals of misconduct reports shall be settled by the Judicial Committee

with input from the referee assignor. All protests and disputes must be made with the Site Coordinator within 30 minutes of the

completion of the match. The Tournament Director and Judicial Committee will take such actions necessary to resolve the

dispute.

Decisions by referees regarding the outcome of the game are final and may not be appealed; any decisions by the

tournament director or tournament committee deciding a protest or dispute are final and may not be appealed. Videos

and/or game footage will not be accepted or viewed by the Tournament Committee concerning on-field

decisions.

A protest of player eligibility ("roster-check") must be made by an official team representative (coaches and managers

listed on the official roster provided to the tournament) at least 20 minutes prior to kickoff with the site coordinator and/or

Tournament Director. If a player is ruled ineligible, the player will be prohibited from participating for any team for the remaining

games of the event. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to determine the fate of the team's previous matches, along

with their remaining participation and official standings in the tournament. No roster- checks will be conducted after a match

kicks off.

If a team outscores a team by more than ten (10) goals, the score that is reported officially will not exceed a ten (10) goal

difference. For example, a 17-2 final score will be reported as 12-2 online.

12.1.

TOURNAMENT RULES

Page 7 of 7

13. CONDUCT

Tournament staff will designate one sideline to be used by the players, coaches, and managers listed on the official roster

provided to the tournament. Any individual not listed on the official roster must remain in the area selected for spectators.

Teams will be separated by the midfield line. The tournament staff will then designate the opposite sideline for the use of

parents and spectators. No one will be allowed behind either end line.

Players, coaches and spectators are expected to conduct themselves within the letter and the spirit of “The Laws of the

Game.” Any displays of temper and/or dissent are cause for removal from the game and surrounding field area. The Site

Coordinator has the authority to remove any person(s) from the tournament for abuses in conduct. Repeated violations may

result in the suspension of the team or person from the tournament and/or future tournaments as decided by the

tournament committee.

HARASSMENT OF ANY TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS (INCLUDING REFEREES) FROM COACHES, PLAYERS OR

SPECTATORS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND WILL RESULT IN THE IMMEDIATE AND PERMANENT REMOVAL

FROM THE FACILITY AND THE TOURNAMENT.

The tournament committee reserves the right to suspend or cancel game play due to circumstances deemed

necessary, including but not limited to misconduct of any team representatives including players, coaches, and

spectators. This can additionally result in a team being disqualified from the remainder of the tournament. A written

complaint will be filed with the team’s state, provincial, or national association (if applicable.)

Report of Disciplinary Action:

For United States teams, the tournament will notify the Federation Organization member of that team of the

disciplinary action taken or required.

For Foreign teams, the tournament committee will notify the US Soccer Federation of Disciplinary action taken,

and the Federation will transmit the disciplinary action taken or required to the team’s provincial or national

association

14. CONCUSSION POLICY

Pursuant to State law, Coaches, referees, medical staff or tournament officials must remove from play an athlete exhibiting

the signs and symptoms of a concussion during practice or a game. Once a coach, referee, medical staff or tournament

official removes an athlete from a game the decision cannot be overturned. Once the athlete is removed from play for

symptoms of a concussion the player, is not permitted to return to play until he or she has been assessed by a physician or

licensed health care provider and received written clearance, signed by the physician or licensed health care provider.

This written clearance must be submitted to, and approved by, a tournament director before the athlete is permitted to return

to play.

If a game is terminated or suspended due to the misconduct of one or multiple representatives of a single

team, the game will be scored as a 0-5 forfeit loss for the team responsible. In addition, the team responsible

for the termination will not be eligible to advance to the playoff rounds (semi-final/final) or receive any awards.

If applicable, the team responsible will have their performance bond cashed.

Team officials are responsible for the behavior of the spectators. Team officials can be disciplined by the

referee for failure to control their spectators. The competition authority has the ability to ban a spectator,

forfeit a match, or expel a team from the competition for violations or abuse of a referee or the referee crew.

The tournament committee reserves the right to request and review video footage only when ruling on

incidents related to unruly conduct. The tournament committee will not accept video to review on-field

decisions made by tournament officials.

13.1

13.2

13.3

13.4

13.4.1

13.4.2

13.4.3

13.5

13.5.1

13.5.2