Registration

• All Team Managers or Coaches must report to their field site’s Field Marshal registration table ONE HOUR prior to their first scheduled game for team check-in.
• Player Cards: Current player cards are required for all players as proof of age and must be available for inspection during initial check-in and at the start of each game.

Rules of Play

All games will follow FIFA rules with US Club adjustments for youth competition, along with the following clarifications:
Game Format

• Each team will play a minimum of three (3) games.
• Preliminary Games: May end in a tie.
• Final Games: Ties after regulation will go straight to FIFA Penalty Kicks, which will immediately follow the game.

Game Duration and Ball Size

• Running Clock: No stoppage time for injuries.
• Halftime: 5 minutes.

Determining Winners
Teams will earn points as follows:

• 6 points for a win.
• 3 points for a tie.
• 0 points for a loss.
• 1 point per goal (maximum of 3 per game).
• 1 point for a shutout.
• 1 point for each player or coach ejected.
• Example: A 0-0 tie results in 4 points (3 for the tie + 1 for the shutout).

Tiebreakers (in order):

1. Head-to-head results.
2. Total goal differential.
3. Goals against.
4. Goalsfor.
5. FIFA Penalty Kicks (time/location determined by the Tournament Director).
6. For a three-way tie, a coin flip will determine the order, followed by FIFA Penalty Kicks.

Final Games

Advancement Rules:

• 4-Team Flight: Top 2 teams with the most overall points advance to the championship game.
• 6-Team Flight: Top 2 highest point-scorers from all six teams advance to the championship game.
• 8-Team Flight: Winners from each of the two brackets advance to the championship game.

Game Day Check-In

• All teams must check in at least 30 minutes before each scheduled game.
• Present player cards and game card to the Field Marshal.
• The Field Marshal will hold the game and player cards during the game. Team representatives must initial the game card after the match to retrieve their cards.
• Failure to check in results in forfeiture.

Player Safety

• Shin Guards: Mandatory for all players.
• Equipment Approval: The Tournament Director and referee assignor have final say on equipment suitability (e.g., hard braces/casts).
• Weather Conditions: Referees will determine if playing conditions are safe.

Home Team Responsibilities

• Game Ball: Provided by the home team and subject to referee approval.
• Jersey Conflicts: The home team must switch jerseys if there is a color conflict. If they cannot, the game will be forfeited.
• Sideline Seating:
  • Coaches and teams will be on one sideline.
  • Spectators will be on the opposite sideline.

Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions are allowed with referee permission.

Cautions and Ejections

• Two yellow cards in one game equal a red card (ejection).
• Ejected players/coaches must leave the field and cannot return for that game.
• Violent conduct results in suspension from the next scheduled game.
• Referee assault results in tournament expulsion.

Protests and Forfeits

• Protests: Not allowed. Referee decisions are final.
• Forfeits: Scored as a 0-1 loss. The opposing team earns 8 points (6 for the win, 1 for a goal, and 1 for a shutout).

Field Safety/Inclement Weather

• The Tournament Director or referee will determine if fields are safe for play.
• Rain or poor conditions may lead to shortened games, penalty kicks, or cancellations.
• Refunds: If two games are completed, no refund will be given. The Tournament Director may retain up to 1/3 of the team fee to cover expenses.

Conduct

• Players, coaches, and spectators must demonstrate good sportsmanship.
• Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their team and spectators. Misconduct may result in forfeiture or tournament bans.

Strict Rules:

• No Alcohol: Prohibited at tournament sites.
• No Pets: Pets are not allowed on fields.
• Smoke-Free Environment: Smoking is prohibited at all sites.
• Synthetic Turf Rules:
  • No food, gum, or seeds allowed.
  • No sharp objects on the turf.

Small-Sided Games Rules

Heading Rules (U11 and Younger)

• No deliberate heading in U11 and younger games. Violations result in an indirect free kick.
• U12 games: Heading is permitted.
• U11 players playing up to U12 may not head the ball.

7v7 Build-Out Line

• Used to promote playing out from the back with less pressure.
• Opponents must retreat behind the line until the ball is in play.
• No punts/drop kicks by goalkeepers. Violations result in an indirect free kick.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in making the tournament a success!