j. A check for entry fee that is returned from the bank will not be re-deposited. The amount of the check plus $35.00 (cashiers check or money order) must be received by the tournament committee seven days after the team representative is notified of the returned check. If new funds are not received the team will be disqualified from the tournament.

k. Communication during the tournament will be with the Team’s Coaching Staff and/or Manager. This is to eliminate any confusion that may occur.    

5. OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION: You must participate with your 2011/2012 roster.  A participating player may only play for one team. Any team who violates this will forfeit their games and may not advance to a semi-final or final game.

 

6. GUEST PLAYERS: Guest players are to be written on a copy of the official roster (not original) to be provided at registration. Guest players must have valid player passes, medical release, and permission to travel. Note: A guest player from another state association must have a permission to travel from their appropriate State association. Region 1 teams with the exception of New Jersey and Connecticut do not require a permission to travel.

 

U10 - U12 teams are allowed a maximum of 14 players (5 guest players).  U13 – U16 teams are allowed a maximum of 18 players (5 guest players) and U17 – U19 teams are allowed a maximum of 22 players (5 guest players).  However, teams must identify 18 players before each game with the referees.  Only 18 players in each game are allowed to dress and play.   

 

7. PLAYER EQUIPMENT: a. Teams should bring a primary and alternate jersey of different colors. Where the color of the jersey is similar or identical, the designated home team (the team listed first in the schedule) will change jerseys.

b. All players must have uniforms with individual numbers on the jersey.

c. No jewelry may be worn by any player (earrings, watches, necklaces, etc.)

d. Casts will be allowed:

•  If they are well padded in foam or other protective material.  
• The player with the cast does not attempt to use it to an advantage or to harm other players, 
• AND the referee approves the cast. 

A letter from the player’s doctor approving the player’s participation is required. This letter and a copy should be submitted at Registration.  A copy will be returned to be kept with your paperwork at the field.

 

e. Shin guards are mandatory and must be worn at all times by all players.

f. All referee decisions are final regarding player equipment.  

 

8. SIDELINES/HOME TEAM/TEAM POSITION: The Home team is listed first in the schedule.  Coaches and players will share the same side of the field as designated by the field marshal.  All spectators will take up a position on the OPPOSITE side of the field during the time that the match is in progress.  Coaches, players and spectators for all participating teams must remain on their respective sides of the field during the time of the match.  Behavior of spectators associated with the team remains the responsibility of the coach.  The referee and field marshal are authorized to remove any spectator whose behavior, in their opinion, interferes with the play of the game.

   

 No coaching will be permitted within 18 yards of the goal line or behind the goal line.  Coaches, players or spectators are not permitted to stand behind the goal line at anytime during the time the match is in progress.

 

9. SUBSTITUTIONS: Substitutions to be made at any stoppage with the permission of the referee, but made only at the following times:

• Prior to a throw in by the team in possession
•  Prior to a goal kick by either team
• Anytime approval is granted by the referee. (As in the case of injury, for injured player only.)  Note:  When this occurs, opponent may substitute a like number.
• For a player who has been cautioned. Note:  When this occurs, opponent may substitute a like number.

FIFA limited substitution laws of the game concerning substitutions will be followed for U-16 and above, when two (2) or more international teams participate in any one age division.

In all other age divisions without two (2) or more international teams, substitutions will be made with referee’s permission: Unlimited substitutions may be made with the referee’s permission:

•  After a goal has been made;
• At the beginning of the second half of play or prior to the beginning of an overtime period;
• At a goal kick by either team; or
• At a throw-in by the team in possession.

Limited substitutions may be made, with the referee’s permission:

• In case of stoppage of play for an injury; or
• To replace a cautioned player.
• Under no circumstances may substitutions be made (1) on corner kicks or (2) after the game has ended in a tie and FIFA penalty kicks will be required to determine a winner.  

10. PLAYER/COACH/SPECTATON BEHAVIOR: If a player is ejected from a match – red card or two yellow cards in the same match by the referee – the player must sit out the remainder of that match plus his team’s next tournament match. No substitution will be made for the ejected player during the match in whom the red card was issued.

 

Two yellow cards to the same player in the same match equal a red card and will result in immediate ejection from that match.  Coaches in receipt of a red or two yellow cards in the same match are subject to the same penalties as outlined above for players.  A coach ejected from a match will not be allowed in the vicinity of the field or by cell phone for the remainder of that match and for his team’s next match.

 

Coaches are responsible for their players, parents and guests on the sideline.  No team or club official may enter the field of play regardless of the circumstances unless that person has been given permission to enter the field of play by the referee.

 

Because of the seriousness of such instances, red cards issued after the end of regulation play or as a result of physical assault are subject to review by the Tournament Committee and more strenuous penalty, which is not subject to appeal, may be employed.

 

11. HOME/TEAM FIELD POSITIONS: The Home team is listed first in the schedule. The Home team will change jerseys if there is a conflict. Each team’s players will take a position on one side of the field opposite the spectators. It is requested that all sideline player trash be picked up after the game.

 

12. REFEREES: All referees will be USSF certified.  A three-man system will be used for all U-10 through U-19 games including U10 & U11 small sided games.  In the event of a shortage of Assistant Referee, club linesman will be used.

 

13. BALL/PLAY : U10-U12 will use size 4 ball. U13 and above will use size 5 ball. The tournament provides the official game ball(s).  ALL MATCHES WILL START ON TIME.  The duration of halves is listed below.  The interval between halves shall be five (5) minutes.  The referee is the official timekeeper of the match.  During the preliminary matches there will be no injury time allowed. 

• U10  - U14  Two (2) 30 minute halves with five (5) minutes half-time
• U15 - U19   Two (2) 35 minute halves with  five (5) minutes half-time

Note: U10 will play small sided games 7v7 with Goal keepers, U11/12 age divisions will play small sided game 8 v 8 with Goal keepers, U13-U19 will play 11v11.  The tournament does not require the referee to add time for substitutions. The official clock will NOT stop for any reason unless in the judgment of the referee: a) removing an injured player from the field would endanger the physical well being of the player, or: b) any game shortened due to injury will be continued at the sole discretion of the Tournament Director

 

14.  ADVANCEMENT IN TOURNAMENT PLAY:

 

Division with 9 teams (3 brackets)

              I.      Each team will play two preliminary round matches.

             II.      After the conclusion of all preliminary round matches, all team will be ranked first, second and third within their respective brackets.

           III.      The first place teams from each bracket will advance to the semi-finals matches.

           IV.      First of Bracket B will play first of Bracket C in a semifinal. The winner of this match will advance to the championship games.

             V.      First of Bracket A will play the winner of quarterfinal match between the winner of the First of the Seconds and Second of the seconds (wildcard). If the wildcard is from (A), then (A Vs C) and (B Vs C).

           VI.      To obtain First, Second and Third place of the Seconds the second level rankings will be decided on points and tie breakers between the second place teams only in each bracket.

         VII.      First of the Seconds will play the Second place of Seconds in a quarterfinal match.

       VIII.      The winner of this quarterfinal match (at this point will the in Fourth place or Wildcard) will advance to the semifinal against the First place of Bracket A. If the wildcard is from (A), then (A Vs C) and (B Vs WC).

           IX.      The Third place team of the seconds will play a consolation match against 3^rd place team in bracket C.

             X.      First place of Bracket A will play the Fourth place (winner of the quarterfinal). If the wildcards is from (A), then (A Vs C) and (B Vs WC).

           XI.      The winner of this match will advance to the championship games

         XII.      Consolation matches will be played as follows: 3rd of Seconds will play 3^rd place of Bracket A.  3^rd place team in bracket B will play the 3^rd place team in bracket C.

 

Division with 8 teams (2 brackets)

               I.Each team will play three preliminary round  robins

             II.After the conclusion of all preliminary round robins, all teams will be ranked in their respective brackets with top-ranked teams advancing to the championship match.

 

Division with 7 teams (2 brackets)

 

               I.      Two round robins one with three teams and the other with four teams. 

             II.      Bracket A (with four teams) will play two matches in their Bracket on Saturday and will complete the round robin play on Sunday morning. Teams will be seeded upon completion of round robin play on Sunday morning.

           III.      Bracket B (with 3 teams) will play round robin matches on Saturday.  Teams will be seeded after the last match on Saturday.

           IV.      The 3^rd Seeds from Bracket A and Bracket B will play a consolation match. The 4^th place team in Bracket A will not have a fourth match.

             V.      1^st and 2^nd place teams from the two Brackets will play each other on Sunday in two semifinal matches. (1^st A Vs 2^nd B and 1^st B Vs 2^nd A).

           VI.      The winners from the semifinal match will meet in the championship match on Sunday.

 

Division with 6 teams (2 brackets)

 

               I.      Each team will play two preliminary round matches.

             II.      After the conclusion of the preliminary round marches, all teams will be ranked in the respective brackets with the top-ranked teams advancing to the semifinal matches.

           III.      The third-ranked teams will play each other for their third tournament match.

 

Division with 5 teams (1 bracket)

               I.      Each team will play four matches, accordingly.

             II.      After the conclusion of all matches, all teams will be ranked with the top two teams winning the championship and the second team being the finalist.  There will be no final.

 

Division with 4 teams (1 bracket)

 

               I.      Each team will play three preliminary round matches.

             II.      After the conclusion of the preliminary round matches all team will be ranked with the two top-ranked teams advancing to the championship game.

 

 

15. DETERMINIATION OF DIVISION WINNERS: Three (3) points will be earned for a win, one (1) point will be earned for a tie and no points are earned for a loss.

 

Tournament Tie Breakers

(Determination of wild cards first and second place winners)

 

Total points ties within divisions and/or brackets will be broken by the following tiebreakers in order:

               I.      Head to head competition during the tournament of the two teams tied.  (Disregard if more than two teams are tied—NEVER revert back to this tiebreaker if more than two teams are tied.)

             II.      Least amount of goals allowed.

           III.      Most goals scores up to three per match

           IV.      Most wins

             V.      FIFA penalty kicks. If necessary, these penalty kicks will take place immediately prior to the semi-final or championship match.

 

Tie-Breaker Clarification

 

Once a criterion is used to determine the tiebreaker, teams must continue to the next criteria and may not revert back.

Example:

 

Step 1:   Three teams each have 6 team points. “A” is winner over “B,” “B” over “C” and “C” over

 “A”.  Three teams are tied so #1 above (head-to-head) is disregarded.

Step 2: Team “A” has allowed 7 goals.  “B” and “C” have each allowed 5 goals.  Therefore “A” is eliminated.

Step 3: You DO NOT revert back to #1 (head-to-head); the next criteria considered.

 

Tournament Overtime

 All preliminary games will remain a tie. In semi-final and final matches, if regulation play ends in a tie score, the following steps will be taken,

 

               I.      Two five-minute overtime periods-the entire 10 minutes must be played.

             II.      If still tied after ten minutes, the tie will be broken by penalty kicks in accordance with FIFA tiebreaker rules.

• Only the players on the field at the end of regulation will be eligible to participate in penalty kick procedure.
• The players from each team must stay on the field of play and will meet at the center at the end of the game.
• Captains will meet for the coin toss to decide who kicks first.
• Referee decides which goal will be used.

 

16. START OF PLAY/FORFEITS:  It is the duty of the coaches to ensure that players report to the field 30 minutes prior to the start time of each match for possible verification of rosters and players passes.  Player passes and roster must be present at the field for the duration of every game. Games balls will be provided by the tournament.

 

Any U13 – U19 team that cannot field seven (7) players at the scheduled start time of a match shall forfeit the match.  A U10, U11 and U12 small sided team, which cannot field five (5) players at the scheduled start time of a match, shall forfeit the match.  Any team forfeiting the match shall be declared the loser. A forfeit will be scored three for the winner, and zero for the forfeiting team. Any team forfeiting a match will not be allowed to play in a semi-final or championship match.  If there is no referee present within ten minutes of the scheduled start time, the match shall be rescheduled unless both teams’ coaches agree to proceed.  If the match proceeds, the score shall stand as played.  If there is only one referee present for a preliminary match (U13 and above) at the scheduled start time, the referee present shall commence the match using volunteer line’s person.  Should the second/third referee arrive at the field, he should enter the match at an appropriate break in play and volunteer linesmen shall be relieved of their duties.

PROTESTS - NO protests will be permitted

 

17. INCLEMENT WEATHER: Regardless of weather conditions, coaches and their teams must appear at their respective field site, ready to play as scheduled. Failure to appear will result in forfeiture of the match. Only the Tournament Committee may cancel or postpone a match. Referees may suspend a match only. In the event of inclement weather forcing play to be halted and preventing the match from completing during the scheduled time, the score shall stand if at least one-half of the game has been played.  In the case of matches halted prior to the completion of at least one half, the Tournament Committee reserves the right to declare the match final thereby counting the score at the time the match was halted.  Regardless of weather conditions, teams and coaches must be at the game site and ready to play at the time as scheduled.  Failure to appear will result in forfeiture of the game.  Referees and field marshals will not consider beginning or continuing matches when a lightning storm exists. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN IN THE EVENT OF CANCELLATION. Note: Your online application constitutes agreement with these rules and this paragraph.

 

18. DISCLAIMER: The Tournament Rules Committee reserves the right to make the following changes in the event of inclement weather:

•  Relocate and/or reschedule a match
• Reduce scheduled duration of a match
• Change division structure
• Cancel a match
• Cancel any or all games

Under no circumstances whatsoever will the Tournament Committee, Old Dominion Soccer Club, any official sponsor, or VYSA be responsible for expenses (including tournament entry fee) incurred by any team.  This includes a situation where the tournament or any game(s) is cancelled in whole or part.  The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide all matters pertaining to the tournament. The judgment of the Tournament Committee is final. The Tournament Director has authority to make all decisions and these decisions will be final. All referee decisions are final and binding.

 

19. TEAM CONTACT INFORMATION: Each team, upon checking in at registration, must sign a ledger sheet giving the hotel where the team is staying, the room number of a team contact, the team’s coach or the team’s assistant coach so that these individuals may be contacted in the event that circumstances require such. Be sure your team contact is someone who can be reached at any hour and has a cell phone. All inquires/questions with the Tournament Committee should be from the Team Contact/Coach and not numerous parents from the team as this only delays response.

 

20. PROBLEMS/QUESTIONS: In the event of a problem, or if a team has a question about the tournament, they should first check with the field marshal at their respective field location.  The field marshal will check periodically with the Tournament Headquarters and can handle most problems. The Tournament Committee and Tournament Director will ultimately decide all issues not resolved on the field locations.  Decisions of the Tournament Committee and Tournament Director are final.

 

21. IMPORTANT NOTES: a. Have all player passes, official roster, and medical release forms with you at the fields during the tournament. Although only checked at registration, the tournament committee reserves the right to check credentials during the event. US Club Soccer teams must have player cards and official roster and be in good standing.  

b. The tournament is dedicated to the development of all the players participating, good sportsmanship, and the “good of the game”. The Tournament Director may suspend, without recourse or appeal, any players, coaches, or spectators who demonstrate anything less.