Tournament Rules and Format

TOURNAMENT RULES
All games shall be played in accordance with the FIFA Laws, USYSA and GSSA Youth modifications except as specifically superseded by these rules.

TABLE "A"
POINT SYSTEM TO DETERMINE GROUP WINNERS
Win:  Winning teams get 3 points
Tie:  Tying teams get 1 point each
Loss:  Losing teams get 0 points

DETERMINING WILD CARD TEAMS
Wildcard teams, where specified, will be chosen across all divisions from teams which did not win their group using their total number of points accumulated as specified above. Under no circumstances will a wildcard team play a team in the first round of the playoffs which it has already played in the round robin phase of the tournament. In such an event, the wildcard team will play the winner of the next highest group.

TABLE "B"
TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE GROUP WINNERS
Note that the order of the tie breaking rules is important. If the first rule can determine a winner, then the process is over. If the first fails, then the second is used and so on until a winner is determined. These procedures are only used when Table “A” fails to determine a winner.

1. Results of head to head competition within the group (if only two teams are involved).
2. Greater Goal Difference, with a maximum of +4 and a minimum of -4 for any one game.
3. Least number of goals allowed.
4. Penalty Shootout prior to next round’s game.

TABLE "C"
RESOLVING TIES IN SEMIFINAL/FINAL GAMES
This procedure is used only for SEMIFINAL and FINAL. If a FINAL match ends in a tie, the teams will be given a five minute rest and then two full ten-minute overtime periods will be played (i.e. no Golden Goal). This applies to all age groups. In SEMIFINAL matches, there will be no overtime. Games will be decided by penalty kicks in 3 below.

1. Captains will meet for a coin toss to determine choice of goal to defend.
2. After the first ten minute overtime period, teams will switch ends of the field and kick-off after a two-minute break. Substitutions may be made.
3. If the game is still tied after two overtime periods are completed, the FIFA penalty kick procedure will be used to determine a winner under the following guidelines: 
   1.  Only the players on the field at the end of the second overtime period are eligible to participate in the penalty kick procedure.
   2. The eligible players from each team will meet at the center circle at the end of the second overtime period.
   3. Captains will meet for the coin toss. The coin will be called by the visitor. The winner has the choice to kick first or second.
   4. The referee will decide which goal is to be used for the penalty kicks.
   5. The referee shall make sure that the teams have an even number of players participating in the kicks.
   6. With teams alternating, five penalty kicks will be taken. The Team scoring the most goals wins the match. If one team builds an insurmountable lead before the completion of 5 kicks they shall be declared the winner.
   7. If the match is still tied after the first round of five penalty kicks, the remaining eligible players from each team will take penalty kicks, alternating each attempt to score until one team scores and the other fails to score in a given round. The first team to score while the other team fails to score shall be declared the winner.
   8. Any of the eligible players may serve as goalkeeper. The goalkeeper can be changed at any time. A goalkeeper who is injured may be replaced by an otherwise ineligible player from the sideline.
   9. A player may take a second kick only after all other eligible players - including the goalkeeper - have taken one. At this point, kickers do not have to kick in the same order as they did before.

SUBSTITUTIONS:
Unlimited substitutions may be made, with the referee’s consent, at the following times:

1. Prior to your team’s throw-in. If the team in possession opts to substitute and the opposing team has players at the halfway line waiting to substitute, the opposing team may also substitute.
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team.
3. After a goal is scored by either team.
4. At half-time.
5. Prior to an overtime period.
6. If the game is stopped for an injury either team may substitute any number of players (with the referee’s acknowledgment).
7. At the time of a yellow card infraction.
8. There are no requirements for minimum playing time for each player.

NOTE: Since the tournament will attempt to stay on schedule, the referee shall take note of any obvious delays caused by a team during substitution. The players on the side must enter the field at the halfway line. Players leaving the match may exit by the closest touch line or goal line. The game will be immediately restarted.

LENGTH OF GAME/BALL SIZE

Age groups below are as designated by current USYSA policy.

AGE	LENGTH OF HALF	BALL SIZE
U09/10	25 minutes	4
U11/12	25 minutes	4
U13/14	30 minutes	5

 

NOTE: Games may be shortened by the tournament committee to maintain the schedule. (Group games only)

CONDUCT:
Players sent off and/or coaches removed from a game are automatically suspended from their team’s next tournament game. Players sent off or coaches removed for fighting will not be allowed to return to the tournament. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their spectators. Coaches cannot be carded, but they can be asked to leave.

PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT:
In general, Law IV of FIFA laws applies.

1. All screw in studs will be ruled on at the field by the referee for safe play.
2. When the color of jerseys is similar or identical, the designated home team will change colors. The referee shall be the final authority regarding the need to change.
3. With the exception of the goalkeeper, all players must have uniforms with individual numbers on the shirt. The goalkeeper’s shirt shall be easily distinguishable from all other players and from the referee.
4. No plastic or metal jewelry of any kind (excluding protective eyeglasses) may be worn. 
5. Shin guards are required for all players.
6. Players wearing casts will not be allowed to play.

GENERAL:

1. All judgement decisions of the referee are final and binding.
2. The Tournament Committee, and all sponsors and organizers, will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any team or club if the tournament is cancelled in whole or part.
3. In the event that the tournament is completely cancelled due to weather or other natural cause, teams will receive a partial refund of their entry fee. The actual amount will be determined once tournament expenses have been deducted but will be at least 50% of the entry fee.
4. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the tournament and its judgement is final.
5. Official State YSA rosters, player identification/registration cards, and permits to travel must be presented at tournament registration. Rosters must be originals or State YSA approved copies with an original official State YSA stamp or embossed certification on the roster.
6. Awards for the top two teams (i.e. 1st & 2nd) shall be awarded immediately following the championship game.

PROTESTS:
No protests are allowed.