📅 Game Guarantee & Format
| Days | Details |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Teams have the option to play Saturdays only |
| Sunday | Teams have the option to play Sundays only |
*Note that although teams can request a specific day to play, that it isn’t always guaranteed.
🏆 Finals & Advancement
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Finals Qualification | Who makes the Finals will be based on final standings and the format of the division |
| Multiple Brackets | Top teams from the division may play in the Finals. |
🥇 Awards
| Placement | Awards |
|---|---|
| Champions | Trophies + medals |
| Finalists | Medals |
🧾Check-In & Credentials Registration:
All registration is online via GotSport. Teams must upload:
- Official roster (from a US Youth Soccer–affiliated carding program)
- Teams may make changes to their rosters up until Week #4. After Week #4, the rosters are considered locked. Teams can however use Club Player Passes.
Credentials:
Valid Player I.D. cards with photos and signed Medical Release forms required. Teams registered under AYSO, USSF, USYS, USAAA, or US Club Soccer must provide the proper travel documentation (for US Club: approved roster from US Club site). Players may only play for one team in the division. Unique jersey numbers required — no duplicates or changes.
⚖️Rules of Play
FIFA Laws of the Game, modified by USYS and MSYSA, apply. No heading for U11 and younger (even if playing up). Build-out lines apply for U8–U10 games.
⏱️ Game Duration & Format
| Age Group | Format | Game Length | Ball Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| U8–U10 | 7v7 | 2 × 30 min | 4 |
| U11–U12 | 9v9 | 2 × 30 min | 4 |
| U13–U15 | 11v11 | 2 × 35 min | 5 |
Additional Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Halftime | 5 minutes |
| Preliminary Rounds | No overtime |
| Scoring | Win = 3 pts • Tie = 1 pt • Loss = 0 pts |
| Elimination Games | Decided by penalty kicks if tied after regulation |
🏅 Tie-Breakers
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tie-Breakers | Refer to GotSport tiebreaker link on team schedule |
| Final Decision | League Manager |
🧩 Division Formats
| Number of Teams | Format |
|---|---|
| 4 Teams | Top 2 advance to Final |
| 8 Teams | Top team in each bracket advances to Final |
| 12 Teams | 1st in each bracket + Wild Card advance to Semifinals |
| 16 Teams | 1st (and possibly 2nd) advance to Quarterfinals or Semifinals (Tournament Manager discretion) |
| 20+ Teams | 1st in each bracket + Wild Cards advance to Quarterfinals |
Note: Wild Card teams will be reseeded to avoid immediate rematches.
🎯Game Check-In & Conduct Referees conduct safety checks pregame. Managers retain player cards unless requested by referee. Medical release forms and laminated player cards must be on hand at all times. Referees and field marshals manage official Game Cards (managers do not carry or sign them).
🔁Substitutions
Unlimited with referee’s permission at any stoppage (USYSA Rule 302).
🧤Player Equipment
Shin guards mandatory (per FIFA Law 4). Referee determines equipment safety, including hard braces.
🎙️Coaching Conduct Coaching is permitted within 10 yards of the halfway line provided:
No mechanical aids are used. Tone is positive/instructive, not derogatory. No profanity, harassment, or disruptive behavior. Coaches are responsible for players, parents, and spectators.
🟥Cautions & Ejections
2 yellow cards in one game = Red card (ejection). Ejected players miss next game; 2 games for violent conduct/serious foul play. Ejected coaches: same penalties and must be out of sight and sound during suspensions. Disciplinary Committee may impose further sanctions based on Match Reports.
⏸️Suspended / Terminated
Games if suspended (e.g., weather), play may resume but must finish 5 min before next game’s start. If terminated for misconduct, the offending team forfeits the game and may face expulsion.
🩹Injury & Added Time
Referee may add time for injuries, but all matches must conclude before dark. Added time will not delay subsequent games.
👨⚖️Referee Decisions Referee decisions are final on all in-game matters. Tournament will not overrule referee judgments.
🏆Awards Champions: Trophies + medals Finalists: Medals
🏠Home / Away Team Protocol
Home Team: Listed first on schedule wears light jerseys, supplies game ball, and kicks off first
Away Team: Wears dark jerseys, chooses direction first half Color conflict: Home team changes jerseys
🧑🤝🧑Spectators & Sideline
Setup Spectators sit opposite team benches, mirroring their team’s half. No switching sides at halftime or mixing with opposing supporters. Each team stays on its half of midfield.
Respect the Refs: Team officials are accountable for spectator behavior. Abuse toward referees can result in spectator bans, match forfeits, or team expulsion.
⚠️Forfeits Automatic forfeit if:
Team not ready within 5 minutes of kickoff (minimum players, coach, and cards). Game terminated by referee due to team misconduct. Teams may play a friendly (shortened) by mutual agreement; score will not count.
🚫Protests & Disputes
No protests allowed. All off-field disputes handled by Tournament Director; decision is final.
🧭Guest Teams
Tournament may accept “Guest Teams” to fill open division spots.
💰Refund Policy
| Timing of Withdrawal | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| 30+ days before event | Refund minus $150 non-refundable processing fee |
| 21–29 days before event | 50% refund |
| 21 days or less | No refund |
| After brackets are posted | No refunds |
🌧️Weather / Act of God Policy
⚠️ Weather / Event Cancellation Policy
| Scenario | Refund Policy |
|---|---|
| Event canceled (before games played) | $150 admin fee retained |
| 1 game played | 50% refund |
| 2 games played | 25% refund |
| 3+ games played | No refund |
| Any kicked-off match | Counts as a game |
🚨 Special Circumstances
| Situation | Policy |
|---|---|
| Cancellation due to health or safety authority orders | $150 retained; registration may roll over to next year |