Tournament Rules
📅 Game Guarantee & Format
| Day | Details |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 2 games guaranteed |
| Sunday | At least 1 game |
🏆 Finals & Advancement
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Finals Qualification | Top 2 teams per bracket |
| Multiple Brackets | Top team overall may advance to Final |
🥇 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)
Player passes
Release of Liability form must be completed 5 days before tournament start. No roster changes allowed after submission.
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 tournament. Unique jersey numbers required — no duplicates or mid-tournament changes.
👥Guest Players Maximum
7 guest players (must share the same sanctioning body). No mixing US Club and USYS player cards. Teams must stay within the age group’s maximum roster limit.
⚖️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 × 25 min | 4 |
| U11–U12 | 9v9 | 2 × 25 min | 4 |
| U13–U18 | 11v11 | 2 × 30 min | 5 |
Additional Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Halftime | 3 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 (U8–U19) |
🏅 Tie-Breakers
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tie-Breakers | Refer to GotSport tiebreaker link on team schedule |
| Final Decision | Tournament 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.