Game Procedures & Rules

Rules

Rules

 

⚽ Anaheim Cup 2026

Game Procedures and Rules

The Tournament Director has the authority to make decisions on any matters not specifically covered by these rules and regulations.

💸 Refund Policy

  • Full refunds will be issued to teams not accepted.

  • Withdrawal requests must be submitted by a listed Administrator (Contact Person or Coach).

  • Teams withdrawing after acceptance forfeit their full application fee.

  • Approved refunds prior to acceptance notice are subject to a $75 administrative fee.

  • If the tournament is canceled due to weather or acts of God:

    • Full refund minus a $100 administrative fee.

  • If the tournament is canceled after it begins:

    • Three matches played: No refund

    • Two matches played: $100 refund

    • One match played: $200 refund

    • All matches canceled: Full refund minus $100 admin fee

  • No refunds will be provided to any team for games that are forfeited, for no-shows, or for late drops by any team accepted into the tournament.

  • Credit card processing fees are non-refundable if charged.

A. Game Rules

  • All games will be played under FIFA rules modified by US Soccer and US Club Soccer.

B. Registration

  • Teams must check in according to instructions provided with acceptance.

  • Teams must be affiliated with FIFA/USSF and their State, Provincial, or National Association.

  • All players must have:

    • Laminated player passes (ID cards)

    • Medical release forms

  • No roster additions after registration.

  • Player passes and medical forms may be accepted later by the Field Marshal only if the player is listed on the official roster at registration.

  • A complete and signed team roster must be submitted at registration, certified by the coach or manager, confirming all players are 2025–2026 FIFA/USSF registered.

C. Decisions

  • All decisions of referees, the Tournament Director, and Field Marshals are final.

  • No protests are allowed.

D. Competition Format

  • Preliminary and semi-final games:

    • 50-minute games

    • 5-minute halftime

  • All teams will play at least 3 games.

  • Teams may play at multiple venues; check your schedule carefully.

E. Championship Games

  • U7–U10: 50 minutes

  • U11–U12: 60 minutes

  • U13–U15: 70 minutes

  • 10-minute halftime in championship games.

F. Standings

The 10-point system will determine standings:

  • Win: 6 points

  • Tie: 3 points

  • Loss: 0 points

  • Shutout: 1 point

  • Goals scored: 1 point per goal (max 3 per game)

  • Red card: -1 point

Note: No shutout bonus for 0-0 ties. Losing teams receive points for goals scored.

G. Forfeits

  • Game time is forfeit time.

  • Forfeit score: 1-0 win (8 points).

  • The tournament committee may adjust bracket placement if a forfeit creates an unfair advantage.

H. Wild Card Selection

For brackets with wild cards:

  • Wild cards will be selected from the second-place teams with the most points.

  • Tie-breakers will be applied in this order:

    1. Head-to-head result

    2. Goal differential (max 5 per game)

    3. Fewest goals against

    4. Most goals scored (max 5 per game)

    5. Most wins

    6. Most shutout wins

    7. Fewest red cards

    8. Fewest yellow cards

    9. FIFA penalty kicks

I. Ties in Games

  • Preliminary games: If tied in points, the above tie-breakers will apply.

  • Semi-final and championship games: If tied, will go directly to FIFA “Kicks from the Penalty Spot.”

J. Awards

  • Champions: Anaheim FC Cup Team Award

  • Medals: Presented to champions and finalists after the championship match

K. Game Procedures

U13–U15 (11v11)

  • Max roster: 18 players

  • Min players: 7

U11–U12 (9v9)

  • Max roster: 16 players

  • Min players: 6

  • No heading allowed in U11

U7–U10 (7v7)

  • Max roster: 12 players

  • Min players: 5

  • No heading allowed in these age groups

L. Build-Out Line (7v7)

  • No punting or drop-kicks by goalkeepers.

  • Opponents must retreat behind the build-out line during:

    • Goalkeeper possession

    • Goal kicks

  • Offside enforced from the build-out line to the goal line.

  • Additional build-out line enforcement details available upon request.

M. Substitutions

  • Unlimited substitutions with referee consent at stoppages.

  • Mandatory substitution for any player receiving a yellow card.

  • Injured players requiring attention must leave the field.

  • Substitutions at midfield within 10 yards of the halfway line, only with referee permission.

  • Excessive substitutions causing delays will not be permitted.

N. Player Safety

  • Players with injuries posing danger will not be allowed to play.

  • Shin guards are mandatory for all players.

  • Jewelry is prohibited.

  • The referee’s decision on player safety and equipment is final.

O. Sportsmanship and Conduct

  • High standards of sportsmanship are expected from all players, coaches, and spectators.

  • Players may only play with one team during the tournament.

  • Red cards or coach ejections will result in:

    • Suspension for the remainder of the current match

    • Suspension for at least the next match

    • Further disciplinary action may be imposed by the Disciplinary Committee

  • One point will be deducted for each red card issued.

  • Coaches are responsible for player, parent, and supporter conduct.

  • Alcohol and intoxication are strictly prohibited at and near playing sites.

  • Disciplinary issues will be reported to relevant state associations.

P. Special Rules

  • Unusual events resulting in significant loss of game time may lead to rescheduled games at the Tournament Co-Directors’ discretion, subject to field availability.

  • Minor delays are not considered lost game time.

  • Tournament officials may shorten games to ensure all scheduled matches are played.

  • The Tournament Director or referees may suspend matches or the tournament in the event of inclement weather for player safety or to protect field conditions.