Game Procedures & Rules

Rules

Rules

 

⚽ Anaheim Cup 2027

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.

🔹 Team Credentials & Check-In

  • Teams must complete Online Check-In.

  • Instructions are posted on the website under “Team Check-In Information.”

🔹 Eligibility & Match Format

  • Brackets follow 2026–2027 age guidelines

  • Game Formats & Roster Limits:

    • U6–U10 : 7v7 | Max Roster: 12

    • U11–U12 : 9v9 | Max Roster: 16

    • U13–U15 : 11v11 | Max Roster: 20

  • Player Passes: Hard Copies Laminated or Virtual ID'S accepted.

  • Tournament Goalkeepers Rule

    Goalkeepers are allowed to participate in more than one team within all age groups, provided that it is age appropriate and strictly in the capacity of a Goalkeeper; they are not eligible to participate as a field player. To do so, a Goalkeeper must be included on the official team roster and listed as "GK" prior to their respective team's first game. It's important to note that no Goalkeeper can be added to the roster after the Roster Freeze deadline.

  • Field Players are not allowed to participate in more than one team. 

  • It's important to note that no players can be added to the roster after the Roster Freeze deadline.

  • Club Pass Players

    Teams may use Club Pass only within the same Club. Club Pass applies only to players registered within the same Club. 

  • Loan/Guest Players: There will be a 3 player maximum allowed. If player comes from a club other than the team is from than the Player must have an approved loan form.

  • US CLUB SOCCER - PLAYER LOAN FORM

    Effective the 2026-27 season, the US Club Soccer Player Loan Form is in GotSport (player loans will not be accepted via Zendesk support tickets). The US Club Soccer Player Loan Form is used to temporarily loan a player registered with US Club Soccer from one affiliated club/member organization to another for a specific competition.

    In GotSport, admins may locate the form by clicking Affiliations, then Available Forms and finding US Club Soccer Player Loan Form; coaches and managers may locate the form by clicking Forms and then Available Forms.

    See the instructions on the form for more information.

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 2026–2027 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

  • U6–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: 20 players

  • Min players: 7

U11–U12 (9v9)

  • Max roster: 16 players

  • Min players: 6

  • No heading allowed in U11

U6–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.

Match Rules

  • Home Team: Provides game ball and changes jerseys if needed

  • No coin toss in prelims – Home team chooses side or kickoff

  • No added time for injuries

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.