Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations 2024

Below is the necessary information and rules of our tournament.

We are "UT " Unrestricted Tournament.

Open to all Boys & Girls U8/2017 – U19/2006 teams affiliated with USSF & FIFA.

Qualifying applications will be accepted on a first-come first-serve basis.

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to accept or reject any application.

All decisions, judgments and rulings of the tournament referees and officials are final.

NO PROTESTS WILL BE ENTERTAINED OR ALLOWED.

Team Credentials Check-In

The information can be found on the Tournament website under the “TEAM CHECK-IN INFORMATION” link

Eligibility

Teams will play in age brackets for 2024-2025 seasons
2017-2015 age groups will play 7v7 with no exceptions
2014-2013 age groups will play 9v9
2012-2006 age groups will play 11v11
Teams must be affiliated with FIFA and/or USSF, players and coaches must have laminated cards.
No player may compete in the Tournament on more than one team.
Unlimited loan players will be permitted with a maximum roster size of:

a) 2017-2015 (12 Players)

b) 2014-2013 (16 Players)

c) 2012-2006 (22 Players - 18 each game)

Check-In Before Game

· Teams will check-in 30 minutes prior to game time at game site.

· Referees will check all teams for proper equipment.

Game Card before and after game

· The coach or team admin are responsible in providing the game card to the referee prior to start of game.

· The coach or team admin are responsible in verifying the score is correct on the game card.

· The coach or team admin are responsible to collect the game card from the referee and obtain signature from the referee on the score card after each game and return the signed score card to the Field Marshal.

Game Procedures

Player I.D. cards and rosters will be verified ONLINE check-in.
All teams must have a licensed coach or carded administrator at every game.
All teams shall consist of at least (8) players. (6 players for 2014-2013)
Coaches, players and spectators from the same team on same side of the field.
In the event of a color conflict, home team must change jerseys.
Home team will supply the game ball unless it’s provided by the tournament.
There will be no coin toss in any preliminary game, Home team will have choice of kicking off or which goal to defend.
Referees have been instructed to start all games on time. No injury time will be added.

Match Rules: All games shall be played by, FIFA Rules as modified by FIFA, USSF, and Anaheim FC. Tournament Director will resolve any situations/issues not explicitly covered by the rules.

Tournament Director will make final decisions relating to the interpretation of the Tournament rules. However, the Tournament Director may delegate authority to the Venue Director if the Tournament Director is not present at the game duration of Games & Overtimes, by Halves, and Ball Size is as follows:

Division/Age Group		Pool Play & Semi's/Halves	Finals/Halves	Ball Size
U19 - 2006	11v11	30 Minutes	45 minutes	5
U18 - 2007	11v11	30 Minutes	45 minutes	5
U17 - 2008	11v11	30 Minutes	45 minutes	5
U16 - 2009	11v11	30 minutes	40 minutes	5
U15 - 2010	11v11	30 Minutes	40 minutes	5
U14 - 2011	11v11	25 Minutes	35 Minutes	5
U13 - 2012	11v11	25 Minutes	35 Minutes	5
U12-2013	9v9	25 Minutes	30 Minutes	4
U11-2014	9v9	25 Minutes	30 Minutes	4
U10-2015	7v7	25 Minutes	25 Minutes	4
U9 - 2016	7v7	25 Minutes	25 Minutes	4
U8 - 2017	7v7	25 Minutes	25 Minutes	4

Finals/Championship games that end in a tie, no overtime period will be played. The teams will go directly to FIFA penalty kicks.
In the event of a tie in a semi-final game, no overtime period will be played. The teams will go directly to FIFA penalty kicks.
Preliminary games can end in a tie.
All Preliminary Games will be called not less than five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled start of the next game regardless of the amount of time played in each half up to that point.
Teams that are not ready to start at their scheduled game time will forfeit their game.

7v7 (2017-2015) No Heading

Deliberate heading is not allowed.
If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.
If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.

Build Out Line

When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play.
Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punts and dropkicks are not allowed).
After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal.
The opposing team must also move behind the build out line during a goal kick until the ball is put into play.
If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.
If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.
The build out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can be called.
Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build out line.
Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build out line and goal line.

Build Out Line Practical Applications

· Ideally, the goalkeeper will wait to put the ball into play once all opponents are past the build out line.

· However, the goalkeeper can put the ball into play sooner but he or she does so accepting the positioning of the opponents and the consequences of how play resumes.

· To support the intent of the development rule, coaches and referees should be mindful of any intentional delays being caused by opponents not retreating in a timely manner or encroaching over the build out line prior to the ball being put into play.

· Coaches are responsible for addressing these types of issues with their players

· Referees can manage the situation with misconduct if deemed appropriate Referees should be flexible when enforcing the 6 second rule and counting the time of possession should only begin when all opponents have moved behind the build out line.

9v9 (2014-2013) Heading Standards

Deliberate heading is NOT allowed in U11 games. If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.
Heading is allowed in U12 games without limitations.

Player Equipment

Shin guards are mandatory for all players.
Proper soccer shoes must be worn by all players (those that contain a toe cleat will not be allowed)
Players must not wear anything that is dangerous to himself/herself or another player (including jewelry)
No player will be allowed to play with an injury which could be aggravated by playing or which, in the opinion of the referee, constitutes a danger to themselves or others.

Player Substitution

· Substitution by a team shall be unlimited but only with the permission of the referee.

· Substitutions may be made by both teams, with the consent of the referee, at any stoppage of play.

· When a player injured on the field requires attention, they must be substituted off the field of play, if only briefly.

· Substitution shall be made at midfield within (10) yards of the halfway line. The substitute player shall not enter the field of play until allowed by the referee and the player substituted has left the field of play.

A "cautioned” (yellow carded) player (MANDATORY) at the time card is issued.

Scoring System: The TEN (10) point system will be used to determine 1st in each group and the wildcard selection during preliminary rounds as described below:

· Win = 6 points

· Tie = 3 points

· Loss = 0 points

· Shutout = 1 point

Goals Scored = 1 point each to a maximum of 3 per game

Red Card = -1 Point

No shutout bonus shall be awarded for a 0-0 tie. Teams shall be awarded the bonus points for goals scored without regard to the outcome of the game. That is, the losing team will receive points for goals scored, and 0 points for the loss.

Tie Breaker* Ties in points in the pool play shall use the following tiebreaker rules in order:
1. The winner in head-to-head competition
2. Goal differential (goals scored minus goals allowed to a maximum differential of 4 per game)
3. Least goals allowed
4. Most goals scored
5. Shut-out wins (forfeits not counting)
6. FIFA kicks from the penalty mark
7. If there is a tie between two or more teams after step 5, penalty kicks will be used.

Awards

The winning team will be presented with the Summer Showcase Team Award and individual player medallions will be presented to the champions and finalists at the completion of the championship game. All participants will receive a Summer Showcase pin.

Conduct

Coaches have complete responsibility for the conduct of their players, bench, friends, and spectators at all times.
Coaching from the sidelines (giving direction to one's own team on points of strategy and position) is permitted, provided that no mechanical devices are use and the tone of the voice is instructive and not derogatory.
Each coach or substitute remains within 10 yards on either side of the halfway line.
No coach, substitute, or spectator makes derogatory remarks or gestures to the referees, other coaches, players, substitutes, or spectators.
No coach, substitute, or spectator uses profanity or incites, in any manner, disruptive behavior.
In the opinion of game officials, a game must be terminated for misconduct of players, bench or spectators, the offending team can be suspended from further play and forfeit that game and all remaining games. In this event, all previous points earned remain as played.
Any player or coach ordered from the field of play (RED CARD) will not be allowed to participate in the next match as a minimum and if violent conduct occurs the player or coach may be ejected for remainder of tournament at discretion of Tournament Director. Two YELLOW cards during a match shall be ejected for remainder of the match and will serve a one game suspension. A one-point deduction will be given to the offending team for each red card (double yellow included).
Any player or coach who assaults a referee will be expelled from the Tournament immediately.
Disciplinary measures imposed by this tournament organization for inappropriate behavior shall not be limited to placing restrictions upon an individual player, coach, and spectator or team's participation in the tournament. Such disciplinary action will be as determined by and at the discretion of the Tournament Director or designated Field Marshall and can include exclusion from further tournament participation.
Any cards issued will be reported to US Club Soccer in a tournament report and thereby to the home club/league of the player, coach, team or supporters involved except that all matters involving a referee assault shall, in accordance with USSF Rule II08, be referred immediately to US Club Soccer. The home state association and the home club/league of the player, coach, team or supporters shall, except in the case of referee assault, have the responsibility for imposing, should the circumstances warrant, additional sanctions within their respective jurisdictions with regard to matters arising from the tournament.

Inclement Weather In the event of inclement weather, which the Tournament Committee deems as being unsafe conditions for the players and/or the fields, and competition cannot continue:

Matches that are at the half time or are in the second half will have the score stand as final.
Matches that are in the first half of play may be shortened, kicks from the penalty mark, or other means, as determined by the Tournament Committee, may be used to determine winners.
If the tournament is canceled due to inclement weather prior to the start of competition, teams will be issued partial refunds according to Refund Policy.

Refund Policy

No refund is given to any teams due to a forfeit of any game by any team accepted to tournament.
Full refunds will be made to all teams not accepted.
Teams must drop in writing prior to the application deadline to receive a refund. Requests for (DROPS) withdrawals from the tournament will only be accepted from Administrators (Contact Person or Coach) listed on the team application for the tournament.
Refunds provided to teams that drop prior to the deadline, will be assessed a $75.00 administrative fee.
Teams that drop after the application deadline will forfeit their entire entry fee.
If the tournament is canceled as a result of weather or acts of God, teams will receive a full refund less an administrative fee of $100.
If the tournament is canceled once it begins, refunds will be giving according to the following schedule:

Cancelation of All Matches Full Refund less $100 administrative fee.
One Match Played $200 Refund
Two Matches Played $100 Refund
Three Matches Played No Refund

Score Corrections At the end of each game, each Coach or Team Administrator must carefully review and sign the game cards. Coach or Team Administrators should review posted scores to verify scores are properly recorded and contact Field Marshal and/or Tournament Director immediately of any possible errors. The score card is official match record and may not be changed except under the following circumstances:

If Coaches/Team Administrators of both teams meet with Field Marshal and agree to a score correction, the Field Marshal will correct the score and other records accordingly.
If Referee verifies incorrect score was recorded, Field Marshal (with Tournaments Director’s approval) may correct score and other records accordingly.
Scores incorrectly posted shall be investigated by Field Marshall by checking original match record and corrected accordingly.

Venue Rules & Restrictions

Smoking is not permitted in the immediate vicinity of any playing site.
No pets shall be permitted in the immediate vicinity of any playing site.
No alcoholic beverages shall be permitted in the immediate vicinity of the playing site. No person shall be permitted to appear on, or in the vicinity of, the playing site in an intoxicated condition.
At synthetic turf fields, no chairs, team benches or Ez-ups allowed on these fields.
At synthetic turf fields, no food, only water, no gum, or seeds of any kind allowed on turf surface.
Please help us keep the games on time by immediately collecting your things and clearing your sideline after your game. This will allow the next team to move into position and prepare for the start of their game.
Breaking the law is under the jurisdiction of the Cities Police Department where the venues are located, not the tournament management team. Proper authorities will be contacted as deemed necessary.

** All games will be considered final and no protests will be allowed **