Tournament Rules & Guidelines

 

Rosters

• Roster Size: Minimum of 3 players, maximum of 6. Most teams carry 4 - 5, but teams of 3 have been successful in past tournaments.

• Youth Divisions: Teams must register in the division of their oldest player.

  • Example: A team with one 2016 player and four 2017 players must play in the 2016 division.

  • Some divisions may be combined (e.g., 2016/2017).

• Boys & Girls:

  • Girls’ divisions are girls-only.

  • Girls may participate in boys’ divisions if they choose.

• Proof of Age: Players must present proof of age (hard copy or digital) at team check-in.

 

Equipment

• Shin Guards: Mandatory for all players. No exceptions.

• Game Balls: Game balls will be provided

  • U8–U12: Size 4

• Footwear: Any soccer-appropriate shoes are allowed unless otherwise specified. Indoor events may restrict cleats.

• Uniforms:

  • Matching shirts required (numbers not required).

  • Teams must bring two contrasting colors (e.g., dark/light) to avoid conflicts.

 

Field & Goal Box

• Field Size: 24–30 yards long, 16–20 yards wide (may vary by venue).

• Goal Box: 8’ wide x 4’ deep.

  • Players may pass through the box but may not play the ball inside it.

  • Defensive touch inside box → goal awarded to opponent.

  • Offensive touch inside box → goal kick to opponent.

  • Ball stopping inside box → goal kick to defending team.

 

Substitutions

• Allowed on any stoppage with referee approval.

 

Game Format

• Duration: Two 12-minute halves with 2-minute halftime.

• Mercy Rule: Game ends immediately if a team reaches 12 goals.

• Guaranteed Games:

  • One-day events: 4 minimum (up to 6–7 with playoffs).

  • Multi-day events: 6 minimum (up to 8+ with playoffs).

• Pool Play: Games may end in ties.

• Playoffs: Must produce a winner.

 

Playoff Overtime

• Golden Goal: One 3-minute sudden-death period.

• If Still Tied: Penalty shootout using the three players who finished the game.

 

Goal Scoring

• Goals only count if shot from the attacking half of the field.

 

Scoring System (Pool Play)

• Win = 3 points

• Tie = 1 point

• Loss = 0 points

• Forfeit = 5–0 loss

Tiebreakers (in order):

1. Head-to-head result (if only two teams tied)

2. Goal difference

3. Fewest goals conceded

4. Most goals scored

5. Coin toss (system generated)

 

Special Rules

• No Offsides

• No Slide Tackling (any slide = indirect free kick)

• Heading: Allowed U11 & older

• 10-Foot Rule: Defenders must remain 10 feet from the ball on all dead-ball restarts

 

Restarts & Kicks

• 5-Second Rule: Players must restart play within 5 seconds (referee discretion).

• Kick-Ins: Replace throw-ins.

• Indirect Kicks: All dead-ball restarts are indirect except penalty kicks and corners.

• Goal Kicks: From anywhere on the end line, outside the goal box.

• Kick-Offs: May go in any direction.

• Penalty Kicks: Taken from center spot. All other players must remain behind midfield. Not a live ball if missed.

 

Blowout Rule

• If down by 6 goals, a team may add a 4th player.

• If margin reduces to 5, the extra player must be removed.

 

Discipline

• Yellow/Red Cards: Referees may sanction players or coaches.

• Red Card: Player ejected from current match and suspended for next game.

• Director’s Authority: Tournament Director may remove players, coaches, or teams for misconduct.

• Coach Misconduct: If the offender is unclear, the head coach will be sanctioned.

 

Sportsmanship

• Zero tolerance for referee abuse.

• Teams, coaches, or spectators may be removed or disqualified for unsporting behavior.

 

Forfeits

• Forfeited match = 5–0 loss.

 

Rule Interpretations

• Any situation not covered here will be resolved at the discretion of the Tournament Director.