2024-2025 Tournament Rules

AGE CLASSIFICATION:AGE GROUP BIRTH YEAR

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• U9 Born on or after 1/1/16

• U10 Born on or after 1/1/15

• U11 Born on or after 1/1/14

• U12 Born on or after 1/1/13

• U13 Born on or after 1/1/12

• U14 Born on or after 1/1/11

• U15 Born on or after 1/1/10

• U16 Born on or after 1/1/09

• U17 Born on or after 1/1/08

• U18/U19 Born on or after 1/1/06-1/1/07

 

GAME SCHEDULE - Team pairing, field of play, times of play shall be accomplished by random
draw with adjustment only to secure equity. Teams should play no more than two matches per
day and will not play any back-to-back games. Referees shall be assigned by an approved
assignor in accordance with FSR assignment procedures.

CONCUSSIONS: Pursuant to Florida Statutes (FS 943.0438) Florida in 2012 enacted a very
stringent Head injury and Concussion Law. If the referee (or assistant referee) believes that, in
his/her opinion, a player has suffered a head injury or possible concussion, the match must be
stopped IMMEDIATELY. The injured player if able to leave the field on their own must be
escorted to their coach and the coach must be told that the player cannot return for the
duration of the match. If a trainer is brought onto the field because the player is incapacitated,
the referee must still notify the coach that the player cannot return to the game. It is the
responsibility of the coach and the player’s parent(s) or legal guardians to seek medical
attention. The player may not resume participation in the tournament unless a medical doctor
licensed in the state of Florida or Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) has cleared the player. The
Referee HAS NO FURTHER responsibility beyond removing the player from the match in which
the player was injured. The referee crew must ensure, that UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES or due
to the appeal from any coaching staff that the player is allowed to return to the game. Any
coach or parent insisting on returning the player to the game without approved clearance will
result in the referee or tournament official ending the match.

PRE-GAME PROCEDURE - The Tournament Officials (Referee) shall conduct all credentials
checks at the field prior to each game to ensure that all players are registered with US Youth
Soccer, and to ensure that all players are properly rostered with their team and that all are
participating in accordance with representations set forth on the Application to Host
Tournament Form. Official Organizational roster forms will be validated, and passes checked
prior to each game played by the head referee. The manager/coach must be present at Team
Check-in and must present the original organizational roster form for each game played. Field
Marshals will conduct the pre-game check-in when appropriate, in order to minimize delay
between games. Pre-Game Check-in will be conducted as follows: The manager/coach of each
team will present a validated copy of the roster and all player passes and coach’s pass. The Field
Marshal or Referee will verify the identity of each player with each player pass and confirm that
all players present are listed on the roster. All coaches will be identified with their coach’s pass.
All passes and the roster will be held by the Field Marshal or Referee during the game. Players’
uniforms and equipment will be checked and any conflict resolved. Only at this pre-game
procedure may a player be challenged by an opposing manager/coach. Challenged players will
be noted by the Referee on the Referee game report, but will be allowed to participate in the
game so long as they have valid, verified player passes and are listed on the validated roster. A
player who arrives at the playing field after the pre-game procedure, may enter the game once
the game officials verify the player is eligible and with the permission of the center referee. A
late arriving player may be challenged at the time he is allowed to participate by the center
official. Each manager/coach or assistant must have a valid coach’s pass. If a manager/coach is
ejected, his assistant may conduct the team. If the assistant is also ejected or if there is no
assistant, the game will be declared a forfeit and the score recorded as4-0. in no case will the
team be allowed to participate without a properly registered coach or assistant.

LAWS OF THE GAME - Except where modified herein, rules of play shall be FIFA “Laws of the
Game.” Competition sanctioned by this Association shall abide by the “Laws of the Game,”
along with any modifications or regulations of the Association. Players U9 and U10 must play
with the rules of Development Player Program - modified playing rules for U10, U9* Deliberate
heading is not allowed in age groups U12 and younger.• If a U12 or younger 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 of a U12 or younger player occurs within the
goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal line parallel to the goal line at the
nearest point to where the infraction occurred.

LAW I – THE FIELD OF PLAY - The field of play will conform to the following
dimensions:11v11:minimum 50 x 100 yards, maximum 100 x 130 yards goals 8 x 24 ft. 9v9:Min.
45 x 70 yds., Max. 50 x 80 yds. with markings proportionate and goals 7 x 21 ft.7x7Min. 35 x 50
yds., Max. 45 x 60 yds. With markings proportionate and goals 6 x 18 ft. to 7 x 21 ft.

LAW II - THE BALL - The size of the ball will be as follows:U9 to U12, Size #4, 25-26 circum., 11-
13 oz.U13 & over, Size #5, 27-28 circum., 14-16 oz.
LAW III – NUMBER OF PLAYERS U18/19, U17, U16, U15, U14, U13, will play 11 players on the
field per side, max 22 players on the roster. U11 and U12 will play 9 players on the field per
side, max 16 players on the roster. U9 and U10 will play 7players on the field per side, max 12
players on the roster.
Substitutions - Substitution shall unlimited and may be made only with the Referee’s
permission at the following times:• Substitutions at any stoppage Substitutes may enter field of
play only after receiving permission from the referee.

LAW IV - PLAYERS EQUIPMENT - Player’s equipment shall meet these additional requirements.
All players shall be required to wear protective shin guards (to be worn beneath their game
socks) at all times while actively participating in the game. Such shin guards shall be of the type
and style of protective athletic equipment specifically designed to protect the player’s lower leg
(shinbone).b. Teams will wear uniforms of matching design and color with six-inch numbers on
the backs. Players’ uniform numbers are to be affixed to the back of the uniform shirt; no two
players from one team may have an identical uniform number while both are playing on the
field at the same time. Where colors of competing teams are identical or similar, the designated
home team must effect a change to colors distinct from their opponents’. Teams dressed in
predominately black uniforms will be responsible for providing the referee and linesmen with
jerseys in a color distinctly different from the uniforms worn by either competing team. c.
Goalkeeper’s Uniform: The uniform or jersey of a goalkeeper must be distinctly different in
color from the basic colors of either competing team. d. Illegal Equipment: In accordance with
the Laws of the Game, the referee shall be responsible to ensure that no player wears anything
which may cause injury to himself or another player. e. Casts and Braces: Orthopedic casts are
not permitted; however, soft braces can be worn with written approval from a doctor, and
judgment as to safety is at the discretion of the referee. A player may be removed from the
game if at any time the referee determines a player is using or attempting to use the brace to
injure another player.

402.3 JEWELRY is the policy of the tournament that no player be allowed to wear ANY jewelry
while participating in any sanctioned match. The only exception that may be allowed is a
medical alert bracelet or necklace when taped to the body. The referee shall make the decision
as to the safety of the player and the referee’s decision is final. (The taping of any earring shall
not be permitted under any circumstances.) If the referee notices a player wearing jewelry
while the match is under way at the next stoppage of play, the referee will instruct the player to
remove the item. If the referee deems the jewelry to be dangerous to any player, the referee
must stop the match to correct the situation.

LAW V - REFEREES - All referees will be U.S.S.F. currently certified. Referees are required to turn
in an official game report as directed by the Tournament Committee and are required to submit
an Incident Report of the names and teams of all players issued red, yellow cards, injuries and
details of any other matters involving the improper or unsportsmanlike conduct of a team, its
players, coaches or supporters.

LAW VI – ASSISTANT REFEREES - Two assistant referees will be used. In the event the assigned
assistant referee fails to appear, the referee shall find an alternate. The game will be played as
scheduled and will be deemed official.

LAW VII - DURATION OF THE GAME - The duration of games will be as follows pool games semis
& finals overtime/mini game U15 thru U19, 2 x 40 = 80 mins. U13 thru U14 = 2 x 35 = 70
mins ,U8 thru U12 2x25 =50 no overtime, directly to P.K.’s
LAW VIII THROUGH XVII NO CHANGE.

CONTROL OF SIDELINE CONDUCT - Players, reserve players, managers, coaches, assistant
coaches and fans are expected to conduct themselves with the letter and spirit of “THE LAWS
OF THE GAME.” The site directors have the authority and responsibility to remove any
person(s)from the tournament for abuses to good conduct, in addition to any specific
disciplinary action brought about by other authority. In addition to the rules of good manners,
these rules will apply: a. The Site Director will designate one sideline to be for the sole use of
players listed on the game rosters, and two managers/coaches from each team, with one team
occupying one side of midfield and one team the other. While the game is in progress, the
manager/coach and reserve players must remain on their respective benches and not roam the
sidelines. b. The Site Director will designate the opposite sideline for spectators and fans. c. A
restraining line shall be drawn 3 yards from the side touch-line and all sideline viewers must
remain outside of that line to protect linesmen. d. Manager/coaches will be responsible for
behavior of their fans.

TOURNAMENT RULES - BEHAVIOR - The Tournament Committee shall insure that the rules of
the tournament and the behavior of teams, players, coaches and spectators on the sideline is
appropriately controlled. a. The issuance of red and yellow cards will be reported on the game
report along with an incident report. Disciplinary action will be suspension from game or games
in the tournament. A player receiving 3 yellow cards during Pool Play will not be permitted to
play in the Final game. b. All disciplinary measures imposed by the tournament Disciplinary
Committee shall be limited to placing restrictions upon an individual’s or group’s participation
in the tournament . c. The issuance of all red and yellow cards and other matters involving the
conduct of a team, its players, coaches or supporters will be recorded. All matters involving a
referee assault and/or abuse shall be handled in accordance with USSF, which shall immediately
be referred to the host state association .d. The home state association and the home
club/league of the player, coach, team, or supporters, shall, except in the case of referee
assault and /or abuse, have the responsibility for imposing, should the circumstances warrant,
additional sanctions within their respective jurisdictions, with regard to any matters arising
from the tournament. e. When Discipline/Sanctions are imposed, they must meet the required
minimums as specified by or USSF. The Disciplining body must evaluate the incident as to
intent, severity and past misconduct to determine the appropriate disciplines/sanctions. More
severe disciplines/sanctions shall be imposed for multiple red cards during a season and for
misconduct directed towards officials or administrators. f. Follow 502 rule504.

COMPLETING GAME SUSPENSIONS 504.1 Red card suspension or send off suspensions can only
be served with the team with which the suspension was earned in games played by their team.
Until the suspension is served the player/coach is suspended from any other team(s) to which
the player/coach may be registered. Games may not be scheduled to “work off” suspension.
Players may not serve suspensions as “guest players” nor may they “guest play” with any other
team(s) until such time as the original suspension is served.2. Issued during Tournament Play:
Tournament Red Card Report filed along with game reports as required by Post-Tournament
rules.

POST GAME PROCEDURE - We ask that as a mutual courtesy, both teams congratulate each
other for a game well played.1. The Referee or Field Marshals will ensure the return of all
player passes to the Site Director Desk.2. Referee will complete the Game Report and deliver it
with any incident reports to the Site Director Desk.3. Manager/coach of both teams will confirm
the score with the site desk and collect the passes after each game.4. Manager/coach of both
teams will ensure that their sideline area is clean and that all trash is in containers.

DISCIPLINE - The Disciplinary Committee (which will be named prior to the tournament) will
consist of at least three members and will review and rule on all reports of unacceptable
conduct by players, coaches, referees, spectators, etc. All decisions shall be included in the post
tournament report. Depending upon the severity of the unacceptable conduct, the Disciplinary
Committee may recommend suspension up to the duration of the Tournament. Further
disciplinary action by the national association may be recommended.

DELAY OF START - Any team delaying the start of a scheduled game by more than 15 minutes
without authorization from the tournament director shall forfeit the game to the opponent.
Forfeits will be recorded with a score of 4 to 0. Minimum number of players to start game are
as follows: 11v11 (7players), 9v9 (5 players), 7x7 (4 players).

PROTEST - There will be NO PROTESTS. All disputes will be resolved immediately by the Site
Director/Tournament Director. These decisions will be final.13. DETERMINATION OF TEAM
ADVANCEMENT AFTER QUALIFYING PLAY - There will be no overtime games in qualifying play.
Standings in a group will be determined by the following game points:3 points for win, 1 for tie,
0 for loss. IF TWO TEAMS TIE IN GAME POINTS:FIRST: Head-to-Head result SECOND: Net goal
differential with a maximum of four goals per game. THIRD: Most goals scored up to 4 per
game. FOURTH: Least Goals Allowed LAST: Penalty Kicks according to FIFA Taking of Kicks from
the penalty mark IF THREE OR MORE TEAMS TIE IN GAME POINTS:FIRST: Net goal differential
with a maximum of four goals per game. SECOND: Most goals scored up to 4 per game. THIRD:
Least Goals Allowed LAST: Penalty Kicks according to FIFA Taking of Kicks from the penalty mark.

DETERMINATION OF SEMI-FINAL- (if applicable) AND FINAL GAME WINNERS - In semi-final and
final games, if the game is not decided after regulation times, accordance with LAW VII. Penalty
kicks will be taken in accordance with FIFA “Taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark.” They will go
directly to penalty kicks if the game is undecided at the end of regulation play.

EXTERNAL CONDITIONS, WEATHER, ETC. - In the event unusual conditions necessitate
rescheduling, curtailment, or cancellation of games, the Tournament Director shall have
absolute authority to make these changes to best serve the interest of the tournament as a
whole, keeping in mind the need to successfully identify winners by a certain time period. In the
event of inclement weather effecting the group play, the Tournament Committee will have the
authority (in its sole discretion) to change games as follows: A. Relocate or reschedule any
game(s).B. Change the duration of any game(s).C. Cancel the game(s).D. Games that have been
started and subsequently suspended due to inclement weather or other external conditions,
will be deemed complete if one half of play has been completed or the first half cannot be
completed prior to the start time of the next scheduled game on that field. For any such game
that is not completed, the score at the time of the suspension will be the final score. Any game
that is not started and is canceled (as opposed to postponed) due to weather or other external
conditions, will be recorded as a 0-0 tie. Canceled games will not be rescheduled. The
Tournament Director retains the right to postpone the tournament in the event of unforeseen
circumstances, such as weather-related issues, occurring in the lead-up to or during the event.
In such cases, new dates will be promptly communicated, providing participants with the choice
to either confirm their attendance or withdraw. If you choose to withdraw due to scheduling
conflicts with the rescheduled dates, the Tournament Director will determine and provide
either a nominal refund or a credit towards a future event.

AWARDS CEREMONIES – Following the completion of final games, both teams will present
themselves to the awards area where individual and team awards will be presented.