ROSTER AND GAME FORMAT
| BIRTH YEAR/DIVISION | MAX ROSTER SIZE (MATCH FORMAT) | # OF LOAN PLAYERS ALLOWED | GAME LENGTH | FIELD SIZE | GOAL SIZE | BALL SIZE | SUBSTITUTIONS | STOPPAGE TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 15 (9v9) | 5 | 25-minute halves | 9v9 WPL regulation | 9v9 WPL regulation | 4 | Unlimited as granted by referee | None |
| 2013 | 15 (9v9) | 5 | 25-minute halves | 9v9 WPL regulation | 9v9 WPL regulation | 4 | Unlimited as granted by referee | None |
| 2014 | 13 (7v7) | 5 | 25-minute halves | 7v7 WPL regulation | 7v7 WPL regulation | 4 | Unlimited as granted by referee | None |
| 2015 | 13 (7v7) | 4 | 25-minute halves | 7v7 WPL regulation | 7v7 WPL regulation | 4 | Unlimited as granted by referee | None |
| 2016 | 13 (7v7) | 4 | 25-minute halves | 7v7 WPL regulation | 7v7 WPL regulation | 4 | Unlimited as granted by referee | None |
ALL GAMES WILL BE PLAYED UNDER FIFA RULES WITH USYSA ADJUSTMENTS FOR YOUTH COMPETITION WITH THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS
| BIRTH YEAR/DIVISION | MATCH FORMAT | HEADERS ALLOWED | PUNTING/DROP KICKS FROM GK ALLOWED | BUILD OUT LINES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 9v9 | No | No | Yes |
| 2013 | 9v9 | No | No | Yes |
| 2014 | 7v7 | No | No | Yes |
| 2015 | 7v7 | No | No | Yes |
| 2016 | 7v7 | No | No | Yes |
TOURNAMENT CHECK-IN
Check-in Requirements:
• Check-in: Teams must check in at least 45 minutes prior to their first match. Failure to check in properly could result in automatic disqualification from the tournament without refund.
• Roster: Each team must provide a copy of its final roster, signed by the team’s club registrar, listing each player’s name, birth date and jersey number. All guest players must be added to the roster and signed off by the club’s registrar. Electronic submission of team rosters will not be accepted
• Medical Releases: All Coaching staffs should have access to each player’s Medical Release forms. The medical release used by your club will be acceptable. Digital copies are acceptable.
• Player Cards: Player Cards are NOT required; the official roster will be used to validate player and team eligibility.
It is the responsibility of the coach to inform all players and spectators of the Tournament Rules. The Tournament Director has the final decision regarding the interpretation of the Tournament Rules.
GAME PROCEDURE
It is crucial that matches start on time. A forfeit will be declared if a team cannot field and maintain a minimum of five (5) players for 7v7 or seven (7) players for 9v9, beginning ten (10) minutes after the scheduled game starting time. All forfeits are always recorded as 1-0 (8 points).
The home team will supply the match ball, and will change jerseys if there is a uniform conflict.
Modified Rules for U9-U12 Age Groups:
• No heading of the ball (any intentional heading of the ball will result in the opposing team being awarded an indirect kick from the spot of the infraction)
• No punting or dropkicks by the goalkeeper. If the 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.
• Rules to support the build out line.
o Goal-kick. As soon as the ball is in play, the opposition can enter the build out area.
o Once the ball is in play, the opposition can enter the build out area.
o Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed).
o Following a save, once the goalkeeper puts the ball on the ground, the ball is considered in play and the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal.
o Offside will be enforced at the build out line.
As stated above, all 7v7 matches will have 25-minute halves with a 5-minute half-time. 9v9 matches will have 25-minute halves. Group stage matches will end at regulation time regardless of the match result.
*Championship Games* – If the score is tied at the end of regulation, a Golden Goal period of two 5-minute halves will ensue. If either team scores in this period, the game is immediately finished. If the teams are still tied at the end of the Golden Goal period, the game will move to kicks from the spot. Substitutions will be allowed in the Golden Goal period. Head Coaches will be given notice 2 minute prior to the end of the Golden Goal period, as substitutions will not be allowed between the end of the Golden Goal period and kicks from the spot.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Will be unlimited as permitted by the referee. A player may be substituted on field at a stoppage of play with the permission of the referee. A player must be checked in with an assistant referee prior to the stoppage of play.
DIVISION WINNERS/POINT SYSTEM
The top two teams in each division will advance to the championship game. Scoring will be on a 10-point system.
Six (6) points for a win, Three (3) points for a tie, Zero (0) points for a loss, One (1) point for a shutout, and One (1) point for each goal scored, with a maximum of three. A game ending with a final score of 0-0 will result in both teams being awarded 4 points (3 points for the tie and 1 point for a shutout). A forfeit will always be scored as a 1-0 win, with eight (8) points awarded.
TIE BREAKING PROCEDURE
In the event that two or more teams are tied on points in pool play, the following criteria shall be applied in the order listed until the tie is broken:
1. Head-to-head competition.
2. Goal differential (Goals For – Goals Against) (Max Diff of 4 per game)
3. Fewest goals allowed.
4. Goals scored, up to 4 per game.
5. Coin flip
PLAYER & COACHES CONDUCT
All players and coaches will be expected to demonstrate good sportsmanlike conduct.
Any player or coach issued a red card will not be able to participate in at least the following tournament game. A stiffer penalty may be imposed for extreme violations (such as violent conduct) at the Tournament Director’s discretion.
Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, substitutes and spectators.
All referee decisions are final. THERE WILL BE NO APPEALS, ARBITRATION OR RECOURSE.
If, in the opinion of game officials, a game must be terminated for misconduct of players, substitutes, coaches or spectators, the offending team could be suspended from further play, forfeiting that game and all remaining games. All previously played games would be re-entered as forfeits, with points awarded accordingly. Additionally, the offending team’s home league and state association will be contacted, as appropriate.
SPECTATOR CONDUCT
Inappropriate conduct by your team’s spectators can jeopardize your coach and/or team.
Parents must be on the opposite side of the field from coaches and players. There will be a zero tolerance policy when it comes to the harassment of any other coach, player, referee, or tournament attendee.
At no time is there to be any alcoholic beverages at the tournament site. Violators will be prosecuted.
Pets are not allowed anywhere within the Starfire complex.
After each game, please pick up the trash on your sideline and place it in one of the provided receptacles.
Please help us keep 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.
REFUNDS/CANCELLATION
In the event of inclement weather or circumstances out of the tournament’s control causing a full event cancellation, Titans FC may refund a maximum of 75% of the Tournament Registration Fees.
The Tournament Director reserves the right to amend brackets in the event a team pulls out at the last minute or is a no show. The Tournament Director will ensure the remaining teams are provided with the best possible tournament competition play for the good of the game.
There are no refunds for teams once registration is completed outside the exceptions listed above.
