Laws of the Game 

• The event shall be played in accordance with the laws of the game as observed by FIFA. Any ruling not covered by FIFA will be in accordance with the host state’s United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) governing body with the following exceptions.  
• Updated Goalkeeper ‘8 Second Rule’ will also be in effect.  Goalkeepers will have 8 seconds to release the ball after gaining clear control of it.  Failure to put the ball back into play within that timeframe will result in the opposing team being awarded a corner kick. 
• Offside will be enforced at 9v9 and 11v11 divisions which will utilize a 3-man referee crew. In some instances a 2-man crew may be utilized. In our Ohio events, Offside WILL be called at 7v7 but in our Iowa and Missouri events, offside will not be enforced at 7v7.  ‘Build out line’ rules will be enforced for 7v7 divisions which will have a single, center official.   
• All 7v7 divisions will utilize the ‘build out line’.  When the goalkeeper has clear possession of the ball, all opponents must make an attempt to retreat behind the build out line as quickly as possible.  Coaches and Referees together are expected to enforce this rule in the spirit of the game.  The goalkeeper can choose to put the ball into play prior to all opponents leaving the build out area, however as soon as they release the ball, it is considered in play and live at that time. 
• Deliberate heading of the ball is not allowed at U11 and younger divisions, however IS allowed at U12. Punting/drop kicking by the goalkeeper IS allowed at both the U11 and U12 age groups.  In divisions which combine U11 & U12 teams, the U12 rules will apply to all teams. 
• Direct and Indirect fouls will be called at all age groups.  At the 7v7 age groups in some states, all fouls result in indirect kicks.  This is NOT the case for this event.  

Player and Team Eligibility 

• These events are open to competitive select teams, and all players must be registered with USYSA, US Club and their respective state associations and have a current player ID card with picture.  USSA and AYSO teams are also eligible, however, may require additional documentation before being accepted.
• All teams from outside of the event host state must have a travel permission form from their state association. This rule does not apply for US Club sanctioned teams. 
• Teams attending the event from further than 80 miles away are required to utilize the tournament’s approved housing partner per the ‘Stay to Play’ terms of the event.
• Required documentation: player cards (USYSA,US Club), your state association approved guest player loan forms (if applicable), copies of the state or National Association verified roster and (if applicable) medical release form / participation waiver for each player must be provided prior to competing. 
• The Tournament Guru event staff will keep a copy of the state roster, guest forms and travel permits stored in the registration software (Gotsport). Medical Release Forms / Participation Waiver will be collected via a separate platform. 
• This event will follow the U.S. Soccer guidelines pertaining to field ranges and roster size. 
• Team rosters will be composed of no more than 12 players for 7v7 format games (U8 – U10). 
• Team rosters will be comprised of no more than 16 players for 9v9 format games (U11 and U12). 
• Team rosters will be comprised of no more than 18 players for 11v11 format games (U13 and up).
• Teams playing U-17 through U-20 can roster 22 players but can only dress 18 players for any game. Some exceptions to this rule can be made with the event director’s approval prior to event kick off. 
• There is a maximum of six (6) guest players allowed per 11v11 team, four (4) guest players for 7v7 and 9v9 teams, however the maximum roster size stated above cannot be exceeded. 
• A player may play for only one team during the event. Exceptions to this rule must first be approved by the event director and proper documentation submitted.

Electronic Check In 

• Team check-in process entails minimal documentation to be given to the event committee and requires the teams to have the other applicable documentation in their possession during the event. 
• The required documents listed below are to be uploaded to each team’s Gotsport tournament application. All other documents/passes are to be in the possession of the teams. Each team will be asked to affirm that they have all the necessary documents in their possession in order to comply with the event rules, governing state association rules, and US Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) rules.

• The following items are to be uploaded to your Gotsport tournament application: 

1. Official State Roster 
2. Travel Permit (if applicable).  USYS teams coming from beyond state lines require a travel permit.  US Club carded teams do not require a travel permit.
3. Guest Player Forms (if applicable) 

• All identification cards will be collected and reviewed, prior to the game by the match officials or Field Marshall. Cards will be held during the game and returned after the game. 

Uniforms 

• All players except the goalkeeper must have a numbered jersey that has a different number from all other team players. 
• The team listed first on the scorecard will be considered the “home team”. 
• The home team should wear white or light colors, and will be required to change jerseys in case of a color conflict (as determined by the referee). 
• Home teams will be responsible to supply the game ball. 
• All equipment shall be subject to the referee’s approval, including wrist/arm casts which must be covered completely in a soft material or ‘bubble wrap’.
• All fans must sit on the opposite of the field as the teams. 

Substitutions 

• Unlimited substitutions shall be allowed in accordance with USYSA rules. 
• A player receiving a “yellow” card does not have to be substituted for. 
• No substitutions will be allowed for a player ordered from the field by the referee for misconduct.
• Any player or coach who receives a “red” card shall not participate in the next scheduled game. 
• Ejections will be reviewed by the event officials, who reserve the right to lengthen/adjust suspensions based on the nature of the offense. 

Scheduling 

Scheduling shall be the sole responsibility of the event Committee.  Match cards will be the possession of the referees for each match. 

FORMAT	AGE	Gender	GAME LENGTH	ROSTER SIZE
7v7 Rules	U8	Boys & Girls	(2) 25 min halves	12
	U9	Boys & Girls	(2) 25 min halves	12
	U10	Boys & Girls	(2) 25 min halves	12
9v9 Rules	U11	Boys & Girls	(2) 30 min halves	16
	U12	Boys & Girls	(2) 30 min halves	16
11v11 Rules*	U13	Boys & Girls	(2) 30 min halves	18
	U14	Boys & Girls	(2) 30 min halves	18
	U15	Boys & Girls	(2) 30 min halves	18
	U16*	Boys & Girls	(2) 35 min halves	22
	U17*	Boys & Girls	(2) 40 min halves	22
	U18*	Boys & Girls	(2) 40 min halves	22
	U19/20*	Boys & Girls	(2) 40 min halves	22

*  In some Tournament Guru events 40 minute halves may be played at Showcase age groups.

All age groups will play a three game group stage games.  Qualifying teams at u15 and younger age groups will advance to a championship final.  Trophy/Medals Presentation will take place for champions and runners-up at u9-u15 unless communicated otherwise by tournament leadership.  High School age divisions (u16 and older) will play only a 3 game ‘showcase’ format with no championship final and no medals presented. Some 4 team divisions will play 3 game round robin.

In some cases ‘Trapped’ players will be allowed to play with teams 1 year younger, up to the amount of players allowed in the event guest player policy. 

The Event Director may change the duration or length of games, subject to the following: 

1. a) inclement weather, 
2. b) delay from relocation and/or rescheduling of any games, 
3. c) may cancel any games in the preliminary rounds which have no bearing on deciding group winners, 
4. d) may modify rules for tie breaks due to inclement weather delays. 

Point System 

The following point system will be used to determine winners within each division throughout preliminary games: 

• 3 points for a win 
• 1 points for a tie 
• 0 points for a loss 
• Goals For (unlimited) 
• Goals Against (unlimited) 
• Maximum Goal Differential Per Game = +4, -4

In 4 team divisions, the top two point earners advance to face each other once again in the final. In 6 and 8 team divisions, the winner of Bracket A will play the winner of Bracket B.  Some custom 

crossover divisions may exist in certain instances.  Advancement for those specific divisions will be communicated to the affected teams ahead of time.  Where applicable, ‘friendly’ or ‘showcase’ format divisions (no championship final) will be scheduled. This is generally the case in ‘showcase’ age groups such as the u16 and older divisions.

Tie Breakers Protocol 

If two or more teams are tied at the conclusion of the group stage, the below procedures shall determine the group winner.

1. Winner of head-to-head competition (not used if more than 2 teams are tied on points)
2. Goal differential (4 goal maximum per game) 
3. Fewest goals allowed 
4. Most Goals For 
5. Penalty kicks per FIFA rules 

Note:
If more than two (2) teams are tied, the sequence above will be followed until a team is  eliminated/advanced. The remaining teams will then restart the sequence at tiebreaker criteria 1 above and proceed until the tie is broken. In a situation where three teams remain tied, a draw between tied teams will be conducted by the event committee to determine an order for a Penalty Kick contest between tied teams. The first team drawn will receive a bye; the next team drawn will be the home team against the remaining team in the first round of Kicks from the Penalty Mark. The winner of the first contest will then compete against the bye team in Kicks from the Penalty Mark to determine the team that advances. The bye team will be the home team.

Overtime Rules 

• There will be no overtime periods for any games played during this event. 
• In the event of a tie at the end of regulation of a final, teams will go directly into Penalty kicks.  Only players ON THE FIELD at the end of regulation will be eligible to participate in the shootout.  Players must remain on the field at the end of regulation.  Should a situation occur where one of the teams was forced to play ‘a man down’ during regulation via ejection, the team at ‘full strength’ reserves the right to ‘Reduce to Equate’ regarding their lineup of spot kick takers. 

Game Reports

• The center referee must sign the game report. And it should be checked by both team coaches before leaving the field.
• The game report will be used for score verification. 

Forfeits 

• Any team that fails to report for play ten minutes after the scheduled game time, shall forfeit the game (as determined by the referee).  The tournament committee reserves the right to extend this 10 minute grace period as necessary on a case by case basis. 
• Any team that abandons a game prior to its conclusion shall forfeit the game. 
• A team that forfeits a game will be ineligible to advance to a championship game. 
• The team declared a winner by forfeit shall be awarded a win by the score of 4-0 (maximum points). 

Ejections

• Any player or coach ejected from a game will be ineligible for that team’s next game. 
• Any player or coach ejected for fighting or violent conduct can be subjected to ejection from the remainder of the event. 
• Player and coach’s cards will be retained by the event director and returned after the suspension has been served.  

Protests 

• Protests may be made only by the designated coach and must follow the below criteria: 
• Protests must be submitted in writing along with $100 cash to the event Director.
• No protests will be heard concerning judgment calls made by the referees. 
• Any protest concerning player eligibility must be made prior to the start of a game by notifying the Field Marshall and/or Referee. 
• All protests must be made within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the game in question. 
• Protests will be ruled on by the Event Committee by the start of the participants’ next game, or ASAP. 
• The protest fee of $100 is not refundable if the protest is not upheld. 
• The tournament committee reserves the right to decline reviewing a protest submission submission.  $100 bond will be returned in these instances.

General Rules 

• Trophy presentation for the 1st place team.  (Not applicable in our Pre-Season ‘Friendly’ events)
• 1st and 2nd place teams will receive individual medals. (Not applicable in our Pre-Season Friendly events)
• Bringing of personal alcoholic beverages onto event fields or at event facilities will not be allowed.
• No warming in the Goal mouths. 
• Please Keep Children Away From Goals. No climbing on goals. 
• No pets allowed at the complexes, other than registered service animals. 
• Tournament staff have the right to adjust, amend all rules/decisions at their discretion.
• Event Fees are due prior to the registration/payment deadline.  Age group specific event fees may go up over time as event date approaches or age groups begin to reach their maximum capacity.

Refund Policy 

Teams will receive full event tuition credit in the event a pandemic related mandated cancellation is put into place by local officials leading up to the event kickoff date. 

• Entry fee = Applicable admin fees (up to $40/team NON-REFUNDABLE in the event of cancellation) + event tuition.  Registration and entry fee deadline is between 2-5 weeks prior to event kick off date. 
• Teams which withdraw after acceptance will forfeit their entry fee.  A portion of this team’s tuition will be retained in order to refund their scheduled opponents who had been promised a guaranteed minimum of games as well as the inconvenience caused to these opponents.
• This cost burden will be shared by the host entity.  This retainer is contingent on several factors and will be assessed on a case by case basis. 
• All registered teams are subject to up to $40 non-refundable administrative fee.  This fee is incurred to cover sunk costs such as field reservations, software and registration platform fees which are to be paid by the host entity regardless of the event taking place or not.  
• Weather related cancellation refund policy remains as it has for many years and is in line with dozens of similar size events of similar offering.  Teams that play no games receive no less than a 70% refund. If only 1 game played, no less than 50% refund given, if only 2 games played, no less than 20% refund given. Assuming 3 games were originally scheduled to be played.
• Travel costs incurred by teams accepted into the event are not the responsibility of the host club. 
• Teams travel at their own risk. Teams coming from more than 80 miles away must book their housing through our event housing provided.

Weather Contingency 

We will do whatever possible to play all games as scheduled. Should the rain and/or lightning be so severe that we must use this weather contingency, the event Committee may use any of the following rules at their discretion: 

• Preliminary round play games will be shortened as deemed necessary or if weather does not permit time to shorten games, then 11v11 full team penalty kicks to determine preliminary round games will be used. If tied at the end of 11 shooters then the same 11 will shoot in a sudden-death round. (7v7 and 9v9 games will follow the same format, however in smaller numbers.  Reduce to Equate measures in effect) 
• Finals will be played at full length if at all possible. Please consult the event website for additional information. 
• Matches that have reached halftime prior to a weather delay / halt of play may be deemed complete as they stood at the time of the delay / halt.

Heat Guidelines:
Events will follow the guidelines of USSF. 

Temperatures in excess of 93 degrees fahrenheit may result in the cancellation or shortening of games.  Mandatory water breaks (1 per half) will be implemented when the temperature reaches 82 degrees. 

Cold Temperature Guidelines:

U14 and younger will halt play if the cold index with wind chill reaches 18 degrees*

U15 and older will halt play if the cold index with wind chill reaches 14 degrees*

* The above listed temperature guidelines may be just one factor that could influence the decision of the event directors to play or not to play even if the field conditions are deemed playable. Other conditions that may influence the decision include wind, humidity, rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain, ice, etc.  Event directors, along with the medical staff, and referee staff will make all stoppage distinctions at their discretion. 

Partner Event Referee/Official Abuse Policy

US Youth Soccer, its member organizations, and tournament providers, are united in their belief that there is no place for hate or abuse in youth activities. As such, all teams should be aware of the consequences for any actions or verbalizations that are directed at any team members, game officials, spectators, or tournament staff at US Youth Soccer sanctioned event. These actions are not limited to on-field but encompass anywhere on tournament property leading up to, during, or immediately following the event. At all times, the head coach of a team is directly responsible for the actions of its coaches, players, fans, and supporters. As such, a head coach may be dismissed for the actions of their team by tournament staff should it become necessary and in such cases that another coach is not available the team will forfeit the match and it shall end immediately.

The following sanctions shall be considered as the advised actions should any abuse or hate speech be observed by game officials and reported promptly to tournament officials: 

• Players – 2 game suspension for physical or verbal abuse directed toward any game official or tournament staff. Consideration shall also be given to language and content directed towards players and spectators that would be considered hate speech. 
• Coaches – 2 game suspension for any physical or verbal abuse directed toward any opposing team member, game official or tournament staff.
• Spectators/Fans – Spectator and Fan support is highly valued! However, demeaning statements, ridicule of calls or actions, and overall negative or abusive treatment of anyone has no place in developing players in any youth sport. In the event of these issues the sideline shall be cleared for the remainder of the match and shall remain cleared for the next match played by the team.
• Other Parties not covered above – Shall be banned from tournament grounds immediately and for the remainder of the tournament. A full report from all applicable persons involved in violent or abusive actions shall be submitted to the Missouri Youth Soccer office within 48 hours of the tournament for review of further possible actions. At its own discretion, US Youth Soccer may investigate claims further and take further action in those persons or situations that may call for it. In these instances,.
• Host State Youth Soccer Association could extend game suspensions and bans toward other US Youth Soccer sanctioned events that may be participated in.