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Tournament Rules

Downloadable PDF Version updated 12/1/2012

I.   TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS AND OFFICIALS

The Tournament Headquarters is located at: 12325 Hymeadow Drive, Building 1, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78750 with remote HQ located at the “main” playing venue during match play on Saturday and Sunday.  

The Tournament Director is: Lorie Williams – 512-336-5425 ext 12 or via email LWilliams@Lonestar-SC.com.

II.   REGISTRATION AND TEAM ELIGIBILITY

1. Team Check-in – Mandatory team check-in will be held at the headquarters tent located at each site.  The team manager/representative must check in 1 hour prior to their first game.  The check in location is determined by the team’s first game.
2. Check-in requirements -- Managers must present:

   1. A photo identification card (player card) issued by the team’s Federation Organization Member (STYSA or other USYS/US Club Soccer organization) for every player;
   2. A current roster approved by their Federation Organization Member and must include the jersey numbers of all players.  You may handwrite or type the jersey numbers onto the roster if not pre-printed.
   3. USYSA teams from outside the South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA) must provide proof of permission to travel from their home association.
   4. Managers should also have a current and signed Medical Release Form.  These forms are not required for check in but should be available in case of emergency.  

III.   PLAYER AGE AND ELIGIBILITY

1. Player Eligibility – All players must be registered with USYS or US Club Soccer. Current player cards for each player will be required at check-in.   No Card-No Play-No Exception.  The maximum roster size for U9-U10 (6v6) teams is 10 and U9-U10 (8v8) teams is 14.  The maximum roster size for U11-U12 teams is 14 and maximum roster for U13-U14 teams is 18.
2. Guest Players – A player (guest or rostered) may only play for one team.  All U9-U10 teams will be permitted up to 3 guest players and all U11-U14 teams will be permitted up to 4 guest players.

IV.  TEAMS

1. Home Team – The first team listed on the schedule is considered the home team.  Home team wears dark/colored uniform and the visiting team wears white/light colored uniforms. 
2. Uniforms – All players must wear numbered jerseys.   Each team must have an alternate color jersey for each player in case of color conflict.   The home team, if deemed necessary by the referee, will be required to change jerseys or wear pinnies.
3. Team and spectator location – Players and coaches from both teams will occupy the same side of the field.  Spectators and parents must sit on the side opposite their players and coaches.   No one is permitted to sit or stand behind the goals.  No noise makers are permitted.
4. Inspection – Teams must be at the field no later than 15 minutes prior to match time ready for inspection by the referee.  The coach/team manager must have a copy of the roster and player cards ready for inspection if requested by the referee.

V.  LAWS OF THE GAME

1. All matches will be played in accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game, except as specifically modified in the tournament rules:

   1. Match Length - The Tournament Director reserves the right to adjust game length and schedules due to weather or field conditions.  Games are on a running clock. The referee may stop the clock for serious injuries.   All decisions of this nature are made by the referee on the field and are final.   All games will have a 5 minute half-time.  No overtime in group play.

2. Substitutions – A player may be substituted with the permission of the referee at the following times:
   1. Prior to a throw-in in your favor,
   2. Prior to a goal kick by either team,
   3. After a goal by either team,
   4. When the referee approves an injury substitution by one team, the other team may substitute an equal number of players,
   5. At half time,
   6. When the referee stops to caution a player, only that player may be substituted prior to the restart of the game,
   7. Players shall enter and leave the field at mid-field,
   8. No player shall leave the field of play without the consent of the referee.
2. Player equipment:   Shin guards are mandatory.   Per STYSA rules, no player may play with a HARD cast even if it is padded.   All other equipment related issues will be left to the discretion of the Referee.

3. Water breaks: Water breaks may be taken during the play of all tournament games. These are NOT mandatory. The referee and both coaches should agree before a game begins that such breaks will be taken and generally when they will occur. Water breaks will be taken only with referee’s permission, and the game clock shall continue to run during the entire duration of the break period. THE GAME CLOCK WILL NOT BE STOPPED during a water break.

VI.  TOURNAMENT AND MATCH SCHEDULES

1. Tournament format –All teams will be guaranteed 3 games and awards will be presented to both champions and finalists in each bracket.  A 10 point system will be used.
2. Procedures for determining a winner - There will be no overtime periods in group play.  Ties will stand with the exception of U11-U14 semifinal and championship matches.  For semifinal and championship games, there will be no overtime—the match will go directly into FIFA penalty kicks.  Not all brackets will have semifinal and championship matches.  Some brackets may have Champions and Finalists determined by points. 
3. Referees –The tournament shall utilize a three-referee system on all matches U13 and up. A single referee will be utilized on all other matches.
4. Match delays, suspensions, and cancellations – In case of inclement weather, the Tournament Directors, Lonestar SC and the facility manager will determine if games are to be played.  Once the game has started, the decision rests with the referee and Lonestar SC. If any games are canceled, it is up to the coaches of the teams to check with the Tournament Director for rescheduling information.  Games shall be considered complete if one half of the game has elapsed.  The score at the stoppage of play will be the final score.  If one half has not elapsed and the game is stopped, every effort will be made to reschedule to balance of the game.  The tournament weather advisory line is 512-336-RAIN.
5. REFUND POLICY – A team withdrawing from the tournament after being accepted shall forfeit its entry fee in full.   In the event of inclement weather, the tournament committee has the authority to restructure or cancel the tournament.   It will not be rescheduled for another date and no refunds will be issued once play has begun. If the tournament is cancelled prior to the start of play, a refund less expenses will be distributed at the sole discretion of the tournament.   A $35.00 fee will be accessed to any returned check.

VII.  FORFEITS

1. Forfeiture – Each team must be ready to play at the scheduled time or immediately after the conclusion of the previous game as determined by the referee, and with the minimum number of players, or the team is subject to forfeiting the match.
2. Minimum Numbers— The minimum number of players required for play in an 11v11 match is seven (7).  For an 8v8 match, the minimum number is six (6) and for a 6v6 match the minimum number of players is four (4).
3. Permission to continue to play – Following the forfeiture of a game, a team may be allowed to continue to play, but will not be eligible to receive awards.
4. POINTS – A forfeit will be scored as a win and a total of 3 points will be awarded.  Any team the forfeits any game automatically forfeits every game in regards to advancement.  All games played against the forfeited team will be scored 1-0 in favor of the other team.  A team that has forfeited a game is encouraged to play the remaining group games.
   
   

VIII.  STANDINGS AND TIE-BREAKERS

1. Team Standings and Tie Breakers:  – Team standings will be based on the following scoring system:

2. 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.   A 0 – 0 tie is scored 3 points for each team.
3. Tie Breakers:  While following criteria, never revert back to the top of the list even after a team has been eliminated from the tiebreaker.  Ties in the standings will be resolved in the following order:
   1. Winner of head to head competition
   2. Net goals (goal difference, limit of +/- 3 per game)
   3. Most goals scored (maximum of 3 goals per game)
   4. Goals against (maximum of 3 goals per game)
   5. Most total wins
   6. FIFA penalty kicks

    

IX.  MATCH AND SCORE REPORTING

The coach of both teams will sign and validate the official game card for accuracy.  The referee will turn in the game card.   Each coach is responsible for verifying the posted score prior to the team’s next game.

X.  PROTESTS AND DISPUTES

There will be no protests.   Issues and concerns can be raised to the Tournament Director, but all referee decisions are final.

XI.  CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

1. Team and spectator conduct – Misconduct by a team, its players, coaches, parents, spectators, supporters or officials will not be tolerated on or off the field.  A team, player, coach, parent, spectator, supporter or official may be withdrawn from the competition at the discretion of the Tournament Director.  In the event that this occurs, a misconduct report will be made to STYSA and/or the team’s State or National association.  Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their team and supporters both on and off the fields.
2. General rules – Verbal abuse or harassment of anyone will not be tolerated. Alcohol, firearms, fireworks and glass containers are not allowed at the park. Artificial noisemaking devices are prohibited. All facilities are Smoke Free.
3. Ejections – Any player or coach who receives a red card/ejection during a match is not allowed to play or coach in the next match.

XII.  GAME BALLS

Each team must provide an appropriate sized match ball for each game.

XIII.  AWARDS

Awards will be presented to both champions and finalists in each bracket.