19th Annual Freedom Invitational Soccer Tournament

August 17 to 19, 2007

Tournament Rules

 

 

Additional information regarding the tournament, including updates, accepted teams, schedules and status can be obtained via the Freedom Soccer Club Website at www.freedomsoccerclub.org

 

Competition is governed by the laws of FIFA except as specifically modified by these rules:

 

ROSTERS

 

1.      Roster limit is 18 players, including up to three guest players.  U-8 to U-10 are limited to 14 players, including up to three guest players.

2.      Team and player credentials will be checked at registration.  Rosters may be inspected by the field marshall at the request of either the coach or the referee.  Credentials shall include:

 

Official State USYSA rosters

Current player pass (Proof of Age Required)

Medical release form

Permission to travel forms

 

3.      No player may play for more than one team during the tournament.

 

 

PLAYER EQUIPMENT

 

1.      All teams must have alternate jerseys in case of color conflict. The team listed first is considered the home team and is responsible to change if necessary.

2.      Shin guards are mandatory for all players.

3.      Goalkeepers are encouraged to wear a mouthpiece.

4.      No metal cleats are allowed on soccer shoes.

5.      With the exception of the goalkeeper, all players must have uniforms with individual numbers on the shirt.

6.      Players wearing protective casts are allowed to play if approved by the referee.

7.      No equipment changes may be made after the referees’ inspection without his or her approval.

 

CONDUCT

 

1.      THERE WILL BE NO PROTESTS

2.      All referees’ decisions are final. Arguments resulting from judgment calls may result in forfeiture of the game.

3.      Coaches are responsible for conduct of their spectators and may be carded for their spectator’s behavior.

4.      Players or coaches ejected from a game will be banned from his/her team’s next game.

5.      Any team found to be playing an illegal player will be permanently banned from the tournament and all of their games will be forfeited.

6.      Players or coaches ejected for fighting will be permanently banned from the tournament.

7.      Any player or coach who receives a second (yellow)caution during any part of the tournament will not be allowed to participate in his team’s next game.

8.      Any disciplinary imposed by the tournament officials shall be limited to an individual or team’s participation in the tournament. However, all yellow and red cards will be recorded and reported to each team’s home state association, which may impose additional sanctions.

 

ACCUMULATED YELLOW CARD POLICY

 

Any player who accumulates two yellow cards during the tournament must sit out the very next game that his/her team is to play in the tournament.  For example, if a player receives a yellow card in game #1 and then another card in game #3, the player will have to sit out game #4, regardless whether game #4 is a semi-final or final.  This policy is in addition to the existing rule that states that any player who receives two yellow cards (resulting in a “red card” being given) during any one game must “sit out” the very next game

 

GAMES

 

1.      Duration of games, and ball sizes:

           

U8 - U10   25-minute halves        size 4 ball

U11-U12   30-minute halves        size 4 ball

U13 - U16 30-minute halves        size 5 ball

 

 

2.      All games start on time. A team that is not present at the scheduled start time will forfeit the game at the referee’s discretion.

3.      A team must have 7 or more players ready to play in order to begin a match or they will forfeit the match. Opposing teams are not required to play short if their opponent does not field a full team. U10 teams require only 5 players to start and play 7 vs. 7 as required by USYS.

4.      Teams are to be on the same side of the field, and spectators should be on the opposite. Each must operate in its own half. The home team has its choice of sides.

5.      Unlimited substitutions will be allowed with referee consent, 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 is scored
  4. At half time
  5. For an injured player… Opposing team may also substitute one for one at this time
  6. For a player receiving a yellow card… Opposing team may also substitute one for one at this time

Note: Referee may disallow substitution if he determines it was made to delay game or gain a time advantage.

 

ADVANCEMENT

 

1.      Teams that have forfeited a game may not advance beyond the preliminary rounds without the approval of the tournament director. Note: If a team is cause for termination of a game, that team will be considered to have forfeited that game.

2.      All games in the preliminary round which end in a draw will remain as such.

3.      Ranking of teams for the purpose of advancement:

 

3 points awarded for a win or by forfeit

1 point awarded by a tie

0 points awarded for a loss

 

Tie-breaker for teams with the same number of points:

 

  1. Head to head competition unless more than two teams are tied*
  2. Most wins
  3. Goal differential- maximum 3 goals per game
  4. Fewest goals against
  5. Fewest cards
  6. FIFA penalty kick shoot-out

 

  • In the event of a three-way tie the elimination procedure beings with step b. As soon as the first place team is determined the elimination procedures go immediately back to step a.

 

4.      Tie-breaker  for semi-final and final matches:

 

  1. Two, 5-minute sudden death overtime periods will be played.
  2. If still tied the FIFA penalty kick procedure will determine the winner.

 

5.      It is each coach’s responsibility to verify his team’s standings for advancement and possible schedule changes.

 

GENERAL

 

1.      We shall, in accordance with USSF rules, use only USSF registered referees for all games and shall utilize a one or three referee system. If only two referees are present, one will act as a referee and one will act as a linesman. The referee will select a club linesman.

2.      The Field Marshall will ensure that all scores and game reports are properly reported and recorded. Scores and standings will be available at the respective tournament sites.

3.      The Tournament Committee, Freedom Soccer Club and MSYSA will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any team or club.

4.      The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the tournament, including the right to suspend any player, team or coach for unruly conduct, and its judgment is final.

5. Smoking, alcoholic beverages and pets    are not permitted at game sites.

6.      No refunds will be issued for teams withdrawing after the entry deadline. Partial refunds will be issued if the tournament is cancelled prior to the tournament dates.

 

 

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY       

 

Every attempt will be made to play all games. In any event, teams must report to scheduled game site prior to game time, and should not leave until the game is cancelled by a tournament official.

 

During the tournament, game termination will be decided by the referee and/or tournament officials.  In the event of lightning, all fields and sidelines must be evacuated immediately.

 

If a game cannot start on time: Attempt will be made to start as soon as possible. It may be necessary to shorten the halves or reschedule the game.

 

If a game is suspended in the first half: Attempt will be made to complete the game prior to the next scheduled game. It may be necessary to shorten the game. If game cannot be completed or rescheduled the teams’ game point average will be used to determine their position in the standings.

 

If the game is suspended after the first half: Game is official; score will stand.

 

The tournament officials only, may elect to shorten game duration.

 

Teams involved in suspended or cancelled games should stay in contact with tournament officials or check the website at www.freedomsoccerclub.org for rescheduling information.