Norco Invitational 2018

Tournament Rules and Regulations

Laws of the Game: 

The tournament shall be played in accordance with the laws of the game observed by USYSA and MYSA rules. 

Eligibility: 

The tournament is open to all accepted teams comprised of properly registered youth players (as defined by USYSA rules) provided such teams are in good standing with their state association. U-19 players will be allowed only if they are currently enrolled in High School. No post high school U-19 players will be allowed. Boys who are a) in the 8th grade, b) required to play U-15 due to their legal age, and c) registered to play on a U-14 team in the prior spring league or on a U-15 team in the ensuing spring league, may play on a U-14 team in the tournament. 

Respective state associations shall certify the eligibility of their competing teams and provide such teams with a state approved copy of their 2018-2019 team roster and permission to travel form. Players must be legally registered through their respective state association in accordance with USYSA requirements. Each player must have a 2018-2019 current ID card pass and medical authorization form. ID cards must be verified, laminated, and have a photo attached. 

Teams will be comprised of no more than 18 players for U13 through U18 and no more than 12 players for 7v7 or 16 for 9v9.  U13 through U19 teams may have 22 players on the roster, but can only dress 18 for any game. There is a maximum of three “guest players” for 7v7 and 9v9, and max of 6 guest players for 11v11.

Registration: 

ALL REGISTRATION WILL BE ONLINE. Tournament officials will verify that each participating team has a state-approved roster, guest player loan form, ID cards and medical authorization forms. Any player not verified will not be allowed to participate. Referees will collect all ID cards prior to the start of each game. 

Substitutions:

Unlimited substitutions shall be allowed in accordance with USYSA rules. Referees will allow no substitution for a player receiving a red card and ordered from the field. Any player ordered from the field will be banned from the next scheduled tournament game. 

Game Cards 

All game cards shall be returned to the office as soon as possible after completion of the game. Game cards should be signed by the referee and each coach. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WINNING COACH TO BRING THE GAME CARD TO THE OFFICE. IN THE EVENT OF A TIE, THE HOME TEAM COACH WILL BRING THE CARD TO THE OFFICE. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THE SCORE IS CORRECT BEFORE YOU SIGN THE CARD. 

Point System: 

The following point system will be used. 

3 points for a win 

1 point for a tie 

0 points for a loss 

Tie Breakers: 

In event of teams being tied in the preliminary round standing, the following procedure shall be used to determine group winner: 

Most games won in preliminary round 

Winner of head-to-head competition 

Goal differential- maximum of 4 per game 

Fewest Goals allowed 

Penalty kicks 

Wild Card Provision: If a bracket has a wild card team (WC), the schedule will be modified if two teams scheduled have previously played each other in pool play. The tournament directors have the discretion to modify this schedule and the decision is final. 

Any game that ends in a tie that requires a winner for advancement (except for pool play) will be decided by the following: 

Two five (5) minute overtime periods and then penalty kicks- only players on the field at the end of overtime will be allowed to take penalty kicks. 

Forfeits: 

Any team that fails to report for play ten minutes after scheduled game time shall forfeit the game. For 11v11 teams, a minimum of seven players constitutes a team. For 7v7 and 9v9 teams, a minimum of five players constitutes a team. 

Length of games: 

U8-U10: 2-25 minute halves

U11 –U4 – 2-30 minute halves

U15 and above – 2-35 minute halves 

All half time intervals shall be of five-minute duration, except overtime, which will be of two minute duration. There will be no injury or stoppage time. Mercy Rule shall apply for U-8 through U-10 age groups. The mercy rule states that whenever there is an 8-goal differential, it can be considered a complete game (if agreed by losing coach). 

In the event of inclement weather (i.e., rain, poor weather conditions) duration of games may be shortened. The tournament committee shall have the authority to change the above format as follows: A reschedule or relocation of a game, reduction of up to fifty percent the scheduled duration of any game, or cancellation of any game in the preliminary round which has no bearing in deciding group winners. For rescheduled games due to inclement weather, any conflicts submitted will be obsolete. 

Player uniforms: 

All players except goalkeeper must have a numbered jersey. Each player shall have a different number and the number shall coincide with the number and name on the roster. The team listed first will be considered the “home team”. Home team should wear their light colored jersey. IN THE EVENT OF A CONFLICT – IF THE HOME TEAM IS WEARING THEIR LIGHT JERSEY, THE VISITING TEAM MUST CHANGE. 

NO METAL CLEATS ALLOWED. 

Home team shall supply the game ball: 

U8-U12 will use size four balls. 

U-13 and above will use size five ball. 

Protests: 

No protests will be allowed. 

Refund Policy: