TOURNAMENT RULES
All players and coaches are responsible for knowledge and understanding of the following Tournament Rules:
Number of Players
A) Only players signed on the roster shall play. All teams must register at least 30 minutes prior to their first game. Games are 6 V 6. The roster may have a maximum of 12 players, except for the O40’s & O50’s which can have a maximum of 14 players. All players must be listed on the roster prior to the first game, and all players must sign the roster prior to playing. No additions will be allowed after the start of the team’s first game. Teams playing with ineligible players will forfeit the game. Proof of age will be required for the Over-30/O40 and Over-50 divisions. All players must be 18 years of age on or before February 17th, 2024.
The Women’s O30 division can have one player under the age of 30. THIS IS THE LAST YEAR WITH THIS EXCEPTION.
B) No player may play on more than one team within an age division.
C) Substitutions are unlimited and are usually made ‘on the fly’, provided that the player leaving the field and the player entering the field do not participate or create an advantage while they are simultaneously on the field of play. Any infringement shall be a direct free kick for the opponent on their attacking red line.
D) If a team plays an extra player on the field they shall be charged with a bench card meaning they play short for 2 minutes.
E) Goalkeepers:
1) A goalkeeper has possession any time he/she has a part of his/her body in contact with the ball (this does not include any part of the foot as a result of the goalie playing the ball with the intentions of a field player).
2) Goalkeepers may change ‘on the fly’ during the game provided the new goalkeeper is wearing a neutral colored shirt that does not conflict with either team or the referee, and abides by the substitution laws. Infringements are the same as an illegal substitution.
3) Goalkeepers intentionally handling a ball outside their penalty box shall be assessed a yellow card and a two minute penalty.
4) A goalkeeper cannot pick up the ball in his penalty area unless the ball was last touched by an opposing player or the body/head of a team mate (FIFA rules).
5) Once in possession of the ball the goalie has five seconds to release the ball.
6) The goalkeeper is not permitted to bounce, punt, or drop kick the ball.
F) Any team forfeiting a game will not be re-invited to the tournament—ever.
Players’ Equipment
A) All soccer shoes are now legal.
B) ALL PLAYERS MUST WEAR SHIN GUARDS.
C) All teams must bring a jersey or t-shirt of the same color and a white shirt or jersey. The designated Home team must change if there is a conflict in jersey color.
D) Goalkeepers must wear a distinguishing shirt.
E) All jewelry, watches, and other dangerous equipment must be removed.
Game Regulations
A) Games shall be 2 x 12.5 minutes with a running clock. The referee may stop the clock, at their discretion, if there is an injury; delay of game by a team; to control a situation on the field or to register the time of a card. The timekeeper will not stop the clock unless ordered by the referee.
B) Overtime:
1) There shall be no overtime during the group round of play.
2) During the playoffs, one five minute sudden death overtime period will be played. If it is still tied, each team will take three kicks from the spot on the arc at the top of the key. If it is still tied, alternate sudden death kicks will be taken to determine the winner. Every player must make an attempt before any player gets to make a second attempt.
C) Time will be extended at the end of any period for a penalty kick.
D) The clock will run at all times except at the referee’s discretion for injury, extended delay, or card issuance.
E) The referee may terminate the game at any time due to the conduct or actions of either team or supporters if the referee deems that such conduct or actions are detrimental to the game.
F) The standings will be determined by points, with a nine point per game maximum system.
G) Win = 6 points, Tie = 3 points, Loss = 0 points, Goal = 1 point (maximum of 3 ‘goal’ points per game).
H) In case of a point tie in the standings, the following tie-breakers will be implemented:
1) Head to head
2) Least goals against
3) Goal differential
4) Most nine point maximum games
5) Coin toss
Referees/Timekeepers
A) The referees have the authority from the moment they enter the playing area until they leave the playing area.
B) Play is stopped when the referee’s whistle is blown. The referee’s decision is final. Any argument over a referee’s decision is an automatic ejection.
C) The game clock will start at the scheduled time whether or not the teams are ready to play.
D) At no time are players, coaches, team personnel, or supporters allowed to threaten, harass or touch a referee, tournament staff, timekeepers or tournament volunteers. Any person who does so will be immediately removed from the facility.
Start of Play
A) Games will start promptly! Each team must field four players to start a game. Forfeit time is five minutes. A 3-0, 9 point win will be awarded to the opposing team.
B) The team listed first on the schedule shall be the Home team and start with the ball on the end of the field nearest the entrance. Teams will switch ends at half-time. There will be no break at half-time—only to switch ends.
C) Play starts at the center circle when the referee blows the whistle. The ball may be played in any direction. This is a direct kick.
Out of Play, Free Kicks, and Restarts
A) The ball is out of play if it hits the netting, goes over the side boards, or hits the ceiling. Play will be restarted by the opponent as follows:
The ball will be placed below where the ball went out of bounds and up to 4 feet away from the wall. If the ball hits the ceiling, it should be placed directly under where it hit the ceiling. The ball must visibly move to be considered in play. Players have 5 seconds to play the ball on a free kick or restart. If a team delays the restart, the referee may issue a yellow card.
B) Opposing players must be TWELVE feet from any restart. Any unsporting delays from the defensive team moving twelve feet from the ball may result in a yellow card and two minute penalty.
Three-Line Pass
The ball shall not travel across three lines in the air unless it has touched a player, played off the wall, or comes from the goalie’s throw.
Fouls and Misconduct
A) All free kicks are direct. A penalty kick that results from a foul in the box is taken from the penalty spot in the goal box and can be defended by the goalkeeper. All other free kicks incurred in the box are taken from the spot on the arc and may be defended. (There will be a temporary spot at TOCA).
B) A free kick is awarded to the other team from the spot on the arc at the top of the key if the goalkeeper drop kicks or punts the ball.
C) NO SLIDE TACKLES or tackles from behind. Only the goalie is allowed to slide and only when in the penalty box. If a defensive player other than the goalkeeper slides in the box and touches the ball it is a penalty kick. If they slide in the box without touching the ball it is a direct kick from the spot on the arc at the top of the key.
D) Two minute warning - otherwise known as a Blue card: player must leave the field, can be replaced.
E) Yellow card: Two minute penalty. Players cannot be replaced until after the two minute penalty has expired or until a goal has been scored.
F) Once a goal has been scored when a yellow card has been given, a player may replace the player serving the penalty. The player with the yellow card cannot return to the field before the two minute time period has expired.
G) Red card: Players, including the goalkeeper if they committed the foul, must leave the field immediately and cannot be replaced for 5 minutes regardless of goals scored. The player must also miss the next game (including if it is the goalie), even if it is a playoff game. Red cards cannot be appealed.
H) Two yellow cards in a game equal a red card
I) Two red cards accumulated during the tournament and the player is expelled from the tournament.
J) All players will be shown a Blue card 2 minute penalty for jumping the boards but their team will play at full strength.
K) The Tournament Committee reserves the right to alter the rules and regulations of the tournament at any time. We will try to keep changes minor, infrequent, and as early in the competition as possible.
