NRUSA/VT Summer Kickoff! Rules

Tournament Rules Download pfd version of Tournament Rules here.
U8 Rules Download pdf version of U8 Rules here.

New River United Soccer Association/Virginia Tech

Summer Kickoff Tournament Rules

May 17^th-18^th 2008

CONTENTS

Eligibility

Team Acceptance

Roster

Player Documentation

Division Structure

Laws of the game

Division Standings

Forfeits and No Shows

Inclement Weather/Game Delays

Conduct

General Procedures

Protests and Disputes

Disclaimer

New River United Soccer Association/Virginia Tech

Summer Kickoff Tournament Rules

May 17^th-18^th 2008

1. Eligibility

Participation in the VT Summer Kickoff Soccer Tournament is open to all teams and players that are currently registered with a member association of United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

Age groups

Under 19 (August 1, 1988 and younger)

Under 18 (August 1. 1989 and younger)

Under 17 (August 1, 1990 and younger)

Under 16 (August 1, 1991 and younger)

Under 15 (August 1, 1992 and younger)

Under 14 (August 1, 1993 and younger)

Under 13 (August 1, 1994 and younger)

Under 12 (August 1, 1995 and younger)

Under 11 (August 1, 1996 and younger)

Under 10 (August 1, 1997 and younger)

Under 9 (August 1, 1998 and younger)

Under 8 (August 1, 1999 and younger) (Recreational only)

2. Team Acceptance

a) The Tournament Director/Committee reserves the right to accept or reject any team application.

b) No team shall be deemed accepted unless written notification has been sent from the Tournament Director/Committee.

c) Once accepted by the Tournament Director/Committee, the application fee is non-refundable.

d) All accepted teams are required to register Friday night before tournament play begins. All teams must at that time present official club approved roster (signed by appropriate registrar) plus two copies, medical release forms for each player, player cards and permission to travel forms (for all teams traveling from outside the state of Virginia). These forms should also be available at the field of play at all times. An acceptance letter will be sent out to each accepted team with a list of required player and team documentation items.

3. Roster

Teams are allowed a maximum of five (5) guest players as long as they are currently USYSA registered and possess a Recreational/Travel player pass card. And this does not expand their roster beyond the tournaments allowed size. Players must play on their own team if their team is playing in the 2008 tournament and are not eligible to play as a guest player with another team. All teams will comply with the 2008 tournament rules and the Tournament Director’s decisions are final.

Under 19 Max 22

Under 18 Max 22

Under 17 Max 22

Under 16 Max 18

Under 15 Max 18

Under 14 Max 18

Under 13 Max 18

Under 12 Max 14

Under 11 Max 14

Under 10 Max 12

Under 9 Max 12

Under 8 Max 10

New River United Soccer Association/Virginia Tech

Summer Kickoff Tournament Rules

May 17^th-18^th 2008

4. Player Documentation

Each team accepted must be registered with a National State Association affiliated with the USSF and must provide an official roster that includes all traveling players and team officials signed or stamped by the appropriate registrar and current medical releases. Standard VYSA medical releases can be downloaded at www.vysa.com

Teams that are members of organizations of the United States Soccer Federation but not members of US Youth Soccer (such as AYSO, SAY or US Club Soccer) DO NOT have to have a US Youth Soccer Application To Travel form (although that team's organization may require that the team have permission). Such a team roster does need to be provided to tournament officials, however, along with current passes from its organization and a current team roster.

Region 1 Policy Regarding Application To Host A Tournament
Region I has established the following policy concerning permission to travel when attending USYS sanctioned tournaments in Region I. The purpose of this policy is to make it as simple as possible for the US Youth Soccer Region I teams to travel to tournaments within Region I.
The new policy states that any USYS State Association teams within Region I that is accepted into a tournament in Region I do not need permission to travel papers. Permission to Travel is not required in friendly games within Region 1. Note is to be taken on the two (2) state that has an exception to this policy (Connecticut & New Jersey).
National State Associations in Region I:
Connecticut Jr Soccer Assn - MUST provide Permission to Travel
Delaware Youth Soccer Assn
Eastern New York Youth Soccer Assn
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Assn
Soccer Maine
Maryland Youth Soccer Assn
Massachusetts Youth Soccer Assn
New Hampshire Soccer Assn
*New Jersey Youth Soccer Assn - MUST provide Permission to Travel
New York State West Youth Soccer Assn
Pennsylvania West State Soccer Assn
Soccer Rhode Island
Vermont Soccer Assn
Virginia Youth Soccer Assn
West Virginia Soccer Assn

Note: Teams that play in the Washington Area Girls Soccer League (WAGS), National Capital Soccer League (NCSL), and Old Dominion Soccer League (ODSL) are Region 1 teams and DO NOT need permission to travel forms

New River United Soccer Association/Virginia Tech

Summer Kickoff Tournament Rules

May 17^th-18^th 2008

5. Division Structure The Tournament committee will make every effort to place each team in a division that is appropriate for their level of play. However, dependant upon the tournament entrants, our director/committee reserves the right to combine age divisions when appropriate and necessary. If combinations of age divisions occur each team shall be notified and will be afforded the opportunity to withdraw from the tournament with a full refund. The tournament committee reserves the right to combine levels of play (Classic and Challenge teams) in the same division. Awards for the first and second place will be given in all divisions (except U8).

4 Team Divisions: Three games will be guaranteed in a round-robin format. The champion and runner up will be determined based on points.

5 Team Divisions: Four games will be guaranteed in a round-robin format. The champion and runner up will be determined based on points.

6 Team Divisions: Three games will be guaranteed. Teams will be divided into 2 groups (A and B) with each team playing 2 games within its group. Then, the top team in group A will play the number 2 team in group B and the top team in group B will play the number 2 team in group A as a semi-final game. The winners of these games will advance to a championship game that will determine first and second place. The third place teams in each group will play a consolation match.

8 Team Divisions: Three games will be guaranteed. Teams will be divided into 2 groups (A and B) with each team playing 3 games within its group. The top team in each group will advance to a championship game.

6. Laws of the Game All games will be played in accordance with FIFA laws except as specifically modified by the following.

A. Duration of Play and Ball Size

Age Groups Length of Game Halftime Ball Size

U8 (5v5) No GK’s 4x10 min Quarters 5 Minutes 3

U-9/10 (6v6) 2 x 25 min. halves 5 minutes 4

U-11/12 (8v8) 2 x 30 min. halves 5 minutes 4

U-13/14 (11v11) 2 x 35 min. halves 5 minutes 5

U15-U19 (11v11) 2x35 min halves 5 minutes 5

(Duration subject to change due to weather, actual time versus scheduled time.)

New River United Soccer Association/Virginia Tech

Summer Kickoff Tournament Rules

May 17^th-18^th 2008

6. Laws of the Game- Continued

B. Player Equipment

a) Shin guards MUST be worn by all players, and covered by socks.

b) The Tournament will supply appropriate size game balls.

c) With the exception of medical ID, no rings, watches, earrings or other jewelry of any kind may be worn. Medical ID medals must be taped to the chest. Medical ID bracelets must be taped to the wrist so that a finger may not become trapped under it.

d) The referee prior to the game must approve any protective device or cast worn by a player. Casts must be padded and wrapped.

e) When the color of the jerseys is similar or identical, the designated home team will change jerseys (The team listed first on the schedule is the home team).

f) Goalkeepers must wear a different colored shirt, which distinguishes them from all other players and referees.

g) Each field player must have a unique number on his/her jersey and all jerseys shall match in color. Shirts must be tucked in during the entire game.

h) No equipment changes may be made after the referee’s equipment check without his/her permission.

C. Substitutions

Substitutions may be made with the permission of the referee based upon FIFA laws. All age groups will have unlimited substitutions and players may re-enter the game at the discretion of the referee. The substitute must wait until the player is off the field before entering the field (unless the referee waves him/her on). Players must enter at the halfway line. No substitutions will be allowed for a player sent off. Substitutions will be allowed as follows:

a) Before a throw-in for either team

b) Before a goal kick by either team

c) After a goal by either team

d) When the referee has stopped play to attend to an injured player (by either team)

e) At half time

f) Before either overtime period

g) In case of an injury(the other team may sub a player in as well)

D.U8

Please read separate U8 rules document for the modified laws.

New River United Soccer Association/Virginia Tech

Summer Kickoff Tournament Rules

May 17^th-18^th 2008

7. Division Standings

For the purpose of determining bracket standings and semi-final game participants, the following point system will be used:

Win = 3 points, Tie = 1 point, Loss = 0 points

In the event of a tie based on points, bracket winners and/or runner-ups will be determined, progressively, as follows:

a) Head-to-Head competition,

b) Goal differential with a maximum differential of 3 goals per game,

c) Most goals scored

d) Least goals allowed

e) FIFA kicks from the penalty mark.

Any team that forfeits a game CANNOT advance to the semi-final or final game, nor be champions on points. Ties – Ties will stand at the end of regular play for preliminary round matches and consolation matches. For ties in semi final or championship matches, the teams will play two successive five minute overtime periods (not sudden death). If the teams are still tied at the end of the two overtime periods, the winner will be determined using FIFA kicks from the penalty mark method. Only the players on the field at the end of the second overtime period will be allowed to participate in the FIFA kicks.

U8 will be a festival format only. No scores or standings will be kept.

8. Forfeits and No Shows

A maximum grace period of 5 minutes will be allowed after the scheduled kick-off time. U-13 teams and older must have seven (7) players present in order to begin a game and U9, U-10, U-11, and U-12 teams must have five (5) players present in order to begin a game. A game forfeited will be scored 3-0 and the winning team awarded 3 points. It is the duty of the coaches to have teams at the filed at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start time.

9. Inclement Weather/Game Delays

The Tournament Director reserves the right to make the following changes in the event of inclement weather:

Relocate and/or reschedule a match
Reduce scheduled duration of a match
Cancel a match or cancel the tournament

We will make every effort possible to notify teams if fields are closed and if games have been cancelled. However, Coaches and their players must appear at the field ready to play as scheduled, regardless of the weather, unless notified by us. Failure to appear will result in a forfeit of the match. Only the Tournament Director may cancel or postpone a match. Additionally, the Tournament Director may reduce the length of a match because of field conditions. Should a game in progress be terminated due to weather or field conditions, the game will be considered official if at least the first half has been played and the score at that time shall stand. For other games, rescheduling attempts will be made as fairly as possible, considering referee and field availability and normal progress of the competition.

New River United Soccer Association/Virginia Tech

Summer Kickoff Tournament Rules

May 17^th-18^th 2008

10. Conduct

The Tournament is for the enjoyment of the players. The tournament places a strong emphasis on Sportsmanship and good manners by all! High standards of sportsmanship are expected to be observed by the players, coaches, and spectators.

Any player, coach or team supporter sent off during this tournament will be reported to the team’s home state association. Upon receipt of the report, the team’s home state association and/or league may impose additional sanctions. Matters involving referee assault or abuse will be reported immediately to the host state association (VYSA). Any player sent off from a game (red carded) will not be replaced and will not be allowed to participate in the remainder of the game and the team’s next game. Two (2) yellow cards in one match are equivalent to a red card and the above rule applies. Any coach removed from a game must leave the field immediately and will not be allowed to coach in the team’s next game. Any team supporter or spectator sent off during a game must immediately leave the vicinity of the field complex and will not be allowed at the field complex for the next game. A send off for serious verbal or physical altercations will result in the player, coach or team supporter being banned from the tournament facilities for the remainder of the tournament. Coaches, players, and spectators for all participating teams must remain on their respective sides of the field during the time the match is in progress. Specifically, all players and coaches should be on one side of the field, and all spectators on the opposite side of the field. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and sideline team supporters on his/her team. The referee and or field marshal are authorized to remove any spectator whose behavior, in their opinion, interferes with the play of the game. In accordance with FIFA laws, only players will be shown a card (yellow or red) when being cautioned or sent off. No cards will be shown to parents, coaches or other team officials.

11. General Procedures

a) Coaches and spectators must remain between the penalty areas.

b) Spectators must sit on the opposite side of the field from their team. Home teams are listed first on the schedules.

c) No unauthorized tents, exposed stakes, ropes or strings are allowed within 10 yards of any playing field. The Tournament Committee may require that tents or other items or spectators be moved at their discretion.

d) No pets, No firearms, No alcoholic beverages allowed on tournament facilities or in tournament parking lots. NO EXCEPTIONS!

e) All decisions of the referee are final and binding. NO protests will be allowed.

f) The Tournament Director or his/her designee reserves the right to decide all matters pertaining to the tournament and his/her judgment is final.

g) At the discretion of the Tournament Director or his/her designee, games may be shortened or other means used to preserve schedule integrity. Game times may be changed to accommodate successfully completing the tournament in the event of poor weather.

h) A forfeit shall be awarded if a team is not present to play within five (5) minutes of the scheduled starting time. The score shall be recorded 3 – 0 against the offending team.

i) Referees will be USSF certified. The referee shall keep a record of the game and keep the official time on the field. Club linesmen may be used in the event of an assistant referee absence.

New River United Soccer Association/Virginia Tech

Summer Kickoff Tournament Rules

May 17^th-18^th 2008

12. Protests and Disputes

All protests & disputes for referee decisions are not allowed; decisions by referees may not be appealed.

13. Disclaimer

The Tournament Director, Tournament Committee, event sponsor, New River United Soccer Association, Virginia Youth Soccer Association, Virginia Tech and their volunteers will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any team or club if the tournament is canceled in whole or in part, nor will any refunds be made The Tournament Director reserves the right to decide all matters pertaining to the tournament and his/her judgment is final. Should the tournament be canceled in part or in whole due to any act of nature or for any other reason, no refunds will be issued. NRUSA, Virginia Tech or any representatives of NRUSA or Virginia Tech are not liable for any expenses incurred by any party due to Tournament cancellation including tournament registration fees. (No Refunds Will Be Issued).

New River United Soccer Association/Virginia Tech

Summer Kickoff Tournament Rules

May 17^th-18^th 2008

U8 Boys/Girls

1. Tournament Structure

The U8 Age Group will use modified rules designed to offer all participants an enjoyable

Introduction to tournament games with other soccer clubs.

All U8 teams will play four games. Game scores will not be posted and standings will not be maintained and there will not be any championship games. Each team will play on a single field (no dual-sided games).

Teams will be placed in divisions and flights by ability level as much as possible. Clubs and coaches should designate teams as pre-travel, intermediate, or developmental. In the absence of any other information teams will be grouped by team name.

Teams are encouraged to bring club patches to exchange after each game.

Maximum roster is ten (10) players, but teams are not required to bring ten players.

Maximum number of players on the field is five (5). A team must have three players to start a game. No goalies are allowed. (See the modified off-sides rule.)

Girls are allowed to play in boys’ divisions. Coed teams will play in the boys divisions. Players may play only on the team with which they are registered. Players may not play on or register for more than one recreational/house team. Any reports of roster violations will be forwarded to VYSA for investigation.

Team Documentation and Check-in

All accepted teams are required to register Friday night before tournament play begins. All teams must at that time present official club approved roster (signed by appropriate registrar) plus two copies, medical release forms for each player, player cards and permission to travel forms (for all teams traveling from outside the state of Virginia). These forms should also be available at the field of play at all times. An acceptance letter will be sent out to each accepted team with a list of required player and team documentation items. Player cards must be signed by individual players and Medical Release forms must be signed by a parent or legal guardian for each player. Each player must have a current Recreational Player Pass issued by the sponsoring club. All Player Passes must be signed by the player. Player passes do not need photographs.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND/OR PASSPORTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN PLACE OF A PLAYER PASS.

Coaches must have a copy of the team roster, all player cards and completed Medical Release forms at each game.

2. Game Procedures

The first team listed in the schedule is the home team, and the second team listed is the visiting team. The home team must change jerseys if the Referee judges that the jersey colors conflict. Regular season jerseys, or matching t-shirts, may be substituted for the tournament jerseys. Visiting teams should help resolve any uniform conflicts.

Please have your team at the field location no later than 20 minutes before kickoff.

3. Laws

Field Dimensions

The field will be at least 20 yards wide by 40 yards long. The field will not be more than 30 yards wide by 50 yards long. The field will be marked like a regular soccer field except that a goal arc, extending two (2) yards past each edge of the goal, is substituted for the standard goal box. The field will not include a penalty area.

Equipment

The tournament will use a size three (3) ball and PUG goals (spring form semi-circle goals approximately two yards wide) for all U8 games. Players may wear soft-cleated soccer shoes or tennis shoes. All players must wear shin guards covered by uniform socks. All equipment is subject to approval by the Referee.

Individual player numbers are required on the primary team jerseys. Numbers are not required on alternate set of jerseys. All players must wear a jersey during game play.

Duration

The game will be divided into four twelve (10) minute quarters, with a two (2) minute break at quarters and a five (5) minute break at the half. Play will restart in the 2nd an 4th with a kickoff by the team w/ last possession. The 3rd quarter will start with a kickoff by the team that did not kickoff at the 1st quarter.

Restarts

Players will use a throw-in, not a kick-in, to restart play after the ball has gone out of bounds.

Throw-ins must conform to FIFA laws. Incorrect throw-ins will result in a second ‘Free’ try for the same player. If incorrect, then throw in will result in a loss of possession.

All fouls and misconduct calls will conform to FIFA laws. There are no penalty kicks.

Goal kicks and corner kicks will conform to FIFA laws.

Unlimited substitutions are allowed, with referee permission, after a goal has been scored, at the beginning of a new quarter, at a goal kick, or on either team’s throw-in. Both teams may substitute one player when a player is injured and leaves the field.

Off Side

A modified off-sides rule will be used with the goal arcs.

No player is permitted in the goal arc area before the ball enters the goal arc area.

A goal kick will be awarded to the defending team if an attacking player enters the goal arc area before the ball and plays the ball, unless no advantage is gained by the attacking team. A corner kick will be awarded to the attacking team if a defending player enters the goal arc area before the ball and plays the ball, unless no advantage is gained by the defending team.

3. Laws-continued

Cards

Players receiving a yellow card may be substituted at the coach’s discretion. Players receiving a red card (or two yellow cards in the same game) may not play in the rest of that game and may not play in the next game. Coaches are responsible for enforcing all player restrictions from yellow and red cards in previous games.

4. General