01 GAME RULES
Proposed policy · Pending approval
All matches will follow FIFA Laws of the Game, as modified by US Club Soccer and the Tournament Committee.
02 SPORTSMANSHIP
Proposed policy · Pending approval
All participants—players, coaches, spectators—are expected to exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship.
Coaches are responsible for their teams and affiliated spectators. Abusive, insulting, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Misconduct may result in ejection and further disciplinary action by the Tournament Director.
03 CREDENTIALS
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Each team must present valid US Club or USYS passes for the 2026/2027 season, and guest player loan forms if applicable.
Roster limit: 26 players. Maximum players dressed: 7v7 — 14; 9v9 — 16; 11v11 — 20.
Players may not compete for more than one team in the same Age division.
04 AGE GROUPS
Proposed policy · Pending approval
All age groups follow the 2026/2027 season calendar-year matrix.
05 TOURNAMENT CHECK-IN
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Online check-in is mandatory by Thursday at 12:00 PM. Late check-ins receive a 1-point deduction.
Onsite check-in is required 30 minutes prior to each game at the Field Marshal Station. See the draft check-in procedures.
06 DIVISIONS & PLACEMENT
Proposed policy · Pending approval
The Tournament Committee places teams based on performance history and seeding. Adjacent age groups and mixed competitive levels may be grouped together.
07 SCORING SYSTEM (POOL PLAY)
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Win: 6 points. Tie: 3 points. Loss: 0 points.
1 point per goal, maximum 3 per game. 1 point for a shutout.
Forfeit: 10 points, scored 3–0. Player red card: −1 point. Coach/staff red card: −2 points.
08 TIEBREAKERS (POOL PLAY)
Proposed policy · Pending approval
In order:
- Head-to-head.
- Most wins.
- Goal differential (maximum +6 per game).
- Most goals scored (maximum 6 per game).
- Fewest goals allowed.
- Most shutouts.
- Fewest red cards.
- Penalty kicks if both teams are present.
- Coin toss.
09 ADVANCEMENT
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Knockout rounds (Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, Consolation and Finals) will avoid pool rematches if possible. Re-pairing will prioritize fairness based on seeding, i.e. the lowest seeds will be swapped.
10 SIDELINES & LOGISTICS
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Teams and spectators must be on opposite sides. No spectators are allowed behind goals. A credentialed adult must be on the team sideline at all times.
11 GAME LENGTHS – START TIME AND GAME MINIMUM COUNT
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Arrive 30 minutes before kickoff. Minimum players ready: 7v7 — 5; 9v9 — 7; 11v11 — 8.
Games start on time. Preliminary games may end in a tie. Games are complete after 15 minutes of play.
Game lengths: 7v7 — 2 × 20 minutes; 9v9 — 2 × 25 minutes; 11v11 — 2 × 30 minutes.
12 JERSEY COLORS
Proposed policy · Pending approval
The home team, listed first, wears dark colors; visitors wear light colors. The referee has the final say on conflicts.
13 HALF TIME
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Half time is a maximum of 5 minutes. Field Marshals may adjust if necessary.
14 OVERTIME & PENALTIES
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Semi-finals and 3rd place games go directly to FIFA penalty kicks.
Finals have two 5-minute overtime periods with Golden Goal. If still tied, FIFA penalty kicks apply. Small-sided 7v7/9v9 games use three kicks instead of five.
Only players on the field at the end of overtime may participate in penalty kicks.
15 TERMINATED GAMES
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Games may be resumed, concluded, or decided by penalty kicks at the Tournament Director’s discretion, depending on the cause, including weather or misconduct.
16 SUBSTITUTIONS
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Unlimited substitutions are permitted at the referee’s discretion before any restart.
17 HEADING RULES
Proposed policy · Pending approval
No heading in 7v7/9v9. Heading is allowed beginning with 11v11.
18 DISCIPLINE
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Any red card/send-off results in a 1-game suspension. Further penalties may be imposed by the Disciplinary Committee. Fighting or referee harassment may result in team expulsion.
19 PROTESTS
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Referee decisions are final. No protests are allowed.
20 FORFEITS
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Forfeits are scored 3–0. The offending team receives 0 points. A forfeiting team may not advance.
21 EQUIPMENT
Proposed policy · Pending approval
No metal cleats. Shin guards are mandatory. No casts or splints unless approved by the referee. Eyewear must be safe and sport-appropriate. No jewelry except medical alert bracelets.
22 FIELD RULES
Proposed policy · Pending approval
No food, seeds, or gum on turf. Clean the team area. No alcohol at any venue.
23 MEDICAL & EMERGENCIES
Proposed policy · Pending approval
All injuries must be reported to the Field Marshal. 911 will be called if needed. Accident reports will be completed as necessary.
24 WEATHER POLICY
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Inclement weather or unforeseen conditions may result in shortened or canceled games, straight penalty kicks, or cancellation of the event. A partial refund is possible before kickoff. No refund after the tournament has started.
25 REFUNDS & WITHDRAWALS
Proposed policy · Pending approval
Withdrawals before the registration deadline: $0 fee. After acceptance OR after the deadline: no refund. Late applications incur a $75 penalty. No refunds once games have started.
26 RULE CHANGES
Proposed policy · Pending approval
The Tournament Director may adjust rules at any time prior to the tournament. All decisions are final.