A. Except
where modified herein, the rules of play shall be the 2006 FIFA Laws of the
Game.
B. Determination of Winner: Tournament seedings will be determined using a points format. At the end of round robin competition, playoff round seedings will be determined by most points accumulated.
1.
Three (3) points
will be awarded per victory
2.
One (1) point
will be awarded for a draw, and
3.
Zero (0) points
will be awarded for a loss.
C. Tie-Breaker System: For playoff round seeding, if points accumulated are equal, then the first tie-breaker shall be goal differential. If goal differential is also equal, then the second tie-breaker shall be goals scored. If goals scored is also equal, then the final tie-breaker shall be two (2) golden goal periods of 15 minutes, followed by kicks taken from the penalty mark, if necessary.
D. Single
Elimination Play: Playoffs will be scheduled to
determine the champion. The top four teams will play semi-finals and the
remaining teams will play a consolation round. During single elimination
play, if a tie persists after regulation time, the winner will be determined
by two extra (2) periods of 15 minutes, followed by kicks taken from
the penalty mark, if necessary. If single elimination matches are held at a
facility with time constraints, due to lights or otherwise, then ties will
be broken directly by kicks taken from the penalty mark.
E.
Shin Guards: All players must wear age-appropriate
protective shin guards, specifically manufactured for the purpose of
protection, beneath the game socks at all times while participating in a
match. Under no circumstances will a player be allowed to participate
without shin guards.
F. Substitutions:
Players may only be substituted during a stoppage of the game with a valid
laminated player pass. The number of substitutions shall be unlimited.
At the commencement of the match, the managers will provide the referee crew
with all player passes of the eligible players for that match. Players may
only participate with a valid laminated player pass.
G. Disciplinary
Action: Players, coaches, or team personnel
ejected during the course of the championship will be suspended for the
remainder of the tournament unless a maximum $50 fine is paid. Players
discovered to be playing without a valid player pass or playing with another
registered player’s player pass will be suspended for one (1) year. Managers
are responsible for the conduct and behavior of players, coaching staff, and
spectators. Any violent or abusive action will be sufficient grounds for
immediate dismissal from competition resulting in complete forfeiture of all
fees paid.
K. Behavior:
Team officials, bench personnel, and coaching staff of both teams
participating in a contest shall be directly responsible for the conduct of
teams, coaches, and spectators. Coaching is allowed from the sideline as
long as it is directed to one’s own team and is limited to tactical
instruction and positive encouragement. Under no circumstances will
unsporting behavior and abusive language directed toward any participants,
spectators, or game officials be allowed under this rule. Only rostered
players, listed bench personnel, and registered coaches will be allowed on
the sideline, all others will be directed to the designated spectator areas
for the course of the match.
L. Registered Players: The total number of players allowed on the registration roster is 26, and the number of listed players for any match is 26. Players eligible to compete must be older than 16 years. Players wishing to participate in FYSA sanctioned events during the League competition must complete a 204F form and consult with their District Commissioner in order to maintain youth eligibility. It is the responsibility of the team, not the league, to investigate any other youth eligibility requirements. Players are not allowed to transfer teams once they have registered, and a roster freeze will occur on the date of the last round robin match, prior to commencement of the playoffs. After that date, no new players may be added to the registration roster.
M. Number of Players: Teams must bring at least 7 players to start the match. However, teams starting matches with less than 10 players will be fined $ 50.
N. Shirt Colors: In case of conflict, the "home" team must change first.
O. Starting Time: Teams must be at the park 15 minutes before starting time ready for passes and equipment check. First offence is a warning, subsequent offences result in a $ 25 fine.
P. Inclement
Weather: Any match postponed due to inclement
weather as determined by the match official will be completed prior to the
commencement of the semi-final round. Matches abandoned after 45 minutes of
play will stand as complete.
Q. Fees:
1. $ 300. Payable in advance. This fee includes administrative fees, field rentals, and trophies. Any team that drops prior to the last scheduled match must forfeit all fees paid to the league.
2. $ 60 per match referee fees to be paid by the teams prior to each match.
3.
$ 25
registration fee per player, up to a maximum of 26, payable at the field.
4. $ 5 registration fee per coach. Coaches must have to have a valid USSF “D” coaching license (or better), or NSCAA National Diploma equivalent or higher.
5.
Ejected
personnel will be subjected to suspension and fine, and each red card
violation will cost the team a maximum fine of $50.
R. Protests
and Appeals: Protests and appeals will be dealt
with by the Disciplinary Committee in accordance with policies set forth by
USSF. Protests and appeals must be filed by the club representative in
writing within 72 hours of the involved incident, accompanied by a fee of
$250, refundable if the protest or appeal is upheld.
S. Illegal Substances: The use of alcohol, tobacco products, or other illegal substances in the vicinity of the playing area, is absolutely prohibited. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of points, suspension, and/or fines, subject to Disciplinary Committee action.