Format

Each team will continue to play in a standard tournament format with 3 group games, and a final between the 1st place teams from each group. Most teams will play 2 games Saturday, and 1 on Sunday. Depending on your proximity to the complex, some teams may play a Friday evening match. This can also be requested upon signing up.

 

Playing Time: 2 x 25 minute halves (7 minute half-time)

Number of Players on Field: 9 v 9 (8 field players and 1 GK)

Roster Size: Max 10 players

Ball Size: 4

Throw-ins: Yes

Heading not allowed as per USSF Mandate

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The Field

• Dimensions: Field will be approximately 70 yards long and 50 yards wide.

• Goals: 6-7 ft high and 18-21 ft wide.

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Substitutions

​During any goal-kick, kick-off, your team’s throw-in, and injuries (referee’s discretion). If team in possession is subbing, the referee may allow another team to sub also.

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Players' Equipment

• The team listed first on the schedule shall be the home team and if jersey color issue then they would be required to change.

• Players must not use equipment or wear anything dangerous to themselves or another player (No jewelry of any kind).

• Shin guards: Players must wear shin guards covered by long socks. This will be checked by referees before every game.

• Footwear: Soccer cleats are recommended. No shoes with toe cleats (baseball cleats) and NO metal cleats.

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Referees: Three (3) referees provided. One center referee and two assistant referees.

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Starting the Game

• All home teams will start the 1st half with the ball.

• Kick-off - ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves in any direction, including backwards.

• Teams will switch ends after half-time, with the away team starting with the ball in the 2nd half.

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Offside

• No offside directly from a throw-in.

• No offside directly from goal-kick.

• Offside will be called by the referee and/or assistant referee.

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Fouls and Misconduct

• Punting: while this is allowed at 9v9 level, if a goalkeeper punts ball into other team’s penalty box without touching anyone then indirect free kick awarded to opposition on the kickoff spot (halfway line).

• No Heading: per USSF mandate. If a player intentionally heads the ball an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team where the ball was headed. If this is inside their penalty area award the kick at the top of the box.

• Free-Kick: Opponents must be 8 yards away from the ball.

• Goal-Kick: Ball is no longer required to leave the penalty area to be considered in play. Opposition players must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is kicked.

• Penalty Kick: Taken from 10 yards out, the goalkeeper must keep one foot on goal line.

Tournament Play & Tie Breaker Rules

In Round Robin play, teams receive a maximum of three (3) standings points per game, as follows:

• Three (3) points for win

• One (1) point for tie

• Zero (0) points for a loss

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If at the end of round robin play two teams are tied in standings points, the following will be used to determine the group winner:

1. Head-to-head result

2. Most wins

3. Total goal differential (goals for minus goals against) in all games (up to +/- 5 per game)

4. Fewest goals allowed