GAME RULES

TOURNAMENT GAME RULES
  1. Team Composition
    • Maximum of 6 players per team (3 field players and 3 substitutes).
    • Minimum of 2 field players required to start the game.
    • No player may play for multiple teams.
  2. Substitutions
    • Player substitutions may be made at any time during the game (on the fly).
  3. Match Duration
    • Each match lasts for 24 minutes with a 1-minute halftime.
Kick-Off
  • The kick-off is an indirect kick from the center spot.
  • The team taking the kick-off cannot score directly; the ball must be played by another player first before a goal can be scored.
  • Teams may only score from the offensive half of the field.
Heading/Half-Sides
  • No headers for players U10 and younger.
  • There are no half-sides.
Kick-Ins/Restarts
  • All out-of-bounds balls must be restarted from the sideline.
  • Players have 5 seconds to put the ball in play (no throw-ins).
  • Defending players must remain 5 yards away from the ball during free kicks and restarts.
Goal Box
  • If a defending player touches the ball in the goal box to prevent a scoring opportunity, it results in an automatic goal.
  • If the ball stops in the goal box and is not touched by an opponent, it is an automatic goal kick/restart.
  • Goal kicks are taken 2-3 feet from the goal line.
Fouls
  • Fouls committed result in an indirect free kick.
  • For fouls committed less than 5 yards from the goal box, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick 5 yards from the foul spot.
Penalty
  • If a penalty is awarded, the penalty kick will be taken from the center spot (half-field).
General Note
  • Have fun and enjoy the game!

GUIDELINES

DETERMINATION OF POOL PLAY WINNERS
Tournament Point Guidelines & Tiebreakers

In pool play, no overtime will be played. Standings in a division or pool will be determined by the following points system:

  • 3 points for a win
  • 1 point for a tie
  • 0 points for a loss

Tiebreaker Criteria:
If teams are tied on points, the division or pool winner will be determined by the following criteria, in order:

  1. Head-to-head result (if applicable)
  2. Net goal differential (maximum of 7 goal differential per game)
  3. Fewest goals allowed
  4. Total goals scored (maximum of 7 per match)
  5. Penalty kicks (best of 3)
POOL PLAY & PLAYOFFS – NUMBER OF GAMES

The number of games a team plays in pool play and playoffs depends on the number of teams and pools in the division.

  • Divisions with 4 teams (1 pool): Each team plays every other team once. The top two teams advance to the finals.
  • Divisions with 5 teams (1 pool): Each team plays the others in the pool. The Champion is the team with the most points after 4 games, and the Finalist is the team with the second-most points. There will be no final game.
PROTESTS

There will be no protests. All referee and tournament staff decisions are final.

DISPUTES
  • Referee decisions are final and cannot be disputed.
  • For disputes not related to refereeing (e.g., player eligibility, scoring discrepancies, tournament rules), a written dispute can be filed with the Tournament Committee.
  • All decisions made by the Tournament Committee after review are final.
EXTERNAL CONDITIONS/WEATHER

The tournament will make every effort to accommodate all games within field limitations. However, if a game or the entire tournament is canceled due to weather, acts of God, or field conditions, no refunds will be issued. The Tournament Committee has sole authority over any delays, suspensions, or cancellations.

TERMINATED GAMES

If a referee terminates a match for reasons other than field conditions, the Tournament Disciplinary Committee will review the match report and any written testimony from the coaches to determine the result.