A.Participation in the Virginian Soccer Tournament is open to accepted boys and girls teams composed of a maximum of fourteen (14) players for U-9 and U-10 age groups (playing 7 v 7) , fourteen (14) players for U-11 and U-12 age groups (playing 8 v 8), eighteen (18) players for U-11 through U-16 (playing 11 v 11), and twenty-two (22) players for U-17 through U-19 age groups (playing 11 v 11) meeting the age limit of the specified division; Players must have been born during, or subsequent to, the divisional year, as defined by US Soccer Guidelines; Player registration cards duly authorized by State/Provincial or National Association will be required as proof of age.
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)**
*Combining of age groups will be done at the Tournament Committee’s discretion, if needed.
** The U-9 and U-10 age groups that play (7 v7) and the U-11 and U-12 age groups that play (8 v 8) will play on smaller fields.
B.No “house” all-star, recreational, or ODP teams will be permitted to play. Each team accepted must be registered with a National State Association affiliated with the USYS/USSF or national equivalent and must present a valid State or Provincial roster. 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.
C.A maximum of three (3) guest players may be used on a Virginian Tournament Team Roster. However, a team using guest players must have no more than a maximum of fourteen (14) players for U-9 , U-10 age groups (playing 7 v 7) and U11 , U-12 age groups (playing 8 v 8), a maximum of eighteen (18) players for U-11 through U-16 age groups (playing 11 v 11), and a maximum of twenty-two (22) players for U17 through U-19 age groups on said roster. Guest players must be current USYS/USSF or national equivalent players whose team for which they are registered is not participating in the Virginian Tournament. Guest players may be recreational players provided they obtain certification comparable to a player registration card and obtain this certification from the same state official that grants player registration cards.
D.Out of state teams (that are not US Club Soccer teams) must have a Permission to Travel Form signed by their association. The only exception is some teams from Region 1 (see details below)
1.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) states that have an exception to this policy (Connecticut & New Jersey).
2.NationalStateAssociations 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
3.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.
E.All teams requiring Hotel accommodations must (as a condition of acceptance) use the tournament housing service in order to be considered for tournament play. Teams that do NOT use the tournament housing service will be disqualified.
F.Teams who withdraw prior to March 1, 2008 will have their entrance fee refunded. Teams who withdraw between March 1, 2008 and March 31, 2008 will be charged a $200.00 administrative fee. Teams who withdraw between April 1, 2008 and April 22, 2008 will be charged a $400.00 administrative fee. Any team that withdraws after the tournament deadline will forfeit its entrance fee.
II.LAWS OF THE GAME
All games shall be played in accordance with FIFA Laws, except as specifically modified by these rules.
III.DIVISIONS, SUB-DIVISIONS and FLIGHTS
A.Divisions: The Virginian will make available four main divisions. For U-13 and above age groups, the Virginia Cup will be the highest division followed by Premier Gold, Premier Silver and Premier Bronze. For U-9 through U-12 age groups, the divisions will be Premier Gold, Premier Silver, and Premier Bronze. Divisions may be deleted, combined or added at the Tournament Committee’s discretion.
B.Sub-divisions: Each Division may be further divided into sub-divisions at the Tournament Committee’s discretion.
C.Flights: Flights are a subcategory of a Division or Sub-division.
IV.DURATIONS OF GAMES
A.The duration of tournament games shall be in accordance with the following:
1.Preliminary games:
·U9 and U10 -- two 25 minute halves, no overtime period
·U11 through U19 -- two 30 minute halves, no overtime period
2.Semi-final games:
·U9 through U10 -- two 25-minute halves, two 5 minute overtime periods
·U-11 through U-19 -- two 30-minute halves, two 10 minute overtime periods
3.Championship games:
·U9 through U10 -- two 25-minute halves, two 5 minute overtime periods
·U11 through U12 -- two 30-minute halves, two 10 minute overtime periods
·U13 through U14 -- two 35-minute halves, two 10 minute overtime periods
·U15 through U19 -- two 40-minute halves, two 10 minute overtime periods
B.All games will be played with a running clock. The referee may stop the clock for serious injuries or other incidents. The referee is the official timekeeper and therefore all decisions regarding game duration are solely at the referee’s discretion and shall not be protested.
V.FIELD CHECK-IN TIME AND FIELD AND GAME EQUIPMENT
A.All Games
1.Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off.
2.Players’ numbers MUST be listed on the Official Virginian Team Roster approved by the Virginian tournament staff. Players must wear numbers visible on the back of their uniforms and these numbers shall coincide with those listed on the team’s Official Virginian Team Roster.
3.Players shall wear shin guards in accordance with FIFA laws.
4.No metal cleats will be allowed, and no jewelry will be allowed.
5.Hard and soft casts are permitted with the approval of the referee.
6.Where opposing team’s uniform colors are similar, the designated home team will change colors. The designated home team is listed first on the schedule.
7.When requested by the referee, each team must provide a referee assistant.
8.The designated home team must provide the FIFA game ball.The designated home team is responsible for supplying a FIFA game ball acceptable to the referee. A size 5 ball is used for U13 through U19 play; and a size 4 ball is used for U9 through U12 play.
9.Players and coaches of both teams will take the same side of the field. All other supporters will take the opposite side. Only three team officials are permitted on the sidelines with their players.
B.U-9 through U-16 teams: The following must be present at the field for check-in 30 minutes prior to a game and for the duration of the game:
1.Player registration cards
2.Official Virginian Team Roster denoted with the “Virginian Tournament Stamp” and approved by the Virginian Staff.
3.Players’ shirt numbers MUST match the number on the Team Roster approved by The Virginian tournament staff.If the numbers are not the same, the player is not allowed to play until the numbers match (i.e. change jersey).
C.U-17 through U-19 teams: The following must be present at the field for check-in 30 minutes prior to the game and for the duration of the game:
1.Player registration cards
2.For teams using 18 player rosters:Official Virginian Team Roster denoted with the “Virginian Tournament” stamp.This roster must be presented to Field Marshal during check-in 30 minutes prior to each game (roster will be returned after each inspection).
3.For teams using 22 player rosters:Official Virginian Game Roster (designating the maximum 18 players that will be participating in that game) denoted with the “Virginian Tournament” stamp. The players not participating will be lined through.This roster MUST be provided to the Field Marshal during check-in 30 minutes prior to EACH game and will NOT be returned to the team.The field marshal will submit this roster with the score card/game report.The remaining players (listed on the Official Virginian Team Roster but lined through on the Official Virginian Game Roster) may sit on the team bench side HOWEVER they may NOT be in uniform.
4.Players’ shirt numbers MUST match the number on the Team Roster approved by The Virginian tournament staff.If the numbers are not the same, the player is not allowed to play until the numbers match (ie. change jersey).
VI.TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN: FORMS, DOCUMENTATION and TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS
A.Tournament Headquarters for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday will be at the
HYATT
Fair
Lakes . The HYATT address is 12777 Fairfax Circle, Fairfax, VA
22033. The phone number is (703) 818-1234.
B.Tournament Registration:Teams are required to register/check-in for the tournament between 3pm and 9pm on Friday, May 23, 2008 at the Tournament Headquarters.Your team will check-in at the appropriate age group/gender Registration Table.
C.Game Check-in:Teams are required to check-in at their fields 30 minutes prior to each game as per Section 5 of these rules.
D.Team Contact Info: Each team, upon checking-in at tournament registration, must provide a local phone number and name of a designated contact person who can be reached at any time, should the necessity arise, as well as the phone number, and location of hotel, if applicable.
E.Rosters:
1.All teams must provide 2 copies of their official state approved roster attournament registration.However, all U17-U19 teams with 22 player rosters must provide 6 copies of their official state approved roster at tournament registration.
2.Players’ names and jersey numbers MUST be listed on the tournament Official Virginian Team Roster approved by The Virginian.
3.Only players listed on the approved "Official Virginian Team Roster" at registration on Friday night may play in the tournament. There is a maximum of fourteen (14) players for age groups U-9 and U-10 (playing 7 v 7) and U-11 and U-12 (playing 8 v 8) and a maximum of eighteen (18) players for age groups U-11 through U-16 (playing 11 v 11).There is a maximum of twenty-two (22) players for U-17 through U-19. However, teams with 22 player rosters must provide an “Official Virginian Game Roster” (designating the maximum18 players that will be participating in the game) denoted with "Virginian Tournament" stamp for each game. Additional players may not be added during the tournament weekend.
4.Colored copies of a team’s original state roster are prohibited.
F.Permission to Travel Forms:
All required teams (as per Section 1D of these rules) must provide a copy of their team’s Permission to Travel Form at Tournament Registration.
G.Individual Player Requirements:
All players must have current:
1.Signed Medical Release forms or equivalent
2.Player Registration Cards: must present picture identification cards issued by the team’s Federation Organization Member (USYS, AYSO, other)
H.Quantico Marine Corps Base Waiver of Liability Form:
Any team playing at Quantico Marine Corps Base must have completed the Waiver of Liability (signed by the player or the player’s parent or legal guardian, if the player is under 18.) Any team that fails to produce the "Waiver of Liability" at registration will not be permitted to play at Quantico Marine Corps Base.
I.Foreign Teams (in addition to above requirements):
1.All foreign teams must present passport at registration, or, if from a nation that the does not require a passport, proof of entry into the that is required by the.
2.Teams are required to have and present player picture identification cards.
3.Teams must have a completed form from its Provincial or National association approving the team’s participation in the tournament.
VII.PROTESTS & DISPUTES
A.There will be no protests allowed.
B.All disputes for non-referee decisions are submitted thru the Site Coordinator in writing to the Tournament Committee (consisting of Tournament Director, SYC Virginian Liaison, and Tournament Managers) at Tournament Headquarters for approval by the end of the day that the dispute occurred.All decisions by the Tournament Committee are final and may not be appealed.
C.All protests & disputes for referee decisions are not allowed; decisions by referees may not be appealed.
VIII. SUBSTITUTIONS
A.Substitution Times:
1.A player may be substituted with the permission of the referee at the following stoppages of play:
·After a goal has been made
·At the beginning of the second half of play or prior to the beginning of an overtime period
·At a goal kick by either team
·At a throw-in by the team in possession
2.Under no circumstances may substitutions be made
·On corner kicks or
·After the game has ended in a tie and FIFA penalty kicks will be required to determine a winner
3. Unlimited substitution for age groups U15 and below.
4. Age groups U16 and above will play with the FIFA’s Limited Substitution Policy stated below:
·For age groups U16 and older, free substitution is allowed providing the age group does not include matches between national teams of CONCACAF member countries.
·For age groups U16 and older which include matches between national teams of CONCACAF member countries, then up to 6 substitutions are allowed.
IX.GAME AND SCORE REPORTING
A.The Field Marshall will ensure that the game report and score cards are properly completed, signatures obtained, and the scores recorded at the end of each game. The team manager/or team representative from both teams must sign the score card at the conclusion of each game and, before leaving the field area, provide complete and accurate information on that team’s players receiving yellow/red cards during the game including the player’s full name and shirt number.
B.It is the responsibility of the Field Marshall or the winning team to deliver the completed and signed Score Card to the appropriate Site Official (Division Coordinator/Site Coordinator) promptly at the conclusion of each game. The Site Official is responsible for reporting all match results, cautions, and ejections to the tournament headquarters.In case of a discrepancy, the Official Game Report Form, signed by the referee, prevails.
X.CONDUCT
A.Players, coaches, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves within the spirit of the LAW as well as the letter of the LAW. Displays of temper or dissent are cause for ejection from the game and the surrounding field area. Repeated violations may result in the suspension of the team from the tournament as decided by the Tournament Director.
B.Players, coaches and team officials ejected from a game by the referee shall be ineligible for the next scheduled game.
C.It is the responsibility of the team’s coach or the person acting in the coach’s behalf to control the conduct of its parents and other spectators. Failure to do so may result in a warning to the coach or the person acting in the coach’s behalf by the referee. If unacceptable conduct continues, the referee may eject the team’s coach, or the person acting on the coach’s behalf, from the game.
D.In accordance with the USYSA Tournament Hosting Agreement, all red and yellow cards and other matters involving team conduct will be reported to the home club and State/Provincial Association of the team involved as well as the US Youth Soccer National Office.
E.For foreign teams, the tournament committee will notify the US Soccer Federation of disciplinary action taken, and that the Federation will transmit the disciplinary action taken or required to the team’s provincial or national association.
F.Artificial noise making devices are prohibited.
G.Smoking, alcoholic beverages, and verbal abuse of anyone are not permitted at any of the field sites.
XI.POINTS, FLIGHT WINNERS, AND WILD CARD TEAMS
A.In the preliminary games, each team will be awarded three (3) points for a win or a game forfeited to them, one (1) point for a tie, and no (0) points for a loss. At the end of the preliminary rounds, the flight winner will be the team with the most points in their flight. In the event of a tie within a flight, the following criteria will be used to determine the winner in this order:
1.Head to head competition (in the event of a tie among three (3) or more teams, this criterion will not be considered*)
2.Most wins
3.Bonus points awarded**
4.Least goals allowed
5.FIFA penalty kicks (at least thirty minutes prior to the scheduled playoff round games)
* In the case of three-way ties, the tiebreaker sequence begins with “Most Wins” and proceeds, in order, down through the steps until the tie is broken and only one team remains. No steps are to be repeated or skipped.
** Bonus points will be awarded for goal differential (difference between goals for and goals against) to a maximum of three (3) goal differential bonus points per game. (Example: A team winning 5-1 would receive three Bonus points) Also, one additional Bonus point will be awarded for any shut-out during the preliminary round. No shut-out bonus points are awarded for a 0-0 tie. Four (4) points are the maximum bonus points that can be scored on any one game (3 goal differential bonus points and one shut-out bonus point).
B.If ties remain among teams, then FIFA penalty kick procedures will be used to determine a winner (at least thirty minutes prior to the scheduled playoff round games). In the event that a wild card team must be selected for a semi-final game, the above procedure will be used across the entire division.
XII.SEMI-FINAL AND CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
A.Winners of each flight advance into either the semi-final or championship game depending on the number of flights in a division.
B.In Divisions of 3 flights, the winners of Flights A and C will play each other for semi-final match #1. The winner of Flight B will play the “Wild Card” team with the most points, excluding the flight winners. If the Wild Card team is also from flight “B”, then the Wild Card team will play the winner of Flight A; and Flight Winners B and C will play the second semi-final game.
C.Overtime will be played in case of a tie at the end of regulation time only in the semi-final and championship games. The winner (Champion) will be determined as follows:
1.U-11 through U-19: A twenty (20) minute overtime is played (two 10 minute periods). If the score is still tied after twenty (20) minutes of overtime (two 10 minute periods) then FIFA penalty kicks will be taken to determine the winner. All players on the field must kick before any player may kick a second time.
2.U-9 and U- 10: A ten (10) minute overtime is played (two 5 minute periods) if the score is still tied after ten (10) minutes of overtime (two 5 minute periods), FIFA penalty kicks will be taken to determine the winner. All players on the field must kick before any player may kick a second time.
D.Trophies or awards are awarded only to the division winner (Champion) and runner-up team (Finalist). These are the two teams that play in the division’s Championship game.
XIII.FAILURE TO SHOW AND FORFEITS
A.A team shall be allowed a ten (10) minute grace period after the scheduled kick-off time before the match is considered a forfeit. A minimum of seven (7) players constitutes a team and if seven (7) players are present, the game will not be delayed.
B.In no case shall a team, which forfeits a game be declared a flight winner or a wild card team. If an apparent flight winner forfeits a game, the team in that flight with the next best record shall be named the flight winner. In addition, in divisions where the second place team of one flight plays the first place team of another flight in the semi-final game, in no case shall a team which has forfeited a game be declared the second place team in a flight. The team with the next best record in the flight shall be declared the second place team and play in the semi-final game. If a team is the cause for termination of a game, that team will be considered to have forfeited that game. The determination as to which team is the cause for the termination shall be at the sole discretion of the referee on the field and the decision may not be protested.
C.A forfeit in the preliminary rounds shall be awarded as three (3) points for the win. The score of a forfeited game will be recorded based on the higher goal differential from either 1) the actual score at the time the game was terminated; or 2) the average of goals scored by the winning team rounded up the nearest whole number, against the average of the goals scored against that team rounded down to the nearest whole number; or 3) as a minimum the score will be recorded as 1-0.
D.Forfeits of a semi-final or championship game shall be recorded as 1-0.
E.Any team forfeiting a championship game will not be entitled to individual trophies or team awards.
F.Failure to produce either duly authorized Player Registration Cards or an official Virginian Team Roster to the appropriate Field Marshal or Tournament Official thirty (30) minutes prior to scheduled game time is grounds for a forfeit.
G.Playing a “red-carded player” (a player receiving either a red card or two yellow cards in one game) in the game following the receipt of a red card is grounds for a forfeit.
XIV.INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament Director or official representative(s) will have the authority to:
A.Relocate or reschedule any game(s);
B.Change the duration of any game(s);
C.Cancel any preliminary game(s);
D.Consider any game terminated by game or Tournament Officials after one half of play as official as of the time of termination (and the score stands at time of termination; and
E.Determine the format for advancement.
XV.GENERAL
A.The tournament will do its best to schedule four (4) games for each team. However, at the Tournament Director’s discretion, the number of games may be reduced in which case the tournament is not liable for any expenses and no refunds for the tournament application fees will be given.
B.Under no circumstances whatsoever will the Virginia Youth Soccer Association, Inc., the Springfield, South County Youth Club Corporation, the Virginian Tournament Committee, or any of their official representatives be responsible for any expenses (including the Tournament entry fee) incurred by any team. This includes a situation whereby the Tournament or any game(s) is canceled in whole or part.
C.The Tournament Committee’s or their official representative’s interpretation of the rules shall be final pertaining to this Tournament.
D.No items, including raffle tickets, may be sold at Tournament Headquarters, playing fields, or surrounding areas for the duration of the tournament unless specifically sanctioned by the Virginian Tournament Committee.
E.Photographs/film/video taken during the tournament may be posted on the tournament website.
F.Refund policy will be determined within 60 days of the tournament; once all invoices are paid and the final budget is approved by the SYC Board.
