2008 Rules of Competition (rev. August 2008)
Clemson Anderson Soccer
Alliance Tournament Series
Anderson Sports Complex, Michelin Athletic Fields, Nettles Park & Other Locations
A USSF three referee system will be used for U13 and above, and is guaranteed for all semi-final and final games. One center referee will be used for U12 and younger.
I. TOURNAMENT FORMAT
In all Divisions, there will be NO OVERTIME in group-play. The advancement of ties will be handled in accordance with Sections X and XI below.
A. Divisions with 4 teams: A single group of four teams will be guaranteed three matches in a round robin format. The two teams with the most points will advance to the final.
B. Divisions with 5 teams: A single group of five teams will be guaranteed four matches in a round robin format. The team with the most points at the end of the round robin will be the champion.
C. Divisions with 6 teams: Teams will be divided into two 3-team groups with each team playing two matches within its group. Teams will play the two teams in their group and one cross over match. The top team from each group advances to the championship match.
D. Divisions with 7 teams: Teams will be grouped into a 4-team group and 3-team group. The 4-team group will play round robin within the group. The team with the most points advances to the finals. The 2nd place team will play a consolation match against the other group. The 3-team group will play each team in their group once. The top two teams in the group will play a semi-final to determine which team will advance to the finals. The third place team plays a consolation match against the 2nd place team from the other group.
E. Divisions with 8 teams: Teams will be divided into two 4-team groups with each team playing three matches within its group. The top team with the most points in each group will advance to the finals.
F. Divisions with 12 teams: Teams will be divided into four 3-team groups. Each team will play the other two teams in their group. The group winners will advance to semi-final matches. The second and third place teams will play consolation matches.
II. Tournament Rules
All matches will be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game observed by USYSA and FIFA, except as specifically superceded by the following rules.
III. Eligibility
All players are born in the year of their age group classification, or in the later group. Teams must be properly registered and in good standing with their state, national and regional associations. Each player shall possess a valid pass from his or her national association and a medical release form.
All guest players must meet the following criteria:
-Must be registered and possess a valid player pass.
-Must not be from another team participating in the tournament.
-Must be identified on the tournament roster.
-There cannot be more than three (3) guest players on any team unless pre-approved by tournament director.
IV. Field and Player Equipment
-Shin guards are required and are to be worn by all players during all warm-ups and matches.
-All screw in studs will be ruled on at the field by the referee for safe play.
-In the event that teams’ jerseys are the same or similar color, the home team (listed first on the schedule) will change color. The referee will be final authority regarding the need to change.
-With the exception of the goalkeeper, players must wear numbers on the back of their jersey that corresponds with the number on the tournament roster. The goalkeeper’s shirt must be easily distinguishable from all other players and from the referee.
-NO jewelry of ANY kind may be worn.
-The referee must approve players wearing casts or braces.
-The designated home team shall provide the game ball.
-When requested by the referee, each team must provide a linesperson.
V. Substitutions
Substitute players must enter the field at the midfield line. Players leaving the match may exit by the closest touchline or goal line. Unlimited substitutions may be made with the consent of the center referee at the following times:
-Prior to a throw-in (team in possession only)
-Prior to a goal kick (either team)
-After a goal (either team)
-Prior to the start of the second half or prior to each overtime period (either team)
-For and injured player, the opposing team may also make one substitution (with the referee’s acknowledgement).
NO substitutions may be made for a player that is sent off (red card infraction) for the remainder of the match.
VI. Conduct Discipline
- Any player sent off from a match will not be replaced and will not be allowed to participate in the team’s next match.
- Players and or coaches sent off for fighting will result in the player or coach not being allowed to participate in any remaining tournament matches.
- Any coach ejected from a match will not be allowed to coach his/her team in its next match.
- Each coach is responsible for the conduct of the players and parents on his/her team.
- Coaches not taking responsibility for their sidelines. Conduct may be warned and/or ejected.
- Coaches or spectators ejected must leave the venue. In accordance with FIFA rules, only players will be shown a card (yellow or red) when being cautioned or sent off.
VII. Duration of Play
The duration of each match is indicated below. Two equal halves will be played with a five-minute half-time interval. Matches may be shortened or canceled at the discretion of the Tournament Director in the event of any unforeseen problems. Also, we ask that all teams be ready to go by starting time in order to meet our schedule and capacity demands.
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AGE
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MATCH TIMES
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U-8
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4x12 min
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U-9
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2x25 min
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U-10
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2x25 min
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U-11
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2x30 min
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U-12
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2x30 min
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U-13
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2x30 min
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U-14
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2x30 min
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U-15
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2x35min
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U-16
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2x35min
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U-17/18
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2x40 min
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The tournament does not require the referees to add time for substitutions or injuries. Officials will keep a continuous clock.
Note: Please note that the overtime rule has been modified for semi-finals and finals. Check point XI.
VIII. Protests
NO protests are allowed!! Period!
IX. Point System
World Cup point system will be adopted. Each team will be awarded points as follows:
Win: 3 points
Tie: 1 point
Loss: 0 points
Note: There will not be additional points given for shutouts or goals.
X. Preliminary Tie Breaking Procedures
Preliminary matches tied at the end of regulation time will remain tied. At the end of the preliminary rounds, the group winner shall be the team with the most points in their group. In the event of a tie within a group, the following criteria shall be used to determine the winner:
a. Head-to-head competition (except when three teams are tied, in which case, proceed to the next tiebreaker.
b. Most wins.
c. Goal differential – total goals scored minus goals scored against (maximum of 3 per game).
d. Least number of goals allowed.
e. Most goals scored (maximum of 3 per game).
f. In the event of a tie among 3 or more teams, the elimination procedure begins with 10b noted above. If 2 teams remain, the tie shall be broken by repeating the above elimination procedures beginning with Step 10a.
XI. Tie Breaking Procedures in Playoff Rounds
If the score is tied after regulation, two five minute periods will be played in their entirety. If the score is tied after overtime play, FIFA penalty kicks will be taken to determine a winner.
XII. Forfeited Games
-A forfeit shall be awarded if a team is not present and prepared to play within five minutes of the scheduled start time. A ten-minute allowance shall be made for semi-final and championship matches.
-A minimum of seven (7) players constitutes a team for U13-U19 and six (6) players for U11 and U12 playing 8v8 format and four (4) players for U10 and younger playing 6v6 format.
-Any team quitting the field of play before the conclusion of the match is automatically disqualified from the tournament.
-Teams causing abandonment shall be declared the loser by a 3-0 score. When the situation causing abandonment is such that the referee and tournament officials cannot assign responsibility, both teams shall forfeit with no goals scored and a double forfeit declared with a score of 0-0.
XIII. Inclement Weather
Regardless of weather conditions, coaches and their teams must appear at the respective venue ready to play as scheduled. Failure to appear will result in a forfeit of the match. Only the Tournament Director may cancel or postpone the match. In case of severe weather, the Tournament Director, in his discretion, may cancel any and all matches. In the event of severe weather that occurs after the beginning of play, the referees or Tournament Director may reduce the length of the match and may discontinue or cancel match. Should a match be terminated due to weather conditions after 20 minutes of play, the match will be considered official and the score at the time will stand. Referees and Site Coordinators will not consider beginning or continuing matches when a lightning storm exists.
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to make the following changes in the event of inclement weather:
-Relocate and/or reschedule a match
-Change division structure
-Reduce scheduled duration of match
-Cancel a match
XIV. Game Reports
The center referee and an official from each team must sign the game report. This is for score verification. The winning coach is responsible for turning in the game report to the Venue Site Coordinator.
XV. Other
-All judgement decisions of the referee are final and binding.
-The Tournament Committee, and all sponsors and organizers, will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any team or club if the tournament is cancelled in whole or part, nor will any refunds be given.
-The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the tournament and its judgement is final.
-Awards for the top two teams (1st and 2nd) shall be awarded immediately following the championship match.
XVI. Team Conduct
Each team, upon checking in at registration, must complete the Hotel/Team Contact Information Form and present form at check-in. The following information is required so that each team may be contacted in the event that circumstances require it:
-The hotel where the team is staying.
-The room number of a team contact, the team’s coach or assistant coach.
Please be sure your team contact is someone who can be reached at any hour.
XVII. Tournament Cancellation:
If circumstances force the Clemson Anderson Soccer Alliance to cancel the 2008 Great Southeast Balloon Fest Soccer Tournament, the Entry fee minus 100 dollars will be returned to each individual team. If a team withdraws from the Tournament after committing with an entry fee payment, no refund will be granted.
