General Information and Rules of Play
*Updated: August 5, 2024*
1. FIFA Laws of the Game apply to all games (with youth modifications).
Deliberate heading is not allowed in U12 and younger.
2. Rosters: Maximum roster sizes as follows:
➔ U12 are limited to 16 players
➔ U14 rosters are maximized at 22
◆ If the team’s roster is different than the indicated maximum, please contact the tournament director to discuss.
◆ No roster changes for any age are allowed after the team roster has been approved at registration.
◆ No player may be registered for more than one team playing at the tournament without tournament director approval.
3. All players must have a submitted liability waiver prior to playing (that will be emailed to the coach early September).
4. Pre-Game: A coin toss will be used to determine the kickoff. The team listed first will be considered the home team. Both teams shall occupy the same side of the field opposite that of the spectators.
5. Uniforms: If a color conflict arises, the home team (listed first on the schedules) shall change jerseys. All field players on a team must be dressed alike, meaning same shirts, shorts and socks. Each player must wear shin guards.
6. Game Balls: Each team shall be prepared to supply three suitable game balls. The referee shall determine which ball shall be used.
7. Duration of Games: U12 age groups will play two 25-minute halves. U14 age groups will play two 30-minute halves. The half time interval shall not exceed 5 minutes. Games must begin at the scheduled time. Game time is continuously running and is kept by the referee. Time will not be added to for any reason except for extended injury stoppage. Each team is guaranteed 2 played games during the tournament.
8. Players on the Field:
➔ U12 will play 9v9 (8 field players + goalkeeper)
➔ U14 plays 11v11 (10 field players + goalkeeper)
9. Point System: Games in the preliminary rounds will be scored as follows:
➔ Win--3 points
➔ Tie--1 point
➔ Loss--0 points
10. Tie Breaker: To decide group winners, the following criteria will be used to break the tie:
➔ Head-to-Head competition
➔ Goal differential (maximum of 4 per game)
➔ Fewest goals allowed
➔ Most goals scored
➔ Kicks from the mark (as defined for semi-final and championship games)
11. Kicks from the Mark: In the event of a tie, in a semi-final or championship game, the game must be decided by “Kicks from the Mark” (NO OVERTIME). The tournament will follow FIFA guidelines in the event that a game needs to be decided by “Kicks from the Mark”. Each team will alternate kicks (five each) to decide a winner. If still tied after the first round of five, teams will then alternate 1 for 1 until a winner is decided.
12. No protests are allowed...referees’ decisions are final!
13. Casts may be allowed. This will be decided on an individual basis. Final determination will be made at Tournament Headquarters by a designated tournament staff person or the Referee Administrator before the player’s first game.
14. Awards: Participation Awards will be given to all players registered for the tournament. Individual awards will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place teams in each division including:
➔ U12 Coed
➔ U12 Girls
➔ U14 Coed
➔ U14 Girls
Brackets will be determined based on registration numbers per division.
15. The tournament follows the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association recommendations concerning red cards and ejected players and coaches.
16. Inclement Weather/Cancellations/Refund policy: No refunds will be issued after a team has been accepted. The tournament authority has the right to shorten and/or cancel matches, to include the entire tournament, due to climatic conditions or other acts of nature, which are beyond our control.