Rules and Tournament Format: All FIFA laws and interpretations will be in effect for all age divisions. Shin guards are mandatory. All interpretations in Law XII are in effect.
Player Limits: Maximum of 18 players per roster for U-11 (11v11) through U-18. Maximum of 14 players per roster for U-9, U-10, and U-11 (8v8). Minimum of 7 on the field at all times for 11v11 teams; minimum of 5 on the field for 8v8 teams. A maximum of three (3) guest players will be permitted for U-9 through U-16 and a maximum of five (5) guest players will be permitted for U-17 through U-18, provided that the total tournament roster not exceed 14 players for U-9, U-10, and U-11 (8v8) and 18 players for U-11 (11 v 11) through U-18. Signed Official USYSA State Rosters and USYSA Player I.D. Cards will be checked at registration. A player must possess a USYSA Player I.D. card in order to participate in this tournament. Player I.D. cards may be checked prior to each game by the field marshal or referees. No roster changes will be permitted after initial registration. Players can only be rostered to and play for one team during the tournament.
Exceptions for Player Age: A U-19 player who is currently enrolled in high school is allowed to play on a U-18 team. A U-15 player that is currently enrolled in 8th grade (or lower grade) during his/her high school season is allowed to play on a U-14 team. A U-15 player that is enrolled in 9th grade during his/her high school season may only be allowed to play on a U-14 team if his/her high school does not offer soccer as a sanctioned school sport. A maximum of two players meeting this age exception rule are allowed per team and will be considered guest players and will require appropriate guest player permission forms in order to play. Proof of grade is required by: a copy of a dated student i.d., a copy of a current transcript, or an official letter from the school the player is attending.
Home Team: First team listed is home team and must change in case of color conflict.
Playing Times: U-9 and U-10 will play 25 minute halves. U-11 through U-14 will play 30 minute halves. U-15 through U-19 will play 35 minute halves. During finals, semi-finals and quarter-finals (or any elimination round game), teams will play 2 x 5 minute halves of overtime if necessary, followed by FIFA Penalty Kicks. During overtimes, the “Golden Goal” rule will apply, meaning the first team to score wins. All games will have a 5 minute halftime interval. We reserve the right to alter game times, shorten games, and eliminate non-essential games in case of inclement weather. It is strongly recommended that your team warm-up in adjacent areas prior to your match. Limited time will be available between games.
Team Disqualification: Lack of proper USYSA roster or USYSA player I.D. cards, less than 7 players on the field for 11v11 teams, less than 5 players on the field for 8v8 teams, persistent and calculated team-wide misconduct (including misconduct of a team's supporters) or conduct that brings the game to disrepute as judged solely by the Tournament Committee.
Player Disqualification: Ejected players, coaches and managers will be disqualified from the next match. This rule applies to all ejections including being guilty of a second cautionable offense (two yellow cards). The Tournament Committee reserves the right to extend or nullify a disqualification pending the match report. A player receiving a caution (yellow card) must be substituted on that play. A yellow-carded player may reenter on the next free substitution as permitted by USYSA rules.
Forfeits: Teams that forfeit because they cannot advance will not be accepted in future tournaments. Teams that forfeit a non-essential game (i.e. so as to rest their players) will be disqualified from the tournament. Forfeit time will be 10 minutes after the official scheduled start of the game (the Tournament Committee reserves the right to alter the game schedule at any time. Official game schedule will be available at the tournament headquaters).
Unlimited Substitutions are Permitted: 1) On any goal kick. 2) Possession throw-in (opposing team will be allowed to substitute at this time also). 3) After a goal. 4) At half-time. 5) 1 for 1 on an injury, if injured player is substituted. 6) 1 for 1 on a caution when cautioned player is substituted.
Protests: Will be settled by a three-person committee consisting of the Tournament Director, the Head Referee Assignor, and the Columbia Pride Executive Director. A protest fee of $150.00 cash must accompany any field protest. Before the protest is heard it must be submitted in writing and include the accompanying fee. All protests concerning the judgement of the match officials will be denied with the fee retained. The protest committee will strive to resolve all protests in a prompt and precise manner.
Point System: Three points awarded for a win, one point for a tie, none for a loss. In addition, one point will be deducted for each ejection of a player, coach or manager.
Tie Breaking Policy: 1) Head to head result. 2) Goal differential in group play, maximum 3 per game. 3) Fewest goals scored against in group play. 4) Most goals scored in group play, no limit. 5) Goal differential in group play, no limit. 6) Least number of ejections. 7) Least number of yellow cards. 8) FIFA Penalty Kicks for quarterfinals, semifinals or any situation where one team or the other faces elimination. Coin toss will be used if situation is simply for seeding purposes, as determined by Tournament Committee.
Refunds: No refunds will be made after teams have been notified of acceptance and team desires to withdraw unless a substitute is found for that team. Exception - if tournament is cancelled because of inclement weather, refunds will be made on the following scale: No games played - $350.00. One game played - $200. Two games played - no refund. Columbia Pride and the Columbia Soccer Club will not be responsible for any expenses related to travel or lodging.