Dale Marsh Fall Festival Rules of Play

Laws of the Game

All games shall be played in accordance with FIFA laws except as specifically modified by these rules.

Eligibility

Participation in the tournament is open to accepted teams consisting of 18 or fewer players meeting the age limit of the specified division.  Players must have been born during, or subsequent to, the division year, as defined by US Soccer Guidelines.  Each team must be registered with a National Soccer Association affiliated with USYSA/USSF and must present a valid state or provincial roster. The only acceptable proof of age will be a valid USSF, State, National or Provincial registration card that includes a signature and photograph of the player.  Players who do note have a valid player pass will not play.  Any team fielding an ineligible player will be disqualified and its tournament fee will be forfeited.  Players may only play with one team during the tournament. A player may not be a secondary player for a second team.

Guest players U-9 and U-10 teams are allowed two guest player. U-11 to U-4 teams are allowed three guest players.

Age groups may be combined for scheduling purposes.

Registration

            All teams must register one hour prior to their first scheduled game at Tournament Headquarters. Please bring player passes, medical release forms, original and one copy of state approved/stamped roster, original and one copy of stamped line up with jersey numbers for each player (no duplicate numbers allowed), and permission to travel, if applicable. Teams playing the early games, 8:00 or 9:00 a.m., may register following their first game in the event of late arrival.

Substitutions

Substitutions without limit may be made at the following times:

                                                • any goal kick

                                                • your own throw‑in

                                                • following a goal

                                                • at half‑time or the beginning of an overtime

                                                • to replace an injured player

Substitutions will take place at midfield and no player shall enter the field of play until they have received permission from the referee.

Games and Procedures

A.    All players are required to wear FIFA approved age appropriate shin guards.

B.     When uniform colors are similar, a sportsmanship code is expected. Teams should try to resolve the conflict or contact the Field Marshall.

C.    Each coach will provide a line‑person as requested by the referee, if not provided by the tournament.

D.    All players, coaches and spectators will remain two (2) yards behind the touchline at all times.

E.     Players must wear numbers on their uniforms and the numbers must coincide with team roster.

F.     If possible, teams from the same club/association (only) will not be scheduled to compete in preliminary rounds. Semi‑final schedule selection will be determined by the number of teams and groups at the time of the draw.

G.    All preliminary games and playoffs are scheduled for 25-minute halves. There will be no overtime or penalty kicks in any preliminary matches.

H.    Unless your scheduled field is not in use, warm ups are not permitted on the field prior to the start of the game. Please use adjacent field space. Teams must be prepared to play immediately                                                following the previous game that has ended.

I.       Both teams are to be on the same side of the field on opposite sides of the mid‑field line. All spectators are to be on the side of the field opposite the players.

J.       All coaches and players must stay within the technical area on their side of the field, which is 10 yards from the mid‑field line. No players, coaches, or spectators are permitted behind the goals at anytime during a match.

K.    Any player with a brace or cast must have the device properly protected to avoid further injury to themselves or others. The referee assignor will determine proper protection.

Scoring

A.    Field marshals are responsible to see that game report forms are properly completed and submitted to Tournament Headquarters.

B.    Scoring is based on points:

                                                WIN = 3 Points

                                                TIE =1 Point

                                                Loss = 0 Point

C.     Tie breakers for Semi‑Finals (tournament committee’s interpretation shall be final.)

                                                1st ‑ Head to Head Competition (if only two teams involved).

                                                2nd‑ Goals Against

                                                3rd ‑ Goals Differential (max. of 3)

                                                4th ‑ Goals For (max. 3)

                                                5th‑ Penalty Kicks

Conduct

A.    Players, coaches and spectators are expected to conduct themselves within the spirit of the law.

B.    Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their spectators and players.

C.    Severe misconduct will result in players or whole teams being asked to leave without refund.

D.    A player who receives a red card must sit out the following game. The coach must report within 30 minutes of the end of the game to the referee assignor, who may take any appropriate action deemed necessary.

E.     Any spectator, player or coach ejected for misconduct must leave the field of play and retreat to their personal vehicle and may be banned from any further tournament participation. 

Playoffs and Finals

A.      At the end of all preliminary matches, coaches must confirm playoff advancement at the Standings Tent.

B.       Semi‑Finals and Finals must have a result. If a tie at the end of regulation occurs, no more than two (2) "sudden victory" overtime periods not to exceed five (5) minutes each are to be played. Teams are to change field direction at the end of the first overtime period. There will be a one (1) minute interval between overtime periods. If score remains tied after two overtime periods, proceed to standard FIFA penalty kick procedure. Only players on the field at the end of overtime will be allowed to take the penalty kicks.

C.   All age groups may not have playoffs. First and Second place will be determined by the point system.

Protests and Forfeits

All games will be played without protest.  A forfeited game will be declared with a (3‑0) score. The Tournament Director has the authority to reschedule any game to insure equal play. In no case will the team that has forfeited be able to advance to the Semifinals or Finals.

Inclement Weather

A.      If inclement weather occurs, the Tournament Committee will advise field marshals, referees, and coaches of actions to be taken. It is our intention to play all tournament games as scheduled.

B.       The Tournament Committee holds the authority to rule as follows:

                                                • Relocate/reschedule any game

                                                • Stop/change duration of play

                                                • Cancel future games

C.        Any match terminated after one half of play is considered official.

 Tournament Refund and Liability Policy

If a team is not accepted into the tournament, the entry fee will be returned in full. If a team is accepted and later withdraws from the tournament, the entry fee is forfeited. Each team agrees to abide by all tournament guidelines as stated in the tournament application. No refund will be made in the event of cancellation or shortening of any matches, up to and including the entire tournament, due to inclement weather. In the event of an accident or injury while in transit to, transit from, or while participating in the tournament, the Stroudsburg United Soccer Club shall not be held liable.