2023 Florida Elite Recreational Fall Tournament Rules

1. Tournament Format - In all Divisions, there will be NO OVERTIME in group play. The advancement and resolution of ties will be handled in accordance with Sections 7 and 8 below.

• Division of Three (if applicable): Played as a single group of 3 teams. Each team will play the other two teams on the first day of the Tournament. The 2nd and 3rd place team based on the results of Saturday will then play each other again on the second day of the tournament to determine who plays the 1st place team for the Championship.

• Division of Four: Played as a single group of four teams in a round robin format, with the two teams accumulating the most points advancing to the final.
• Division of Five: Played as a single group of five teams with all teams playing each other once. The team accumulating the most points will be announced as the Champion. The team accumulating the second most amount of points will be the Finalist. - We try to avoid Divisions of 5.
• Division of Six: Played as two groups of three teams. Each team will crossover and play the three teams in the other group. The two teams accumulating the most points (Wildcard 1 and Wildcard 2) from all six teams will advance to the finals to determine which team is the champion. It is possible that the finalists could have played each other already.
• Division of Eight: Played as two groups of four. The winner of each round robin group will play a final game to determine the Champion and Finalist.
• Division of Ten: Played as three groups. Group A with 4 teams. Group B and C with 3 teams. Group A will play 3 games within the group. Group B and Group C will play 3 crossover games between Group B and Group C. The winner of each group (A-B-C) and a wildcard (4th best team based on points) will advance to the semi-finals. Winner of Group A vs Group B and Group C vs Wildcard. In the event the wildcard team advances from Group “B” they would have already played the winners of the Group C and therefore the semi-final opponents will be as follows: Winner Group C vs. Winner Group A and Winner Group B vs. Wildcard.
• Division of Twelve: Played as three groups of four. The winner of each round robin group and a wildcard (4th best team on points) will advance to the semi-finals. Winner of Group A vs Wildcard and Group B vs Group C. In the event the wildcard team advances from Group “A” they would have already played the winners of the group and therefore the semi-final opponents will be as follows: Winner Group C vs. Winner Group A and Winner Group B vs. Wildcard.
• Division of Sixteen: Played as four groups of four. The winner of each round robin group advances to the semi-finals with the winner of the semi-finals advancing to the championship game.

2. Eligibility – Participation is open to accepted recreational teams meeting the age limit of the division. Each player must be registered with a US Youth or US Club Soccer State Association as a “Recreational” player. Team Rosters will need to be printed from the Team account and presented before each match. We recommend printing five copies of the Roster prior to the event. Medical Release forms are required for ALL players.

All guest players must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be listed on the official team roster for the tournament
2. Must NOT be an Academy, Competitive or Select player.
3. Must NOT be from another team participating in the tournament. All registered Rec players are eligible to play on any age appropriate team in the tournament providing their Registered Fall Rec team is not also participating. If this is the case, that player is only eligible to play on that Fall Recreational team in this event.
4. Each team is restricted to six guest players. Guest players are allowed for teams who are in need of players to be able to field a team with enough players for the Tournament. Guest players are not to be used as a means of increasing your team’s chances of winning. All rostered players are entitled to at least 50% playing time during the Tournament games.

Maximum and Minimum number of players on a roster (including guest players):

Age Group Format And Roster Limit

Ages U13-U19                11 v 11                         Roster Limit 22

Ages U11-U12                9 v 9                        Roster Limit 16 (This is a NON-Heading Division)

Ages  U9-U10                7 v 7                         Roster Limit 12 (This is a NON-Heading Division)

Ages U8                5 v 5                        Roster Limit 12 (This is a NON-Heading Division)

Age Group Minimum # of Players

Ages U13-U19         Minimum number of players - 11 (Games can start with 8 players)

Ages U11-U12         Minimum number of players - 9 (Games can start with 7 players)

Ages U8-U10         Minimum number of players - 7 (Games can start with 5 players)

3. Pregame Procedure – Prior to the game beginning:

1. Player’s equipment will be checked by the referee or assistant referee
2. The home team will change their jersey in the case of conflict in colors. The home team is listed first (on the left) in the schedules. Where uniform colors are similar, the designated home team will change colors. Numbers are not required on alternate jerseys. Teams are required to wear their assigned Club Uniforms when representing their league official Recreational registered team.
3. A player who arrives at the playing field after the pre-game procedure may not enter the game until after being checked by the referee or assistant referee for equipment.

4. Laws of the Game - All matches will be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game observed by USYSA and FIFA, except as specifically superseded by the following rules.

Ball Size

Ages 8-12 shall use size 4 balls.

Ages 13-19 shall use size 5 balls.

Substitution of Players

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:

1. At a throw-in by the team in possession.
2. At a goal kick by either team.
3. After a goal by either team.
4. Prior to the start of the second half or prior to each overtime period (either team).
5. Any stoppage of play.
6. For an injured player. The opposing team may also make one substitution (with the referee's acknowledgement).
7. NO substitutions may be made for a player that is sent off (red card infraction) for the remainder of the match.

Player Equipment - All equipment must conform to the following rules:

1. Shin guards are required and are to be worn by all players during all warm-ups and matches.
2. All screw in studs will be ruled on at the field by the referee for safe play.
3. With the exception of the goalkeeper, players should wear numbers on the back of their jersey that correspond with the number on the tournament roster. The goalkeeper's shirt must be easily distinguishable from all other players AND from the referee. We understand that this is not always possible.
4. Orthopedic casts are not permitted; however, soft braces can be worn with written approval from a doctor, and judgment as to safety is at the discretion of the referee, the ultimate authority is the referee.
5. It is the policy of FYSA that no player be allowed to wear ANY jewelry while participating in any FYSA sanctioned match. The only exception that may be allowed is a medical alert bracelet or necklace when taped to the body. The referee shall make the decision as to the safety of the player and the referee’s decision is final.
6. The designated home team shall provide the game ball if a Tournament provided ball is not available.
7. Home team will wear the Darker color uniform.

Referees

The referee shall complete the game card (including coach signature) and give to the field marshal to submit to the Site Coordinator. In the event that the assigned referee fails to appear, the senior assistant referee assigned shall become the referee. In the event that the referee and assistant referees fail to appear, the Site Coordinator, together with the coaches of the two teams, must find acceptable alternates. The game will be played as scheduled and will be deemed official. When any of the assigned officials fail to appear, the Site Coordinator shall notify the Tournament Director as soon as possible.

• Zero tolerance policy: There will be no tolerance for poor or abusive behavior towards our referees. You will be asked to leave the park immediately.

Duration of the Game

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.

Match Durations by Age group

Ages 8-10        (2) 25 Minute halves for a total of 50 Minutes

Ages 11-19          (2) 30 Minute halves for a total of 60 Minutes

The Tournament does not require the referees to add time for substitutions or injuries.

Water Breaks

A break may be given at the midpoint of each half of regulation time for player hydration.  This break will be given at a normal stoppage of play and it is mandatory for any FYSA sanctioned match during which the air temperature is expected to reach eighty-five (85) degrees.  (FYSA Rule 402.4). If the temperature is less than 85 degrees, the Tournament Directors may determine that water breaks are not required.

Mercy Rule

If the score reaches a six (6) goal differential at any point after the start of the second half of play the match shall be terminated.

5. Conduct-Discipline - All players, managers, coaches and fans are expected to conduct themselves appropriately with respect to the “Laws of the Game”. Displays of temper or dissent are can be cause for dismissal from the game and surrounding field area. The Site Coordinators have the authority and responsibility to remove anyone from the tournament for abuses of good conduct. 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, at any time during game play are permitted to encroach the field of play. Coaches must remain on their bench side of the field and may not cross over the center line at any point in time during game play. Coaches will be given one warning for this. If a second warning is given, the Referee may eject the Coach from the game. 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. Depending on the severity of the unacceptable conduct, the Tournament Director may suspend the offending manager/player/coach for the duration of the tournament and/or recommend further disciplinary action by the appropriate controlling organization. If an individual is coaching more than one team, any suspension shall be applicable to the age group in which the infraction occurred.

Per Florida Youth Soccer Association Rule 504.1 - Red Card suspension or send off suspensions can only be served with the team with which the suspension was earned in games played by their team. Players may not serve suspensions as “guest players”.

The Florida Elite Soccer Academy Recreational Shootout will have a Discipline Committee of no less than three members. The Discipline Committee will review and rule on all reports of unacceptable conduct by players, managers, coaches, referees, spectators, etc. using the Florida Youth Soccer Association standards as set by Rule Section 502

All players and managers/coaches shall be subject to Florida Youth Soccer Association Section 502 - Discipline and Sanctions.

6. Post Game Procedure - Please observe the following at the conclusion of each game:

1. Coaches/Managers of both teams shall insure that their sideline area is clean and that all trash has been placed in containers.
2. Referees will complete the game card, including coach’s signature, and give the game card to the Field Marshal or turn the card into the Site Director.

7. Determination of Division Winners

Three points will be earned for a win, one point for a tie, and no points for a loss.

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: Beginning with tie breaker number 1 and proceeding down until the tie is broken:

1. Head to head result

2. Net goal differential, maximum of four (4) goals per game

3. Most goals scored, maximum of four (4) goals per game

4. Least goals allowed, no maximum

5. Most shutouts

6. Penalty kicks in accordance with FIFA (Taking kicks from the Penalty Mark)

8. Tie Breaking Procedures in Semi-Final Rounds and Final Matches

In the event a semi-final or final match is tied after regulation time, the following procedures will be observed:

If the score is tied at the end of regulation, teams shall go straight to kicks from the penalty mark to determine winner following FIFA rules. Penalty kicks in accordance with FIFA (Taking kicks from the Penalty Mark)

9. Forfeited Games - The following procedures shall be observed regarding forfeitures:

1. A forfeit shall be awarded if a team is not present and prepared to play within ten minutes of the scheduled start time. A fifteen-minute allowance shall be made for semi-final and championship matches.
2. Any team quitting the field of play before the conclusion of the match is automatically disqualified from the  tournament.
3. Teams causing abandonment shall be declared the loser by a 4-0 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. In the case of a double forfeit, no points will be awarded for either team

10. Protests. NO protests are allowed.

11. 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 a match. In case of severe weather, the Tournament Director(s), in his/her discretion, may cancel any and all matches. In the event of severe weather that occurs after the beginning of play, the Site Coordinators or Tournament Director may reduce the length of the match and may discontinue or cancel the 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. There are no refunds or discounts given for missed games due to weather conditions. The Tournament Director reserves the right to make the following changes in the event of inclement weather:

1. Relocate and/or reschedule a match
2. Change division structure
3. Reduce scheduled duration of match
4. Cancel a match

12. Game Cards – Certified game cards will be presented to the Center referee prior to match start.  After the completion of the match, the center referee and the coach from each team must sign the game card. This is for score verification. Once games cards are signed, all scores are final.

13. Heading Guidelines 2022-2023

In conjunction with US Soccer and US Youth Soccer, Florida Youth Soccer Association will be instituting a heading ban for players age 10 and younger.  In accordance with the recent U.S. Soccer recommendations on concussion risk management:

FYSA has eliminated heading in matches for player’s age 10-years-old and younger Sanctions will be made against teams that do not follow this guideline.

14. Concussions:  Pursuant to Florida Statutes (FS943.0438) Florida 2012 enacted a very stringent Head injury and Concussion Law.  If the referee (or assistant referee) believes that, in his/her opinion, a player has suffered a head injury or possible concussion, the match must be stopped Immediately.  The injured player if able to leave the field on their own must be escorted to their coach and the coach must be told that the player cannot return for the duration of the match. If a trainer is brought onto the field because the player is incapacitated, the referee must still notify the coach that the player cannot return to the game.  It is the responsibility of the coach and the player’s parent(s) or legal guardians to seek medical attention.  The player may not resume participation until he/she has been cleared by a medical doctor.  The Referee Has No Further responsibility beyond removing the player from the match in which the player was injured.  The referee crew must ensure, that Under  No Circumstance or due to the appeal from any coaching staff that the player is allowed to return to the game

15. Registration Fee Refund Policy

• Prior to 20 days before the Tournament start date, a team can be refunded their Tournament fee minus a $35 administrative charge
• Prior to 15 days before the Tournament start date, a team can be refunded their Tournament fee minus a $55 administrative charge
• There are NO Refunds given once the Tournament Schedule is posted.
• There are NO Refunds given for Tournament cancellation due to weather.

FYSA Rules 902.10 Any team that will not be permitted to play in the contracted age group shall have the option to withdraw and receive a full refund or all entry fees. All tournaments shall notify any participant not less than fifteen days prior to the beginning of the tournament if any age group advertised will not be offered.

Please note that the contracted age group may be combined with no more than 1 birth year elevation due to total number of teams registered. For example, a U9 team may play in a U10 Age group. In the older age groups, U17 and above, a Team may be entered into an Age group of up to 2 years. For example, a U17 team may play in a U17-U19 Age group.

16. Other

1. All judgment decisions of the referee are final and binding.
2. The Tournament Committee, and all sponsors and organizers, will not be responsible for any expenses (including tournament entry fee) incurred by any team or club if the tournament is canceled in whole or part. A partial application refund may be granted at the discretion of the Tournament Committee if the tournament is canceled due to weather or Acts of God.
3. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the tournament and its judgment is final.
4. Awards for the top two teams (i.e. 1st and 2nd) shall be awarded immediately following the championship match.
5. In the event the Championship games are unable to be played, the following rules shall apply:

In the case where the tournament is canceled due to  inclement weather or an Act of God, Champions/Finalists will only be declared if 3 matches were able to be played prior to cancellation.

If 3 matches have been played, the team with the most accumulated points will be declared the winner. In case of a tie, the tie breaking procedures described in #7 will be followed.

17. Tournament Expectations
This Tournament is 100% for the Players. Parents, Siblings, Guardians, Officials, Coaches, Volunteers, Staff, are all attending in a "support" role. We are ALL to be on our best behavior and are expected to do whatever it takes to make sure these Players have a fantastic weekend of fair and competitive play.

There will be mistakes made this weekend. Coaches, Players, Officials, Staff. , nobody is perfect. Please just watch the game and cheer on your Players. Do not steer your players, that is the coach's responsibility. PLEASE DO NOT SPEAK TO OR YELL AT THE REFEREES. No call has ever been overturned at any level because of someone yelling at a referee. When you get in the car after the game we suggest that there are 5 words that need to be said. "I love watching you Play".

During this event, if you talk to a referee we will kindly ask you to stop the first time. The second time we will ask you to leave the park. No exceptions. This event is for the Players. Please help us in making sure this is a fantastic memory creating weekend. Thank you!