Check-in Process

Teams check in 1 hour before their 1st game.

• US Club Soccer/Cal South Cards, National Affiliates Player Cards (with photos)
• A completed and signed Tournament Roster Form
• If you uploaded the roster and cards online, no check-in before your game

Eligibility

• Open to all Boys & Girls (U8-U19) teams affiliated with US Club Soccer/Cal South and AYSO.
• Bracketing (IMPORTANT) is based on next season's age groups: the 2026-27 season
• Coaches must be licensed and in possession of a current coaching card
• The coach or team administrator must attest to the accuracy of their roster and cards by signing the tournament roster form
• Players can NOT play on more than one team in this tournament
• Teams may use unlimited, eligible loan players
• Rosters are limited to 12 players for 2016-2019 (7v7)
• Rosters are limited to 14 players for 2015-2014 (9v9)
• Rosters are limited to 20 players for 2008-2013 (11v11)

Jerseys & Home Teams

• Home teams will be identified as such on the schedule
• Teams must bring two sets of jerseys
• The HOME team will get a choice of:
  • Sidelines & Side to defend
  • Provide the game balls
  • Change jerseys in the event of a color conflict
  • Kickoff

Match Requirements

• Minimum # of players to start: 8 (for 11v11 brackets)
• Minimum # of players to start: 6 (for 7v7 and 9v9 brackets)
• No supporters are allowed behind the goals

Substitutions & Referee Rulings

• Substitutions permitted on any stoppage, with referee permission
• The referee may show yellow/red cards to coaches
• The referee must record ALL cards (yellow/red) on the game report
• The referee is permitted to add time to a game

Tie-Breaking & Equipment

• Tie in a final: Winner decided by "Kicks from the Penalty Mark" (no overtime)
• Shin guards are required for all players
• Casts: No hard casts. Soft casts permitted with referee permission

General Scheduling

• Referees will be USSF-certified
• No team will play more than two games per day
• Teams not ready to start on time will forfeit the game
• Game is official if at least the first half is completed

Field & Weather Issues

The Tournament Director has authority to determine outcomes if games are abandoned due to weather, safety, or disciplinary issues.

• Alternative means: PKs or other determinations
• Behavior-related termination may lead to forfeit loss

Point System Breakdown

Tie-Breaker Hierarchy

1. The winner in a preceding head-to-head match-up
2. Total Goal Differential
3. Goals against
4. Goals for
5. Most wins
6. If a tie still exists after steps 1 through 5, FIFA Penalty Kicks will be taken (time and location to be determined by the Tournament Director) prior to the scheduled start of the Final game.
7. If a three-way tie exists within a bracket after steps 1 through 5, a three-way coin flip will be conducted. The teams that tie in the coin flip will compete in FIFA Penalty Kicks to eliminate one team before proceeding to FIFA Penalty Kicks with the third team. The coin flip and time of the FIFA Penalty Kicks will be determined by the Tournament Director.

Behavior & Conduct

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

• Send-offs (Red Cards) result in AT LEAST a one-game suspension.
• The Tournament Director can suspend individuals for the remainder of the tournament.
• Coaches must enforce spectator suspensions; failure to do so results in forfeit.
• Red-carded individuals must leave the field immediately.

Prohibited Items & Rules

• No Animals (Service animals permitted as required by law)
• No Smoking
• No Artificial Noisemakers
• No Alcohol
• Field Marshals will hold cards for sent-off individuals until eligibility is restored.

Ceremony & Recognition

Champions and Finalists will receive medals and are expected to participate in Award Ceremonies.

• We promote good sportsmanship, whether you win or lose.
• Medals and trophies will be brought to your field at the end of the game.

Post-Game Protocol

• Ceremonies are kept brief to respect the next game's schedule.
• Teams must clear the field promptly after the presentation.