Soccer- Skills Unlimited
2007/2008 TOURNAMENT RULES

The rules of this tournament shall be in accordance with USYSA and FYSA except as
modified and approved herein.

1.
TEAM ELIGIBILITY - This tournament shall be open to all teams as indicated on the
Application to Host approved form, comprised of properly registered youth players (as
defined by the rules of USYSA or their National Youth governing body)  provided such
team is in good standing with its youth association.  
Any team entering this tournament may include up to
4 guest players on their roster.  
It shall be the responsibility of each State Association to certify the eligibility of its
competing teams and to provide such teams with a certified copy of the roster,
permission to travel, and proof of insurance.

2.  
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY - USYSA players must be legally registered to USYSA through
their respective state association according to USYSA registration requirements.  All
teams must have current USYSA or approved organization Player Passes, or the
appropriate National Association Passes to participate.  Passes must be verified,
laminated and with photo attached.  A player may only play on one team during the
tournament.

3.
 AGE CLASSIFICATION:       
AGE GROUP     BIRTH YEAR          AGE GROUP    BIRTH YEAR








4.
GAME SCHEDULE - Team pairing, field of play, times of play shall be accomplished
by random draw with adjustment only to secure equity.  Teams should play no more
than two matches per day and will not play any back to back games.  Referees shall be
assigned by an approved assignor in accordance with FYSA and FSR assignment
procedures.

5.
PRE-GAME PROCEDURE - The Tournament Officials shall conduct all credentials
checks at Registration and at the field prior to each game to insure that all players are
registered with USYSA, and to insure that all players are properly rostered with their
team and that all are participating in accordance with representations set forth on the
Application to Host Tournament Form.

Official USYSA roster forms will be validated, medical release forms turned in and
passes checked at the Team Check-in.  The manager/coach must be present at Team
Check-in and must present the original USYSA roster form and 2 copies.

Field Marshals will conduct the pre-game check-in when appropriate, in order to
minimize delay between games.  The referee will review the results of the check-in with
the field marshal and make the final ruling on any questions.

Pre-Game Check-in will be conducted as follows:
The manager/coach of each team will present a validated copy of the roster and all
player passes and coaches passes.
The Field Marshal or Referee will verify the identity of each player with each player pass
and confirm that all players present are listed on the roster. All coaches will be
identified with their coaches pass.  All passes and the roster will be held by the Field
Marshal or Referee during the game.
Players’ uniforms and equipment will be checked and any conflict resolved.
Only at this pre-game procedure may a player be challenged by an opposing
manager/coach. Challenged players will be noted by the Referee on the Referee game
report, but will be allowed to participate in the game so long as they have valid, verified
player passes and are listed on the validated roster.

A player who arrives at the playing field after the Pre-game procedure, may enter the
game once the game officials verify the player is eligible and with the permission of the
center referee.  A late arriving player may be challenged at the time he is allowed to
participate by the center official.

Each manager/coach or assistant must have a valid coaches pass.  If a
manager/coach is ejected, his assistant may conduct the team.  If the assistant is also
ejected or if there is no assistant, the game will be declared a forfeit and the score
recorded as
4-0.  In no case will the team be allowed to participate without a properly registered
coach or assistant.

6.
LAWS OF THE GAME - Except where modified herein, rules of play shall be FIFA
“Laws of the Game.”  Competition sanctioned by this Association shall abide by the
“Laws of the Game,” along with any modifications or regulations of the Association.  
Players U8, U9 and U10 must play with the rules of Development Player Program -
modified playing rules for U10, U8, and U6.

* NO OFF-SIDES for U/9 & U/10 Teams. All regions are participating and off-sides are
not taught to some of the region teams. Referee's will be advised that no " cherry
picking" will be allowed.

LAW I - THE FIELD OF PLAY -
The field of play will conform to the following dimensions:

11 v 11:
minimum 50 x 100 yds, maximum 100 x 130 yds  Goals 8 x 24 ft.
8 v 8:
Min. 45 x 70 yds., Max. 50 x 80 yds.  Goals 6 x 18 ft. to  7 x 21 ft.
6 v 6:
Min. 35 x 50 yds., Max. 45 x 60 yds. Goals 6 x 18 ft. to 7 x 21 ft.

LAW II - THE BALL - The size of the ball will be as follows:
U8, U9 to U12 , Size #4, 25-26 circum., 11-13 oz.
U13 & over, Size #5, 27-28 circum., 14-16 oz.

LAW III - NUMBER OF PLAYERS
, U17, U16, U15, U14, U13, will play 11 players on the field per side, max 18 players on
the roster.  U11 and U12 will play 8 players on the field per side, max 14 players on the
roster.   U8 U9 and U10 will play six players on the field per side, max 12 players on the
roster.

Substitutions - Substitution shall unlimited and may be made only with the Referee’s
permission at the following times:
       a. Prior to a throw-in by your team.
       b. Prior to a goal kick by either team.
       c. After a goal by either team.
       d. At half time or the beginning of overtime periods.
       e. After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play.
Substitutes may enter field of play only after receiving permission from the referee.

LAW IV - PLAYERS EQUIPMENT - Players equipment shall meet these additional
requirements regardless of the rules of their home, state or national association:

a. All players shall be required to wear protective shin guards (to be worn beneath their
game socks) at all times while actively participating in the game.  Such shin guards
shall be of the type and style of protective athletic equipment specifically designed to
protect the player’s lower leg (shin bone).

b. Teams will wear uniforms of matching design and color with six inch numbers on
the backs.  Players’ uniform numbers are to be affixed to the back of the uniform shirt;
no two players from one team may have an identical uniform number while both are
playing on the field at the same time.  Where colors of competing teams are identical or
similar, the designated home team must effect a change to colors distinct from their
opponents’.  Teams dressed in predominately black uniforms will be responsible for
providing the referee and linesmen with jerseys in a color distinctly different from the
uniforms worn by either competing team.

c.  Goalkeeper’s Uniform:  The uniform or jersey of a goalkeeper must be distinctly
different in color from the basic colors of either competing team.
d. Illegal Equipment: In accordance with the Laws of the Game, the referee shall be
responsible to insure that no player wears anything which may cause injury to himself
or another player.

e. Casts and Braces: Players wearing a permanent orthopedic cast shall not be
eligible to participate in any game.  Orthopedic braces may be allowed if: 1- The player
has a written statement from a Physician stating that he feels the brace is necessary
and that no further injury is likely to occur to the joint which is supported by the brace
and 2- the parent has signed a waiver to free FYSA, the tournament, tournament
committee, sites, officials, hosting organization of any claim against the above
mentioned or their insurance company in case of further injury to the joint protected by
the brace.

A player may be removed from the game if at any time the referee determines a player
is using or attempting to use the brace to injure another player.

LAW V - REFEREES - All referees will be U.S.S.F. currently certified.  Referees are
required to turn in an official game report as directed by the Tournament Committee
and are required to submit an Incident Report of the names and teams of all players
issued red and yellow cards and details of any other matters involving the improper or
unsportsmanlike conduct of a team, its players, coaches or supporters WITH-IN 72
HOURS OF TOURNAMENT END.

LAW VI - LINESMEN - Two linesmen will be used.  In the event the assigned linesmen
fail to appear, the referee shall find an alternate.  The game will be played as
scheduled and will be deemed official.

LAW VII - DURATION OF THE GAME - the duration of games will be as follows
                                        
 Pool games            Semis & Finals          Overtime






LAW VIII THROUGH XVII NO CHANGE.
7.
CONTROL OF SIDELINE CONDUCT - Players, reserve players, managers, coaches,
assistant coaches and fans are expected to conduct themselves with the letter and
spirit of “THE LAWS OF THE GAME.”  The site directors have the authority and
responsibility to remove any person(s) from the tournament for abuses to good
conduct, in addition to any specific disciplinary action brought about by other authority.  
In addition to the rules of good manners, these rules will apply :

a. The Site Director will designate one sideline to be for the sole use of players listed
on the game rosters, and two managers/coaches from each team, with one team
occupying one side of midfield and one team the other.  While the game is in progress,
the manager/coach and reserve players must remain on their respective benches and
not roam the sidelines.
b. The Site Director will designate the opposite sideline for spectators and fans.
c. A restraining line shall be drawn 3 yards from the side touch-line and all sideline
viewers must remain outside of that line to protect linesmen.
d. Manager/coaches will be responsible for behavior of their fans.

8.
TOURNAMENT RULES - BEHAVIOR - The Tournament Committee shall insure that
the rules of the tournament and the behavior of teams, players, coaches and
spectators on the sideline is appropriately controlled.

a. The issuance of red and yellow cards will be reported on the game report along with
an incident report.  Disciplinary action will be suspension from game or games in the
tournament.  A player receiving 3 yellow cards during tournament play will not be
permitted to play in the next tournament game.

b. All disciplinary measures imposed by the tournament Disciplinary Committee shall
be limited to placing restrictions upon an individual’s or group’s participation in the
tournament.

c. USSF/Fysa 502 rule The issuance of all red and yellow cards and other matters
involving the conduct of a team, its players, coaches or supporters will be recorded. All
matters involving a referee assault shall be handled in accordance with USSF, which
shall immediately be referred to the host state association.

d. The home state association and the home club/league of the player, coach, team, or
supporters, shall, except in the case of referee assault, have the responsibility for
imposing, should the circumstances warrant, additional sanctions within their
respective jurisdictions, with regard to any matters arising from the tournament.

9.
POST GAME PROCEDURE - We ask that as a mutual courtesy, both teams
congratulate each other for a game well played.
1. The Referee or Field Marshals will insure the return of all player passes to the Site
Director Desk.
2. Referee will complete the Game Report and deliver it with any incident reports to the
Site Director Desk.
3. Manager/coach of both teams will confirm the score with the site desk and collect the
passes after each game.
4. Manager/coach of both teams will insure that their sideline area is clean and that all
trash is in containers.

10.
DISCIPLINE - The Disciplinary Committee (which will be named prior to the
tournament) will consist of at least three members and will review and rule on all
reports of unacceptable conduct by players, coaches, referees, spectators, etc.

All decisions shall be included in the post tournament report.  Depending upon the
severity of the unacceptable conduct, the Disciplinary Committee may recommend
suspension up to the duration of the Tournament.  Further disciplinary action in
accordance with  FYSA  rule 502 or national association may be recommended.

11.
DELAY OF START - Any team delaying the start of a scheduled game by more than
15 minutes without authorization from the tournament director shall forfeit the game to
the opponent.  Forfeits will be recorded with a score of 4 to 0.

12.
PROTEST - There will be NO PROTESTS.  All disputes will be resolved immediately
by the Site Director/Tournament Director.  These decisions will be final.

13.
DETERMINATION OF TEAM ADVANCEMENT AFTER QUALIFYING PLAY  - There will
be no overtime games in qualifying play.  Standings in a group will be determined by
the following game points: 3 points for win, 1 for tie, 0 for loss.

IF TWO TEAMS TIE IN GAME POINTS:
FIRST:
Head to Head result
SECOND: Net goal differential with a maximum of four goals per game.
THIRD: Most goals scored up to 4 per game.
FOURTH: Least Goals Allowed
LAST: Penalty Kicks according to FIFA Taking of Kicks from the penalty mark

IF THREE OR MORE TEAMS TIE IN GAME POINTS:
FIRST: Net goal differential with a maximum of four goals per game.
SECOND: Most goals scored up to 4 per game.
THIRD: Least Goals Allowed
LAST: Penalty Kicks according to FIFA Taking of Kicks from the penalty mark

14.
DETERMINATION OF SEMI-FINAL (if applicable) AND FINAL GAME WINNERS - In
semi-final and final games, if the game is not decided after regulation times, overtime
will be played in accordance with LAW VII.  If still not decided after overtime, penalty
kicks will be taken in accordance with FIFA “Taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark.”  8U,
9U and 10U will not play overtime.  They will go directly to penalty kicks if the game is
undecided at the end of regulation play.

15.
EXTERNAL CONDITIONS, WEATHER, ETC. - In the event unusual conditions
necessitate rescheduling, curtailment, or cancellation of games, the Tournament
Director shall have absolute authority to make these changes to best serve the interest
of the tournament as a whole, keeping in mind the need to successfully identify
winners by a certain time period.

16.
AWARDS CEREMONIES
Following the completion of final games, both teams will present themselves to the
awards area where individual and team awards will be presented. U/8 Teams will play
festival format unless playing up in the U/9 Bracket

17.
GENERAL -
1- The Tournament Committee, FYSA, and/or host affiliate will not be responsible for
any expenses incurred by any team due to the cancellation in part or whole of this
tournament.  If the tournament is cancelled in it’s entirety due to circumstances outside
the control of the Tournament Committee or Soccer Skills Unlimited, teams will be
issued a credit to be used for future tournaments. (Late fees are not applicable to entry
fee credit)
2- If not enough teams are realized within a specific age bracket, the Tournament
Director shall notify the participants as soon as possible and the participants will be
given the option to play up or receive a full refund.
3- The Tournament Committee, the host affiliate and the FYSA’s interpretation of the
foregoing rules and regulations shall be final.
4- The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on all tournament matters.
5- The Tournament Committee has the responsibility to uphold any previous
suspension imposed by FYSA/USYSA.
6- There will be a copy of the tournament rules at all game sites.

* Goals are approved for play if color is non-white in accordance to FIFA rules.
U08                        7/31/00
U09         ........... - 7/31/99                  U15         8/1/92 - 7/31/93          
U10         8/1/97 - 7/31/98                  U16         8/1/91 - 7/31/92
U11         8/1/96 - 7/31/97                  U17         8/1/90 - 7/31/91                      
U12         8/1/95 - 7/31/96                 
U13         8/1/94 - 7/31/95                                     
U14         8/1/93 - 7/31/94                        
U15-U-17                       
U13 and U14                
U11 and U12              
U8, U9 & U10              
2 x 30 = 60 mins.     2 x 30 = 60 mins    2 x 5 = 10 mins
2 x 30 = 60 mins.     2 x 30 = 60 mins    2 x 5 = 10 mins
2 x 30 = 60 mins.     2 x 30 = 60 mins    2 x 5 = 10 mins
2 x 25 = 50 mins.     2 x 25 = 50 mins    directly to P.K.’s




       Tournament Rules