Tournament Rules

2008 Chicago Spring Invitational

RULES & REGULATIONS

LAWS OF THE GAME

All games will be played under international rules (FIFA) as modified below.

TEAM ELIGIBILITY

Teams may carry a roster of no more than 22 players for U15-U19 (up to 5 guest players). Only 18 players can be on roster at game time (up to 5 guest players, game roster cannot exceed 18). No roster changes will be permitted after a team roster has been approved at tournament registration. All teams must be currently registered with their State or National Association. No special formed all-star teams will be permitted. Each player must have a valid USSF/USYSA/US Club Soccer ID card.

INDIVIDUAL PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

Players rostered on two teams entered in the Chicago Spring Invitational may participate on both teams as long as the teams are in different age groups. Player must be on both team rosters at time of final check-in.

DURATION OF GAME

AGE DIVISION PRELIMINARIES SEMI'S & FINALS BALL SIZE

U15 2 - 35 minute halves 5

U16 2 - 35 minute halves 5

U17 2 - 35 minute halves 5

U18/19 2 - 35 minute halves 5

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

Home team must change in case of a uniform conflict and Visiting team provides the game ball. Each player must wear shin guards and an official uniform with a number on the back.

START OF THE GAME

The home team will choose the side of the field they wish to defend. The away team will get the kick-off to start the game.

SUBSTITUTION

The following rules for substitution will be followed: A modified FIFA rules of substitution will be followed for all games. Any team may substitute at any dead ball based on the referee’s approval. Substitution is unlimited.

EJECTION

Player: Any player or coach ejected from a game will be ineligible to participate in the team's next game. No substitution will be permitted for an ejected player. Anyone fighting can be subjected to ejection from further tournament participation. Passes will be retained by the tournament and returned to the coach of the team after the player has sat out their suspension. The coach is responsible for picking up the players pass after their suspension is completed.  A report will be sent to your state.

Coach: In the event a coach is ejected from a game, he/she must leave the complex and not return until the conclusion of the team they were coaching completes their next game. A coach may not coach another team until the suspension has been completed.

FAILURE TO SHOW – FORFEITS

A minimum of seven players constitutes a team. A five (5) minute grace period will be extended beyond the kickoff time before a forfeit will be declared. The Tournament Committee will make the final decision if a forfeit shall be allowed depending upon extenuating circumstances that may have prevented a team from making the game on time. If a forfeit is determined, the winning team will be awarded a score of 1-0 and will receive only the 3 points for the win. In the event of a forfeit in a group, all teams in the group will be awarded the same points.

PROTESTS

Any protest must be presented in writing to the tournament headquarters within one hour of the completion of the game, and must be accompanied with a $200 bond, which will be returned only if the protest is upheld. Referees judgment will not be a basis for protests.

SCORING FORMAT

Three (3) points will be awarded for a win, one (1) point for a tie, and zero (0) points for a loss. In the event of ties in total point standings, the following sequence will be used:

1. Head to head competition between teams that are tied

2. Best goal difference for all games - up to 4 per game

3. Fewest goals allowed

4. Penalty kick shoot out - 3 players per team; if still tied, sudden victory penalty kick shoot out

In the event that of a three team tie, head to head competition will be eliminated if a winner cannot be decided. The

Following tie breaker sequence will be used:

1. Best goal difference for all games - up to 4 per game

2. Fewest goals allowed

3. Penalty kick shoot out - 3 players per team; if still tied, sudden victory penalty kick shoot out.

TIE BREAKER, SEMI-FINALS & FINALS

Games that are tied at the end of regulation time will end as a tie in preliminary rounds. In the event of a tie in a semi-final or final game penalty kicks will be taken as listed below to determine a winner.

TIE BREAKERS - PENALTY KICKS

In the event that penalty kicks must be used to determine a winner in the preliminary or final rounds the format will be as follows:

(a) Each team will select (5) players to kick - only players on the field at the end of the game may be selected.

(b) Team will alternate kicks - first team to kick will be determined by the referee's coin flip.

(c) If the score remains tied after five (5) kicks, teams will alternate kicks one at a time until a winner is determined.

(d) All eligible players must kick before any eligible player can repeat.

(e) Keepers may be changed after any shot.

INCLEMENT WEATHER/CANCELLATIONS

The tournament committee has the right to shorten and/or cancel matches due to climatic conditions or other acts of

nature, which are beyond our control. In the event that severe weather delays the tournament, all games which are at

least at half time will be considered complete. All which have not reached halftime will complete the half only if

weather permits ( in the event the game can not be completed the game will considered a tie). If the game determines

a bracket winner the below standard for Semi-Finals/Finals will be followed for determining a winner.

In the event Semi-Finals or Finals cannot be played due to severe weather the following tie-breaker format will be

used to declare champions. Please note this for inclement weather only!

1. Penalty kick shoot out - 5 players per team; if still tied sudden victory penalty kick shoot out

2. Head to head competition between teams that are tied

3. Totals Points

4. Best goal difference for all games - up to 4 per game

5. Fewest goals allowed

6. Coin Toss

CANCELATION POLICY/ REFUND POLICY

The tournament committee has the right to shorten and/or cancel matches due to climatic conditions or other acts of

nature, and circumstances beyond the control of the tournament or soccer club.

In the event of Total Cancellation prior to the start of the first scheduled tournament game the tournament will refund a percentage of your application fee up to 75%.

In the event of tournament interruption or cancellation after the first scheduled tournament game begins the tournament has no

obligation to refund any portion of your application fee.  The tournament committee will review any refund possibilities.

Last modified: July 24, 2008