Tournament Rules

Coach Rules :

Coaching from the sidelines is permitted, subject to the following conditions: 1) Coaching is permitted only within ten (10) yards in either direction of the halfway line. 2) Coaching shall be of a technical or tactical nature, consistent with the game of soccer, i.e., giving directions to one’s team on points of strategy and position.

Field Rules :

All players, parents, administrators, and spectators of each team must, where possible, stay on their respective side of the field (at least five (5) yards off the sideline) during all games. Spectators are to be on the half of the field away from the Asst Ref. (This is the left half of the field when referees are doing a standard right-sided diagonal).

Player Rules :

Each player participating in the games shall be in a complete uniform, with permanent numbers.

A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself/herself or another player, including jewelry. (FIFA Law IV)

Shin guards are mandatory for all players in practice, games and tournaments.

Substitution Rules :

Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee, at any stoppage of play. B. Substitutions shall be made at midfield within ten (10) yards of the halfway line. The substituted player shall not enter the field of play until allowed by the Referee and the player substituted for has left the field of play.

Bracket Rules :

The standings of teams in their respective brackets shall be determined by points, with three (3) points awarded a team for each win and one (1) point is awarded both teams for a tie. No points are awarded to the team that lost the game.

Tiebreaker :

Tiebreakers are as follows and will be used in the order set forth below: 1) Head-to-Head. 2) Least number of goals allowed. 3) Goal differential. 4) Most shut out wins. 5) Least amount of penalty points. Send-off = three (3) points / Double Yellow = two (2) points / Caution = one (1) point.

Game duration and ball size information :

Game duration and ball size for 2026 shall be as follows: 2007 thru 2009 – two 45-minute halves played with a size 5 ball. 2010 and 2011 – two 40-minute halves played with a size 5 ball. 2012 and 2013 – two 35-minute halves played with a size 5 ball. 2014 and 2015 – two 30-minute halves played with a size 4 ball. 2016 through 2018 – two 25-minute halves played with a size 4 ball. A ten (10) minute intermission shall be allowed between halves.