Tournament Rules

All games will be played in accordance with the laws of the game set forth by USSF and modified for youths by USYSA unless specified below.

“All teams and tournament participants must abide by the Oklahoma Soccer Association’s and US Youth Soccer’s policies, rules, & regulations and are subject to their disciplinary actions. All teams wishing to participate in an “open” tournament that is not USYS members will be required to provide proof of liability insurance paperwork indemnifying OSA from harm.” – Oklahoma Soccer Association.

Rosters & Player Passes

Each team must have USYSA, US Club Soccer, or other US Soccer affiliate player passes and a tournament roster maximum 18 players per game (11v11 team) or 16 players per game (9v9 teams), 12 players per game (7v7) including guest players. The maximum number of guest players is 5 players (11v11 team) or 3 players (7v7, 9v9 teams), as specified in the Tournament Sanction form, unless authorized by the tournament committee prior to the tournament. All players must be USYSA, US Club, or an affiliate of US Soccer member, and have current player passes, laminated and with a photo. Passes will be verified at check-in and before each game. 11v11 teams can have up to 30 players on their official roster, however only 18 can be suited for each game.

Players Uniform and Equipment

Teams must wear numbers on the back of their shirts. Each player shall have a different number. The home team will wear white or light color jersey. In case of color conflict, the home team is responsible for changing. Shin guards are mandatory equipment. Slide shorts can be worn, but must either be the same color as shorts, or kept out of sight. Under shirts can be worn, but must be the same color as the jersey, or kept out of sight. Players wearing casts will be allowed to play if the cast is sufficiently protected and approved by the referee. Knee braces and orthopedic appliances can be worn if all hard surfaces, hinges, and edges are appropriately padded. All players’ equipment is subject to referee approval.

Length of Games

Academy (4v4) 2×20 halves
Academy (7v7) 2×25 minute halves
U11, U12 2×30 minutes
U13 and above 2×35 minutes

All halftimes will be 5 minutes in length. No overtime for pool games. Semi-final and final matches that are tied at the end of regulation will be decided on “Golden Goal”, with two 5-minute periods. If a winner is not determined after the two 5-minute overtime periods, then the game will be decided by FIFA penalty kicks. Academy games will use a single, center referee.

The Tournament Director reserves the right to shorten game times in order to keep the tournament on schedule. In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament Executive Committee shall have the authority to change the above format as follows:

Relocate and/or reschedule any games;
Shorten game times;
Cancel any games in the pool rounds that have no bearing on group winners;
Modify rules for tie breakers in case all games are not played in full.

Team Standings and Tie-Breakers

Team standings will be based on the following point system:

Win 3 points
Tie 1 point
Loss 0 points

Tie breakers will be determined in priority as follows:

Head to head
Goal differential (max 5 per game)
Most goals scored
Fewest goals allowed
Most shutouts
Goal differential (no maximum)
If still tied, FIFA penalty kicks will determine the winner.

For brackets with crossover games, the second tie-breaker is goal differential against common opponents. If still tied, proceed with number 3 above.

If three teams are tied, proceed down the tie-breakers until there is a clear winner, or one of the three teams is eliminated, whichever comes first. If one team is eliminated, then begin the process again with the two remaining teams at the first tie-breaker and proceed down the list.

If, in the Quarterfinals or Semifinals (when there are no Quarterfinals), the predetermined pairings result

in two opponents from the same bracket, realignment of the pairings will be made by the Tournament Director.

Substitutions

Free substitutions may be made only with the Referee’s permission at the following times for all competitive, and academy, including 4v4.

Prior to throw-in by your team or if both teams are waiting at the midfield line to substitute, both teams will be allowed to substitute at the same time.
Prior to all goal kicks by either team.
After a goal by either team.
At halftime or the beginning of overtime periods by either team.
After an injury or yellow card by either team when the referee stops play.
Players must enter and leave the field at the midfield line and must be there prior to motioning for substitution.
Substitutes may enter and leave the field at the midfield line only after receiving permission from the referee.

Playing Conditions

The home team is listed as the first on the schedule. The home team players will sit on the North or East side of the field. Both teams will sit on the same side of the field. Spectators will be aligned opposite the players of the team they are associated. Each team must be prepared to provide a game ball to the referee prior to start of the game. Games shall be considered complete if one half of the game is elapsed. The score at the stoppage of play will be the final score. All red cards will be reported to your State Association. The coach will be responsible for any verbal or physical abuse of referees by the team’s spectators. Such abuse will not be tolerated. Violations may result in forfeit of the game, and may include expulsion from the tournament.

Yellow Cards

Any coach or player receiving a yellow card in 3 consecutive games will be subject to be ineligible to participate in the next scheduled game. Yellow-carded players may be substituted; however the other team is allowed an equal number of substitutions at that time.

Red Cards

Ejected players and coaches will serve a minimum one-game suspension. Tournament officials reserve the right to extend the disqualification, based on the nature of the offense as well as FIFA guidelines. Coaches and players will not be allowed near the game of suspension; the sidelines or the spectator areas. 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 by the host organization and also reported immediately to the home state association and the home club. All matters involving referee abuse or assault shall in accordance with USSR Rule 3042, be referred immediately to the host state association. The home state association and the home club shall, except in the case of the referee assault have the responsibility for imposing, should circumstances warrant, additional sanctions within their respective jurisdictions with regard to any matters arising from the tournament.

Forfeited Games

Any team quitting or leaving the field prior to the conclusion of a game shall forfeit the game. Forfeited games that has had a kick-off will either be shown as a 5-0 game, or the score at the time of the forfeit, reflecting favorably for the team that is ready to play. Teams will be allowed a ten minute grace period from the scheduled kickoff time before the tournament committee declares that the game could be forfeited. The watch of the Head Referee is the official time. The team receiving a forfeit will be awarded the normal tournament points for a win. If a team forfeits one game in the tournament, they are subject to forfeiting all of their games in the tournament. If a team forfeits all of its games, each team scheduled to play the team in forfeit will be awarded a win, reflecting a 5-0 score.

Protests

No protest on judgment calls will be upheld. Protests can only be made by the designated coach or manager, within 30 minutes of the completion of the game. A protest must be in writing and be submitted with $250 cash or money order to a member of the Tournament Executive Committee. All protests will be ruled upon prior to the next scheduled game that would be affected by such a ruling. The protest fee is non-refundable, even in the event the protest is not upheld.

Refunds/Cancellation/Interpretation/Limitations

Teams not accepted will receive a full refund. No refund of tournament entry fee after acceptance. No exceptions!!

If the tournament is canceled prior to the event starting due to inclement weather, acts of God, or factors beyond control, all refunds will be a determined amount after all tournament expenses have been finalized. After the tournament starts, in the event games are canceled or shorted due to inclement weather, acts of God, or other factors beyond control, no refunds shall be provided.

Blitz United Soccer Club/Blitz Academy FC, tournament sponsors or any authorized representative, agent, or employee of any of these organizations shall not be responsible for any expense incurred by any team, club, or individual if the event is canceled in whole or in part or for any liability in connection with the tournament for personal injury or property loss in connection with traveling to, participating in, or traveling from the tournament. Each team, players, coach, or supporter shall participate in and attend the tournament at its, hers, or his own risk. The Director’s or Executive Committee’s interpretation and application of each of rules included herein and such interpretation and application will be final. By entering the tournament, each club, team, and player agrees to be bound, and abide, by each of the rules included herein.

Matters Not Provided For

Any matters not provided for shall be determined by the Tournament Director, whose decision will be final.

Soccer Complex Rules:

No pets
No smoking
No alcohol
No firearms
No glass containers
All motor homes will need to contact the Tournament Director
Only security and tournament officials will be allowed on complex property before the complex is open, or after it closes
Lit Complex gates will be locked between 11pm and 6am.
Unlit complex gates will be locked between 9pm and 6am.
No warm-ups in the penalty area (This rule to be strictly enforced!).