Ostrich Festival Tournament 2008

Inclement Weather Policy & Tournament Rules

In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament Committee reserves the right to modify all Tournament Rules in order to safely and fairly complete the tournament successfully.  The Tournament Committee will make their decisions on what is best, considering the health and safety of the players, but will also take into consideration the need to prevent the destruction of the fields and facilities.  Coaches are asked to remain flexible to the changes in fields/locations as required and to keep in contact with Tournament Officials for these changes.

Typically, the inclement weather plan will consider the following, in order:

A.                 Play all games as scheduled.

B.                 Eliminate pre-game warm-up on fields.

C.                Implement item “B” above, plus shorten all first round (preliminary) games to:

                        U-9/10:                                   2 halves of 15 minutes each

                        U-11  &  U-12:                       2 halves of 20 minutes each

                        U-13  &  U-14:                       2 halves of 25 minutes each

                        U15 & Above:                        2 halves of 30 minutes each

D.                Implement items “B” and “C”, plus shorten all semi-final and final games.

E.                 In the event the field conditions are unplayable as determined by the Tournament Committee or those parties in control of the fields, games in question will be decided by penalty kicks from the mark. (FIFA rules apply).

F.                 In the event games must be canceled, some or all of the entry fees paid will be forfeited.

Rules

1.   All games will be played under FIFA rules as modified by USYSA/AYSA unless otherwise stated in this rules package.  The tournament Committee will settle all rules disputed.

1. All Under-9 and Under-10, eight a-side games will be played in accordance with the modified playing rules for eight a-side plays.

2.   NO PROTESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED OR CONSIDERED.  Decisions made by referees, once play has resumed, are not reversible.  All referee decisions pertaining to action on the field are final.

3.       Only verified players, who are officially registered to a team, may play in the Tournament.  Five (5) loan players will be allowed.  Tournament officials will check player credentials 30 minutes prior to each game.

4.      Players may not wear jewelry, hair clips, orthopedic or immobilizing casts, or other items which, in the opinion of the referee, may cause harm to any player(s).  Decisions by the referee are final.

5.      Teams must arrive at the field at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the game.  Teams must check in at Site Headquarters 30 minutes prior to each game time.

6.      A team must have seven (7) players available at the start of the game to avoid a forfeit (U-10 must have at least five (5) players present).

7.      Game time is forfeit time.  In case of forfeit, the winning team shall be given a score of 1-0.  

8.      Coaches should be prepared to start the game on time.  Field Marshals/Referees will stop the current game five (5) minutes prior to the start of the next game.

9.      Each team and its supporters shall be on the sideline opposite the opponent and their supporters.

10.   Home and Away Responsibilities

a.           Home Team

• The first team listed on the game schedule.
• Must change jerseys in case of a color conflict.
• Will take the North or East sideline.
• Will clean up their side of the playing field.
• Will furnish a game ball, properly inflated.

b.          Visiting Team

• The second team listed on the game schedule.
• Has choice of game jersey.
• Will take the South or West sideline.
• Will clean up their side of the playing field.

11.      SCORING:  Final team standing will be determined using the following point criteria:

a.                  A WIN is three (3) points.

b.                  A TIE is one (1) point.

c.                  A LOSS is zero (0) points.

d.                  Minus one (1) point for each red card or two yellow cards issued to the same player/coach in the same game.

e.                  Minus one (1) point for failure to attend mandatory team check-in without prior permission from the Tournament Director.

f.                    In the case of a shootout, the winner will receive three (3) points.

g.                  No team will receive more than three (3) points per game.

12.             TIES:  In the event that two or more teams are tied in points at the end of the preliminary games, the following tie-breaker criteria shall apply:

a.                  Head-to-head competition.

b.                  Goals scored (up to a maximum of 5 per game)

c.                  Goal differential [goals scored minus goals allowed] (5 per game max)

d.                  Goals allowed (up to a maximum of 5 per game)

e.                  Most wins

f.                    Penalty kicks

13.             Substitutions will be allowed, with the Referee’s permission, as follows:

a.                  Prior to either team’s goal kicks

b.                  Prior to a throw-in, in your favor

c.                  After a goal is scored

d.                  Half time

e.                  For a seriously injured player

f.                    For a cautioned player only

14.             A player receiving a red card or two yellow cards shall be expelled from that game, may not be replaced, and is automatically disqualified from the next game.  In the event a player is ejected from the game for fighting, that player will not be permitted to play in the remainder of the tournament.  Any coach receiving a red card shall be expelled from the game and must leave the field to the satisfaction of the referee.  The coach is disqualified from coaching the team in the next game.  Coaches who either refuse to leave or deliberately stay to coach after a red card will forfeit the game.

15.       Game times shall be as follows for Preliminary Rounds:

16.              If Games are tied at the end of regulation in the Semi-Finals and Finals, teams will go immediately to a shootout (penalty kicks from the mark).

17.             Shin guards are MANDATORY for all players in all games.  Shin guards will be checked prior to the game.  Any player violating this requirement will be cautioned and sent off the field until the equipment is corrected.  A substitution will be allowed at the next opportunity, but not when the player is sent off.

18.             In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament Committee reserves the right to modify all tournament rules in order to safely and fairly end the tournament successfully.

19.             Coaches will be responsible for periodic checks at the Tournament Headquarters and website for any late schedule changes and modifications to the tournament.

20.             All coaches must remain within ten (10) yards of the centerline.  No parents, coaches, and/or spectators may be along the endline or behind the goal.

21.             Coaches are reminded that, under no circumstances, are alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed on the Tournament Fields.  There shall be NO SMOKING allowed in the vicinity of the players and STATE LAW NOW PROHIBITS SMOKING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS.

22.             There shall be NO DOGS allowed in the vicinity of the fields.  At Snedigar Sportsplex, dogs must be kept in the parking lot area, the bark park, or otherwise outside the fenced areas.  This is a safety issue and will be strictly enforced.  Failure to comply may result in a forfeiture of game.  We strongly recommend that parents do not bring their dogs to the tournament. 

23.             Awards:

1. In all age groups, individual placement trophies will be awarded.  A team trophy will be awarded for 1^st place finishers in each age group and division of competition.  Individual player trophies will be awarded for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place finishers in each age group and division of competition with a bracket of five (5) or more.  In brackets of four teams, only 1^st and 2^nd place individual trophies will be awarded. 

24.       Conduct and Sportsmanship:  Coaches will have complete responsibility for the conduct of their players, friends, and any and all spectators that are supporting the team.  Referees will have complete authority during all games and will not allow abusive or profane language or threats of any kind.  If, in the opinion of the referee, a game must be terminated due to misconduct, the offending team shall be declared to have forfeited the game.  A terminated game will result in the opposing team being awarded a win by a score of 1-0, unless the score is greater at the time of the termination.  Possible suspension from further play could result.