Rules of Competition
1. AGE AND ELIGIBILITY
a. Participation in THE IV ’09 is open to accepted teams composed of twelve (12) or fewer players (U11), or eighteen (18) or fewer players (U12-U16) or twenty-two (22) or fewer player (U17-U18). Only 18 of the 22 players on the roster can dress out for each game. Each team must be registered with a National State Association affiliated with USYSA/USSF or US Clubs Soccer and must present a valid State Association roster. Player passes/cards duly authorized by State/Provincial or National Association will be required as proof of age.
b. The number of guest players is unlimited. However, a team using guest players must have no more than a total of twenty –two (22) players on said roster.
**ECNL Teams are allowed up to twenty-six (26) or fewer players on their roster**
2. TOURNAMENT ENTRY FEE
a. Entry fees are due within two weeks of acceptance.
3. MANDATORY TEAM CHECK IN
a. US Youth Soccer Teams
- Original State Approved Roster + 1 Copy
- Laminated US Youth Soccer Player Cards (including Guest Players)
- Current, signed Medical Release Forms (including Guest Players)
- Guest Player Forms – as required by your State Association
- Permission to Travel – for teams outside of South Texas
b. US Club Soccer Teams
- US Club Roster + 1 Copy
- Valid US Club Player Passes (including Guest Players)
- US Club Medical Release Form (including Guest Players)
4. LAWS OF THE GAME
a. All games shall be played in accordance with FIFA Laws, except as specifically modified by these rules.
5. GAME FORMAT
a. Games will be played in a friendly format, no advancement. Scores will be recorded and posted on the Challenge Soccer Club website. Game lengths will be as follows:
- All U11-U14 games will be 60 minutes (two 30 minute halves).
- All U15-U18 games will be 80 minutes (two 40 minute halves).
**U17 ECNL games will be 90 minutes (two 45 minute halves) **
The Tournament Director reserves the right to adjust game length and schedules due to weather or field conditions.
6. MATCH AND SCORE REPORTING
a. Official game cards shall be filled out by the HOME team and submitted to the referee prior to the start of the game. Game information to be filled out by the HOME team to include; date, age, field number, scheduled start time, team names of both home and visitor team.
b. The referee must sign and record the score and indicate and disciplinary action taken on the game cards. Both coaches must sign the game card at the completion of the match. The referee will give the game card to the winning coach. If a tie, the home team coach is responsible for turning in the game card. Game cards must be turned in to the Tournament Headquarters tent within one hour of the completion of the game.
7. FIELD AND PLAYER EQUIPMENT
a. Players (excluding the goalkeeper) must wear numbers on the back of their uniforms and these numbers shall coincide with those listed on the team’s Official State/Provincial roster.
b. Players are required to wear shin guards in accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game.
c. No hard casts are permitted. Soft casts are permitted with the permission of the referee.
d. The IV ’09 will provide the game balls furnished by adidas.
e. The teams will sit on the opposite side of the field from the parents and spectators.
8. SUBSTITUTIONS
a. Unlimited substitutions may be made, with the referee’s permission:
- At the beginning of the second half.
- At a goal kick by either team.
- After a goal has been made.
- At a throw-in in either teams favor.
- When the referee approves an injury substitution by one team, the other team may substitute an equal number of players.
** ECNL teams have a limit on the number of substitutions in each ECNL game by prohibiting re-entry of players in each half. In other words, once a player is subbed out of an ECNL game, the player may not re-enter the game in that half of play**
9. UNIFORMS
a. As a convenience to both teams, the designated home team will wear their white or light colored uniforms and the visiting team will wear their “colored” uniforms. Should there be a conflict in uniform colors; the home team will be required to change uniforms.
10. CONDUCT
a. Players, coaches and spectators are expected to conduct themselves within the spirit AND the letter of the LAW. Displays of temper or dissent are cause for ejection from the game and surrounding field area.
b. Yellow Cards: A player or coach receiving two yellow cards during a match is suspended from that match and shall be suspended from the next match. In the event this occurs, players and coaches must follow the instructions as outlined in the next paragraph.
c. Players, coaches and team officials ejected from a game by the referee shall be ineligible for the next scheduled game. Players or coached that received a red card/ejection must leave the match immediately and report to the Tournament Headquarters tent. Players may sit on the bench during their suspension however they shall not be in uniform. Coaches must not return to the tournament site during the match for which they are serving the one game suspension.
d. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at game sites.
11. INCLEMENT WEATHER
a. In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament Director has the authority to restructure or cancel the game/tournament. Every effort will be made to complete all of the games. No refunds will be given after the tournament starts.
12. DISCLAIMER
a. Challenge Soccer Club is not responsible for an expenses incurred by any team in the event the tournament is cancelled in whole or in part or in the event games are discontinued or cancelled due to inclement weather or adverse field conditions, nor will any refunds be made. The Tournament Director has the authority to make all decisions and these decisions are final.