TOURNAMENT RULES & GUIDELINES

GAME FORMAT

Tournament Format (Invitational Division Only):
Bracket play (first 3 games) for all teams will be comprised of two 40-minute halves with a five-minute halftime break. The fourth game will be played against the same-ranked team in the other bracket (see below). All games except the Championship Game (1st A vs 1st B) will end in regulation time (i.e., games ending in a tie will remain tied). This includes Consolation games.
The Championship Game will be two 40-minute halves with a ten-minute halftime break. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, there will be an overtime period, consisting of two (2) ten (10) minute halves. The Golden Goal rule applies (first goal wins). If a Golden Goal is not scored in overtime, a shoot-out will determine the champion. The shootout will consist of kicks taken from the penalty mark in accordance with NFHS to determine the winner.

Showcase Format (all other divisions):
All teams will play 4 pre-scheduled games. All games will be comprised of two 40-minute halves with a five-minute halftime break. Teams will be awarded points as described below. However, since all teams do not play the same opponents and brackets are not seeded (i.e., priority was given to providing non-league opponents and competitive matches), the Tournament will not officially designate Champions.

Note: all games will be played with a running clock; there will be no added stoppage time. Games may be shortened to 35-minute halves if necessary to keep the schedule on time.

PLAY CONDITIONS

Home team is listed first on the schedule and will wear LIGHT jerseys. Teams listed second will be the visitors and will wear DARK jerseys. In case of uniform color conflict, the home team shall change to an alternate colored jersey. Teams will locate on the same side of each field. The home team shall provide 3 game balls.

All players are required to use shin guards. No shin guards = no play.

In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament Director and/or Referees will determine whether or not the game is to be played. Once the game has begun, the decision to continue to play rests solely with the center referee. Games are considered official if one-half of the match has been completed. The score at the stoppage of play shall be considered the final score.

REFEREES

Every effort will be made to staff each game with a three-referee system. However, if it becomes necessary a two-referee system will be used.

SUSPENDED GAMES

If, in the opinion of the game officials, a game must be terminated for misconduct of players, bench or spectators, the offending team may be suspended from further play and will forfeit that game and all remaining games. All previous points earned remain as played. Additionally, the home league and state association will be contacted as appropriate. The Tournament Committee shall decide the outcome of the game and the number of points, if any, to be awarded.

BRACKET PLAY SCORING SYSTEM

Team standings will be based on the point totals to determine the winner of each Bracket.
Teams will be awarded points on the following basis:

6 points Win
3 points Tie
0 points Loss
1 point for a shutout. If game is tied 0-0 each team will be awarded 4 points.
1 point for each goal up to three

Maximum point total per game is 10 points. Tie games will stand in bracket play.
In the case of a forfeit, the winning team will be awarded a 2-0 win.

The referee's report will constitute the official game record.

FINAL GAME DETERMINATION (TOURNAMENT FORMAT ONLY)

In the event of a tie in points at the end of preliminary play the winner will be determined as follows:

1:  The winner in head-to-head competition;
2:  Goal differential (goals-for minus goals-against with a maximum of 4 goals per game);
3:  Fewest total Goals AGAINST;
4:  Most total Goals FOR;
5:  Most Total wins;
6:  Most Shut outs;
7:  Coin flip conducted by the Tournament Director.

Division Championship: Top Ranked team Bracket A vs. Top Ranked team Bracket B

Consolation Games: In every division the 2nd ranked team in A plays the 2nd ranked team in B, 3rd vs 3rd, etc. Consolation matchups may be changed by the Director to allow teams to play non-league opponents.

OTHER RULES

NFHS High School Rules apply to this tournament unless otherwise noted.
The tournament Committee’s ruling will be final regarding any issues not covered in these rules and guidelines

DISPUTES & PROTESTS

The Tournament Director and/or Tournament Committee shall settle all disputes. NO PROTESTS WILL BE ALLOWED. All interpretations of the rules and other decisions made by the referees, Field Marshals, and the Tournament Committee will be final.

NOTE: NO alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or pets are allowed at any of the tournament sites.

Last Updated: December 15, 2009