Play will be governed by the FIFA Laws of the Game, except where by USYSA Rules of Play and/or Tournament Rules. These rules may be modified prior to the beginning of the tournament play. The final Tournament Rules will be published in the Tournament Program.

The home team shall be responsible for wearing an alternate color jersey, if necessary, as determined by the referee. The team listed first in all rounds shall be the home team. Parents shall sit on opposite side as the players and coaches.

Teams will be expected to play according to the schedule of games regardless of weather conditions. Only the Tournament Director(s) may reschedule games or alter the competition format because of inclement weather or other just cause. Games shall be considered complete if one half has been completed and play is stopped by the Field Representative, Referee, or Tournament Director(s). When necessitated by playing weather conditions, the game format may be altered to include shortened games, penalty kicks or coins tosses.

Bracketing

Be sure you understand the bracketing technique that applies to your team. We will welcome your comments at the conclusion of the tournament.

3 Team

Each team plays four games. Highest point wins championship.

4 & 5 Team

Each team plays round robin with each of the teams in the bracket. Top two point teams play for championship.

6 Team

Each team will play three games including one crossover. This format may result in matches that are a re-match. No consolation game will be played. Top two point teams play for championship.

7 Team (one three team & one four team brackets)

Each team plays round robin with each of the other teams in the bracket. The semifinal matches will be crossovers- high point teams in each bracket. Scheduling may not reflect every team playing all of the teams in their bracket. Crossover may be played to complete guaranteed three games. Two top point teams will play in final game,

Point System

Win…………………..3 points

Loss………...………..0 points

Tie……………………1 point

A team that forfeits a game will give 3 points to the declared winner of the game and shall not be allowed to advance to the semifinal or final matches.

Tie Breakers

If, at the conclusion of bracket play, two or more teams have the same point total, advancement to the semifinals/finals will be determined using the following tiebreakers in the order listed until a team in eliminated. Once a team is eliminated, advancement among the remaining teams shall again be determined by the tiebreakers in the order listed starting with head to head competition.

1. head to head competition

2. Goals scored minus goals allowed

3. Fewest goals allowed

4. Fewest red cards

5. Most shutouts

6. Penalty Shoot-out

Game Length

U12 and below- Two 20 min. halves

U14 and above- Two 25 min. halves

Substitutions

With the consent of the referee substitutions may be made on any stoppage of play. A cautioned player must be substituted prior to restart of play with the referee’s permission.

Teams, Players and Coaches

Players may be registered to only one team in each bracket playing in the Tournament. Rosters will be checked prior to each match.

Team Discipline

A coach is responsible to the words and actions of his players, and fans. Verbal abuse of the opponents or referees by anyone will not be tolerated. Violations may result in forfeiture of the game and/or expulsion from the tournament.

A red card player and his/her coach must report to the Tournament Director(s) immediately after the game in which the card was given, to determine the player’s status for subsequent games. Decisions will be based upon rules of the tournament and referee input.

Modified Rules

1. Ungentlemanly conduct will not be tolerated

2. No offside

3. Ball touching the ceiling or the structural equipment will result in an indirect free kick

4. Two yellow cards will result in a one game suspension

5. Players will be automatically substituted after yellow card is issued

6. No slide tackling allowed

7. No punting allowed

8. Red card will result in the loss of one point

9. If penalties are needed they will be 5 second 1v1 shootouts

10. Rules subject to change for safety issues will be at the discretion of the directors of the tournament

NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED IN FACILITY

Protest: There will be no protest of the games unless foul play or other circumstances arise. It will be then up to the directors of the tournament to evaluate the circumstance and make a final decision.

Requirements

Each team will be required to bring an alternate jersey. Coaches must have all correct forms and waivers turned in prior to the kickoff of the first game of the tournament. Exceptions may be granted and a written request must be submitted for consideration. Each player will be required to bring their own equipment to participate in play. Player cards will not be needed. However, players shall not be included on multiple rosters unless NDANET Sports Staff has been notified prior to the first game. Shoes consisting of studded soles will not be permitted, but molded cleats are encouraged.

From the NDANET Sports Staff:

Thank you for sharing your Thanksgiving weekend with us. This is the Second Annual Turkey Classic Soccer Tournament. We hope that your experience and your weekend will be a fun one. Let’s remember that we are here to promote the game of soccer. Your attendance is appreciated and best wishes. See you in the finals.

Keith M. De Fini and Johnnie R. Anderson (NDANET Sports Staff)