REGISTRATION AND CREDENTIALS

GENERAL:

This is a Class I Tournament; open to USSF, USYS, US Club Soccer, USSSA and FIFA affiliated teams.

REGISTRATION:

Teams must register at the MANDATORY REGISTRATION. Mandatory Registration is at the check-in/Registration tent at the field of the first day of play a minimum of one hour before the team’s first game. Failure to appear on time at mandatory registration will result in automatic disqualification from the tournament without a refund. There is no Friday night check-in.

By registering your team, you are committing to play all games scheduled for your team. If your team does not show for a game without an extraordinary excuse (catching a flight is not an extraordinary excuse), your team will not be invited back to any of our events. Games not played will be classified as a forfeit under the rules below. Games will not be rescheduled due to flight arrival or departure times. ALL teams are committed to ALL playing games, as scheduled.

CREDENTIALS:

This is a US Club sanctioned event. At the Mandatory Registration, teams must provide the required credentials. All U.S. teams must provide valid laminated Player I.D. Cards with photographs, and signed Medical Release Forms. Your USYS State Association may require additional paperwork to play in our tournament, including Travel Papers and/or Player Loan Forms. It is up to you to comply with your State Association’s rules. Teams in Region IV of USYS do not need any additional paperwork. U.S. teams registered through AYSO, USSF or US Club Soccer must provide the appropriate travel documentation (for US Club, an approved roster from the US Club website) for the organization to which they are affiliated. International teams must provide a certified team roster, League Identification Cards, medical release forms, Travel Papers, and/or Passports. In the event an International team does not have League Identification cards, passports for each player must be provided. All players must have a laminated or State Association approved player card to participate.

No player card, no play.

Players may use valid player cards from 2024/25 season.

ROSTERS:

U9 (2012) – U19 (2006) age groups can roster up to 22 players but only 18 players may be in uniform and participate in each game.

U11 and U12 (2013 and 2014) age groups can roster up to 16 players and play 16 players per game

U8 – U10 (2015, 2016 and 2017) age groups can roster, and play up to 14 players per game.

GUEST PLAYERS:

Teams may use an unlimited amount of guest players as long as they are sanctioned under the same association as the rest of the team (USYS or US Club), but are still subject to the maximum roster size rules above. Meaning – guest players must have the same type of player card as the team they are guest playing for. If a team is using USYS player cards (from any state) then the guest player MUST have a USYS player card (and it can be from any state). If a team is using US Club player cards then the guest player must also have a US Club player card (US Club cards include ECNL player cards).

PLAYERS CAN ONLY PLAY FOR ONE TEAM THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THE EVENT

RULES OF PLAY

FIFA Laws of the Game will apply as modified by USYSA and Cal South as described herein.

All 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 games will be played using the US Soccer mandated rules for the 2024/25 season.

7 V 7 games:

Deliberate heading is not allowed in 7v7 games. If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.

Build out line:

When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play

Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed).

After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal.

The opposing team must also move behind the build out line during a goal kick until the ball is put into play.

If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.

The build out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can be called.

Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build out line. Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build out line and goal line.

To support the intent of the development rule, coaches and referees should be mindful of any intentional delays being caused by opponents not retreating in a timely manner or encroaching over the build out line prior to the ball being put into play. Coaches are responsible for addressing these types of issues with their players. Referees can manage the situation with misconduct if deemed appropriate. Referees should be flexible when enforcing the 6 second rule and counting the time of possession should only begin when all opponents have moved behind the build out line.

Punting nor drop kicking the ball by the GK is allowed. Goals may not be scored directly from kick-off.

Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage.

9 v 9 games:

Deliberate heading is NOT allowed in 9v9 games for the U11(2014) birth year games. If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.

Deliberate heading IS allowed in the 9v9 games for the U11(2013) birth year games. Punting or drop kicking the ball by the GK WILL BE ALLOWED.
There is no build out line on 9 v 9 games.
Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage.

MATCH DURATION/TEAM SIZE

Duration of halves per games, team size, and ball size are as follows:

Division

U-18/19 (06/07) U-17 (2008) U-16 (2009) U-15 (2010) U-14 (2011) U-13 (2012) U-12 (2013) U-11 (2014) U-10 (2015)

U9 (2016) U8 (2017)

Games Halves

30 Minutes 30 Minutes 30 Minutes 30 Minutes 30 Minutes 30 Minutes 25 Minutes 25 Minutes 25 Minutes 25 Minutes 25 Minutes

Semi/Final

30 Minutes 30 Minutes 30 Minutes 30 Minutes 30 Minutes 30 Minutes 25 Minutes 25 Minutes 25 Minutes 25 Minutes 25 Minutes

Field Size

11 v 11 11 v 11 11 v 11 11 v 11 11 v 11 11 v 11 9 v9

9 v9 7 v7 7 v7 7 v7

Ball Size

5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4

A game is “complete” upon completion of one half of play regardless of the circumstances of termination during the second half with final results based on the score at the time the game is called. Preliminary games can end in a tie.

Semi-Final or Final games tied after regulation will go directly to FIFA Kicks from the Mark to determine who is the winner.

GAME CHECK-IN:

Referees will perform safety checks prior to the start of each game. Team managers must bring all player cards to every game, but do not need to provide player cards to field marshal or referee unless asked to do so. All semifinal and final matches will involve a full roster check-in.

Tournament staff will conduct spot checks throughout the weekend and in response to requests from other teams in the age group. If a team is unable to produce player cards upon request will be disqualified.

Any coach or player receiving a red card or being sent off from a game will have his player card surrendered to the referee until the required suspension has been served.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Teams may substitute only with the referee’s permission at any stoppage of play. Substitutions shall be unlimited.

PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT:

It will be at the game Referee’s discretion to determine the safety and suitability of player equipment including the wearing of a hard brace or cast. Referee’s will perform safety checks prior to the start of each game.

COACHING:

All Coaches have total responsibility for the conduct of their players, substitutes, friends and spectators at all times. Coaching from the sidelines (giving direction to one’s own team on points of strategy and position) is permitted, provided:

• No mechanical devices are used;
• The tone of the voice is instructive and not derogatory;
• Each coach or substitute remains within 10 yards on either side of the halfway line;

• No coach, substitute, or spectator makes derogatory remarks or gestures to the

  referees, other coaches, players, substitutes, or spectators;

• No coach, substitute, or spectator uses profanity or incites, in any manner, disruptive

  behavior.

  CAUTIONS AND EJECTIONS:

  A player receiving two cautions (yellow cards) in a single game will be given an ejection (red card). A player who has been ejected (sent off), will not be replaced. A player who has been ejected will not return for that game and will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game. A player who is ejected for violent conduct will not be allowed to participate in the next TWO scheduled games, at a minimum. Further suspensions for Violent Conduct or Referee Abuse may be issued at the discretion of the Tournament Director or tournament official. Any player or coach who assaults a referee will be expelled from the Tournament. A coach who has been ejected (sent off) will be suspended the same as a Player ejection.

  During game suspension(s) for coaches: there will be NO contact between the team and the coach during the game and the coach must be out of sight and sound of the field.

Additionally, the coach must not be involved in unacceptable conduct (defined as coaching his/her players by any means or method, or harassment of opponents/ players/referees/staff). Failure to adhere to this rule will result an immediate ejection from the tournament for the coach.

SUSPENDED AND TERMINATED GAMES:

If in the opinion of the referee a game must be suspended (for reason), the game may be resumed, but is subject to being ended not less than five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled start of the next game. If in the opinion of the referee, a game must be terminated for misconduct of players, bench, coaches, or spectators; the offending team could 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.

INJURY:

Additional time will not be added to the game for injuries unless determined by event official. All games will be played on a running clock.

TOURNAMENT COMPETITION

REFEREE DECISIONS:

The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final. The referee may only change a decision on realizing that it is incorrect or, at his/her discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee, provided that he/she has not restarted play.

DETERMINING WINNERS:

Teams will be awarded points on the following basis:

– Three (3) points for each win – One (1) point for each tie
– Zero (0) points for each loss

In the event two teams are tied in points at the end of bracket play, the teams to advance will be determined as follows:

1. The winner in head to head competition
2. Best goal differential in overall competition
3. Most goals for
4. Least goals against
5. Most total wins
6. Most shutouts
7. If a tie still exists after steps 1 through 5, a coin toss will be made with two tournament officials present the result of which will then be communicated to each team manager.

In the event three or more teams are tied in points at the end of bracket play or in the determination of a wild card team, the tournament will look to eliminate or advance teams based on applying criteria 2 through 6 above until teams are advanced or eliminated. If there is still a two way tie after the three-way tie is broken – the team will advance on head to head winner, and will follow the tie breakers rules through one more time.

After applying each tie-breaking criteria, the tournament will attempt to fill the spot(s) available from the remaining teams. If a tie prevents all spots from being filled, the teams who qualify will be advanced, the teams not involved in the tie for the remaining spots will be not be advanced, and the teams tied for the remaining spots will be evaluated under the next criteria on the list. In the event that all tie-breaking procedures have left three or more teams tied, team names will be randomly selected by draw by at least two tournament officials present the result of which will then be communicated to each team manager.

As an example, in the following scenario in which there are 3 wild cards available and five teams tied with 5 points:

Team

TeamA TeamB TeamC TeamD Team E

GF GA GD

12 3 +9 41+3 52+3 30+3 5 6 -1

The tournament will apply criteria 2 (goal differential) to the above teams to fill three spots. Team A fills the first spot, but three teams are tied with a +3 differential. Team E is eliminated, and Teams B, C and D are evaluated under the next criteria (goals for). Teams B and C are awarded the final two spots.

HOME TEAM:

The Home Team will be the team who appears first on the game schedule. HOME TEAM WEARS WHITE/or LIGHT colored jersey.

The Home Team will have the selection of the bench they wish to play from, and the direction in which they would like to play before the initial kickoff.

The game ball will be supplied by the Tournament. The game balls will be subject to Referee approval. Once game balls are lost or stolen, home team will provide a game ball to be used.

VISITING TEAM:

The Visiting Team will be the team who appears second on the game schedule and will wear DARK JERSEY. The Visiting Team will be required to switch to alternate jerseys to accommodate a color conflict as declared by the referee. The Visiting Team shall be awarded the initial kickoff.

SPECTATORS:

All spectators are to be on the opposite side of the field from the Team Benches. In the spirit of sportsmanship, we ask spectators to be on the same half as their team “mirroring” their team and that spectators do not intermingle with each other. No spectators are allowed on the team side of the field.

FORFEITS:

An automatic forfeit will be given if any of the following occur:

1. A team is not present and ready to play with a minimum number of eligible players, an eligible coach, and verified player cards, within 5 minutes after the original kickoff time.
2. A visiting team is unable to supply alternate jerseys in the case of color conflict.

3. A team fails to check in at Mandatory Registration.
4. A team whose actions as determined solely by the referee cause the game to be terminated.

All teams who forfeit will have the game(s) scored a 0-1 loss. The winner will be awarded three (3) tournament points for a forfeit.
With regards to #1 above and in the case that players, coach or player cards arrive after the match has been forfeited,

PROTESTS:

No protest or appeal process exists for disputes on or off the field.

DISPUTES:

Game conduct is under the jurisdiction of the referee and the tournament will not overrule a referee’s decision. All disputes off the field of play will be settled by the Tournament Director or by his designee and the decision will be final.

GUEST TEAMS:

The Tournament may accept a team as a “Guest Team” in order to fill a late vacancy in a Division. Guest Teams cannot advance out of Bracket. Guest Team game results are predetermined to be a 1-0 loss against the Guest Team. The opposing team is awarded three points.

SURF SPORTS PARK RULES:

All participants and spectators must strictly adhere to Park rules:

1. No dogs are allowed at the Surf Sports Park
2. Keep off of above ground sprinklers and irrigation equipment.
3. Drive cars only in designated areas. Follow all signs and Parking Attendants. No overnight parking. Cars left overnight are subjected to being towed at owner’s expense.
4. No artificial noisemakers are allowed during the tournament.
5. No participants or spectators are allowed on the fields prior to 6:30 am.
6. Parking fee $20.00 per car per day. Motorhomes not allowed due to parking restrictions.

All participants and spectators that violate the above rules will be removed from premises and not be allowed to return.

Surf Cup Sports does not claim any responsibility and shall not be held liable for any lost, stolen, and damaged property during the event on either facility.

REFUND POLICY:

In the event of inclement weather or other circumstances out of the tournament’s control leading to a complete cancellation of the event in which no games are played, Surf Cup Sports may refund a maximum of 25% of the tournament’s registration fees.

TOURNAMENT PLAY
Tournament Play
All age groups and divisions are guaranteed four (4) games.

Teams advancing from pool play will play semi-finals and/or finals on Monday, September 2, 2024. Teams not advancing from pool play will play an additional showcase game Monday, September 2, 2024. All teams are expected to show up for all games.

TOURNAMENT SEEDING

The tournament will shuffle wildcard seeds for semifinal matchups to avoid two teams playing in bracket and again in semifinals. All seeding decisions are final. In the scheduling with a 12-team bracket, Winner of A plays the Wildcard and Winner of B plays Winner of C. In the event the Wildcard comes from Group A, then Winner of A will play Winner of C and Winner of B will play the Wildcard.

BRACKETING

SIXTEEN TEAM FLIGHTS

Sixteen team flights will consist of four (4) brackets of four (4) teams. Each team will play the others within its bracket for a total of three (3) preliminary games with the top team in each bracket advancing to the semifinals. Semifinal games will be played as the winner of Bracket A against the winner of Bracket B, and the winner of Bracket C against the winner of Bracket D. The winning teams in the semifinal matchups will compete for a championship in the finals

TWELVE TEAM FLIGHTS

Twelve team flights will consist of three (3) brackets of four (4) teams. Each team will play the others within its bracket for a total of three (3) preliminary games with the top team in each bracket advancing to the semifinals, along with one wildcard team. Semifinal games will be played as the winner of Bracket A against the wildcard, and the winner of Bracket B against the winner of Bracket C. If the wildcard team comes from Bracket A then the winner of Bracket A will play the winner of Bracket C and the winner of Bracket B will play the wildcard team. The winning teams in the semifinal matchups will compete for a championship in the finals.

TEN TEAM FLIGHTS

Ten team flights will consist of two (2) brackets of five (5) teams. Each team will play the others within its bracket for a total of four (4) preliminary games with the top team in each bracket advancing to the Final.

EIGHT TEAM FLIGHTS

Eight team flights will consist of two (2) brackets of four (4) teams. Each team will play the others within its bracket for a total of three (3) preliminary games with the top team in each bracket advancing to the Final.

SIX TEAM FLIGHTS

Six team flights will consist of two (2) brackets of three (3) teams. Three teams from one bracket will play three teams from the opposite bracket. This is called cross-play. The top two teams with the highest points from all six teams, across both brackets will advance to the Final.

APPEALS/FAIR PLAY

Any matter not covered by the Rules of the event will be decided by the Tournament Director or designated official. All referee decisions are considered final. Red cards and ejections will not be rescinded.

We will not review any video to support any protest, objection, complaint or matter of judgement.

Cheating will not be tolerated. Any team caught cheating, in any manner, will immediately be forfeited out of the event and will not be accepted in to any Surf Cup Sports event in the future. Other teams from the cheating team’s club will also be banned from Surf Cup Sports events and if already accepted to a future event will be withdrawn and refunded. The coach and manager from the team caught cheating will be banned from the Surf Sports Park indefinitely and will be referred to their State Association for further disciplinary actions.