Registration: Teams will register a minimum of 60 minutes prior to their first game on the first date of tournament at the venue of their first game. Tournament Game cards with printed rosters will be provided at registration check in. The roster will be pulled from your application approximately one week prior to the event. Modifications to the roster may be made up until one hour before your first game.
*Current laminated USYSA or US Club player cards will be required of all players as proof of age and must be available for inspection at initial check-in and at the start of each game.
*USYSA Teams in Region 4 will not need Travel Papers. All USYSA teams outside of Region 4 states WILL need approved travel papers which must include a roster listing all players authorized to travel by the team’s State Association. Any player not listed on the Travel Papers, including any amendments, properly executed by the team’s State Association will not be allowed to play in the tournament.
*US Club teams are required to bring the US Club roster and any player loan forms required at Registration along with other required credentials, as required by the team’s State Association.
*Teams MAY NOT mix USYSA and US Club cards.
*Medical release forms will be required for all players at initial check-in. Teams will be required to keep medical releases on hand at all times.
*Once registration is complete, additional players may not be added. Players may only be rostered to one team.
REFUNDS: There will be no refunds given after the stated application deadline. Prior to the application deadline, refunds will be made less a $50 administrative fee PLUS any credit card transaction fees incurred.
ROSTERS: Teams may register a maximum of 18 (18) players for U-11 thru U14 with unlimited guest players, and fourteen (14) players for U7-U10 with unlimited guest players.
RULES OF PLAY
All games will be played under FIFA rules with USYSA and Cal South adjustments for youth competition with the following additions and clarifications:
Game Format: Each team will play a minimum of 3 games. Preliminary Games can end in a tie. Some Brackets will have cross bracket play. The Winners of the Brackets will advance and Wild Cards based on points earned in standard and cross bracket play. Bracketing of wild card teams may be adjusted to avoid playing teams from their bracket in the first round of playoffs. Quarter Final games ending in a tie after regulation will proceed immediately to FIFA penalty kicks to determine who advances to the Semi Finals. Semi Finals and Finals games tied after regulation will play two overtime halves. Overtime play will begin with a coin toss. If a tie still exists after overtime halves then FIFA Penalty Kicks will determine who advances or is awarded the trophy. Penalty Kicks will immediately follow the game.
In tournament divisions in which there are brackets of less than 4 teams that play games outside of their bracket (“Cross Play Brackets”), teams will advance out of bracket play as follows:
Duration of Games and Overtimes (by halves), and Ball size:
| Division | Prelim/QF (min./half) | SF/Finals (min./half) | OT (min./period) | Ball Size |
| U14 | 30 | 30/35 | 7 | 5 |
| U13 | 30 | 30/30 | 7 | 5 |
| U12 | 30 | 30/30 | 5 | 4 |
| U11 | 25 | 30/30 | N/A | 4 |
| U10 | 25 | 25/25 | 5 | 4 |
| U9 | 25 | 25/25 | 5 | 4 |
| U8 | 20 | 25/25 | 5 | 4 |
| U7 | 20 | 25/25 | 5 | 3 |
There will be no stoppage time for injuries; there is a running clock for all games. Half time for all games will be 5 minutes. In the event of an unusual event that results in a significant loss of game time, the lost game time may be rescheduled at the discretion of the Tournament Director. The rescheduling of the lost game time is subject to field availability.
* Preliminary and Quarter Final Games. All Preliminary Games will be called not less than five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled start of the next game regardless of the amount of time played in each half up to that point. 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. Quarter Final games ending in a tie will go directly to FIFA Kicks From the Mark to determine who advances.
** Quarter Final games tied after regulation play will not have extra time. Semi-Final or Final games tied after regulation will have overtime added. If no goals are scored during two equal overtime periods, the match is decided by FIFA Kicks From the Mark, which will immediately follow the overtime.
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:
In the event of a tie in points at the end of bracket play, the teams to advance will be determined as follows:
If ties exist in the determination of a wild card team, criteria 1 through 7 will be applied.
GAME DAY CHECK-IN: At least thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of each scheduled game, a team representative must present to the Field Marshall the team’s player cards and game card so the team may be checked in to play and the game started as scheduled. The Field Marshall will retain the game card and the team’s player cards until completion of the game. Each team manager or representative will be required to initial the game card area for that game before the player cards will be returned. A team who fails to properly check in with the Field Marshall will forfeit that game. The referee has the final say on the determination of safety and suitability of each player’s equipment, including the wearing of a hard brace and/or hard cast. Shin guards are mandatory for all players. After the start of a match, it will be the decision of the referee whether or not playing conditions are safe.
HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES: TThe Home Team will be the team which appears first on the game schedule. The Home Team will provide a game ball. The game ball is subject to referee approval. The Home Team will be required to switch to an alternate jersey to accommodate a color conflict as declared by the referee. If the Home Team cannot supply an alternate jersey, the Home Team will forfeit the game. The Home Team will have the selection of bench with the spectators must mirror them on the opposite side of the field.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Teams may substitute only with the referee's permission and only at the following times (including overtimes):
Except as provided by USYSA or Cal South, substitutions shall be unlimited except where specified otherwise in the rules and regulations for a special competition. Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee, at any stoppage in play. (USYSA Rule 302 Cal South Rule 2.9)
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.
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:
CAUTIONS AND EJECTIONS: A player or coach receiving two cautions (yellow cards) in a single game is considered to have been given an Ejection (red card) for the purposes of awarding point for the Tournament competition. A player who has been ejected (sent off) will not be replaced. A player or coach who has been ejected will not return for that game and must leave the field of play and will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game. A player or coach who is ejected for violent conduct or serious foul play will not be allowed to participate in the next two scheduled games. Any player or coach who assaults a referee will be expelled from the Tournament. A team will be disqualified from the Tournament if any player or coach fails to comply with the provisions of this section. All red cards are reported to Cal South. Cards for ejected players or coaches will be available from the Field Marshal after they have satisfied their penalty
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: Delays of the game due to injury will result in appropriate time being added to the full game time, based on the judgment of the referee. However, all preliminary games will be terminated not less than five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled start of the next game.
PROTESTS/DISPUTES: No protests will be allowed and all games will be considered final. The Tournament Director will resolve any situation not explicitly covered by the rules. Disputes relating to the interpretation of these rules will be resolved with the Field Marshal and Administrators/Coaches that are registered with the involved team(s). Individuals may not represent a team if not registered as an Administrator/Coach with the involved team(s).
FORFEITS/BYES: All teams who forfeit will have the game(s) scored as a 0-1 loss. The winner will be awarded eight (8) points (6 for the win; 1 for a goal and 1 for a shutout). If, at the discretion of the Tournament Director, a forfeit provides an unfair advantage, the Tournament Director may make an adjustment in the bracket. Teams forfeiting their first game will be assumed to forfeit all of their games unless they contact the Tournament Director at least 3 hours prior to their subsequent games. Teams will forfeit for any of the following reasons:
POLO CLUB RULES: All participants and spectators must strictly adhere to Polo Club rules:
SO CAL SPORTS COMPLEX RULES: All participants and spectators must strictly adhere to Complex rules:
All participants and spectators that violate the above rules will be removed from premises and not be allowed to return.
FIELD SAFETY/INCLEMENT WEATHER: The Referee or Tournament Director will determine if a field is safe for play. Teams are expected to show up for scheduled games times unless notified by a tournament official. Rain or other weather conditions will not delay play unless the referee determines the fields are unsafe. If necessary, games may be shortened, go directly to FIFA Penalty Kicks or be cancelled. If a game is terminated due to problems associated with the fields, including lighting for a night game, score will stand if game is in to the second half. If cancelled prior to half time score is determined by penalty kicks. If a Quarter or Semi Final match cannot be played, FIFA penalty kicks will determine the winner. If the Final game cannot be played, the teams will be co-champions.
If the Tournament Director rules that during the preliminary round penalty kicks will be taken due to inclement weather or field conditions, the following rain rules will apply:
If regular games have been played in the bracket and the Tournament Director has determined that other games go to penalty kicks due to inclement weather or field conditions, the regular games scores will revert to 1-0 wins or a 0-0 ties.
There will be no refunds or reimbursements of the tournament application fee for shortened or cancellation of games.
CONDUCT: All players, coaches and spectators will be expected to demonstrate good sportsmanlike conduct. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, substitutes, friends and spectators at all times. Inappropriate conduct by your team’s spectators can jeopardize your coach and/or team. If a referee terminates a game due to misconduct of players or spectators, the offending team will forfeit. The offending player, spectator or team may be banned from further participation in the tournament. At no time are any alcoholic beverages allowed at the tournament sites. Pets are not allowed on any of the fields. This is a smoke-free environment; no smoking is allowed at any of the fields. After each game, please pick up the trash on your sideline and place it in one of the provided receptacles. Please help us keep the games on time by immediately collecting your things and clearing your sideline after your game. This will allow the next team to move into position and prepare for the start of their game.
TOURNAMENT PLAY
THIRTY-TWO TEAM DIVISIONS. Each Division will consist of eight (8) Brackets of four (4) teams. Each team will play the other within its Bracket for a total of three (3) preliminary games with the top team in each Bracket advancing to the Quarter Finals. Game 1: Winner A will play Winner D, Game Two: Winner C will play Winner B; Game 3: Winner E will play Winner H, and Game Four: Winner F will play Winner G. The Semi-Final games will be played as the winner of Game 1 (1A/1D) against the winner of Game 2 (1C/1B); and the winner of Game 3 (1E/1H) against the winner of Game 4 (1F/1G). Semi-Final winners will meet for the Championship.
TWENTY-FOUR TEAM DIVISIONS. Each Division will consist of six (6) Brackets of four (4) teams. Each team will play the other within its Bracket for a total of three (3) preliminary games with the top team in each Bracket along with two (2) Wildcard Teams advancing to the Quarter Finals. The Wildcard Teams will be the next two (2) highest points (after bracket winners) in all six (6) brackets. Game 1: Winner A will play Wildcard #2, Game Two: Winner C will play Winner B; Game 3: Winner E will play Wildcard #1, and Game 4: Winner F will play Winner D. If Wildcard is from same bracket then Surf Cup will adjust Quarter Final games so bracket Winner does not play Wildcard from same bracket. The Semi-Final games will be played as the winner of Game 1 (1A/WC2) against the winner of Game 2 (1C/1B); and the winner of Game 3 (1E/WC1) against the winner of Game 4 (1F/1D). Semi-Final winners will meet for the Championship.
TWENTY TEAM DIVISIONS. Each Division will consist of five (5) Brackets of four (4) teams. Each team will play the other within its Bracket for a total of three (3) preliminary games with the top team in each Bracket along with three (3) Wildcard Teams advancing to the Quarter Finals. The Wildcard Teams will be the next three (3) highest points (after bracket winners) in all five (5) brackets. Game 1: Winner A will play Wildcard #3, Game Two: Winner B will play Winner D; Game 3: Winner C will play Wildcard #2, and Game Four: Winner E will play Wildcard #1. If Wildcard is from same bracket then Surf Cup will adjust Quarter Final games so bracket Winner does not play Wildcard from same bracket. The Semi-Final games will be played as the winner of Game 1 (1A/WC3) against the winner of Game 2 (1B/1D); and the winner of Game 3 (1C/WC2) against the winner of Game 4 (1E/WC1). Semi-Final winners will meet for the Championship.
SIXTEEN TEAM DIVISIONS. (The typical division.) Each Division 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 two teams in each Bracket advancing to the Quarter Finals (using the system described in Determining Winners). Winner A will play Second D, Winner B will play Second C, Winner C will play Second B, and the Winner D will play Second A. Semi-Final games will be played as the winner of Game 1 (1A/2D) against the winner of Game 2 (1B/2C), and the winner of Game 3 (1C/2B) against the winner of Game 4 (1D/2A). The Semi-Final winners will meet for the Championship.
TWELVE TEAM DIVISION 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. The winner of Bracket A will play the Wildcard Team in semi-final Game 1, and the winners of Brackets B and C will play in Semi-Final Game 2. The Wildcard Team will be the second place team with the highest points in all brackets. If the Wildcard Team comes from Bracket A, then the Winner A will play Winner B, and the Winner C will play the Wildcard. The Semi-Final winners will meet for the Championship.
EIGHT TEAM DIVISION 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. The winner of Bracket A will play the second place team of Bracket B in the Semi-Final Game 1, and the winner of Bracket B will play the second team of Bracket A in Semi-Final Game 2. The Semi-Final winners will meet for the Championship.
