UPDATES

FAQ's for THIS YEAR

Rain Policy

If rain is an issue, the Venue Coordinators (Person in-charge at a specific facility) at the instruction of the Tournament Director will sound an "Airhorn" on the hour to notify all parties whether or not games will kickoff as planned for the subsequent hour or not. The ruling at that time will stand till the following hour and/or as needed throughout the day. (Ex. 12:00 NOON rain cancellation will include all games scheduled to commence from 12:00 NOON until 12:59PM. If rain cancellation is still a concern, it will be addressed at 1PM and every hour there after as needed)

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:

• Each team will take a maximum of five (5) penalty kicks.
• At the end of five (5) kicks the game will be scored as a 1-0 win for the team that has scored more penalty kicks, or a 0-0 tie if both teams are tied in penalty kicks at the end of five (5) kicks

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.

Check-in vs. Registration

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.

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.

Flight 1 winners and automatic qualifications for Summer SURF CUP 2016.

In consideration of team age groupings changing to birth year in 2016, automatic bids into the 2016 Surf Cup tournament given to teams winning the top flight of the Surf Thanksgiving Tournament shall transfer to the older calendar year age group. For example, a U12 team (03/04 ages) winning the top flight of the Surf Thanksgiving Tournament shall receive an automatic bid to the 2016 Surf Cup for the 2003 team, regardless of how many players born in 2004 played on that championship team.