RULES
Empire SURF would like to take this opportunity to
welcome the players, coaches, referees, parents and friends to our tournament. In the
next few paragraphs we would like to explain to each of you the special information and
rules of our tournament — 2023 Golden State Challenge
1. GENERAL
This Class I tournament is open to all boys & girls teams under U7 – U19 from CYSA-S
and USYSA National Affiliates. The application deadline is May 1, 2023 PST. Qualifying
applications will be accepted on a first- come first-serve basis. The Tournament
Committee reserves the right to accept or reject any application. Decisions are final.
2. ROSTER
The roster limit is a maximum of eighteen (18) players (14 maximum in U-7, U-8, U-9,
U-10). A maximum of five (5) loan players is allowed. All players must have a laminated
Player Pass from their state or national association. A medical release form is also
required. Any player without both of these documents will not be allowed to play. Travel
papers are required outside of CYSA-S.
3. TOURNAMENT CHECK-IN
Coaches or Team Administrators must attend their assigned mandatory check-in
meeting on Saturday 1 hour before their first game in the competition. All rosters,
medical release forms, and player ID cards will be verified at check-in. Completed game
cards and assigned team roster must be submitted at this time. Your roster will FREEZE
at check-in. No additional players may be added after the check-in process
4. GAME CHECK-IN
Teams must be at their assigned fields at least thirty-minutes (30) before their
scheduled game times for check-in. The “No Shin Guard, No Play” rule will be strictly
enforced. All players must have appropriate jerseys, with unique numbers prominently
displayed on the backs.
5. HOME TEAMS
The first team listed on the playing schedules is the designated home team. The two
teams competing in a game must locate themselves on the same sides of the field.
Parents will mirror their team on the opposite side of the field. The home team shall
have the first choice of location and half.
The home team will provide the game ball or
the ball will be provided by the tournament. The designated away team will have the
privilege of calling the coin toss. If the referee determines there is a conflict in jersey
colors of the two teams, the home team is required to change to another color jersey.
Any home team required to change to another jersey that fails to provide the means to
do so, will be in violation of the rules and forfeit for that game.
6. FORFEITS
Any team that fails to have seven (7) eligible players on the field at the scheduled game
time (6 for U-7, U-8, U-9, and U-10) in appropriate uniform will forfeit the game. There will
be no grace period. The tournament committee will credit a score of 3-to-0 (6 points) to
the team that was present and ready to play.
7. GAME CARDS
The Team Manager shall present the game card to the referee before the start of each
game. Managers/Coaches will enter the final score of the match. Referees will also
record any misconduct (jersey #, first and last name of any player, coach or spectator
ejected or cautioned), and return the cards to the Field Marshal for review. (See Rule
#10, Misconduct and Yellow Cards)
8. RULES OF PLAY
Games will be played according to FIFA Laws of the Game, except as modified by these
Tournament Rules of Competition. The table in Rule #16 summarizes the significant
differences. All final games will be regulation length.
9. SUBSTITUTIONS
Substitutions can occur at any dead ball situation with the consent of the referee.
10. MISCONDUCT, RED AND YELLOW CARDS
Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their team (including coaches, players, and
spectators) and may be cautioned or ejected for their misconduct. Any player or coach
ejected will not be permitted to participate for the remainder of that game and their
team’s next scheduled game. At the discretion of the tournament committee, ejected
players/coaches may be suspended from participation for the remainder of the
tournament. The Field Marshal shall immediately report all red cards to the Head Field
Marshal and the Tournament Director. The Field Marshal must collect a completed
“USYSA Referee’s Report” form from the referee for each red card issued.
11. TERMINATION
If the referee due to weather, field conditions or misconduct terminates a game, the
Tournament Committee will decide the impact of this termination on the tournament
standings. *It is recognized and understood upon entering the Golden State Challenge
that adverse weather is an Act of God. Further, entrance to this tournament requires
acceptance of all decisions regarding use of facilities (therefore, potentially, the
outcome of competition) by the Tournament Committee as final without objection,
appeal or compensation whatsoever.
12. TERMINATION
The Empire Super Cup Committee will not accept any protests
13. COMPETITION FORMAT
The following points system will be awarded in the preliminary games:
● Six (6) points for each win
● Three (3) points for each tie.
● Zero (0) points for each loss.
● 1 point up to 3 goals
● 1 point for a clean sheet
● Failure to begin a match, complete a match, or a team leaving the field of play
shall result in a forfeit to the opposing team by a score of 1-0
14. TIE BREAKER
If teams are tied after preliminary games, the following tie-breaking system will be used
to determine the winner:
● Head to Head
● Most Wins
● Goal Differential
● Goals Against
● Most shutouts
● Goals For (Goals For Limit:4/Goals Against Limit: 4/Goal Differential Limit: 4)
15. GAME TIMES
● 2017-2014: 20 mins, size 4 balls
● 2013/2012: 25 mins, size 4 balls
● 2011-2009’s: 30 mins, size 5 balls
● 2008-2005’s: 35 mins, size 5 balls
*** In case of inclement weather or field conditions, games may:
1. Be shortened
2. Go to F.I.F.A. penalty kicks 3. Be canceled
*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 rule 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.
Every team must show up to their assigned field at the mandated time. Referees will
conduct the penalty kick shootout.
There will be no refunds or reimbursements of tournament application fee for
cancellation or forfeiture of games.