16th Annual Texas Warm-Up Cup Rules

 

I.  TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS

 

The Tournament Headquarters are located at:  Meyer Park, 7700 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, Texas

The Tournament Director is:  Chuck Vallentine  (713) 398-6443

 

II.  REGISTRATION AND TEAM ELIGIBILITY

 

     A.  Team Check-in – Mandatory registration of teams will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn (7979 Willow Chase Blvd., Houston, Texas 77070) on Friday, August 21 from 6pm – 10pm.

   

      B.  Check-in requirements

 

          1.  Teams from the United States

               a.  All Players (including guest players) must present a photo identification card issued by the team’s Federation

                    Organization Member (STYSA, USYS, etc.)

               b.  All Players must have a signed Medical Release Form.  Said forms must be available for inspection at check-in.

               c.  All Teams must provide a roster approved by their Federation Organization Member.  The roster must include the jersey

                     numbers of all players.

               d.  Teams from outside the South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA) must provide proof of permission to travel.

       

          2.  Foreign Teams (For any team coming from a CONCACAF nation)

               a.  All Players must present passports at check-in or, if from a nation that the United States does not require a passport, proof

                    of entry into the United States that is required by the United States.

               b.  All Players must present a photo identification card.

               c.  All Players must have a signed Medical Release Form.  Said forms must be available for inspection at check-in.

               d.  All Teams must provide a roster approved by their Provincial or National Association.  The roster must include the

                    jersey numbers of all players.

               e.  Teams must provide a completed form from their Provincial or National Association approving the team’s participation in

                     the tournament.

 

III.  PLAYER AGE AND ELIGIBILITY

 

     A.  PLAYER ELIGIBILITY – All players must be registered with USYSA, or in the case of a foreign team, with their Provincial

          or National Association.  Current player cards for each player will be required at check-in.  No Card-No Play-No Exception.  A

          maximum of eighteen (18) players are allowed on a roster (including guest players).  A player may play for only one team.  This

          tournament is for Boys teams from U11 through U19.

 

     B.  DETERMINATION OF AGE BRACKET – The birth date of the oldest player on the team determines the age bracket of that

           team.  An ineligible player will be suspended from further participation in the tournament.  A team playing an ineligible player 

           may continue to play.  The team WILL be reported to the Host State Association and the Team’s State/National Association.

 

     C.  GUEST PLAYERS – A maximum of four (4) guest players will be allowed per team.  A player may only play for one team.

 

IV.  TEAMS

 

     A.  HOME TEAM – The first team listed on the schedule is considered the Home Team.

 

     B.  UNIFORMS – All players must wear numbered jerseys.  Each team must have an alternate color jersey for each player in case

           of color conflict.  The Home Team, if deemed necessary by the Referee, will resolve any color conflict.

 

     C.  TEAM AND SPECTATOR LOCATION – Players and Coaches from both teams will occupy the same side of the field.

           Spectators and parents must sit on the side opposite the players and coaches.  No one is permitted to sit or stand behind the

           goals.

 

     D.  INSPECTION – Teams must be at the field no later than 15 minutes prior to match time ready for inspection by the referee.

 

V.  PLAYER CREDENTIALS AND UNIFORMS

 

     A.  PLAYER CARDS – Player photo identification cards, the approved roster, and signed medical release forms must be present

          and available at all matches.  Identification cards will be checked by the referee prior to each match.

 

     B.  UNIFORMS – The jersey number of each player must be the same as the player’s jersey number on the game card and roster.

           If the numbers are not the same, the referee will not allow the player to participate in the match until the numbers are the same.

           Said player may change his shirt or the referee can note the change on the game card.

 

 

 

VI.  LAWS OF THE GAME

 

     A.  All matches will be played in accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game, except as specifically modified as follows in the

            tournament rules:

 

          1.  MATCH LENGTH – U11 through U14 teams will play 30 minute halves; U15 through U19 teams will play 35 minute

              halves.  The Tournament Director reserves the right to adjust game length and schedules due to weather or field conditions. 

              Ties stand in all bracket games, including any Round Robin play.  Championship/Consolation games that are tied at

              the end of regulation time will be decided on FIFA Kicks from the Penalty Mark.

 

          2.  SUBSTITUTION TIMES – A player may be substituted with the permission of the referee at the following times:

             

               a.  Prior to a throw-in in your favor.

               b.  Prior to a goal kick by either team.

               c.  After a goal by either team.

               d.  When the referee approves an injury substitution by one team, the other team may substitute an equal number of players.

               e.  At half time.

               f.  When the referee stops to caution a player, only that player may be substituted prior to the restart of the game.

               g.  No player shall leave the field of play without the consent of the referee.

               h.  Players shall enter and leave the field at mid-field.

 

          3.  SUBSTITUTION AGE LIMITS

 

               a.  If the age group is 15 and under, free substitution is allowed.

               b.  For age groups 16 years and older, free substitution is allowed providing the tournament is not an official competition (but

                    a friendly club tournament) and the age category does not include matches between national teams of CONCACAF

                    member countries.  If it does include national teams, then up to six substitutions are allowed.

 

     B.  PLAYER EQUIPMENT

 

                 a.  Per FIFA Laws of the Game, the wearing of shin guards is mandatory.  No player will be allowed to play without shin

                     guards.

                 b.  Per STYSA rules, no Player may play with a HARD cast even if it is padded.

                 c.  All other equipment related issues will be left to the discretion of the referee.

 

VII.  TOURNAMENT AND MATCH SCHEDULES

 

     A.  TOURNAMENT FORMAT – For all age groups, first round play will be bracketed.  Depending upon the number of teams in

           each bracket, the following advancements will occur:

 

          1.  Five team groups will play a round-robin.  The team with the highest number of points after round-robin play will be the

                champion.  The runner-up is the team with the second highest number of points.

          2.  Six team groups will play across their bracket.  Each team in Bracket A will play each team in Bracket B.  The championship

               match will be played by the two teams who have earned the highest points.  The consolation match will be played by the 3rd

               and 4th place points earners.

          3.  Eight team groups will play a round-robin within their bracket.  The championship match will be played by the 1st in points

               in Bracket A and the 1st in points in Bracket B.  The consolation match will be played by the 2nd in points in Bracket A and

               the 2nd in points in Bracket B.

          

     B.  MATCH SCHEDULES – All teams will play a minimum of 3 games.  Two games will be played on Saturday and one on

          Sunday.  Championship and Consolation games will be played Sunday afternoon.

 

     C.  PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING A WINNER  - There will be no overtime periods for bracketed play.  If, at the end of

           regulation time, a Championship or Consolation game is tied the winner will be decided by FIFA Kicks from the Penalty Mark.

 

     D.  REFEREES – US Soccer and International qualified Registered Referees will be used for all tournament matches, and the

           tournament shall utilize a three-referee system on all matches.

 

     E.  MATCH DELAYS, SUSPENSIONS, CANCELLATIONS – In case of inclement weather, the Tournament Directors and Klein

           Soccer Club will determine if games are to be played.  Once the game has started, the decision rests with the referee and Klein

           Soccer Club.  If any games are canceled, it is up to the coaches of the teams to check with the Tournament Directors for

           rescheduling information.  Games shall be considered complete if one half of the game has elapsed.  The score at the stoppage

           of play will be the final score.  If one half has not elapsed and the game is stopped, the game must be rescheduled if it affects

           the outcome of the tournament and if weather permits.  Klein Soccer Club have the ultimate authority in determining whether

           or not the fields are playable.  Any decision will be accepted by the Tournament Committee and acted on accordingly.  A

           tournament weather advisory line has been established.  PLEASE HAVE ONLY ONE MEMBER OF YOUR TEAM

          CALL.  THIS WILL INSURE THE LINE IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL TEAMS.  ALSO, IF THE LINE IS TIED UP,

          WE CANNOT UPDATE ANY INFORMATION. 

TOURNAMENT WEATHER ADVISORY LINE

281-583-4999

 

     F.  REFUND POLICY – A team withdrawing from the tournament after being accepted, shall forfeit its entry fee.  In the event of

           inclement weather, the Tournament Committee has the authority to restructure or cancel the tournament.  It will not be

           rescheduled for another date and no refunds will be issued once play has begun.  If the tournament is cancelled prior to the start

           of play, a refund less expenses will be distributed.

 

IIX.  FORFEITS

 

     A.  FORFEITURE – Each team must be ready to play at the scheduled time or immediately after the conclusion of the previous

           game as determined by the referee, and with the minimum number of players, or the team is subject to forfeiting the match. 

 

     B.  MINIMUM NUMBERS – The minimum number of players required to start play is seven (7).

 

     C.  PERMISSION TO CONTINUE PLAY – Following the forfeiture of a game, a team will be allowed to continue through

          bracketed play, but will not be eligible to receive awards.

 

     D.  POINTS – A forfeit will be scored as a 3-0 win and a total of 9 points will be awarded.

 

IX.  STANDINGS AND TIE-BREAKERS

 

     A.  TEAM STANDINGS – Team standings will be based on the following scoring system:

 

          Win – 6 points, plus 1 point for each goal scored (maximum of 3 goals)

          Tie – 3 points, plus 1 point for each goal scored (maximum of 3 goals)

          Loss – 0 points, plus 1 point for each goal scored (maximum of 3 goals)

          Bonus – 1 point is awarded for a shutout

          Forfeit – Scored as a 3-0 win and a total of 9 points will be awarded

 

     B.  TIE BREAKERS – In the event of a tie going into the Championship/Consolation games, placement will be determined as

          follows:

 

          Point Total

          Head to Head

          Goal difference (maximum of 3 per game)

          Goals scored (maximum of 5 per game)

          If a tie is still present after these criteria,  FIFA penalty kicks will determine the winner.

 

X.  MATCH AND SCORE REPORTING

 

     A.  REPORTING Each team will be responsible for turning in a game report within one hour after the completion of the match.

           The winning coach, or the home team coach in the case of a tie, will turn in the referee’s card (Official Match Report).  The

           Referee must sign and record the score on his/her Game Card for the Card to be official.  Each coach is responsible for

           verifying the posted score prior to the team’s next game.

 

     B.  PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING – All game cards must be given to the scorekeeper at the tournament headquarters tent

          within one hour after the completion of the match.  The Official Match Report for each completed match must be verified (i.e.,

          score, cautions, ejections) at the Scorer’s table immediately after the match by the team coach or manager.  The coach must

          make any requests for changes in scores, other than scorekeeper’s errors when posting, to the Tournament Directors

          immediately after the  match. 

 

XI.  PROTESTS AND DISPUTES

 

     A.  PROTESTS – Judgmental decisions made by the Referee cannot be protested.  Only protests concerning the laws of the match

           will be considered.  Protests will be handled in the following manner:

 

          1.  Advise the Referee and opposing coach of your intent to file a protest.  Play or continue the match.

          2.  The coach of record shall submit written protest (in English) to the Tournament Directors within one (1) hour of completion

               of the match.

          3.  Submit $200 (US Dollars) cash with the written protest.

          4.  If the protest is upheld, the fee is refunded.

          5.  Failure to comply with this procedure will result in the protest not being considered.

          6.  Decisions by the Tournament Directors are final and may not be appealed.

 

     B.  DISPUTES – Disputes for Non-referee decisions will be handled in the following manner:

 

          1.  Advise the Tournament Directors of your intent to file a dispute.

          2.  Submit a written account (in English) of your dispute at the Tournament Headquarter tent.

          3.  The Tournament Directors will meet with you within one (1) hour following the filing.

     C.  All protests or disputes will be provided with quick due process.

 

XII.  CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

 

     A.  TEAM AND SPECTATOR CONDUCT – Misconduct by a team, players, coaches, parents, spectators, supporters or officials

          will not be tolerated on or off the field.  A team, player, coach, parent, spectator, supporter or official may be withdrawn from

          the competition at the discretion of the Tournament Director.  In the event that this occurs, a misconduct report will be made to

          STYSA and/or the team’s State or National association.  Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their team and

          supporters both on and off the fields.

 

     B.  GENERAL RULES – Verbal abuse or harassment of anyone will not be tolerated.  Alcohol, firearms, fireworks and glass

          containers are not allowed at the park.  Smoking is allowed in designated areas only.

 

     C.  EJECTIONS – Any player or coach who received a red card/ejection during a match is not allowed to play or coach in the next  

          match.

 

           1.  Players receiving an ejection must leave the bench immediately and report to the Tournament Director at the Tournament

                Headquarters tent. Coaches receiving an ejection must leave the match immediately and report to the Tournament Director

                at the Tournament Headquarter tent.  Upon completion of the match the player and/or coach ejected must report to the

                scorekeeper at the Tournament Headquarter tent and surrender his Player Card. 

          2.  Players may sit on the bench during their suspension, however, they shall not be in uniform.  Coaches shall not return to the

               tournament site during the match for which they are serving the one game suspension.

          3.  After serving the one match suspension the coach may pick up the Card from the scorekeeper at the Tournament Headquarter

               tent. 

          4.  Any player or coach who receives a second red card/ejection is suspended from that match AND from further tournament

               participation.

          5.  ANY PLAYER, COACH OR SPECTATOR GUILTY OF REFEREE ASSAULT WILL BE SUSPENDED

               IMMEDIATELY FROM THAT MATCH AND SUSPENDED FROM FURTHER TOURNAMENT

               PARTICIPATION.  A REPORT WILL BE MADE TO THE HOST STATE ASSOCIATION AND THE TEAM’S

               STATE OR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

 

     D.  YELLOW CARDS – A player or coach receiving two yellow cards during a match is suspended from that match and

          suspended from the next match (one match suspension).  Two yellow cards in the same match is a red card and are counted as a

          red card.  A player or coach accumulating three (3) yellow cards, which did not culminate in a red card, is suspended from the

          next match (one match suspension).  A player or coach receiving two red cards/ejections will be suspended from further

          tournament participation.

 

     E.  REPORT OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION

 

          1.  Disciplinary actions taken during a match will be marked on the game card with the name and jersey number of the player or

               the Coach’s name.  Serious misconduct will also be reported by the Referee on a Misconduct Report form.  All game cards

               and Misconduct Reports will be turned in to the Scorekeeper immediately following the match.           

          2.  For United States teams, any incidents of ejections in a final game, any incidents of referee abuse or referee assault or any

               other incidents of a serious nature will be reported to the Host State Association and the team’s State Association.

          3.  For CONCACAF teams, the Tournament Committee will report any incidents of ejections in a final game, any incidents of

               referee abuse or referee assault or any other incidents of a serious nature, along with the disciplinary action taken or required

               to the US Soccer Federation.  The Federation will transmit the disciplinary action taken or required to that team’s Provincial

              or National Association.

 

XV.  GAME BALLS

 

     A.  RESPONSIBLE TEAMS - For bracketed play, the Home Team will provide the Match ball.  The ball must be the regulation

          size for the applicable age group.  The Match ball for Championship/Consolation games will be provided by the Tournament

         Committee.

 

XVI.  AWARDS

 

     A.  In a 5 team bracket playing a Round Robin, awards will be given for 1st and 2nd place.  In all other groups, awards will be given

           for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams.  All awards will be presented near the Tournament Headquarters tent immediately following

           each Championship or Consolation game.