1. Ages and Eligibility

The competition is open only to accepted teams composed of eighteen or less players for U11 and above and fourteen or less players for 10 and younger meeting the age limit of the listed divisions. Players must be born during, or subsequent to, the years indicated, unless otherwise accepted by Tournament Committee. Each team must be registered for competition in a league affiliated with the USSF or national equivalent. Teams from outside the State of New Jersey must have a copy of a “Permission to Travel Form” approved and signed by a USSF representative. Proof of age for all players is required in the form of a current USSF youth soccer registration form.

2. Team Registration and Rosters

A final and complete tournament roster must be submitted to the tournament director at registration. Each team is allowed up to four guest players. Secondary carded players will be considered guest players. A player may play for only one team during the tournament and only players listed on the tournament roster will be permitted to participate in the tournament. Coaches must present a copy of their official state roster with uniform numbers (which we will keep on file), player passes, notarized medical release forms and for out of state teams, travel permits at registration. The tournament committee reserves the right to accept or deny teams into the tournament.

3. Inclement Weather and Game Changes

In the event of inclement weather, all teams must report to their fields at their assigned times (unless otherwise notified). The tournament committee will have the authority to change games as follows:

1. Relocate and/or reschedule the game.
2. Change duration of any game.
3. Cancel the game.
4. Games terminated after the competition of the first half because of weather or interference will be considered official. The score at the time of termination will stand.
5. Coaches may call the tournament hotline number listed on the tournament web page for the latest information regarding cancellation of play due to severe weather.

4. Failure to Show and Forfeits

It is sincerely hoped that NO games will be forfeited during this tournament. In the event that a team must forfeit, the following rules shall apply:

1. A team shall be allowed a ten minute grace period after the scheduled start time before a victory is awarded to their opponent. A minimum of Seven (7) players is needed for U11—U14 teams and six (6) players for U10 and under. The game will start AS SOON AS the minimum number of players is available. Additional players that come after the start of the game will be allowed to play providing they report to the referee before the start of the second half.
2. A team that forfeits a game is ineligible for all awards.
3. A game forfeit will be recorded as a 1-0 score.

5. Registration for Each Game

All teams MUST REPORT to the field marshal station at the assigned field on which they are scheduled to play thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled game time. The marshal will inspect all players for identification and apparel. At the same time, each team shall designate a team captain. Team captains will meet with the field marshal for a coin toss. The winning team will choose which goal they would like to defend. The losing team will kick off. The visiting team will make the coin toss call. The home team is listed on the right of the schedule and will have choice of sidelines.

6. Laws of the Game

All games shall be played in accordance with FIFA Laws except as specifically modified by rules of competition.

7. Modification to Laws of the Game

A. The tournament committee may change the length of games if necessary.

1. Games will consist of two (2) thirty (30) minute halves for U11-U14 or two (2) twenty five (25) minute halves for U-10 and under.
2. There will be no overtime games or shootouts with the exception of a four team flight championship game as explained in section 8.

B. Ball size:

1. Each team will be provided with a game ball at registration. Teams are responsible to provide the game ball for each game.
2. U13 and U14 will use size 5 balls.
3. U12 and under will use size 4 balls.

C. Corner Kicks:

1. All ages will use standard corner kicks.

D. Substitutions without limit may be made at the following times with the permission of the referee:

1. After a goal has been scored.
2. At the beginning of the half.
3. At a goal kick by either team.
4. At a throw-in by your team only.
5. In case of injury, at the referee’s discretion. (The opposing team shall also have the option to substitute).

E. Goalkeepers:

1. FIFA rules will apply.

8. Scoring Procedures, Rules and Awards

A. Flights with 3, 5, or 6 teams:

1. Standings will not be kept for U10 and younger flights. Small-sided games that are tied at the conclusion of the game will stand as a tie.
2. Scoring:
   A. 3 points awarded for a win
   B. 1 point awarded for a tie
3. The team with the most points is the flight winner. The team with the second most points in the flight is second. The following rules are the tiebreakers:
   A. Head to Head (If 3 or more teams are tied, head to head will not be used)
   B. Goal Differential (no more than +/- 3 per game)
   C. Fewest goals against
   D. Most Wins
   E. Most shutouts
   F. Co-Champions
   

B. Flights with 4 teams:

1. Scoring for the first three games (the round robin) will be the same as above, except F, there are no co-champions, instead:
   A. If first and second place or third and fourth place teams are
   tied a coin flip will decide standings.
   B. If second and third place teams are still tied after applying our tie breaker rules (8.A.3.A-e), there will be a five player shoot out following FIFA rules. If needed a sudden death shoot-out will determine the winner.
2. The top two teams will play in a championship game to determine first and second place:
   A. The team with the higher point total will be designated the home team.
   B. Prior points scored will not be used to determine the champion.
   C. If necessary, the championship game will have a five minute golden goal overtime period.
   D. If the game is still tied at the end of overtime, there will be a five player shoot out following FIFA rules. If needed a sudden death shoot-out will determine the winner.
3. The two remaining teams will play a consolation game as their fourth game.
   A. The team with the higher point total will be designated the home team.
   B. Ties at the end of regulation will stand.

9. Field and Game Equipment

1. The tournament committee will be responsible for field markings, goals, nets, corner flags and officials. Each team will receive a game ball at registration to be used throughout the tournament. Each team should come prepared with a team first-aid box and is responsible for any medical care to any player in need of medical attention.
2. Team coaches and players will be on designated side of field in their 10 yard coaching area from the center line. Spectators will be on opposite sideline. During play, spectators are not allowed past the eighteen yard line at either end of the field.

10. Player Equipment

1. All team players must wear acceptable and nominally identical uniforms consisting of shirt, shorts, socks and shin guards. Boots should be a soccer type cleat. (Toe cleats are not acceptable and players will not be allowed to play). All uniforms shall be appropriately numbered and such numbers shall coincide with the game roster. Goalkeepers must wear a shirt distinctly different from the other players on both teams. The field marshal or referee will direct the removal of any apparel that in their opinion may be dangerous.
2. In the event of a uniform color clash, the designated home team (the team listed on the right) will change colors.
3. No jewelry of any sort is allowed. Tape over earrings does not count.
4. Casts & Braces. We follow State Cup Rules which allow casts with a coverage of 2” high density closed cell polyurethane or alternate material WITH A MEDICAL RELEASE SIGNED BY A DOCTOR. Without the medical release which must be presented to the referee - no game play for that player is allowed.

11. Game Report

The field marshal will be responsible for reporting the score of the game. Report sheets are to be signed by one official from each team and the referee after the game is completed and returned to the marshaling station. Once the card is signed the score becomes final.

12. Conduct

1. Players, coaches and spectators are expected to conduct themselves within the spirit of the law as well as the letter of the law. Displays of offensive language, temper or dissent are cause for ejection from the game and field of play. Coaches shall be held responsible for the conduct of all persons on their team and those supporting their team.
2. The tournament committee shall automatically suspend players, coaches and team officials ejected from a game by a referee for the following game. Depending on the violation, that person may be suspended for more games.
3. The referee may only suspend or abandon the game. If the referee abandons a game due to misconduct by players, coaches or spectators on one team, a victory will be awarded to the opposing team with a score of 1-0.
4. The home team will supply the game ball and has choice of sidelines for their team. Spectators will be on one side of the field and teams on the other. During play, coaches, and spectators shall not be allowed past the eighteen yard lines at either end of the field.
5. Our tournament is a non smoking event. Coaches are not allowed to smoke on the player sideline.

13. Protests

No protests will be accepted.

14. Awards

There will be awards for first and second place in all flights of the U11 and older flights. Awards will be presented when a team’s order of finish is determined. Participation awards will be given to each player in U10 and younger flights. Participation awards will be handed out when the team has completed their final game. Coaches should check the tournament book for the awards location for their flight.

15. Good Sportsmanship Clause

• NJYS, the Pequannock Soccer Club, and the Tournament Committee will make every effort to insure this is an enjoyable experience for the players, coaches, and fans. Any fan, coach, or player that distracts from the competition by using abusive, derogatory, vulgar, or profane language or physical threats directed at an opponent, official, or opposing fan will be ordered to leave the game site for the remainder of the game. Refusing an order to leave by an official or tournament Field Marshal will result in the termination of the match and disqualification of the team with which the offender is affiliated with. Points will be awarded 1-0 with a loss to the offending team.
• Goal Differential. Any team that runs up a score with a goal differential of 7 or more goals will have one point deducted from their maximum 3 point goal differential tie breaker. See Rule 8.A.3.B

16. General

1. The tournament committee will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any team if the tournament is canceled in whole or part for any reason. Furthermore, the tournament Committee’s interpretation of the foregoing rules and regulations shall be final and the tournament committee reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the tournament. Finally, each club while participating in the tournament must insure all players, coaches and team officials.
2. If the tournament is cancelled for any reason prior to the start of the tournament, 80% of the registration fee will be refunded.
3. If the tournament is rescheduled for any reason, any team may choose to withdraw and receive 100% refund of the registration fee.
4. Golf carts are not permitted at the Pequannock Fall Classic.