A.L. Smith Invitational

Rules & Regulations - 2010

ALL games will be played under international rules (FIFA). 

TEAM REQUIREMENTS

All teams outside of the state of Indiana must file travel permission forms.  Teams may carry a roster of no more than 22 players for U16-U19, 18 players for U13-U15 (which will include, 4 guest players), and will play 11v11.  U11-U12 rosters will have no more than 14 players (which will include, 3 guest players), and will play 8v8. U9-U10 rosters will have no more than 12 players (which will include, 3 guest players), and will play 6v6.  No roster changes will be permitted after a team roster has been approved at tournament registration.  All teams must be currently registered with their State or National Association.  No special formed state/regional all-star teams will be permitted.  Each player must have a valid USSF/USYSA ID card.

DURATION OF GAME

REFEREES

U9-U10 games will have a center referee.

U11 & UP games will have a center referee and 2 assistant referees.

Home team will choose the side of the field they wish to defend. The away team will get the kick-off to start the game.

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

Home team is listed first.  Home team must wear their light uniform.  Home team provides game ball. Each player must wear shin guards and an official uniform with a number on the back.  Each player for a team must wear a different number.

SUBSTITUTION (UNLIMITED)

FIFA rules of substitution will be followed for all games.  Any team may substitute at any dead ball based on the referee’s approval.

EJECTION

Any player or coach ejected from a game will be ineligible to participate in the team’s next game.  No substitution will be permitted for an ejected player.  Anyone fighting can be subjected to ejection from further tournament participation.  Passes will be retained by the tournament and returned to the coach/manager of the team after the player has sat out their suspension.  The coach/manager is responsible for picking up the players pass after their suspension is completed.

PROTESTS

No protests will be entertained.  The decision of the referee is final.

SCORING FORMAT

Three (3) points will be awarded for a win, one (1) for a tie, and Zero (0) for a loss.  In the event of ties in total point standing, the following sequence will be used:

1.      Head to head competition between teams that are tied

2.      Best goal difference for all games – up to 4 per game

3.      Fewest goals allowed

4.      Penalty kick shoot out – 5 players per team; if still tied, sudden victory penalty kick shoot out.

FAILURE TO SHOW – FORFEITS

A minimum of seven players constitutes a team.  A five (2) minute grace period will be extended beyond the kickoff time before a forfeit will be declared.  The Tournament Director will make the final decision if a forfeit shall be allowed depending upon extenuating circumstances that may have prevented a team from making the game on time.  If a forfeit is determined, the winning team will be awarded a score of 1-0 and will receive only the 3 points for the win.  In the event of a forfeit in a group, all teams in the group will be awarded the same points.

TIE BREAKER, SEMI-FINALS & FINALS

Games that are tied at the end of regulation time will end as a tie in preliminary rounds.  In the event of a tie in a semi-final or final game, up to 2 – 5 minutes overtimes will be played, with the winner being determined by “golden goal”. In the even a match remains tied at the conclusion of the overtime play, penalty kicks will be taken as listed below to determine a winner.  There will be no championship round (1^st/2^nd place) for the U9 & U10 divisions. 

TIE BREAKERS – PENALTY KICKS

In the event that penalty kicks must be used to determine a winner in the preliminary or final rounds the format will be as follows:

1. Each team will select (5) players to kick – only players on the field at the end of the game may be selected.
2. Teams will alternate kicks – first team to kick will be determined by the referee’s coin toss.
3. If the score remains tied after five (5) kicks, teams will alternate kicks one at a time until a winner is determined.
4. All eligible players much kick before any eligible player can repeat.
5. Keepers may be changed after any shot.

INCLEMENT WEATHER OR CANCELLATIONS

The tournament committee has the right to shorten and/or cancel matches due to climate conditions or other acts of nature, which are beyond our control.  In the even that severe weather delays the tournament, all games which are at least at half time will be considered complete.  All which have not reached halftime will complete the half only if weather permits (in the event the game can not be completed, the game will be considered a tie.  If the game determines a bracket winner the below standard will be followed for determining winner.

Semi-Finals or Finals cannot be played due to severe weather the following tie-breaker format will be used to declare champions.  FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER ONLY!

1. Penalty kick shoot out – 5 players per team; if still tied sudden  victory penalty kick shoot out
2. Head to head competition between teams that are tied
3. Totals Points
4. Best goal difference for all games – up to 4 per game.
5. Fewest goals allowed
6. Coin Toss

CANCELLATION POLICY

St. Francis Soccer Club agrees to provide the guaranteed number of games or refund a percentage of the tournament application fee equal to the percentage of guaranteed games not played.  In the even of total cancellation of the tournament, A.L. Smith Invitational will reserve the right to withhold $250.

There will be NO PETS or SMOKING allowed on the FIELDS, PARKING LOT or IN CARS at ANYTIME at St. Francis Soccer Fields.