31st Annual Pros Elite Thanksgiving Tournament Rules

Tournament Registration
REFER TO FULL DETAILS ON SEPARATE CHECK-IN FLYER POSTED ON WEBSITE

LOCAL TEAMS MUST CHECK-IN ON WEDNESDAY!

1. When: Wednesday November 24, 2010
Where: Pros Soccer Club Clubhouse
5235 S. Kyrene Ste. #109 (downstairs facing Kyrene)
Tempe, AZ 85283
(just south of Baseline on the east side of Kyrene. Complex next to Fresh & Easy)
Time: 4pm –9pm

Out of State Teams Only:

Team Check In will be 1 hour before your 1st game on Friday at the field’s check in tent.

REFER TO FULL DETAILS ON SEPARATE CHECK-IN FLYER POSTED ON WEBSITE

Tournament Headquarters
Tempe Sports Complex (Map on Fields at www.prossoccer.org)

Credentials
At the mandatory registration teams must provide the required credentials All U.S. teams must
provide a team roster with player jersey numbers, laminated USYSA, AYSO, US CLUB SOCCER
player identification cards (player passes), signed travel papers and medical release forms for all
players. Out of state medical release forms must be notarized when required by their state’s
association.
Equipment checks will be done at the check-in tent on each field.
International teams must provide a certified team roster with player jersey numbers, player
picture identification cards, signed travel papers, medical release forms, and passports for all
players.

Rosters
Teams may register a maximum of 18 players (14 for U8-U11). A U12-U19 team may add up to 6
loan players but any team utilizing loan players is limited to a maximum of 18 players as well. A
U8-U11 may add up to 4 loan players but any team utilizing loan players is limited to a
maximum of 14 players as well. Proper player loan forms will be required at registration along
with other required credentials. Teams may play “up” in age group.
Awards
Team trophies and medals will be given to the 1st and 2nd place teams in each flight.
Tournament pins will be given to all team participants.

Competition Rules of Play

Rules of Play
The FIFA Laws of the Game shall apply as modified by the USYSA and SYUSA and described
herein:

Pre-Game Check-in
Prior to the start of each scheduled game, each team must check-in at the complex director’s tent
with picture player cards. The team will be checked in to play and the game started as scheduled.
A team that has not checked in within 10 minutes of a scheduled kick-off will be considered to
have forfeited the game. ??

Home Team
The home team will be the team which appears first on the game schedule. The home team will
supply the game ball. The game ball is subject to referee approval. The home team will be
required to switch to an alternate jersey if the referee declares a color conflict. If the home team
cannot supply an alternate jersey, the home team will forfeit the game.
Teams shall not occupy the same side of the field. The home team will select which side of the
field they will sit on. All spectators and players shall remain at least three feet from the
touchline. No persons are permitted behind the goals.

Player Equipment
Casts or orthopedic devices (e.g. knee braces) are permitted provided that it is padded to the
referee’s satisfaction. The referee will remove the player, if in their opinion; the player is acting
irresponsibly with the cast or orthopedic device. All players are required to wear shirts (tucked in
throughout the game, no duplicate numbers), shorts, socks, shin guards (age appropriate, provide
a reasonable degree of protection, made of suitable material and completely covered by the socks)
and appropriate footwear (no metal studs, sharp point, etc.). Each player must be wearing the
number on the official team roster. Players not wearing their “official” numbers are subject to
having their teams removed from the tournament. Any player guilty of switching jerseys to avoid
disciplinary action (e.g. second caution) will be expelled from the tournament. No jewelry of any
kind is allowed to be worn. This includes soft cloth, rubber or string wrist bracelets. Sweatbands
are acceptable. Hair control devices with hard parts (bobby pins, berets, etc.) are not allowed.
Medical/religious metals must be taped to the body if worn.

Game Duration: 4 Game minimum

Game times and overtime by division shown below:

Division Game Time Overtime Ball Size

U17-U19 45 minutes 15 minute halves 5 (11 v 11)
U15-U16 40 minutes 15 minute halves 5 (11 v 11)
U13-U14 35 minutes 10 minute halves 5 (11 v 11)
U11-U12 30 minutes 5 minute halves 4 (U11: 8 v 8, U12: 11 v 11)
U9-U10 25 minutes 5 minute halves 4 (8 v 8)
U7-U8 25 minutes 5 minute halves 3 (7 v 7)
Preliminary Games
All preliminary games will be terminated not less than 5 minutes prior to the start of the next
game regardless of the amount of time played in each half. A game is complete upon completion
of one half regardless of the circumstances of termination during the second half with the final
results based on the score at termination. A preliminary game can end in a tie.

Finals
A semifinal or final game ending in a tie after regulation play will be continued by playing two
equal overtime halves (NOT golden goal). If after two overtime halves a tie still exists, kicks from
the penalty mark will be used to determine the winner.

Half Time Intervals

The half time interval will be exactly 5 minutes for regular play and between the end of
regulation time and the first overtime. A one minute interval will be allowed between the first
and second overtime periods (essentially time to switch ends of the field).

Injury
Delays of the game due to injury will result in appropriate time being added to the full game
time, based on the judgment of the referees. However, all preliminary games will be terminated
not less than five minutes prior to the start of the next scheduled game.

Substitution
Unlimited substitutions will be allowed in all age groups. However, teams may only substitute
with the referee’s permission, from the midline, and only at the following times (including
overtimes):
- Prior to a throw-in by the team in possession
- Prior to a goal kick, by either team
- After a goal, by either team
- After an injury on either team when the referee stops play
- At half-time
- On a caution, only the cautioned player may be substituted at that time

Coaching
All coaches have the total responsibility for the conduct or their players, substitutes, parents and
spectators at all times. Coaching from the sidelines (giving direction to one’s own team on points
of strategy and position) is permitted, with adherence to the following guidelines:
- No mechanical or electronic devices are used
- Each coach, substitute or player, is to remain within the technical area (10 yards either side of
the halfway line or midfield line), on their own half of the midline and three feet in back of the
touchline
- The coach, substitutes and/or player are not allowed to make derogatory remarks or gestures to
the referees, other players or spectators
- The coach, substitutes and/or player cannot use profanity
- The coach, substitutes and/or players are not allowed to incite, in any manner, disruptive
behavior of any kind

Ejections (Send-offs)
A player who has been ejected (sent off) shall not be replaced. A player or coach who has been
ejected shall not return for that game and shall not be allowed to participate in at least the next
scheduled game. A player or coach who is ejected for violent conduct or serious foul play may not
be allowed to participate in the next two scheduled games. Anyone involved in fighting or who
assaults a referee will be expelled from the tournament. One point shall be deducted from the
team’s total points for each red card received during that game (to include negative numbers.)
This will be harsh with a 3 point system for winners.

Suspended Games
If in the opinion of the officials, a game must be terminated for misconduct of players,
substitutes, coaches, and/or spectators, the offending team could be suspended from further play
and forfeit that game and all remaining tournament games. All previous points earned remain as
played. The team in violation will be reported to their home league and state association.

Determination of Winners
Teams will be awarded points based on the following criteria (3 - point scoring system):
Win 3 points
Tie 1 points
Loss 0 points
Red Card - 1 point per card (see ejection/send-off section)

In the event of a tie in points at the end of bracket play, the winner for advancement to a
semifinal or final game will be determined by the following criteria:
1. Winner in head-to-head competition
2. Goal Differential
3. Most goals scored
4. Fewest Goals Allowed
5. Penalty Shootout
If a tie still exists after steps 1-4, the two teams will compete in kicks from the penalty mark to
determine which team will advance. The kicks will take place 15 minutes prior to the scheduled
start of the semifinal or final match. The maximum goals for calculating numbers 2-4 above is 5
goals for or against in each match.

Three Way Tie

In an unlikely event of a three way tie at the end of bracket play, the winner for advancement to
the semifinals or finals will be determined as above without consideration of head-to-head
competition to eliminate one team. The advancement for the remaining two teams is determined
as above with consideration of head-to-head competition.

Forfeits and Byes

Forfeits and byes will be recorded against teams for the following discrepancies:
- Home team failing to supply an alternate jersey
- Team failing to check-in at the mandatory tournament registration
- Team failing to report to the field check-in area within 10 minutes of the kick-off
- A win by forfeit will be scored 5-0. Teams which forfeit any game will have all of its games
scored as 0-5 losses.

Scheduling and Posting Scores

The official brackets and scores will be posted on-line at the web address below. The tournament
management reserves the right to adjust playoff and consolation games to avoid rematches. Care will
be taken to ensure teams play at the same time and complex.

http://www.gotsport.com/events/?eventid=11622.

Match and Score Reporting

Referees will report match results, cautions, and ejections to the Complex Coordinator. The Site
Director will then report to the Tournament Headquarters.

Protests and Disputes

The tournament director or the designee, who is the complex coordinator for the location, shall
settle all disputes. Once all information is reviewed and a decision made the decision is final and
will not be discussed further. Decisions by referees may NOT be appealed.

In every soccer tournament, there are complex issues that need to be resolved. The Tournament
Director will be able to make decisions for the good of the game. All decisions made by the
Tournament Director will be considered final.

Conduct of Spectators
Animals, alcoholic beverages, fighting, foul language or verbal abuse is NOT permitted. No
smoking within 20 yards of sidelines. Anyone in violation of these rules will be asked to leave the
premises. Further violations by any one person could result in a match forfeit for their team.
Some fields require additional restrictions. Observe all posted signs and information sent to
teams and/or posted on the website.

Inclement Weather Contingency Plan

In the event of inclement weather, the Pros Elite Thanksgiving Tournament Director reserves
the right to modify all tournament rules fairly and safely to complete the tournament. The health
and safety of the players is our first priority, but we also recognize a need to protect fields and
facilities. All decisions will be guided by these principles. Coaches are asked to remain flexible
because there may be opportunities to switch game locations to other fields to facilitate successful
competition. Modified game schedules will not affect tournament scoring. As a result of inclement
weather, and at the direction of the tournament director, one of the following schedules will be
implemented:
1. All teams must plan to play at the same scheduled time. In case of rain, a new schedule will be
posted on the Internet at www.prossoccer.org. While the times may remain as scheduled, the
fields may be subject to change.
2. Pre-game warm-up on the field will be limited.
3. Eliminate pre-game warm-up up on the field and shorten all preliminary games.
4. Implement “# 3” and shorten all semifinal and final games as well.
5. Games will be determined by kicks from the penalty mark.

Hotel Accommodations:
All out of area teams requiring hotel stays are required to stay in a hotel listed on our website
which has been approved by our tournament committee. Any team found violating this policy will
be disqualified from the tournament without a refund. The name of the hotel the team is staying
in must be entered into the hotel section on Got Soccer when registering. Registration will be
confirmed with hotels before approving applications..

Refund Policy:
There are no refunds once your application has been approved.