TURNER VALLEY SHOWDOWN 2008
TOURNAMENT RULES

RULES OVERVIEW
FIFA with modifications as published below.

AGE GROUPS
The age group structure as established by US Soccer will govern. All players (including guest players) must have been born on or after the specified date for their age classification.

Under 08: August 1, 2000
Under 09: August 1, 1999
Under 10: August 1, 1998
Under 11: August 1, 1997
Under 12: August 1, 1996 
Under 13: August 1, 1995
Under 14: August 1, 1994

 
IMPORTANT NOTE: Under-08 and Under-9 age groups will play a 7v7 format. All U10-U11 will play an 9v9 format.  All U12 and all older age groups are playing the standard 11v11 format.

SUBSTITUTIONS
Unlimited substitutions (with the referee's permission) will be allowed at the following times:
A. after a goal
B. at the beginning of the second half or at the beginning of an overtime period
C. at a goal kick for either team
D. at a throw-in by with either team in possession
E. at a stoppage of play for an injury on a one-for-one basis for the injured player
F. to replace a cautioned player (other team may also substitute a like number)

GAME LENGTH
U08-U9: 25 minute halves
U10-U11: 30 minute halves
U12-U14: 30 minute halves

Final games that end in a tie will result in two five minute overtime periods (no sudden death). Semi-final and final games still tied after two overtime periods (5 minutes each) will be decided by FIFA penalty kick procedure.

DIVISION WINNERS
Preliminary Round ranking of teams shall be determined on the basis of standings points. Teams will be awarded 3 standings points for a win, 1 standings point for a tie, and zero standings points for a loss.

In the event of a tie in the standings, the following heirarchy shall be applied in order until there is a winner.

A. Head to head competition (only for ties between two teams)
B. Fewest goals allowed
C. Most goals scored
D. Fewest penalty points via cards (1 point for yellow, 2 points for red)
E. FIFA penalty kick procedure


In the event that more than two teams are tied, the above tiebreakers will be applied until such time as one or more teams "fall out" of the tie. At that point, the remaining "tied teams" will return to the first tiebreaker and have the process re-applied. This process will occur until all ties have been broken.


FORFEITS
Any team that forfeits a game will automatically forfeit all of its games and may not advance to elimination round(s). This includes games actually played. A forfeit is recorded as a 1-0 result.

ROSTER AND PLAYER PASSES
Current player passes (PA West, US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, or other US Soccer Organizational Member) for all players must be presented and verified against the team roster at tournament registration or at any time as requested by the referee or tournament committee. Teams should be prepared to present player passes at any time during the tournament. Teams must be in good standing with the USSF.
• A valid state stamped roster must be presented at registration.
• Teams outside of the state of Pennsylvania who are not affiliated with US Club Soccer must present a Permission to travel form signed by a duly authorized state or national association representative, IF your State Association so requires.
* Teams must maintain medical treatment authorization forms for all players in a form adequate for use at the site of the tournament. They must be presented at registration, and kept at the field during all team activities. These forms are not required to be notarized, but are recommended to be notarized (more likely to be accepted by medical personnel at a hospital).
• Players may play for only one team that is entered in the tournament.

CONDUCT
A. Players receiving a red card or a total of two yellow cards during the tournament will be ineligible for their team's next game. The tournament committee reserves the right to suspend or expel any player, coach, or spectator from the tournament for unruly conduct.
B. No one will be allowed behind the end lines or between the eighteen yard line and the end line.
C. No pets are allowed at the Turner Valley Complex - NO EXCEPTIONS! Any guest bringing pets will be required to immediately remove the pet from the grounds.
D. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the tournament site. NO OPEN FLAMES, FIRES, OR GRILLING PERMITTED.
E. Guests of the tournament games played at the Turner Valley Complex must adhere to all rules and other restrictions as specified by the Turner Valley Soccer Complex.
F. Red and yellow card information will be reported to US Club Soccer, which will determine whether to forward said information to any state association.

PROTESTS
None.

REFEREE REPORT
The referee of each game will forward to the appropriate field marshal his/her official written game report which includes the final score, the name and number of each coach, player, or person ordered from the field, and reason for the ejection. The coach of each team must sign the game report at the end of each game.

ROSTER SIZES/GUEST PLAYERS
Maximum roster size for U08 through U9 teams is 14 players (maximum of 3 guest players for U08/9).
Maximum roster size for U10-U11 teams is 16 players (maximum of 3 guest players for U11).
Maximum roster size for U12 through U16 teams is 18 players (maximum of 3 guest players for U12-U16)

NUMBER OF PLAYERS TO START GAME
A team may not start a game with fewer than seven players (five for U09 through U11 age groups). Teams unable to field the minimum number of players will have a ten minute grace period after the match's scheduled start time before a forfeit is declared.

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
Shin guards are mandatory for all players. Players must wear numbers on the back of their jerseys that correspond with the team roster. Home team must change to an alternate jersey in the event of a color conflict.

INCLEMENT WEATHER
If inclement weather forces cancellation of a game after at least half of a regulation game has been played, the game shall be considered official and the score at the point of cancellation shall be recorded as the final score. The decision on whether a game will be cancelled or recommenced will be made by the Tournament Director, in consultation with appropriate authorities. If a game must be stopped before halftime, the Tournament Director will rule on its possible rescheduling. Such a game may be temporarily halted or recommenced, picking up where play was halted. Regardless of weather conditions, it is the responsibility of all affected teams to monitor the status of their games and to appear with their team ready to play as scheduled by the Tournament Director if games are recommenced. The referee, Tournament Director, or field marshal may postpone any game. Once a decision is made to cancel a game, that decision is final. Teams that continue to play may be suspended from the tournament.

TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE DECISIONS AND CANCELLATION POLICY
All decisions made by the referee and tournament committee are final and binding. Protests are not allowed. Turner Valley Showdown, sponsored by Penns Forest Football Club and its affiliates will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any team if the tournament is cancelled in whole or in part. Any team that disregards any decision made by the tournament committee will be removed from the tournament and forfeit all of its games. NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE IF THE TOURNAMENT IS CANCELLED IN WHOLE OR IN PART DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER OR ANY OTHER REASON.