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2010 UPPER MIDWEST SOCCER CLASSIC RULES

1. LAWS OF THE GAME

All games will be played in accordance with 2009 - 2010 USYSA/FIFA laws. Any exceptions are as noted below.

2. ELIGIBILITY TO PLAY

1. Players for the age group follow the USYSA birthday cut-off of August 1.
   
2. The maximum roster size is 14 for U11 and U12, 18 for U13 - U16, and 22 for U17 - U19, which may include 6 guest players for non-tournament teams. Guest players must have the necessary release form from their respective state association. Players using club passes are not counted as guest players. Teams may have a maximum of 4 club pass players.
3. All players must have valid USYSA Player Passes. All players must be listed on the Official Roster Form. Player Passes must be presented to the referee prior to the start of each game.
   
4. Medical Release/ Waiver of Liability form is required for all players.
   
5. A player may only play for one team in the tournament.
   
6. All out-of-state teams must provide official "Permission to Travel" forms.
   
   

3. GAME INFORMATION

1. Teams should be present at the field on which they are to play at least 30 minutes prior to game time. Teams will then check in with a referee at their designated field.
2. There will be NO on field warm-ups.
3. Games for U11 - U14 will be 2 - 25 minute halves with a 5-minute half time. Games for U15 - U19 will be 2 - 30 minute halves with a 5-minute half time.
4. There will be a coin toss to determine who kicks off and who defends what side, visiting team will call the flip. The team, which wins the toss, decides which goal it will attack in the first half of the match. The other team takes the kick-off to start the match.
5. Where the colors of jerseys are similar, it is the responsibility of the home team to change jerseys.
6. Both teams will have their bench on one side of the field. Parents and spectators must watch the games from the opposite side of the field as their team and must stay behind the spectator lines.

4. UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

1. Shin guards are required. Socks must be pulled over the shin guards.
2. Casts (soft or hard) are not allowed.
3. No jewelry or knotted headbands are allowed.
4. All players on a team must have the same type of jersey. All jerseys must be tucked in. Jerseys must have a number on them and each jersey must have a different number for each player.

5. DISCIPLINE

A. PLAYERS

1. All red and yellow cards will be reported to the Referee Director.
2. Red-carded players will be suspended for at least one game. (Two yellow cards in one game equal a red card.) Players red-carded for violent conduct, violent fouls or abusive language may be suspended for the remainder of the tournament.
3. All red cards will be reported to the state soccer association of the player's team.
   
4. No substitution will be permitted for a red-carded player.
   
5. A player receiving 3 yellow cards during the tournament may be suspended for a game.
   

1. 1. Harassment of officials will not be tolerated. Referees may temporarily stop games or suspend play in the presence of persistent sideline harassment or intimidation. The Tournament Director will decide the outcome of the game if the game is suspended.
2. 2. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of players, parents and spectators at the fields, hotels and other locations for the duration of the tournament. If the UMSC receives complaints regarding conduct of any player or person associated with your team, the Tournament Director may ask any/all people to stay away from the tournament, and/or ask the team to leave the tournament, and/or ban the team from future tournaments.

6. FORFEITS/FAILURE TO SHOW

1. All teams are expected to complete all scheduled games. Any team that fails to show or leaves the field of play before the end of a game may be disqualified from the tournament. That team may also be banned from future tournaments and its state association will be advised of its misconduct.
2. A minimum of 7 players constitutes a team.

7. SUBSTITUTIONS

1. Substitutions may be made prior to a throw-in in favor of your team, prior to a goal kick by either team, following a goal by either team, following an injury to a player from either team or at half time. Substitutions may also be made for your team on the opposing teamÕs throw-in if the opposing team also has a player at the half-way line.
2. A player with blood on the uniform or on the body must be substituted out. The bleeding must be stopped, the injury covered with a bandage, and the uniform must be blood-free before the player may return to play.

8. TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR AND REFEREE AUTHORITY

All referee decisions are final. No protests are allowed. The Tournament Director has the right to relocate, reschedule, cancel, or reduce the length of any game. The Upper Midwest Soccer Classic and the tournament committee are not responsible for the expenses incurred by any team or individual if the tournament is canceled in whole or part.

9. SCORING

1. 3 points for a win or forfeit, 1 for a tie, 0 for a loss.
2. Tie Breakers -- Preliminary Round
1. Head-to-head
2. Team with most wins
3. Goal spread (goals scored minus goals allowed)
4. Fewest goals allowed
5. Most goals scored
6. Kicks from the mark

10. AWARDS

First and second place awards will be presented to players and coaches immediately after the championship game.