I. General Rules

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Governing Body: FIFA Laws of the Game will apply unless otherwise specified.
Small-Sided Modifications: Adjustments for age-specific formats include modified field size, goal size, and player roles to meet developmental guidelines for 7v7 and 9v9 formats.

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II. Format of Play

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Team Composition:
o U8-U10: 7v7 format, roster limit of 14 players.
o U11-U12: 9v9 format, roster limit of 16 players.
o U13+: 11v11 format, roster limit of 22 players (maximum 18 dressed per match).
Player Participation: Equal playing time is strongly encouraged for U8-U12 players to promote development.

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III. Bracketing and Flights

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Bracketing:
o Teams are placed into tiered brackets to balance competition and maximize growth
opportunities:
Volt: Highest level of competitiveness.
Sky: Advanced developmental level.
Navy: Intermediate level.
Vivid: Development-focused.

Bracket Placement: Determined by team skill level as indicated during registration.

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IV. Tournament Schedule

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Schedule Finality:

o The published schedule is final upon release. However, in the event of unforeseen
circumstances (e.g., weather, team withdrawals), the tournament committee reserves
the right to make adjustments.

Coach Conflicts:
o Efforts are made to address conflicts if they are clearly identified during registration.
These cannot be guaranteed.

Match Timing:
o Teams will play 3-4 round-robin games on Saturday and Sunday morning.
o Finals are scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Five-team brackets will determine
champions based on points and will not have a final.

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V. Match Play

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Team and Spectator Placement:
o Teams occupy one sideline, with a maximum of four team officials permitted.
o Spectators are positioned directly opposite their team and are encouraged to maintain
positive interactions.

Game Duration:
o U8-U12: 2x25-minute halves (50 minutes total) with a 5-minute halftime.
o U13+: 2x30-minute halves (60 minutes total) with a 5-minute halftime.
o Organizers reserve the right to adjust game times as necessary.
Scoring System:
o Win: 6 points
o Tie: 3 points
o Loss: 0 points
o Bonus Points:
+1 per goal scored (max 3 per game).
+1 for a shutout.
Maximum points per game: 10.
o Tied Finals: Decided by penalty shootout; no extra time.
Mercy Rule:

o If a team leads by 10+ goals, coaches must implement challenge rules (e.g., mandatory
passing before scoring, reduced players).

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VI. Advancement and Tie-Breakers

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Round-Robin Advancement:
o 4-Team Brackets: Top two teams advance to the final.
o 6-Team Brackets: Top two teams (across all pools) advance to the final.
o 8-Team Brackets: Pool winners advance to the final.
o 5-Team Brackets: Champion determined by total points; no final.

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Tie-Breakers:
1. Head-to-head results.
2. Goal difference (max ±3 per game).
3. Goals scored (max 3 per game).
4. Fewest goals conceded.
5. Penalty shootout.

VII. Player Eligibility

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Eligibility Requirements:
o All players must possess valid, laminated ID cards and be listed on the submitted roster.
o Guest Players: Maximum of 4 per team for U8-U12. Guest players must meet the same
eligibility criteria as rostered players.

Dual Rostering: Not permitted.
Adult Passes: Team officials must display valid participation passes when requested.

VIII. Registration

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Registration Process:
o Teams must complete registration via GotSport by the deadline.
o Payment is due no later than Monday of the tournament week.
Required Documentation:

o Final rosters.
o Player ID cards.
o Travel permits (if applicable).

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IX. Officiating

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Referee Assignments:
o 7v7 and 9v9: Single referee system.
o 11v11: Three-referee crew.
Finality of Decisions: All referee decisions are final. Protests are not permitted.

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X. Discipline

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Ejections:
o Players or officials receiving a red card are suspended for the next game (minimum).
o Violent conduct or referee assault results in a minimum two-game suspension.

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Conduct Standards:
o Adults sent off must leave the field area within two minutes. Failure to comply results in a team forfeit.

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XI. Substitutions

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Substitutions are allowed at:
o Throw-ins by either team.
o Goal kicks or after a goal is scored.
o Injuries (at referee’s discretion).
o Halftime.
o Following a caution (for the cautioned player only).

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XII. Rain-Out Policy

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Rescheduling: Games may be shortened, rescheduled, or canceled based on field conditions.
Refunds: Partial refunds (up to 50%) are issued only for total rain-outs (no games played).
Completed Games: A game completed beyond halftime is considered final.

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XIII. Awards

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Awards will be given to champions and runners-up in each division.

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XIV. Check-In

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Electronic Check-In:
o All required documents must be emailed for review no later than 48 hours before the
tournament start to checkin@risesc.org.

Required Documents:
o Final player roster.
o Player ID cards.
o Adult participation passes.

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XV. General Policies

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Uniforms:
o Home teams wear dark jerseys; visiting teams wear light jerseys. In case of a conflict,
the home team must change.

Score Card Submission:
o The winning coach (or home team coach in the event of a tie) must submit the
scorecard within 30 minutes of game completion. Failure to submit may result in a 0-0
score.
Illegal Players:
o Teams fielding ineligible players will forfeit all games and be disqualified.

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XVI. Travel Teams

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Teams traveling 80+ miles are encouraged to use partner accommodations.

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XVII. Non-Affiliated Teams

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Teams not affiliated with a recognized youth soccer partner (e.g., USYSA, US Club) must provide valid proof of insurance.

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