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Rules for the 2008 Arsenal Challenge Cup
ARSENAL CHALLENGE CUP 8736 Tiburon Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45249 Missy Ciricillo, Tournament Director (513) 247-0304 Tournament Rules and Regulations Eligibility: The tournament is open to currently registered USSF league or association teams comprised of no more than the maximum allowable number of players for their respective age levels. All teams must be currently registered and in good standing with their state, national, or provincial association, and hold a valid US Soccer player pass for the current seasonal year. Passes will be inspected prior to the start of each match. A maximum of four guest players may be added to the official league or association roster. Fall age groups are eligible for this event. A spring roster may ONLY be used with approval of the Tournament Director and only in the case of a team whose league does not conduct Fall registration prior to the ACC. No player shall be allowed to register with more than one team or switch to another team during the tournament. Permit to Travel forms must be completed and submitted by all teams outside of the Ohio South Youth Soccer Association except US Club Teams. Registration will be held the Friday prior to the start of the tournament. For 2008, the Registration will be held at the Sheraton Hotel, Chester Rd., Cincinnati, OH. Teams must bring Approved Team Roster for Fall 2008 (see above for exception), Approved Guest Player Roster, Player Cards, Liability Release Form, Medical Liability Release forms, Permit to Travel from home state and Hotel Information Form. Foreign teams must also present either passports or proof of entry into the United States that is required by the United States. Age: All teams will determine their age per the USSF/USYSA age guidelines, with ages being determined on birth dates as of August 1. Laws of the Game: International Rules (FIFA/USSF) apply with the following exceptions: A. Substitutions must be at the mid-field line. B. Substitutions may be made with the consent of the referee: 1. After a goal by either team. 2. Before any goal kick. 3. Before a throw-in in your favor 4. Before a throw-in for the opposing team if they are substituting. 5. At the beginning of any period of play 6. After any injury, by either team when the referee stops play. 7. After a caution, the cautioned player may be substituted. Game Format: Preliminary Finals Age Divisions Game Time Game Times Ball Size U8 50 50 4 U9 50 50 4 U10 50 50 4 U11 50 50 4 U12 60 60 4 U13 70 70 5 U14 70 70 5 Each team is guaranteed four games, weather and field conditions permitting. Games and tournament play may be concluded, shortened or otherwise decreased by the Tournament Director in the event of inclement weather, unplayable fields or other situation beyond the control of the presenting organization. The first three rounds of play will constitute the preliminary and will be played as is, with no tiebreakers. Each team will be awarded three points for a win, one point for a tie, and no points for a loss. Standings: In the event of a tie in group standings the following procedures, in the order listed, will determine the winner: 1. Team with the most wins. 2. Winner of the game played between the tied teams. If three or more teams are tied for the group lead, this step will not be used (proceed to step 3). 3. Highest net goal differential (goals scored minus goals allowed) per game, totaled. Maximum goal differential per game is three. Examples: for a score of 4-1, goal differential is +3 for the winner and -3 for the loser. For a score of 6-1, the goal differential is also +3 and -3. 4. Fewest total goals allowed (gross), all games. 5. Penalty kicks elimination (FIFA laws). For those teams not qualifying for the finals (championship round), a fourth round of play will be scheduled. The Tournament Committee will draw the fourth round based points accumulated in the first 3 rounds. Scores: Both coaches must assure that the game results have been reported correctly to the site coordinator within 15 minutes of the game’s conclusion. Both coaches must sign the referee’s official game card at the conclusion of the game verifying that the score shown on the card is correct. Once signed, the score becomes official. Once the card is received at the headquarters tent, the failure of a coach to sign a card shall constitute a waiver of any error therein and the score shall be deemed official. Tie Breakers in the “Finals” of Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper Divisions will consist of the following: 1. A maximum of two 5-minute overtime periods will be played to completion. 2. Penalty kick elimination per FIFA laws, as follows: ----Only players on the field at the end of the second overtime period are eligible for penalty kicks. A coin flip will determine who goes first (visiting team’s calls). Five penalty kickers per team, alternating kicks per team. The most goals scored after five kicks for each team wins the tie-breaker. If the score remains tied after the five kickers, the teams will alternate shooters until one team has scored a goal more than the other from the same number of kicks. After all eligible players on the field of play have taken kicks, teams will start with their first kickers again and in whatever order the coach chooses. Ties in all other fourth round contests: There will be no playoffs in the 3rd/4th place games or in any other 4th round contests in the event of a tie. Teams tied at the end of regulation time in the 3rd/4th place contest shall be declared as tied for 3rd place in the Arsenal Challenge Cup. Both teams will be presented with medals at the conclusion of their games. The selection of a Wild Card Team, if required, shall be determined by: 1. Non-group winner with the most total points. 2. Non-group winner with the most wins. 3. Winner of the game, if applicable, played between the tied teams. 4. Goal differential (see #3 under Standings). 5. Fewest total goals allowed (gross). 6. Penalty kicks (FIFA laws of the game – see definitions) Sportsmanship: In accordance with FIFA policy, there shall be no dissent between players and/or coaches, and the referee. Even openly questioning a referee’s call is considered dissent. Coaches are responsible for the actions of their fans and are expected to solicit their support in the monitoring and enforcing this policy. Any player or coach ejected from a game will be ineligible to participate for a minimum of the next scheduled game. Multiple game suspensions within the tournament may be imposed by the Tournament Director, in his/her sole, discretion, fore egregious conduct. Substitution for an ejected player will not be allowed for the remainder of the current game. Players and coaches that are suspended from play may not be present at the field during their team’s game while suspended. Team and spectators are to be located on opposite sides of the field. No one is permitted to behind the goals during a game. Forfeits: A minimum of seven players constitutes a team. A ten-minute grace period will be extended beyond the kick-off time before a forfeit will be declared. Voluntary failure to complete a match, failing to be present for a match or a team leaving the field voluntarily during play, will result in a forfeit and a report being filed with the team’s club officials. No team that has forfeited a game will be declared as a group winner. The team winning by forfeit will be awarded the average number of goals scored in all of their games, rounded down. The opponent’s score will be zero. This score will be the official score in case of goal differential is necessary as a tie breaker. The Tournament Director reserves the right to decide on all matters concerning a forfeit. Protests: The Arsenal Challenge Cup does not recognize or accept protests. Decisions by referees may not be appealed. Player Equipment: 1. Shin guards are mandatory and must be covered by socks. 2. Both teams must bring two different sets of uniforms with contrasting colors to the tournament 3. The home team is responsible for changing colors in the event of a conflict. 4. No cutoffs under or in lieu of uniform shorts are allowed. If thermal shorts are worn, they must be the same color as the team shorts. 5. Jerseys will be tucked into player’s shorts at all times. 6. Casts are permitted, with referee permission, if they are well wrapped and padded. 7. No jewelry may be worn General Rules: 1. Coaches are required to bring player cards and medical release forms to every game. 2. If a game is temporarily suspended due to weather problems, field conditions or other situations beyond the tournament’s control, each team’s head coach must stay in contact with their site’s tournament’s headquarters for further instructions…go to your car but DO NOT LEAVE THE SITE. Game playing time may be decreased, or games may be concluded at the point of interruption, if necessary. 3. Home and Away teams will be listed on the schedule when posted. Home team will change jerseys should a color conflict arise. 4. The player’s shirt number must remain consistent throughout a match. 5. Matches will be refereed by USSF certified referees. 6. No refunds will be issued in case of cancellation for situations beyond the control of the hosting organization (ie, inclement weather, unplayable fields, etc). 7. The Tournament Director’s interpretation of the foregoing rules/regulations shall be final. 8. The Tournament Director reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the Arsenal Challenge Cup. 9. The tournament will provide all game balls. 10. No pets, no alcohol, and no swearing are permitted at the Arsenal Challenge Cup.

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