Laws of the Game
All games are played by tournament modified FIFA rules.
 
Field Marshals
Field Marshals will be stationed at all fields during the course of the tournament and will be identified by an orange vest. They will be responsible for checking player I.D. cards and equipment prior to a game, keeping the games schedule on time, reporting game scores to tournament headquarters, and completing score sheets. All Field Marshals will be equipped with walkie talkies to communicate with tournament headquarters should any problems arise during a game (e.g. medical emergencies, team and/or official no shows, rules and regulation consultation and other game related situations). Since time is of the essence, Field Marshals will communicate with game officials and team coaches and/or managers only. If time permits they will try to answer tournament related questions
 
Registration
Official State Rosters, Player I.D. Cards, Medical Release Forms, and Travel Letters (for out of state teams) must be submitted during registration at tournament headquarters at least one hour in advance of the first scheduled game. Teams cannot compete without the registration process. Failure to register in a timely manner could result in a game forfeiture (see " Failure to Show-Forfeits).
 
Game Officiating
U9-U10 games will have a center referee and each team will be asked for one volunteer to call lines (ball out-of-bounds only).
U11 and up games will have a center referee and 2 lines people
 
Rosters
Maximum number of players per team including up to 4 quest players, U9 – U12:  14 players, U-13 –U16: 18 players, U17-U19:  team rosters of 22 players are allowed,   with game-day rosters of 18 players.   Players may only play for one team.  No roster changes will be approved during the course of the tournament.
 
Duration of Games
U9 and U10 will play (6v6) and U11 and U12 will play (8v8) in two 25-minute halves with a 5 minute half time. U13 and U14 play two 25 minute halves with a 5 minute half time.  U15 through U17 play two 30-minute halves with a 5 minute half time. The game clock will not be stopped due to an injury to any player unless, at the discretion of the referee, medical personnel must remove the injured player from the field.
 
Reporting for Games
Both teams must report to the Field Marshal at the scheduled field tent area 30 minutes prior to game time for player I.D. and equipment check.
 
Coin Toss
There will be a coin toss before each game.  The winner of the coin toss will have the choice of which goal they will defend.  The team listed first on the schedule is the Home team.  The team listed second is the Away Team.
 
Uniforms and Equipment
Each player must wear shinguards and a matching team uniform with a unique number on the back. Where uniform color is similar for competing teams, the designated home team will change colors.  No metal spikes of any kind are allowed.
Each team must supply one game ball. The referee will determine which ball to use.  U9 will use a number 3 ball, U10 through U12 will use a number 4 ball and the other divisions will use a number 5 ball.
 
Failure to Show - Forfeits
A minimum of seven players constitutes a team (5 for U10). A ten (10) minute grace period will be extended beyond kickoff time before a forfeit will be declared. In the event of a forfeit, the winning team will be awarded 10 points.
 
Field Rules
Teams will occupy one side of the field (the side with the benches) and the spectators the other side of the field.
Coaches must stay within ten (10) yards of their side of center. Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their players and spectators.  Fans running onto the field during play will be ejected from the tournament grounds.
 
Inclement Weather
During questionable weather conditions, teams should be prepared to play as scheduled.
In the event of severe weather (e.g. continuous heavy rain, lightning, excessive heat) or poor field conditions, the Tournament Director(s) shall have the authority to:
                        a.  Relocate and/or reschedule any game.
                        b.  Reduce, by up to 50%, the duration of any game.
                        c.  Declare a game completed once 33% of the game has been played.
                        d.  Cancel a preliminary game that has no bearing in deciding a group winner.
 
 
Cancellation/refund Policy
A total Tournament Cancellation prior to the start of the tournament will result in full refund to all teams.  There will be no refunds for any cancellations once the tournament has started.  Team cancellation will result in a forfeiture of all or half of the team tournament fee depending upon when notice is received by the tournament committee. 
 
 
Protests
No protests will be allowed on any judgment call by the referee.  All decisions by the referee are final.
 
Protests will be allowed on player eligibility or other technical matters.  Express your concerns regarding violations prior to the start of the game or at the time the incident occurs to the Field Marshall.  A $100.00 appeal / protest fee should accompany the appeal or protest.  If the appeal or protest is upheld, the fee will be returned.  If denied, the fee will be forfeited to the Lake Geneva Lakers Soccer Club.
 
 
Red Card Rule
This is a USYSA sanctioned tournament and the USYSA Red Card will be in effect (i.e., if a player receives a red card, he/she will be expelled from that game, plus his/her next game, if applicable. Use of a player in a game for which he/she was expelled will result in a forfeit and team disqualification from the tournament.  Player cards of suspended players will be given to the tournament director after the game in which the red card was issued.  The coach of the suspended player must contact the tournament director prior to the start of the game in which the player becomes eligible to play or at the end of the tournament for their team.
 
Yellow card Rule
If a player receives a yellow card, he/she is not required to leave the field.  Two yellow cards constitute a red card.  Coaches are subject to the same red and yellow card rules as the players.
 
 
Substitutions
Substitutions can be made only at the following times and must enter the field at the half line.
                        a.   A throw-in, in favor of your team.
                        b.  Prior to a goal kick by either team.
                        c.  Following a goal by either team.
                        d.  Following an injury time-out for either team, with the referee's permission.
                        e.  At half time.
 
Group Preliminary Games
Games in preliminary rounds will be scored as follows in order to determine group Winners for seeding into championship games:
                        a.  6 points for a win.
                        b.  3 points for a tie.
                        c.  1 point for a shut-out
                        d.  1 point per goal scored (maximum 3 points).
                        e.  0 points for a loss, but each goal scored is counted to a maximum of 3 points.
 
In case of a 0-0 tie in a preliminary game, 3 points will be awarded each team and the shutout bonus will not apply. In the case of a forfeit, the winning team will be awarded 10 points. In the event that two teams in the same Group have the same number of points at the end of the preliminary round, the following tie breaking criteria will be applied to determine the Group Winner:
                        a.  Head to head competition.
                        b.  Most games won.
                        c.  Fewest goals against.
                        d.  Most goals for.
                        e.   Kicks from the mark (as defined for semi-final and championship games).
 

 
Division Semi-Final and Championship Games - Scoring / Tie Breakers (This applies to U11 and above only)
Most goals scored determine the winner of these games. In case of a tie at the end of regulation time, five (5) kicks from the mark will be taken alternately by each team to decide the winner. FIFA rules will be observed.  Only team members on the field at games end can remain on the field and participate in the Kicks from the mark.  All other players must remain on the sidelines during the Kicks from the mark.  If still tied after (5) kicks from the mark, the teams will take further alternate sudden death kicks from the mark until a winner is decided.
 
Awards
Individual participation awards will be awarded to all U10 and under players. For U-11 and above age divisions, first and second place individual awards will be given to each player from the top two teams in each age division as decided in the championship games or by points.

Copyright 2009, Lake Geneva Lakers