Elite Soccer Invitational

2008
SCHEDULES
AND TEAMS

FAST FIND

Coaches

REFEREES

GENERAL

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Rules for the 2008 Elite Soccer Invitational

TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS
Posey-Hartman Soccer Complex
1438 Route 42
Lebanon OH 45036

Contact Person: Stephen M. Hauter (513) 520 5901

TEAM ELIGIBILITY
The Elite Soccer Invitational Tournament is open to teams that are registered to and affiliated with their state or national organizations which, in turn, are affiliated with FIFA. Applications are invited from teams that are duly registered with their State, Provincial, or National Associations. All teams and players accepted will have their rosters and players verified by their State, Provincial, or National Associations. Only approved players with player passes shall be allowed to play. The number of players on any one team shall be consistent with the maximum number allowed for that team's age group. Falsification of player registration forms, team rosters, player passes or other records used in the tournament shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including disbarment for the individual(s) involved and disqualification of the teams involved. All teams will determine the age of their players as of the most recently completed August 1st . Teams from outside of the United States must also conform to these guidelines.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
A player must be legally registered to his team in accordance with his national registration requirements with a current and valid player pass that verifies his team and date of birth, including current player photo ID. Player passes will be presented to the referee or tournament official before each game. All player passes will be checked by the credentials committee prior to the tournament. Any guest players must have current player passes to participate in the tournament. Players may play on only one team during the Tournament. No switching of teams will be allowed.

PRE-TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION
A team representative must check their team in at the registration event on Saturday morning before the tournament, and provide a name, hotel, room number, and phone number of a coach or designated contact person who can be reached at any time during the tournament - should the necessity arise. A maximum of three guest players may be added to the official league or association roster as long as the total number of carded players does not exceed the maximum allowable for the age group.

Teams should bring the following official team information to the registration event:

A. TEAMS FROM THE UNITED STATES – For teams from the United States:
1. The Players must present picture identification cards issued by the team’s Federation Organization Member (USYS, AYSO, other)
2. Teams must provide proof of approval of the team’s participation from the team’s Federation Organization Member.
3. Teams from outside the State Association where the tournament is located must provide proof of permission to travel. Teams must be in good standing with their Federation Organization.
4. Medical Release Forms – completed and signed.

B. INTERNATIONAL TEAMS – For a team coming from a CONCACAF nation:
1. Teams are required to have and present player picture identification cards.
2. Teams must have a completed form from its Provincial or National Association approving the team’s participation in the tournament.
3. Medical Release Forms – completed and signed.

PRE-MATCH CHECK-IN
Prior to the start of each match, the Field Marshall shall check that each team has the following: current player and coaches passes, Medical Release Forms, and approved guest roster (if applicable). The referee or tournament official will verify the identity of the players versus the team roster and/or player passes. The player’s equipment will be checked by the referee or assistant referee. The home team will change their jersey in the case of color conflict. The home team is listed first on the schedule. In no event will a player be allowed to participate if said player is not on the tournament approved roster. A player who arrives at the playing field after the pre-game procedure may not enter the game until after being checked by the referee or assistant referee for player pass and equipment.

RULES OF PLAY
All matches of the Elite Soccer Invitational shall be played according to FIFA "Laws of the Game" with the following modifications:

LAW 1. THE FIELD OF PLAY
A. U-10 - Will play on a field approximately forty (40) yards wide by sixty (60) yards long. The radius of the center circle shall be eight (8) yards. The penalty area shall extend twelve (12) yards along the goal line from the inside of each goalpost, and shall extend twelve (12) yards into the field from the goal line. The penalty mark shall be midpoint between the goalposts, eight (8) yards from the goal line. An arc of a circle having a radius of eight (8) yards from the penalty mark shall be drawn outside the penalty area. The goal area shall extend six (6) yards along the goal line from the inside of each goalpost, and shall extend six (6) yards into the field from the goal line. Goals shall be eighteen (18) feet wide and six (6) feet in height. However, if goals of that size are not available, larger ones may be used.

B. U-11 - Will play on a field approximately fifty (50) yards wide by eighty (80) yards long. The radius of the center circle shall be ten (10) yards. The penalty area shall extend twelve (14) yards along the goal line from the inside of each goalpost, and shall extend twelve (14) yards into the field from the goal line. The penalty mark shall be midpoint between the goalposts, ten (10) yards from the goal line. An arc of a circle having a radius of ten (10) yards from the penalty mark shall be drawn outside the penalty area. The goal area shall extend six (6) yards along the goal line from the inside of each goalpost, and shall extend six (6) yards into the field from the goal line. Goals shall be twenty-one (21) feet wide and seven (7) feet in height. However, if goals of that size are not available, larger ones may be used.

C. U-12 & Older - Will play on fields that conform to FIFA laws.

LAW 2. THE BALL
The U-8 through U-12 teams will play with a Size 4 ball, and the U-13 and older teams will play with a size 5 ball. The home team (team listed first in schedule) will provide the match ball. Balls must be FIFA approved, and are also subject to the approval of the referee.

LAW 3. THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS
A. U-10 - Will play with a maximum of six (6) players (five field players, plus a goalkeeper). A minimum of four (4) players are required to play.

B. U-11 - Will play with a maximum of eight (8) players (seven field players, plus a goalkeeper). A minimum of five (5) players are required to play.

C. U-12 & Older - Will play with a maximum of eleven (11) players (ten field players, plus a goalkeeper). A minimum of seven (7) players are required to play.

Substitution may be made, with the consent of the referee:
- Before a throw-in in your favor
- Before your opponent's throw-in, if your opponent is also substituting
- Before a goal-kick
- After a score by either team
- At half time
- After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play,
- After a caution, one for one by both teams, if cautioned player is substituted

LAW 4. THE PLAYER'S EQUIPMENT
- Shin guards are mandatory and must be covered by a sock
- Shirt/jerseys must be tucked into players shorts at all times.
- No Jewelry may be worn.
- The home team will be responsible for changing to an alternate color uniform if necessary.
- Hard and Soft casts – Soft casts may be worn with the approval of the Referee. Hard casts are not permitted.

LAW 5. THE REFEREE
The decisions of the referee regarding the facts connected with play are final.

LAW 6. THE ASSISTANT REFEREE
A three-person referee system will be used for all U-10 & Older tournament matches. Certified assistant referees will be employed, but if necessary, matches may be started with club linesmen.

LAW 7. DURATION OF THE MATCH
Preliminary, Semifinal, and Championship games will consist of two halves of equal length per the following:

Age Division	Preliminary/Semifinal Games	Final Games	Overtime Periods*	Halftime
U10	50 minutes	50 minutes	Two 5 minute periods	5 minutes
U11	60 minutes	60 minutes	Two 5 minute periods	5 minutes
U12	60 minutes	60 minutes	Two 10 minute periods	5 minutes
U13	70 minutes	70 minutes	Two 10 minute periods	5 minutes
U14	70 minutes	70 minutes	Two 10 minute periods	5 minutes

* - Semi-final and final games only. No golden goal rule. If the games are still tied at the end of the second overtime period, they will be decided by penalty kicks according to FIFA Laws of the Game.

The game clock will not be stopped because of injury to any player, except if deemed necessary by the referee. Due to the time allowed for the completion of all games, the clock should run continuously.

LAW 8. THE START AND RESTART OF PLAY - No changes or additions...

LAW 9. THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY - No changes or additions...

LAW 10. THE METHOD OF SCORING - No changes or additions...

LAW 11. OFFSIDE - No changes or additions...

LAW 12. FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
-In accordance with FIFA Policy, there shall be no dissent between players and/or coaches and the referee. Questioning a referee’s call is considered dissent. All coaches are urged to solicit the support of their fans in monitoring and enforcing this policy.
- Any player or coach ejected from a game will be ineligible to participate in the next (a minimum of one game) scheduled game. No substitution will be allowed for the ejected player. Coaches must serve their suspension and will not be allowed on the players side of the field; players can sit with the team but may not dress for the match.

LAW 13: FREE KICKS
- 6v6 Matches: On Free Kicks, the opposing team must be at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play. If a free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team. If the ball is within eight (8) yards of the goal line when a free kick is awarded, the opposing team may stand on the goal line.

- 8v8 and 11v11 Matches: No changes or additions...

LAW 14: THE PENALTY KICK - No changes or additions...

LAW 15: THE THROW IN - No changes or additions...

LAW 16: THE GOAL KICK - No changes or additions...

Substitutions
-A player may be substituted on a stoppage of play with the permission of the Referee as defined in Law 3. Unlimited substitutions are allowed.

POST-MATCH REQUIREMENTS
At the end of each game, the Referees and each coach will sign the official game cards verifying that the score shown on the card is correct, and turn it in to Field Marshall. 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.

SCORES and STANDINGS
Scoring summaries can be obtained at the headquarters tent of each site and on the internet at: www.elitesoccerinvitational.com. Bracket standings, leading to championship play, will be determined on the following "accumulation of points" basis.

POINTS - Winners of division play will be selected on the basis of the most total points after pool play is complete. Scoring will be on a "10 Point Maximum" system. Each team will be awarded six (6) points for a win, three (3) for a tie and zero (0) points for a loss. Each team will also be awarded one (1) additional point for a shutout, and one (1) additional point for each goal scored (up to a maximum of three). Thus, a match ending with a final score of 0-0 will result in both teams being awarded 4 points (3 points for the tie, plus 1 point for a shutout).

The score of a forfeited game shall be recorded as 2-0 in favor of the team not forfeiting (with 9 points being awarded), if;
1) the game has not commenced, or
2) the game has commenced and the non-forfeiting team has less than a 2-goal lead at the time of cessation.
If the non-forfeiting team has more than a 2-goal lead at the time of cessation, the actual score shall stand. Forfeiture will also be declared for a failure to begin play within ten (10) minutes of game time. Failure to complete a match or a team leaving the field during play may result in forfeiture. A team that has forfeited a game may not be declared a group winner or semi-finalist.

In the event of ties in the group standing, the following will determine the winner/leader:
1. Team with the most wins (if tied go to step 2)
2. Winner of the game played between the tied teams. (If three or more teams are tied for the group lead, Step 2 is by passed, go to Step 3)
3. Highest number of total NET goals (goal differential). The maximum goal differential is three (3) per match. Example: for a score of 4-1, goal differential is +3 for the winner and -3 for the loser. For a score of 5-1, goal differential is also +3 and -3 as above).
4. Fewest total goals allowed (gross)
5. Most shutouts
6. Penalty kicks (according to FIFA laws of the game) - when the results would allow a winner to advance to a semi-final, or championship match.
7. Coin toss - when the winner would advance to a 2nd place vs. 2nd place, or 3rd place vs. 3rd place match (3rd match).

Tie Breakers in Semi-Final or Finals Matches - Two complete five-minute overtime periods for U-10 & U-11 age groups, and two complete ten-minute overtime periods for U-12 and older age groups. If the game is still tied after the second overtime period, penalty kicks will prevail.

PENALTY KICK ELIMINATION
Only players on the field at the end of the second over time period are eligible for penalty kicks. Coin flip will determine who will go first (visiting team calls the coin toss, winner of the coin toss has the decision to shoot first or second). Five penalty kickers per team. After the first round of 5 kicks, the team will continue to alternate shooters until there is 1 unmatched goal between opposing players. After all eligible players on the field of play have taken kicks, teams will start with their first kickers again and in the same order.

AWARDS
Team and individual trophies for 1st and 2nd place in all divisions.

GU14 GOLD DIVISION
There will be no championship match in the U14-Gold Division, due to the imbalanced schedules, and the Midwest Regional League play. Instead, a four match round robin will be played, with the highest “point-getter” being declared the Champion, and the second highest point-getter being declared the Finalist.

PROTESTS
Protests must be presented in writing to the tournament site headquarters (one will be located at each site) within 30 minutes of completion of the game and must be accompanied by a fee of $150 in cash. Referee judgment will NOT be a basis for protest. Coaches wishing to file a protest shall notify the referee of this intention as soon as possible but not later than 5 minutes after the conclusion of the game in question. The Protest Committee’s decision is final.

WEATHER
If the Site Director determines that the fields should be cleared, 3 long blasts on an air horn will signal that everyone should go to their cars. A signal of 3 short blasts will indicate that you may return to the fields. Games will be considered completed if the first half has concluded and play is stopped by either the Field Referee or the Tournament Directors. The score at stoppage of play will be the final game score. If the first half has not been completed and the game is stopped, every effort will be made to complete the game, or play to complete at least the first half and record the score as final. If the game is cancelled before it starts efforts will be made to reschedule the game. It is the responsibility of the coach to check the Tournament Headquarters for reschedule information. If rescheduling is not possible, and game cancellation creates a situation where teams within the division are unable to play equal number of qualifying games, the group winner will be determined on the basis of awarding the average tournament points earned in the other games, to the teams unable to complete an official game, followed by the tie breaking procedure if necessary. The team with the highest average points will be declared the winner of the group. IF there is a tie that cannot be resolved by point averaging, the advancing team will be determined by a coin toss, or penalty kicks, per FIFA as directed by the Tournament Directors. If the tournament is cancelled due to events beyond the control of the Committee, the tournament will not be required to make any financial renumeration.

PARTICIPANT CODE OF CONDUCT
- Be respectful of the hotels and motels, keeping noise in the hallways to a minimum, refrain from kicking soccer balls inside any buildings and be respectful of others property. Should it come to the attention of the Directors that a person or persons has failed to follow these guidelines, the Director reserves the right to take immediate action. Said action, depending on the circumstances, may range from a warning, to a reduction in points in standing, to banning that team and/or team in its club from future participation.
- All coaches will remain within 20 yards of the centerline on their own half of the field.
- Spectators may be ejected from the park for improper conduct at the discretion of the tournament officials.
- NO ARTIFICIAL NOISEMAKERS ARE ALLOWED (INCLUDING AIR HORNS).
- NO PETS AND NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED

NOTE - The final interpreter of the foregoing rules and regulations and also any matters not provided for in these rules will be the Tournament Directors, whose decision shall be final.

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Elite Soccer Invitational
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