1. Tournament Headquarters
- Pre-tournament:
Gretchen Starr
Chicago Fire Juniors – Michigan
216 North 120th.
Holland, MI 49424
(616) 393-0888
- Tournament - office number above or:
Tournament Site: Helder Park
4000 104th. Ave
Zeeland, MI, 49464, USA
Gretchen Starr: (616) 218-5540
2. Registration and Check-In
- Team representative (does not have to be coach or manager) MUST register at the registration site at HelderPark, (4000 104th. Ave, Zeeland, MI, 49464, USA) on Friday between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. Special arrangements for registration on Saturday will ONLY be made for those teams with a travel hardship (generally 1+ hours travel distance.)
- Player pass cards, league rosters, guest rosters, and medical release forms will be needed at this time. Team check-in will take place 15 minutes before each scheduled game at the fields.
- Non-USYSA teams (this includes US Club and AYSO teams): EACH player’s parent or guardian MUST sign an insurance waiver. This is separate from the medical waiver, and is available on the tournament website. NO player from a non-USYSA team will be registered without this insurance waiver.
3. Player Eligibility
- Teams from the United States will be placed in the following age categories:
i. UNDER 19 Born on or after AUG 1, 1989 & Younger
ii. UNDER 17 Born on or after AUG 1, 1991 & Younger
iii. UNDER 16 Born on or after AUG 1, 1992 & Younger
iv. UNDER 15 Born on or after AUG 1, 1993 & Younger
v. UNDER 14 Born on or after AUG 1, 1994 & Younger
vi. UNDER 13 Born on or after AUG 1, 1995 & Younger
vii. UNDER 12 Born on or after AUG 1, 1996 & Younger
viii. UNDER 11 Born on or after AUG 1, 1997 & Younger
ix. UNDER 10 Born on or after AUG 1, 1998 & Younger
x. UNDER 9 Born on or after AUG 1, 1999 & Younger
- CONCACAF teams are eligible to play within the above age group in which the average month of their team falls. The average age then represents the team’s oldest player. This can be calculated by adding the birth months (1 for January and 12 for December) of all players then dividing by the number of players.
4. Team Rosters
- A maximum of 11-18 players per team is allowed on the roster, depending on the division. At the time of tournament registration, you must submit your final tournament roster with up to five (5) guest players marked with an asterisk (*).
- Players can be registered with only one (1) team in the tournament – NO EXCEPTIONS.
- USYSA/FIFA pass cards (or accepted regional pass cards), official league roster for the current 2008-2009 season, and all required guest player forms (as per team’s home state requirements) must be presented along with the team roster to the Registrar at time of check-in.
i. For U-9 and U-10 divisions:
1. Format: 6 v 6
2. Roster size: 11 (maximum)
ii. For U-11 and U-12 divisions:
1. Format: 8 v 8
2. Roster size: 14 (maximum)
iii. For U-13 and older divisions:
1. Format: 11 v 11
2. Roster size: 18 (maximum)
5. Required Documentation for Teams
Teams fall into one of four (4) categories for registration purposes. All player cards must be from the same governing body.
- Teams from within the United States
i. USYSA teams in Michigan (this would include any team playing in the GVSA or WMYSA leagues)
1. Player Cards- Official and valid laminated player cards with photograph for each player
2. Travel Papers- No travel papers are needed.
3. Medical Release Forms- These forms must be signed by a parent or guardian for each team member.
4. League-issued Roster – required for verification at check-in
5. Guest Player Form(s) – This form is available online. This form is required for any guest player not listed on the team’s league-issued roster
6. Tournament Roster Form- This form is available online. Managers are responsible for completing this document prior to check-in. All guest players should be included on this form. Only players with complete and appropriate documentation will be allowed to appear on the Tournament Roster Form. Once finalized at registration, players not listed on this form will not be eligible to participate.
ii. USYSA Teams Registered Outside of Michigan
1. Player Cards- Official and valid laminated player cards with photograph for each player
2. Travel Papers- All USYSA teams traveling from outside Michigan must provide appropriate travel documents approved by their State Association. USYSA travel papers consist of an approved permission to travel and an approved roster of ALL players who will be traveling. Only players listed on this approved travel roster will be eligible to participate.
3. Medical Release Forms- These forms must be signed by a parent or guardian for each team member.
4. League-issued Roster – required for verification at check-in
5. Guest Player Form(s) – This form is available online. This form is required for any guest player not listed on the team’s league-issued roster
6. Tournament Roster Form- This form is available online. Managers are responsible for completing this document prior to check-in. All guest players should be included on this form. Only players with complete and appropriate documentation will be allowed to appear on the Tournament Roster Form. Once finalized at registration, players not listed on this form will not be eligible to participate.
iii. US Club Soccer Teams
1. Player Cards- Official and valid laminated player cards with photograph for each player.
2. Travel Papers (US Club Soccer teams from outside of Michigan)- The approved roster printed from the US Club Soccer player registration system is proof of travel approval from US Club Soccer. No additional documents are needed from out of state US Club Soccer teams.
3. Medical Release Forms- These forms must be signed by a parent or guardian for each team member.
4. Waiver of Insurance Forms –this form is available online, and is required for every non-USYSA registered player. Tournament insurance covers only USYSA-registered players. No non-USYSA will be allowed to register without a signed insurance waiver.
5. US Club Team Roster
6. Tournament Roster Form- This form is available online. Managers are responsible for completing this document prior to check-in. All guest players should be included on this form. Only players with complete and appropriate documentation will be allowed to appear on the Tournament Roster Form. Once finalized at registration, players not listed on this form will not be eligible to participate.
- Teams from outside the United States and within CONCACAF
i. Players must present passports at registration or, if from a nation that the United States does not require a passport, proof of entry into the United States that is required by the United States.
ii. Players are required to have and present player picture identification cards.
iii. Teams are required to present a completed form from its Provincial or National Association approving the team’s participation in Lakeshore Soccerfest.
iv. Medical Release Forms- These forms must be signed by a parent or guardian for each team member.
v. Tournament Roster Form- This form is available online. Managers are responsible for completing this document prior to check-in. All guest players should be included on this form. Only players with complete and appropriate documentation will be allowed to appear on the Tournament Roster Form. Once finalized at registration, players not listed on this form will not be eligible to participate.
6. Referees
- Matches will be refereed by United States Soccer Federation certified referees.
7. Length of Games
- U9/U10 and U11/U12: All preliminary games and final games will be 50 minutes in length, divided in to two (2) 25-minute halves. All games will have a two (2) minute break between halves. All games will start as stated in the schedule of games.
- U13 and above: All preliminary and final games will be 60 minutes in length, divided in to two (2) 30-minute halves. All games will have a two (2) minute break between halves. All games will start as stated in the schedule of games.
- Final games may be shortened at the discretion of the Tournament Directors.
8. Uniforms and Game Ball
- Home team is the first team listed on the game schedule.
- All teams must provide an alternate set of jerseys. In the event of a conflict of jersey colors, the home team will change uniforms.
- The shirt number of each player must match the number on the tournament roster form. If the numbers are not the same, the referee will not allow that player to take part in the match until the correction has been made.
- All players must wear shin guards, covered by socks.
- No hats allowed except for the goalkeeper.
- If available, Field Marshal will provide a game ball. In the case a tournament ball is not available, the home team will provide a game ball, deemed suitable by the referee.
- Arm casts must be checked at registration by the Director of Referees prior to the first game.
- U9/U10 and U11/U12: A size 4 game ball will be used.
- U13 and above: A size 5 game ball will be used.
9. Schedules, Match Reports, and Scores
- All schedules are final. In the event of adverse weather conditions, game times may be shortened.
- Both coaches must sign the match report. By signing the match report, the coach is verifying the accuracy of the report.
- Winning team is responsible for returning match card to scorer’s tent after the match. In the event of a tie, the home team is responsible for returning the match card to the scorer’s tent.
- Regardless of weather conditions, coaches and teams must appear on the field of play as scheduled. Failure to appear will result in forfeiture of the game. Only referees or Tournament Director may cancel or postpone a game.
- Should a game’s progress be terminated due to weather conditions after 20 minutes of play, the game will be considered official and the score at the time will stand.
- Coaches are responsible for checking the accuracy of game scores on the boards.
10. Rules
- FIFA rules, with exceptions for USYSA 6v6 and 8v8 formats, will apply to all games unless otherwise specified in this set of tournament rules. The tournament director and tournament committee reserve the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the operation of the tournament and its judgment is final.
- Coaches and players will be required to stand on same side of field during competition; spectators will be required to remain on the opposite side of the field.
- The referee will keep the official time of all games. Game clock will not be stopped in event of an injury to any player unless the injured player must be removed from the field by medical personnel. Due to the time allowed for completion of all games, the clock runs continuously.
- U9/U10 ONLY: Offsides will NOT be called, in compliance with USYSA 6 v. 6 small-sided game rules.
11. Protests
- No protests or appeals concerning referee decisions will be allowed. In all cases, the ruling of the official is final.
- The tournament directors decide in matters not covered by these tournament rules. All official protests NOT related to player eligibility or tournament rules must be accompanied by a $100 CASH protest fee. This fee is non-refundable.
- Disputes over player eligibility or tournament rules will be handled by the tournament directors. Disputes should be made by the responsible team leader to the tournament directors. All official disputes must be accompanied by a $100 CASH dispute fee. This fee is refundable, if the dispute is found to be warranted.
- All protests and disputes will be met with impartiality and team leaders will be given a decision quickly.
- Decisions by the tournament directors are final and may not be appealed.
12. Forfeits
- A maximum of five (5) minutes grace period will be allowed after scheduled kick-off time before a game is awarded to an opponent.
- Minimum number of players:
i. U9/U10: A minimum of four (4) players constitutes a team and if four are present, the game may not be delayed.
ii. U11/U12: A minimum of six (6) players constitutes a team and if six are present, the game may not be delayed.
iii. U13 and above: A minimum of seven (7) players constitutes a team and if seven are present, the game may not be delayed.
- Any team intentionally not playing a scheduled game or leaving the field during play will result in the game being called a forfeit for that team. In no case shall a team, which has forfeited a game, be declared a bracket or wild card team winner.
- If a team does not appear at the tournament and no replacement can be found, all games will be listed as a 3-0 win for each team within the affected bracket.
13. Substitutions
- Substitutions can be made under the following conditions (including goalkeeper substitutions):
i. throw-in (see MSYSA rule below)
ii. before any goal kick (see MSYSA rule below)
iii. after a goal is scored (either team)
iv. at beginning of any period of play (either team)
v. any time in case of injury (1 for 1)
vi. When a player is removed from the field because of an open sore or wound. The opposing team, if desired, may substitute (1 for 1) at this time also. After clean-up, bleeding player may return at discretion of referee.
- Per MSYSA rules, team in possession may substitute during throw-ins and goal kicks. The opposing team may also substitute IF THE TEAM IN POSESSION IS ALSO SUBSTITUTING AT THE SAME TIME. Examples:
i. Red Team and Blue Team have substitutes waiting to be called on to the field by referee. Red Team gains possession for a throw in. Red AND Blue teams may both substitute at this time.
ii. Blue Team has substitutes waiting to be called on to the field by referee. Red Team gains possession for a throw in. Blue Team may NOT substitute at this time.
14. Ejections
- Three yellow card cautions to any one player during the tournament will result in ineligibility for the next scheduled tournament game.
- At minimum, one red card ejection will eliminate that player from the remainder of the game in which he or she is redcarded and that player will sit out the next game of the tournament. At the Tournament Committee’s, Referee Assignor’s, or officiating referee’s discretion, sitting out future games beyond the minimum required may be enforced.
- No substitutions can be made for the dismissed player during the red-carded game.
- Foul and abusive language is cause for ejection.
- Any player, coach, assistant, or manager who does not sit out the required number of games during the tournament must sit out the required number of games starting with her/her next league game.
- All red and yellow cards will be reported to the player, coaches, and/or team’s State Association and league, pursuant to MSYSA tournament rules. All red and yellow cards for CONCACAF teams will be reported to the US Soccer Federation, which will transmit the disciplinary action taken or required to that team’s provincial or national association.
15. Scoring to Determine Bracket Winners and Ties
- Teams will be ranked in order of points earned for wins and ties:
i. three (3) points for each win
ii. one (1) for each tie
iii. zero (0) points for a loss
- Ties will be allowed to stand in preliminary rounds. During semi-finals and finals, if two teams are tied at the end of the game, two five (5) minute overtime periods will be played in their entirety (no sudden-death ending). If the score is still tied at the completion of the second five (5) minute overtime, penalty kicks will be taken according to FIFA rules to decide the game. Penalty kicks will be taken at the game field immediately, unless the Tournament Committee deems it necessary to move to another field to keep following games on schedule. Time and field location will then be determined by the Tournament Committee.
16. Performance Ranking Criteria
- Teams will be ranked in order of points earned for wins and ties (three (3) for each win, one (1) for each tie, and zero (0) for each loss). For teams with same number of points, final placing will be determined by the following tie-breaker rules:
i. First tie breaker: Head-to-head competition (not applicable if tie involves more than 2 teams).
ii. Second tie breaker: If the teams are still tied after head-to-head competition a bonus system will be used. A team will receive one (1) bonus point for each goal scored up to and including the third goal. No team can receive more than three (3) bonus points per game. However, each goal a team allows up to three (3) goals in a game will be subtracted from their bonus point total. For example:
1. If Team A beats Team B by a score of 3-0, Team A will receive 3 bonus points.
2. If Team A beats Team B by a score of 3-2, Team A will receive 1 bonus point.
3. If Team A beats Team B by a score of 6-3, Team A will receive no bonus points.
iii. Third tie breaker: In cases where the above spread does not differentiate between teams, goals against each team will be totaled for the first three or four games. The team having the fewest goals scored against them will be determined as having the better record.
iv. Fourth tie breaker: Most wins during the preliminary round of three or four games.
v. Fifth tie breaker: Goals scored by each team will be totaled for the first three or four games. The team having the most goals will be determined as having the better record.
vi. Sixth tie breaker: Penalty Kicks: The Tournament Directors will determine time and field location.
- In situations where MORE than two (2) teams are tied:
i. The tie-breaker review starts with the second tie-breaker rule (bonus points.)
ii. When a tie-breaker rule eliminates one team, the review continues with the remaining tie-breaker criteria (review does not start again at beginning.)
- In divisions where a wild card team advances to the semi-finals, bracket A winner plays bracket B winner and bracket C winner plays the wild card team. If the wild card team is from the C bracket, then bracket A plays the wild card and bracket B plays bracket C winner.
- In the event of a forfeit, the winning team receives three (3) points for the win plus maximum bonus points.
17. Conditions of Play
- Divisions will consist of four or more teams, where possible.
- A round-robin competition may be held. A minimum of three games is guaranteed. The Tournament Directors reserve the right to adjust the competition format, as necessary, and will make appropriate efforts to communicate any changes to all registered teams as far in advance as possible.
- U9-U12: Each team will be presented with participation awards, which will be made available to the coach at registration.
18. Risk Management
Lakeshore Soccerfest presented by the Chicago Fire Juniors - West Michigan requires adherence to MSYSA risk management policies for all MSYSA registered teams. MSYSA risk management information may be located at the MSYSA website risk management information page (http://www.michiganyouthsoccer.org/riskmanage.html). All MSYSA registered teams will be required to present Risk Management cards for coaches, assistant coaches and team managers.
19. Tournament Cancellation Policy and Tournament Fee Refunds
- In the unlikely event of tournament cancellation due to circumstances beyond the control of the tournament committee, no refunds of tournament fees will be allowed.
- Upon notification of tournament acceptance, no refund of tournament fees will be allowed.
20. Tournament Insurance
All non-USYSA teams will be required to sign a letter stating recognizing that Lakeshore Soccerfest tournament insurance coverage does not extend to their teams. Non-USYSA teams will not be allowed to register without completion of this insurance statement. (See Section 3.)
