The 15^th Annual
Eden Prairie Tournament

“an invitational tournament … with an international flair”

TOURNAMENT RULES AND GUIDELINES
Players and Rosters

·        Players must be registered with US Youth Soccer or approved organizations, have 2000 player passes, and be registered on a team.

·        A maximum of 18 players may be registered and listed on the Tournament Roster.  A player may only play on one team.

·        There is a limit of 6 guest players.  No Premier player may guest on a team at a lower competitive level unless that team is competing in the [Premier/Classic One bracket.

·        We follow USYSA / FIFA travel procedures and require out-of-state (non-MYSA affiliated) and foreign teams to submit written proof of permission to travel 15 days in advance of the Tournament. Foreign teams must show proof of permission to travel from their National Association. 

·        All teams are required to have medical authorizations for each player available for inspection at registration and games. Teams not affiliated with USYSA must present written proof of insurance coverage for all players, coaches/personnel at registration.

·        The player passes will be verified with the official roster at registration, at which time the team’s roster will be frozen for the remainder of the tournament.  Player and coaches passes will also be checked at the field prior to each game.

Substitutions

·        The FIFA substitution Rules limiting substitutions (only 5 substitutions per game) will apply at the U-16 and above when there is more than one foreign team in the age category.

·        Teams in the U-11 through U-15 age groups are allowed unlimited substitutions.

·         Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee, at the following times

-         prior to a throw in, by team with possession of ball,

-         prior to a goal kick, by either team,

-         after a goal, by either team,

-         after an injury, by either team, when the referees stops play, substitution is unlimited,

-         at half time.

Referees

·        Only USSF registered referees will be used.

·         We will use a three-referee system for all games.

·        In matters concerning the conduct of games, the referee’s decision is final.  Protests will not be allowed.

·        In all other matters concerning the tournament, the Tournament Director’s decision is final.

Tournament Scoring

·        Scoring Point system used is the 3 point system mandated by FIFA for international tournaments.

·        The winning team must report the game results to Tournament Headquarters on the form provided.

·        Preliminary rounds consisting of 3 games will be round robin format. To determine final standings within brackets, the following procedures will be used in sequence:

1.     Highest number of points*

Win:     3 points

Tie:      1 point

Loss:    0 points

2.     Winner of head-to-head competition (this criteria not used if more than two teams are tied at this point).

3.     Goal differential – subtract total goals allowed from total goals scored (maximum of 6 goal differential per game).

4.     Fewest goals allowed

5.     Coin Toss

*In determining the total number of points above, if tied teams have played an unequal number of games, a calculation will be made to compensate for the number of games played. Total number of points will be divided by number of games played. The resultant higher number will be declared the winner.

Home Team

·        The first team listed in the schedule is the Home Team.

·        The Home team must have an alternate jersey and be prepared to change if, in the opinion of the referee, there is a color conflict.

·        The home team is expected to provide a game ball.

Spectators and Field Usage

·        Both teams will be on the same side of the field either North or West, with fans on the opposite side.

·        Teams  are asked to assist in ground maintenance by picking up trash at the end of each game.

Fouls and Misconduct

·        Any player receiving a red card will be sent off and not allowed to play in his/her team’s next tournament game.

·        Any player receiving a red card for fighting will not be allowed to play in any remaining tournament games.

·        Any player guilty of gross misconduct on tournament grounds will be barred from further competition in the Tournament.

·         The issuance of red and yellow cards, and other matters involving the conduct of a team, its players, coaches, or supporters will be recorded and reported as required by US Youth Soccer Tournament Hosting Agreement Rules to the home state association and the MYSA.

·        All matters involving referee assault (or abuse) shall be referred immediately to the MYSA. Head coaches are responsible for team and spectator behavior. The referee will report problems of improper behavior by coaches, players, and fans to the Tournament Director. This behavior may result in the forfeiture of the game or other appropriate action as deemed necessary by the Tournament Director.

·         Evidence or reports of fighting, vandalism damage to property, or theft on tournament grounds, local businesses or lodging may result in team disqualification.

·        Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are allowed on tournament grounds.

Game Schedule

·        Each team will play a minimum of three games with no overtime in a round robin format. 

·         Ages 11 –14 will play 30 minutes per half, 15 – 17’s will play 35 minutes per half. 

·        Final games will be regulation length with two five minute overtime periods followed by kicks from the mark to break ties.

·        Games will start on Friday mid-afternoon, with finals played Sunday.  No teams will play more than 2 games on any given day.

·         If the weather or the field conditions make it impossible to carry out the tournament to its full extent, the Tournament Director will make the necessary decisions concerning the rescheduling or cancellation of games for any reason.

·        Game length and times may be shortened or altered until back on schedule, games may be rescheduled or cancelled.

·        It is essential that games begin on time. Therefore, you may not have an opportunity for pre-game practice on the field of play. Please plan your pre-game warm-up in an adjoining area.  No warm ups are allowed in the goal areas.

·        Tournament headquarters will manage all schedule revisions.  Teams are urged to check for any changes to their schedule.

Weather Rules

·        If threatening weather occurs, play will be stopped at the discretion of the referee.

·         If ½ of the game has been played before termination for weather conditions, the games stands as a completed match.

·        If the weather or the condition of the fields makes it impossible to carry out the tournament to its full extent, the Tournament Director will make the necessary decisions concerning the rearrangement or cancellation of games for any reason. Game length and times may be shortened or altered until back on schedule, or games may be rescheduled or cancelled.

Cancellations and Refunds

·        Once your registration is received and confirmed, no refunds will be made. Fees are non-refundable if games are cancelled for any reason.

Medical Attention

·        Every player participates at his or her own risk.

·        Each team is responsible for their own medical supplies and for the treating of injuries.

·        Paramedics will be available to assist coaches and parents with injury assessment.  They are not the primary care giver of first aid.

·        The field marshals will be in radio communication with the paramedics, however, each team should act immediately in cases of emergencies.

·        Directions to hospitals and other clinics will be available.

Tournament Headquarters

·        Miller Park will serve as headquarters

·        All scores must be reported there by the winning team on the form provided.

·        Results will be posted at various locations throughout the tournament, however, only the posting at Miller Park is considered final.