GLOBAL TEAM EVENTS | COLLEGE SHOWCASE
TOURNAMENT RULES OF PLAY
General:
Teams must be duly registered with and in good standing with an appropriate governing body. Players must be instructed to compete in the spirit of the game and according to the laws of the game. GTE Showcases shall use only USSF referees, in a three referee system wherever possible. Field Marshals will be assigned to each field and will assist in the safe and orderly completion of events.
Injuries: In the event of an injury contact your field marshal or the tournament control center. Either an EMT or a Trainer will assist you.
Abusive Behavior: While at the fields, any coach, parent, team official, player or spectator threatening violence or verbal abuse to any individual will immediately be ejected from the tournament and the team may be ejected from the tournament. This type of behavior is not acceptable at this event and will not be tolerated.
Hotels: To ensure prompt communication with all teams during the event, participating teams should stay at a designated hotel cooperating with the Showcase, and provide both hotel information and a team manager cell number at registration. Day-tripping teams not staying over must provide several fail-safe phone numbers at registration.
Teams and affiliated persons that are disrespectful and/or damage hotel property will be ejected from the tournament and will not be accepted for future participation. Additionally, those team(s) will be responsible for all expenses. Security and a reporting network are in place at all properties throughout the weekend.
SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED ON OR NEAR ANY PLAYING FIELD.
PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON OR NEAR ANY PLAYING FIELD.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH COACH / MANAGER TO INFORM THEIR PLAYERS AND PARENTS OF THESE GUIDELINES.
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1. General Rules of the Game
a/ All games shall be played under the laws set forth by F.I.F.A., except as modified by these rules.
b/ US Soccer rules requiring the exclusive use of US Soccer registered referees shall be strictly enforced.
2. Registration and Eligibility
a/ Tournament headquarters for the direction of all administrative matters is GLOBAL TEAM EVENTS, 210 Malapardis Rd, suite 201, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927.The contact person is Ewan Robson (973) 255-9549
b/ All teams must register at least one full hour before their first game at the Field Headquarters at the site of their first game. (Should a pre-Registration be made available, team managers will be notified by email communication.)
c/ At initial registration each team shall provide a photocopy of the official team roster. The roster must include a uniform number for each rostered player and each guest / loan player, which must remain constant for the entire event and match the number on the Player Profiles submitted. If circumstances require a change in uniform number for any game, that change must be reported in advance to the officials on-site.
d/ At Check-in, one hour prior to game time, a team representative must present and leave a copy of the properly certified roster for the team for the event (specifically indicating which players will be participating each day of the event), player passes with photo IDs for each participating player and an Authorization for Medical Treatment form (commonly referred to as a Medical Release) executed for each player. The Authorization must have been executed within the last twelve months and preferably should be notarized. Information will be presented to the site HQ registration desk designated as such at each venue at the event.
e/ All players must be registered youth soccer players in good standing with an appropriate governing body. Players must either be on a team’s official roster or be an approved loan player or a guest player duly registered with a separate team.
f/ Rosters submitted at registration may contain up to twenty-four (24) players who will be deemed eligible to play for the team during the event, including any combination of both rostered players and up to five (5) guest / loan players from outside teams. Secondary passes are not allowed, although such players can participate as part of a team’s guest allowances.
g/ Up to twenty (20) players may be in uniform and present on the team’s sideline technical area for any single game at the event. The twenty players eligible to participate in any given game can vary from game to game at the event, provided all the players used are listed on the roster submitted at registration. Any player ineligible for a given game may not be in the vicinity of the team’s technical area if wearing a game jersey.
h/ Players may only play with a single team during the course of an event. Should a player appear on more than one roster, the first team with which the player participates on the field shall be deemed the player’s primary team for the event. Should a player participate with more than one team, the player can be barred from further participation at the event with any team. Teams that allowed such player to participate can also be sanctioned with a forfeit in any game where such ineligible player was used, and the Tournament Committee may fashion such other remedies as are deemed appropriate under the circumstances.
i/ All players on the same team, rostered or guest, must use Player Passes from the same governing body.
j/ USA teams must present picture identification cards issued by the team’s Federation Organization member (USYS, AYSO, US Club, etc.). Teams must provide proof of approval for participation from the team’s Federation Organization. Teams from outside the State Association where the tournament is located must provide proof of permission to travel, if their governing body so requires.
k/ Foreign teams must present a passport at registration or, if from a nation from which the United States does not require a passport, proof of entry into the United States in a form that is accepted by the United States. Teams must present player picture identification cards. Teams must have a completed form from its Provincial or National Association approving the team’s participation in the tournament.
3. Player’s Equipment and Field Regulations
a/ All soccer equipment must adhere to F.I.F.A. laws. A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry).
b/ Shin guards are mandatory.
c/ Knee braces, if worn, must be covered completely.
d/ No rigid casts are allowed. Game Referee has final authority whether any cast is permissible in that game.
e/ Players’ numbers must coincide with numbers listed on the roster.
f/ All teams must have two sets of jerseys in contrasting colors. All players must wear matching color team shorts and team socks; one set of each will be acceptable for the team.
g/ In the event that team colors are similar, the home team will change colors. The home team is the team listed second or below on the schedule.
h/ Each team’s players and coaches shall take one side of the field, and all spectators shall take the opposite sideline. On the team’s sideline, the home team has the choice of side with respect to the centerline, and coaches and players must stay within their side.
i/ On the spectators’ sideline, spectators are to remain behind the designated line. No one will be allowed behind either end line.
j/ Player picture identification cards are required to be checked by the referee prior to each match.
4. Substitutions
a/ FIFA rules (e.g., throw-ins by either team, free kicks, corners, etc.) are modified to allow unlimited substitution with the referee’s permission, at every stoppage in play. Free substitution is allowed for all age groups.
b/ Players must be clearly standing and waiting AT THE MID-FIELD LINE to be substituted (and not merely waiting “in the vicinity of mid-field”), and the referee’s assistant should be alerted, to the extent possible, of the request to substitute at the next stoppage of play.
c/ Players standing at midfield should be substituted into the game at the next stoppage of play, unless they remove themselves from the mid-field position prior to the stoppage of play.
5. Game Duration & Ball Size
a/ Games are two (2) halves of thirty (30) minutes each for ages U11 and older, and two (2) halves of twenty-five (25) minutes each for small-sided competition at U8 through U10, unless otherwise posted in the application information.
b/ Playoff Games (Final and Third Place games) ending in a tie score will proceed directly to a Penalty Spot Shootout. (See 9.d.8. below.) Other consolation round games can end in a tie score.
c/ FIFA Inspected and Approved size 5 balls shall be used at ages U-13 through U-19, and FIFA Inspected/Approved size 4 balls shall be used at ages U-11 through U-12, to be supplied by the Tournament.
6. Forfeit
a/ A five minute grace period will be allowed from scheduled kickoff time. Teams must be present and ready to play at the scheduled time or forfeit the game. Nonetheless, Tournament officials will have the option to shorten, reschedule or otherwise create such circumstances as will allow a game to be played on the field rather than be won by forfeit.
b/ A minimum of seven players constitutes a team.
c/ A forfeit will be recorded as a two to zero result.
d/ The Tournament Committee will review abandoned games on a case-by-case basis.
e/ No team that forfeits a game will be eligible to win any championship awards at the event.
f/ The determination of the Tournament Committee is final.
g/ In the event that a forfeit is anticipated, teams will NOT release their players until the team manager has conferred with the Tournament Director / Committee. Teams must recognize that the cancellation of a competitive game may create a lost opportunity for an expected showcase evaluation for one or more players, and is disrespectful to teams that travel significant distances to attend the Tournament. (The Tournament Committee will consider numerous possibilities to permitting game action, including the possible availability of guest players, mutual agreements to play 10v10, 9v9 or 8v8, or declaring a forfeit but then scrimmaging with guest players supplied by the opponent.)
7. Inclement Weather
a/ All teams and coaches must show up at the scheduled field and time regardless of weather conditions, unless otherwise notified by a League Official. Failure to appear will result in a forfeit, which is scored as a two to zero loss, and may result in the rescheduling or loss of a team’s future games at the Showcase.
b/ In the event of stoppage of play due to severe weather conditions, have your team retreat to a safe location; make sure there is a means to communicate with team members in the event of stoppage. One team representative is required to report to the venue HQ fifteen minutes after stoppage has occurred, at which time notice will be provided whether the remaining schedule will be resumed, cancelled, modified or further postponed for another defined length of time, pending receipt of information allowing formulation of a definitive resolution. Do NOT assume comments by anyone other than Tournament personnel at HQ are authoritative on issues regarding the resumption or cancellation of the schedule in the event of stoppage.
c/ In the case of inclement weather, the Tournament Committee has the authority to change, cancel or reschedule any game and / or its format.
d/ The determination of the Committee is final.
8. Discipline
a/ Coaches, players and spectators are required to conduct themselves within the Laws of the Game.
b/ All disciplinary measures imposed by the Tournament Committee shall be limited to participation in the Showcase.
c/ Notwithstanding section 8.b. above, cautions and ejections based on violent behavior, such as referee assault, will be referred to the appropriate governing body as required by such governing body’s rules and regulations.
d/ A player or coach receiving a red card in a game will be suspended for one game. A player or coach accumulating 2 yellow cards in one game will be suspended for one game. A player or coach receiving a single yellow card in multiple games will not be subject to a yellow card accumulation penalty. Such players and coaches will not be with the team during the next match(es). They can be on the opposite side of the field and watch the game as spectators, unless notified otherwise.
e/ Spectators ejected from the field must leave promptly, and failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the game in which their team is participating and / or resort to civil authorities.
f/ Additional penalties may be imposed, as deemed fit and necessary by the Tournament Committee.
g/ Appeals and protests may be filed with the Tournament Committee immediately after the incident in question, and in all events before the next game involving the teams in question is played. Such notices shall be lodged at the HQ station designated at each venue. The determination of the Tournament Committee, should a review be granted, is final.
9. Standings and Championships
a/ All game scores are recorded and will be posted on the website after the Tournament.
b/ Game cards will be used by the referee to record game results and disciplinary actions. Field marshals will deliver game cards to the registration desk.
c/ Where brackets are created for championship play, the following rules apply to Playoff and Consolation Games.
1. Teams will only be scheduled for a maximum of one playoff or consolation game during the showcase.
2. In an eight-team bracket, Group A first will play Group B first in a Final and Group A second plays Group B second in a Third-Place game.
3. In a six-team bracket, Group A first will play Group B first in a Final, and Group A second plays Group B second in a Third-Place game.
4. In a four-team bracket, Group A first will play Group A second in a final. Group A third plays Group A fourth in a consolation game.
5. In a five-team bracket, teams play a four-game round robin schedule without playoff rounds. First, Second and Third places are determined solely by standings after Group Play. See Section 9.d. below
d. Where brackets are created for championship play, the following rules apply to Group Play:
1. In Group Play, team standings are based on won-lost record.
2. Wins count for three points, ties for one point.
3. Forfeits are recorded as a 2-0 score.
4. In the event of tie, head-to-head is determinative, if applicable.
5. In the further event of a tie, goal differential will be determinative.
6. In the further event of a tie, accumulated goals scored, with a limit of 4 per game shall determine the winner.
7. In the further event of a tie, accumulated goals against shall determine the winner. The winner is the team with the least goals allowed.
8. Finally, teams will conduct a Penalty Kick Shootout. Should a team fail to show up for the scheduled shootout, the tiebreaker will be awarded to the team prepared to participate.
a. Each team will designate eleven players to take shots including one goalkeeper.
b. 5 initial shots per team, in an ABABABABAB pattern, until a decisive result is reached.
c. If still tied, single alternating penalty kicks, in an AB/AB pattern, until a decisive result is achieved.
d. Shootouts may be assigned to a designated area.
10. Communications
a/ The official Tournament website is “http://www.globalteamevents.com/tournaments/”
b/ Teams are responsible for accessing the website for schedules and other relevant information. Note that upon accessing a frequently updated webpage, individuals should click Refresh on their web Browsers to ensure that the information being accessed is the most current.
c/ Teams must leave a cell phone number at the registration desk at the start of each weekend event, at check-in, as well as the name of their hotel if relevant, to assist in communications in the event of weather-related issues. The Team Contact’s cell phone must be in operation over the course of the event.
d/ Event officials will attempt to update the website, email and text team members, leave messages at hotels and call cell phone numbers to provide necessary information, but are not responsible for any failure to reach any given team or its members, during the course of an event.
11. General Information
a/ Only USSF registered Referees will be utilized, assigned by a USSF certified referee Assignor.
b/ Coaches, players and their fans are expected to conduct themselves within the Spirit of the game. In this regard the Tournament Committee reserves the right to take disciplinary action as necessary.
c/ Only individuals with a valid Driver’s License may operate a golf cart or other motorized vehicle at the event. No unauthorized use is permitted.
d/ In the event that the entire tournament is cancelled before the start of the event, teams will be entitled to a credit towards a future Global Team Tournament, or a 50% refund.
e/ If a team chooses to withdraw from a tournament, in order receive a full refund teams must notify Tournament Director 30 days before the start of the tournament.
f/ In case of inclement weather a partial refund / credit voucher towards next year event will be awarded. This will be based on a number of things (games played, Expenses incurred, etc). The determination of the Committee is final.
g/ Under no circumstances will the Tournament Committee or staff be responsible for any part of any other expenses, incurred by any team due to, but not limited to, part or whole cancellation of the Showcase due to circumstances beyond the Committee’s control (e.g., weather, facility operations, road closings, etc.).
h/ The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on any/all matters and its interpretation of these rules shall be final. No protests will be entertained. No team or team official shall claim that the Tournament Committee approved a divergence from the posted Rules and Regulations unless they can provide documentation of such approval in writing.
i/ All teams shall shake hands at the end of each game as a gesture of friendship and sportsmanship.
j/ Referee decisions may not be protested or disputed.
k/ The Tournament Committee may photograph and / or video participants and spectators at the event, on the playing fields, in areas adjacent to the fields, at the medal stand and in food and event courts adjoining the event. Such images may be posted on websites and in social media, and used in connection with providing information about, and coverage of the event. No individuals will be identified by name in connection with such images, without their consent.
l/ Teams, players, coaches and team officials acknowledge, by their participation in the event, that they have reviewed these rules and regulations as instructed in several communications and postings prior to the event, and that they will abide by said rules and regulations.
GTE COLLEGE SHOWCASES | KEY PROCEDURES SHEET
CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY
- Team standings based on won-lost record.
- Wins count for three points, ties for one point.
- Forfeits are recorded as a 2-0 score.
- In the event of a 2-way tie only, head-to-head is determinative, if applicable.
- In the further event of a tie, goal differential is determinative.
- In the further event of a tie, goals for followed by goals against will be used to determine the winner.
- Finally Shots from the Penalty Spot shall be used.
- Playoff / Final Games ending in a tie score at the end of regulation time shall proceed directly to a Penalty Spot Shootout.
PENALTY KICK SHOOTOUT PROCEDURE
- 5 initial shots per team, in an ABABABABAB pattern, until a decisive result is reached.
- If still tied, single alternating penalty kicks, in an AB/AB pattern, until a decisive result is achieved.
- Only players on the field at the end of the game can kick.
- All players must kick before any can kick a second time.
- Shootouts may be moved to a designated area.
WEATHER ISSUES; GAME STOPPAGE / RESUMPTION
- If weather concerns exist just prior to the event, the web Tournament Homepage will provide updates the evening before the first day; after 6:00 AM the day of the event.
- Teams should have a pre-determined communications procedure as their Team Contact is informed of determinations about weather delays, playoffs, etc.
- During play, games may be interrupted by the referee or field marshal for lightning or severe downpour.
- Twenty minutes after game interruption, the Team Contact must report to HQ, for announcement of game resumption, game cancellation or postponement of final decision until a subsequent check-in time. Decisions as to new time slots and game lengths may also be announced.
- Generally, games that have reached halftime will not be resumed, and their result will be final.
CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS, STAFF AND FANS
- Obey all traffic directives and speed limits. Park in designated spaces only. No parking on grass.
- No smoking on or near playing fields.
- No alcoholic beverages on premises.
- Use only designated sanitary facilities.
- No pets on grounds.
- Use trash receptacles & clean up after your team.
ONSITE CONTACT CELL PHONE NUMBER
- HQ has a printout of the mobile numbers entered for the Team Contact on the online Registration. Each team should ensure that its Contact’s mobile phone number has been correctly provided and that it is in operation during the event.
- If possible, the Committee will attempt to contact that number in the event of schedule or field changes, shootouts needed to determine group winners, inquiries about game results, etc.
APPEALS; SIGNING GAMECARDS
- Coaches should ensure that they sign off on Gamecards in the possession of the game Referee upon the conclusion of each game. Scores should be checked to ensure they were recorded and totaled correctly, and teams identified properly.
- In the event of a dispute, signed Gamecards will usually be deemed dispositive.
- In certain cases, appropriate appeals will be considered only upon the concurrence of both team’s coaches.
- Timely appeals will be considered by the Tournament Committee, and its decision will be final. At that point, no further protest will be tolerated.
- Untimely appeals (such as after the start of a playoff game or after an event has concluded) will not be heard.
SUBSTITUTIONS
- FIFA rules (e.g., throw-ins by either team, free kicks, corners, etc.) are modified to allow unlimited substitution with the referee’s permission, at every stoppage in play. Free substitution is allowed for all age groups.
- Players must be clearly standing and waiting AT THE MID-FIELD LINE to be substituted (and not merely waiting “in the vicinity of mid-field”).
- The referee’s assistant should be alerted, to the extent possible, of the request to substitute at the next stoppage of play.
- Players standing at midfield should be substituted into the game at the next stoppage of play, unless they step away from the mid-field position prior to stoppage of play.
IN ANTICIPATION OF A FORFEIT
- In the event that a forfeit is anticipated, teams will NOT release their players until the team manager has conferred with the Tournament Director / Committee. Teams must recognize that the cancellation of a competitive game is disrespectful to teams that travel significant distances to attend the Tournament, and may deprive players of a significant opportunity to be seen by an expected evaluator.
- The Tournament Committee will consider numerous possibilities for allowing game play, including the availability of guest players, mutual agreements to play 10v10, 9v9 or 8v8, or declaring a forfeit but then scrimmaging with guest players supplied by the opponent.