AGE AND ELIGIBILITY
A. 13U-19U 11v11 teams will play September 3-5, 2016.
B. 9U-12U 7v7/8v8 teams will play September 3-5, 2016.
C. Participation in the DMV Premier Cup Tournament is open to accepted teams composed of a maximum of eighteen (18) players for 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 19U, and a maximum of fourteen (14) players for 9U, 10U, 11U and 12U (8v8) meeting the age limit of the specified division; Players must have been born during, or subsequent to, the divisional year, as defined by US Soccer Guidelines; Player registration cards duly authorized by State/Provincial or National Association will be required as proof of age.
*Age groups:
19 Under (January 1, 1998 and younger) 17 Under (January 1, 2000 and younger) 16 Under (January 1, 2001 and younger) 15 Under (January 1, 2002 and younger) 14 Under (January 1, 2003 and younger) 13 Under (January 1, 2004 and younger) 12 Under (January 1, 2005 and younger)** 11 Under (January 1, 2006 and younger)** 10 Under (January 1, 2007 and younger)** 9 Under (January 1, 2008 and younger)**
*Combining of age groups will be done at the Tournament Committee’s discretion, if needed.
**The 9U and 10U age groups will play 7v7 and 11U and 12U will play 8v8, all on smaller fields.
D. No “house” all-star, recreational, or ODP teams will be permitted to play. Each team accepted must be registered with a National State Association affiliated with the USYS/USSF or national equivalent and must present a valid (2016-2017) State or Provincial roster. Teams that are members of organizations of the United States Soccer Federation but not members of US Youth Soccer (such as AYSO, SAY, US Club Soccer or Super Y Leagues) DO NOT have to have a US Youth Soccer Application To Travel form (although that team’s organization may require that the team have permission). At the tournament registration, all teams must present valid 2016-2017 player cards, the approved official 2016-2017 roster (with copy) and permission to travel as required. All player passes must match the affiliation of the roster. For example, If the team roster is USYSA, then all players on that team must have USYSA passes. A player may not guest play on a USYSA roster with a US Club player pass, and vice versa. All VYSA clubs have USYSA passes (travel and rec). All player passes MUST be signed by the registrar (for travel passes) or club designee (for rec passes). A maximum of five (5) guest players may be used on a Tournament Team Roster. However, a team using guest players must have no more than a total of twenty-two (22) players for 13U through 19U and a maximum of fourteen (14) for 9U-12U on said roster. Game Day rosters are a maximum of eighteen (18) players for 13U-19U and fourteen (14) players for 9U-12U. Guest players must be current USYS/USSF or national equivalent players and can play for only 1 team in the Tournament. Guest players may be recreational players provided they have an authorized 2015-2016 player registration card. All rosters must be 2016-2017.
E. Out of state teams must have a Permission to Travel Form signed by their association. All out of area teams are required to reserve their housing through the tournament hotels. The tournament hotels are located on the website and are reserved by teams. All players/teams must have valid Player Registration Cards, Team Rosters, Medical Release Forms, and Permission to Travel Forms.
F. Foreign teams must provide the following at registration:
Passports for each player, 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, Player picture identification cards, Completed form from its Provincial or national association approving the team’s participation in the tournament.
LAWS OF THE GAME
All games shall be played in accordance with FIFA Laws, except as specifically modified by these rules.
HEADING RULE AT AGE GROUP DIVISIONS U11 AND YOUNGER
Whenever the ball strikes a player in the head, play is stopped. The proper restart depends upon whether the player deliberately played the ball with his or her head. If deliberate, the proper restart is an indirect free kick to the opposing team. If this occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If the play by the head is deemed in advertent, then the proper restart is a dropped ball.
DIVISIONS, SUB-DIVISIONS and FLIGHTS Divisions:
The Tournament will make available divisions according to competitive level. Divisions may be deleted, combined or added at the Tournament Committee’s discretion.
Sub-divisions: Each Division may be further divided into sub-divisions at the Tournament Committee’s discretion.
Flights: Flights are a subcategory of a Division or Sub-division.
4-team division – Each team plays a round robin. 9U-14U: Top 2 teams based on points will play in the final. 15U-19U: All teams play three games and Champions crowned after all matches final.
5-team division – Each team plays a round robin. 9U-14U: First and second place determined on points. 15U-19U: All teams play three games and Champions crowned after all matches final.
6-team division – Two flights of 3 teams (All Age Groups). 9U-14U: Each team will play the other 2 teams in their flight. Top 2 teams in each flight advance to semi-finals. First place of flight A will play second place of flight B in the semi-finals. Winners advance to final. Third place teams in each flight play each other in a consolation match. 15U-19U: Two Brackets: Teams will play crossover matches against opposite bracket. Top team in overall points will be crowned winner and 2nd in points will be crowned runners up.
7-team division – Flight B will have four teams. Flight A will have three teams. Each flight will play two games. The teams in each flight will then be ranked from first to last based on tie-breaking procedures. Top two teams in each flight advance to semi-finals. First place of flight A will play second place of flight B in the semi-finals. First place of Flight B will play second place of Flight A in the other semi-final. Winners advance to final. Consolation matches: Third place of Flight A will play third place of Flight B. The winner will play fourth place of Flight B.
8-team division – Two flights of 4 teams. Each team plays a round robin within their flight. The winners of each flight (based on points) advance to the final.
9-team division – Three flights of 3 teams. The winner of each flight plus a wild card (best second place based on pts, then tie breakers) advance to the semi-finals. Consolation matches feature 2nd best 2nd place vs 3rd best 2nd place. 3rd Place flight B plays 3rd place Flight C. The winner of this match (Winner Consolation A ) plays 3rd place Flight A.
DURATION
The duration of tournament games shall be in accordance with the following:
Preliminary games, *quarter-final, *semi-final games and consolation matches: 5 minute halves
9U and 10U -- two 25-minute halves, no overtime period
11U and 12U -- two 30-minute halves, no overtime period
13U, and 14U -- two 35-minute halves, no overtime period
15U through 19U -- two 40-minute halves, no overtime period
* Semi-final matches will conduct overtime and penalty kicks as needed
Final games:
9U through 10U -- two 25-minute halves, two 5 minute overtime periods
11U through 12U -- two 30-minute halves,two 5 minute overtime periods
13U and 14U -- two 35-minute halves, two 5 minute overtime periods
15U through 19U -- No Finals
All games will have 5 minute half-times. All teams will be scheduled to play a minimum of 3 games (this may be altered due to weather or other unexpected issues). Games will be scheduled Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. All games will be played with a running clock. The referee may stop the clock for serious injuries or other incidents. The referee is the official timekeeper and therefore all decisions regarding game duration are solely at the referee’s discretion and shall not be protested. All 11v11 games will have 3 certified referees. Small-sided games will feature 1 certified referee or 3 certified referees.
FIELD CHECK-IN TIME AND FIELD AND GAME EQUIPMENT
PLAYER REGISTRATION CARDS, APPROVED BY THE PWSI STAFF, MUST BE AVAILABLE AT THE FIELD PRIOR TO A GAME AND FOR THE DURATION OF THE GAME. THE REFEREE PRIOR TO THE MATCH MAY CHECK PLAYER IDENTIFICATION CARDS. For 16U, 17U and 19U teams only: Each team must notify the official prior to each match denoting the maximum 18 players that will be participating in that game. The remaining players (listed on the Official State Roster but not listed on the Official Game Roster) may sit on the team bench side HOWEVER they may NOT be in uniform.
Players must wear numbers visible on the back of their uniforms. The shirt number of each player must be the same as the roster.
Players shall wear shin guards in accordance with FIFA laws.
No metal cleats will be allowed, and no jewelry will be allowed.
Casts are permitted with the permission of the referee.
Where opposing team’s uniform colors are similar, the designated home team will change colors. The designated home team is listed first on the schedule.
When requested by the referee, each team must provide a referee assistant.
A #5 ball is used for 13U through 19U play; and a #4 ball is used for 9U through 12U play. The tournament will provide game balls at the field. Players and coaches of both teams will take the same side of the field. All other supporters will take the opposite side. Only three team officials are permitted on the sidelines with their players.
FORMS, DOCUMENTATION and TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS
Team registration will occur with the Tournament Director via email by Friday, August 26 for all Teams.
All players must have current Medical Release forms, Player Registration Cards, Team Rosters, and Permission to Travel Forms, if applicable with them at all times during the tournament.
Players Cards (including guest players), Roster (matching player cards), and Team Information Sheet due at Registration.
REGION 1 TRAVEL POLICY
Region I has established the following policy concerning permission to travel when attending US Youth Soccer sanctioned tournaments in Region I. The purpose of this policy is to make it as simple as possible for the US Youth Soccer Region I teams to travel to tournaments within Region I.
The new policy states that any US Youth Soccer State Association teams within Region I that is accepted into a tournament in Region I do not need permission to travel papers. Permission to Travel is not required in friendly games within Region 1.
National State Associations in Region I:
Connecticut Jr Soccer Assn
Delaware Youth Soccer Assn
Eastern New York Youth Soccer Assn
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Assn
Soccer Maine
Maryland Youth Soccer Assn
Massachusetts Youth Soccer Assn
New Hampshire Soccer Assn
New Jersey Youth Soccer Assn
New York State West Youth Soccer Assn
Pennsylvania West State Soccer Assn
Soccer Rhode Island
Vermont Soccer Assn
Virginia Youth Soccer Assn
West Virginia Soccer Assn
PROTESTS
Game decisions by referees may not be appealed. Decisions made by the tournament director involving disputes or protests are final and may not be appealed.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Unlimited substitutions may be made with the referee’s permission:
After a goal has been made;
At the beginning of the second half of play or prior to the beginning of an overtime period;
At a goal kick by either team; or
Prior to a throw-in when the ball is in possession of the team substituting. The opposing team may substitute as well if the team in possession is making a substitution.
Limited substitutions may be made, with the referee’s permission:
In case of stoppage of play for an injury; or
To replace a cautioned player.
Under no circumstances may substitutions be made (1) on corner kicks or (2) after the game has ended in a tie and FIFA penalty kicks will be required to determine a winner.
GAME AND SCORE REPORTING
The Winning team will deliver the completed and signed Score Card by the referee to the appropriate Site Official (Division Coordinator/Site Coordinator) promptly at the conclusion of each game. If the result of the game is a tie then the home team will deliver the score card.
CONDUCT
Players, coaches, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves within the spirit of the LAW as well as the letter of the LAW. Displays of temper or dissent are cause for ejection from the game and the surrounding field area. Repeated violations may result in the suspension of the team from the tournament as decided by the Tournament Director.
Players, coaches and team officials ejected from a game by the referee shall be ineligible for the next scheduled game (red card or 2 yellow cards). Ineligible coaches are not permitted at the field; ineligible players may sit on the bench (but not in uniform).
It is the responsibility of the team’s coach or the person acting in the coach’s behalf to control the conduct of its parents and other spectators. Failure to do so may result in a warning to the coach or the person acting in the coach’s behalf by the referee. If unacceptable conduct continues, the referee may eject the team’s coach, or the person acting in the coach’s behalf, from the game.
In accordance with the USYSA Tournament Hosting Agreement, all red and yellow cards and other matters involving team conduct will be reported to the home club and State/Provincial Association of the team involved as well as the US Youth Soccer National Office and the US Soccer Federation (foreign teams). There will be no disciplinary action for yellow cards accumulated in different matches during the tournament.
Artificial noisemaking devices are prohibited.
Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any of the field sites.
POINTS, FLIGHT WINNERS, AND WILD CARD TEAMS
In the preliminary games, each team will be awarded three (3) points for a win or a game forfeited to them, one (1) point for a tie, and no (0) points for a loss. Teams will be awarded one (1) point for shutout, one (1) point for each goal scored (max of 5 goals). At the end of the preliminary rounds, the flight winner will be the team with the most points in their flight. If the division consists of five teams, a round robin format will be used with no final. In the event of a tie within a flight (or 5 team division) or to conduct seeding, the following criteria will be used to determine the winner:
Head to head competition (in the event of a tie among three (3) or more teams, this criterion will not be considered), then
Most wins, then
Goal differential (can only have max/min of 5 per match). Example – a score of 7-1 will result in +5 for winning team and -5 for losing team.
Least goals allowed
Most goals scored (maximum of 5 per match)
Most shutouts
FIFA penalty kicks (at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled playoff round games)
In the event of a tie among three (3) or more teams, tiebreaker procedures will start with most wins (head to head will not be used).
In the event that a wild card team must be selected for a semi-final game, the above procedure will be used across the entire division.
QUARTER-FINAL, SEMI-FINAL AND CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
Overtime will be played in case of a tie at the end of regulation time only in the elimination games. The winner (Champion) will be determined as follows:
If the score is still tied after ten (10) minutes of overtime, FIFA penalty kicks will be taken to determine the winner. All players on the field must kick before any player may kick a second time.
Awards are provided only to the division winner (Champion) and runner-up team (Finalist).
FAILURE TO SHOW AND FORFEITS
A team shall be allowed a ten (10) minute grace period after the scheduled kick off time before the match is awarded to their opponent. A minimum of five players (5) players constitutes a team for 7v7, a minimum of six (6) players constitutes a team for 8v8 , a minimum of nine (9) players constitutes a team for 11v11 and if this criteria is met, the game will not be delayed.
In no case shall a team, which forfeits a game be declared a flight winner or a wild card team. If an apparent flight winner forfeits a game, the team in that flight with the next best record shall be named the flight winner. In addition, in divisions where the second place team of one flight plays the first place team of another flight in the semi-final game, in no case shall a team which has forfeited a game be declared the second place team in a flight. The team with the next best record in the flight shall be declared the second place team and play in the semi-final game.
If a team is the cause for termination of a game, that team will be considered to have forfeited that game. The determination as to which team is the cause for the termination shall be at the sole discretion of the referee on the field and the decision may not be protested.
A forfeit in any round shall be awarded as three 3-0 win for opposition.
Any team forfeiting a championship game will not be entitled to individual trophies or team awards.
Failure to produce either duly authorized Player Registration Cards or an official Tournament Team Roster to the appropriate Field Marshal or Tournament Official prior to scheduled game time is grounds for a forfeit.
Playing a “red-carded player” (a player receiving either a red card or two yellow cards in one game) in the game following the receipt of a red card is grounds for a forfeit.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the event of inclement weather or for any other reason, the Tournament Director or official representative(s) will have the authority to:
A. Relocate or reschedule any game(s);
B. Change the duration of any game(s);
C. Cancel any game(s);
D. Consider any game terminated by game or Tournament Officials after one half of play as official as of the time of termination; and
E. Determine the format for advancement.
TOURNAMENT CANCELLATION
PWSI Tournament Series will offer a maximum refund of 25% of the Team Registration fee for games that are cancelled or modified for any reason.
PWSI Tournament Series offers individual player tournament and travel insurance through Registration Saver. This is an additional cost and must be purchased and complete by the individual.
Tournament Acceptance/Refund Policy
TOURNAMENT WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Teams that withdrawn prior to the application deadline will be given a full refund of their application fee minus a $50.00 administration fee. No refunds will be provided if a team withdraws after the application deadline.
HOTELS
Tournament housing will be handled by Halpern Travel. As a stay to play event, all teams outside of a 60 mile radius are required to stay in the tournament housing hotels. Faliure to do so will require teams removal from event. Hotels will be provided by Halpern Travel ho will also assist with room booking. For information or questions please contact Meaghan Quatieri at mquatieri@halperntravel.com.
GENERAL
Under no circumstances whatsoever will the Virginia Youth Soccer Association, Inc., the Prince William Soccer Inc Corporation, the PWSI Tournament Committee, or any of their official representatives be responsible for any expenses (including the Tournament entry fee) incurred by any team. This includes a situation whereby the Tournament or any game(s) is canceled in whole or part.
The Tournament Committee’s or their official representative’s interpretation of the rules shall be final pertaining to this Tournament.
TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS (Tournament Director: Rob Cheshire)
14716 Minnieville Rd
Woodbridge, VA 22193
PHONE: 703-670-6061 FAX: 703-730-9031
EMAIL: tournaments@pwsi.org