Rules
RULES

Ultimate Cup Rules

 

All Ultimate Cup matches will be held on Saturday and Sunday only.

Tournament Headquarters will be located at the 4202D Park Place Ct, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060

Weather Hotline:  804.644.5425, ext 2  

Headquarters telephone number: 804.288.4625

Tournament Contact: John Faircloth   

Deadline to Register: Girls Weekend-January 19th, 2018- Deadline to Register: Boys Weekend-January 19th, 2018

Tournament Rules

Laws of the Game:  All tournament matches will be played in accordance with FIFA Laws of the game accept as modified herein.  All decisions by the Tournament Director(s) are final.  No protests allowed.

General Prohibitions:  Alcoholic beverages, firearms, smoking, pets, and noise makers are prohibited.

Team Acceptance/Check-in Paperwork Verification

To make things easier for the team managers, we are offering mandatory online check in.  All Teams Must Register Online  Teams will be notified via email for acceptance.

Deadline to Check-in is February 16th, 2018 for Girls teams, and February 23rd, 2018 for the Boys Teams

ONLINE CHECK IN INSTRUCTIONS

Email Check-In Documents to teamcheckin@ultimatecuprichmond.com

Three (3) pieces of information must be included in each email (Approved Roster, Current Player Cards, Medical forms).  In addition, teams from outside of Region 1 will need approved Permission to Travel forms. 

1.  Teams need to provide: Copy of their State Approved Roster (USYSA) or their US Club Approved Roster.  Please mark out any players not attending the event and write-in any guest players.  See note below concerning guest players.

2.  A copy of each US Youth Soccer Player Passes or each US Club Players Passes (ONLY the front side that shows picture and Date of Birth must be copied).  Also provide copies of player cards for guest players.

3.  Copy of each Medical Release Form from each player.  Your club's medical release form is acceptable. 

4.  USYS Teams from outside of Region 1 must have a Permission to Travel Form attached to the email. US Club teams do not need a Permission to Travel form.

5.  After you have gathered all required documents to finalize your team check-in please:

a.  Scan each document and save the files

b.  Please send all required documents in as few files as possible (zip files are recommended, do not send jpg copies and PDF files take the least amount of space) Include the team name, age group and gender in the file name,
Example:  04GirlsRichmondKickersSouthRosterandcards.pdf

c.   Email the document to: teamcheckin@ultimatecuprichmond.com In the subject of the email include your complete team name, age group and gender of the team: Example:  04 Girls Richmond Kickers South

Note:   Adding Guest Players:

Step 1: Obtain the guest players current player card and medical release form
Step 2: Add the guest player to the roster.  Please hand write their full name, unique jersey number, player identification number and birthday below the existing rostered players
Step 3: Include Guest Players’ player card and medical form with the rest of your team information when emailing documents.

Special Note on Guest Players:

US Club Soccer teams may only take guest players registered under US Club Soccer, and USYSA teams may only take guest players registered with properly stamped USYSA player pass cards.

If the guest player is a recreation player they must have a recreation card and medical release form. Recreation cards do not require photo's.

All teams must have their tournament roster, cards and medical release forms at each game for review by the tournament officials if needed. Any team not able to produce the items if requested may be forced to forfeit the game.

Questions? Contact- Teamcheckin@ultimatecuprichmond.com

Tournament Acceptance
Accepted teams will be notified by email by the posted acceptance schedule.  Applications will not be considered complete until payment is received.  Teams withdrawing before official posting date will receive a refund of $25.00 within 45 days of acceptance posting.  Teams withdrawing after the acceptance will not be issued a refund.

This is a USYSA/VYSA sanctioned tournament for club and tournament teams. Teams must be USYSA, USSF, FIFA, or US Club Soccer affiliated, in good standing with their state association, and players possess 2017/2018 player passes. Teams affiliated with AYSO, SAY, US Club Soccer, Super Y League, and FIFA are also welcome. National, state or league select teams are not eligible. Official state USYSA approved rosters, USSF player passes, medical release forms and permits to travel must be submitted online.(see note below about Foreign Teams)

US Teams:  US teams must have current US Youth Soccer or approved organizational player passes or the appropriate National Association passes. All teams must provide an official roster, which includes all traveling players and team officials, signed or stamped by the appropriate registrar. Birth certificates and passports will not be accepted at this tournament as valid proof of ID for US Teams.  US Club Soccer passes may not be used in conjunction with USYSA Rosters.

Foreign Teams:  All foreign teams must present passports for each player at registration.  Foreign teams are required to have and present player picture identification cards.  Foreign teams must have completed forms from its Provincial or National Association approving the team’s participation in the tournament.  Foreign teams must have an official roster from its Provincial or National Association which includes traveling players and team officials signed or stamped by the appropriate registrar.

The 2018 Ultimate Cup Boys Weekend and the 2018 Ultimate Cup Girls Weekend are UN Restricted tournaments.

  • Region 1 Policy Regarding Application To Host A Tournament

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

Roster sizes will be limited to 12 players maximum for U9/10 teams, 16 players maximum for U11-&12, 18 players maximum for 13-15 teams, 22 players maximum for U16-U19 teams.  A team may only declare 18 players per match for U16-U19 age groups.

A player may only play for one team during the event.  Any team in violation of this rule will automatically forfeit all matches.

Guest players will be allowed up to 5 in all age groups.  

Team Representative must have present at all games:

1. 2017 / 2018 Original Roster (Virginia teams no longer have a "stamped" original) and 2 copies of approved tournament roster. A copy of the tournament approved roster.

2. All player passes (USYSA or US Club Soccer) (See note above of Foreign team paperwork)  Recreation passes are accepted and do not have to have a photograph.

3. Permission to Travel forms if required.

4. All foreign teams must present passports for each player at registration.

5. Guest players must be written in on the bottom of the copy of your roster.  Guest players must be carded and eligible according to the rules.  USYSA passes cannot be used with US Club Soccer rosters, and US Club passes cannot be used with USYSA rosters.

6. Medical release forms for all players. (Your league forms are acceptable.)  **Medical release forms for each participating player must be presented at team registration. A Physician’s release must also be presented during registration for any player wearing a cast. (see cast rule) This release must be available for a match official to review. The final decision on whether the player may participate will be up to the match official. **

Placement of Division

All U16 and older brackets will be played in the "Showcase Format" which means 1 game on Saturday and 2 games on Sunday or 2 games on Saturday and 1 game on Sunday.  For a "Showcase Format" event, 3 games are guaranteed and no awards are provided.

The following applies to U15 teams and younger:

(A) Divisions with 4 teams (1st & 2nd Place Awards). Three matches will be guaranteed. The top two teams will advance to a Championship Match. Tie breaking rules A & B will resolve the finalist if necessary. Showcase brackets (teams U15 and older) will not have a championship match. The winner will determined by points.

(B) Divisions with 5 teams (1st & 2nd Place Awards). Four matches will be guaranteed in a round robin format. The champion and runner up will be determined by the point system in rules A & B.

(C) Divisions with 6 teams (1st & 2nd Place Awards). Three matches will be guaranteed. Teams will be divided into two groups of 3, Group 1 & 2. Each team in Group 1 will play 2 matches against the teams in Group 1 and the teams in Group 2 will play 2 matches against the teams in Group 2.  At the conclusion of Group Play teams will be ranked in their respective groups with the top two teams advancing to semi-final matches.  The third team in each group will play a consolation match.  No overtime periods for semi-final matches, ties will be resolved immediately following the match by using FIFA Penalty Kick procedure.

(D) Divisions with 7 teams (1st and 2nd Place Awards).  Three matches will be guaranteed. Teams will be divided into 2 groups (3 in A and 4 in B or 4 in A and 3 in B).  The 3 team group will play each other one time on Saturday, and based on those results will be ranked,1st, 2nd or 3rd in that group.  Teams in 4 team group will play each other in the group and after their play on Sunday will be ranked, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th.  Consolation matches will be as follows:  3rd A will play 3rd B, 2nd A will play 2nd B and the 4th place of B will not play a 2nd game on Saturday.  The final will be 1st place A vs. 1st place B.

(E)  Divisions with 8 teams (1st & 2nd Place Awards). Three matches will be guaranteed. Teams will be divided into 2 Groups with each team playing three matches within its Group. Ties will not be broken. The top team in each Group will advance to the Championship Match.

(F) Divisions with 10 teams (1st and 2nd Place Awards). Three matches will be guaranteed. Teams will be divided into 3 groups one group of 4 and two groups of 3. Each team in each group will play two matches in their group on the 1st day of play.  The group of 4 will play one game on the 2nd day to determine the top team.  The top team in each group of 3 will advance to a semi-final match on the 2nd day; the second team in each group of 3 will play a consolation match and the third team in each group of 3 will play a consolation match.  B1 will play C1, B2 will play C2 and B3 will play C3.

(G) Divisions with 12 teams (1st and 2nd Place Awards). Three matches will be guaranteed.  Teams will be divided into 4 groups.  Each team in each group will play two matches in their group on the 1st day of play.  The top team in each group will advance to semi-final matches; A1 will play D1, and B1 will play C1.

The winners of the semi-final matches will proceed to the championship match. The 2nd place team and 3rd place team in each group will proceed to consolation matches:  A2 vs. D2, A3 vs. D3; B2 vs. C2, and B3 vs. C3.

No overtime periods for semi-final matches, ties will be resolved immediately following the match by using FIFA Penalty Kick procedure.  Consolation matches may end in a tie.

Advancement Point System

Teams will be awarded points on the following basis:

 

Six (6) points for each Win
Three (3) points for each Tie
Zero (0) points for each Loss
One (1) point for each goal scored (max of three (3) per game)  Losing teams receive points also.
One (1) point for each shutout

Examples:  
A 0-0 tie will be scored as 4 points for each team (3 for tie, 1 for shutout) or a 4-2 game will be scored as 9 points for the winning team (6 for win, 3 for goals) and 2 points to the losing team (2 for goals).

 

Ties for 1st and 2nd place in Group or Division will be broken according to the rules listed below. An effort has been made to form competitive divisions in selecting tournament participants.

 

Score Reporting

For this year's Ultimate Cup Scorekeeping, it is required that the winning team return a correct score card for each game to the field site coordinators.  And for tie games the home team will be required to turn in the game score card.

Referees will provide the winning coach (or home team for ties) a scorecard, which must be turned into the Site Coordinators Tent immediately following the game.

 

Tie Breaking Procedure

In the event of a tie in points at the end of bracket play; the winner for advancement to Semi-Final or Finals will be determined as follows:


1. The winner in head to head competition. (If there is a 3 team tie, proceed to the next tie breaker)
2. Goal differential, max of +/-3 per game (Team wins 4-0, only gets +3 GD, losing team gets -3)
3. Goals For (max 5 goals per game)
4. Goals Against (max 5 goals per game)
5. Shoot-Outs*

 

If Championship matches cannot be played on Sunday but Semi Final matches have been played to completion, a Champion and finalist will be selected from the semi-final matches. If Semi Final matches have not been played to completion, results will revert back to Saturday’s matches for Final determination.

Resolving ties in Championship Match
If the Championship match is tied at the end of regulation time, the teams will be given a 5 minute rest and then two 5 minute overtime periods will be played. Both 5 minute overtime periods will be played to completion. If still tied after the two overtime periods are completed, the Champion will be decided by using the FIFA penalty kick procedure.

Resolving ties in a Semi Final Match
Semi-final matches ending in a tie will proceed straight to the FIFA penalty kick procedure to determine a winner.

Resolving ties which must Produce a Team to Advance to a Consolation Match
Matches ending in a tie which must produce a winner to advance to a consolation must proceed straight to the FIFA penalty kick procedure to determine a winner.

Resolving ties in a Consolation Match that does not need to produce a winner
Consolation matches which do not need to produce a winner may end in a tie.

Substitution Rules:

FIFA Limited Substitution (applies to all matches in which there is an international team).

If a National Team (16 years and older) is participating in an age division, a limit of only six substitutions is permitted.  In other age groups and when no National Teams are participating, “Unlimited Substitutions” may be used for all games as modified below.

 Unlimited substitutions may be made with the referee’s permission:

o   After a goal has been scored

o   At the beginning of the second half of play or prior to the beginning of overtime play

o   At a goal kick by either team

o   At a throw in by the team in possession** the opponent may substitute if they are at the half line  and ready to enter play

o   In case of stoppage of play for an injury

o   A cautioned player may be substituted

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.

Length of the Game and Ball Size:

There will be no time allowance for substitutions and injuries or other compensating time.

The referee will start the clock at the beginning of each half and run it continuously until the conclusion of that half. The only time the referee will stop his clock for an injury is if the game has to be stopped because a player on the field may not be moved while the rescue squad is summoned.

All halftime periods will last 5 minutes.

In semifinal or final matches, if the game has been stopped for a serious injury, the referee will resume the game at the point where the match was stopped and finish out the match in its entirety. No semifinal or final match will be shortened due to a serious injury, daylight permitting.

Age

 Match Length

 Format

 Ball

 U9/U10

 50 Mins

7 v 7

 Size 4 Ball

 U11/U12

 60 Mins

9 v 9

 Size 4 Ball

 U13-U15

 70 Mins

 11 v 11

 Size 5 Ball

 U16-U19

 80 Mins

 11 v 11

 Size 5 Ball

 

*The home team shall provide the match ball unless teams agree upon using the away team's ball. The match ball must be FIFA approved or FIFA inspected**

The home team is the team listed first on the schedule.

HEADING RULE at Age Group Divisions U11 & 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.

BUILD OUT LINES AT AGE GROUP DIVISIONS U10 AND YOUNGER

Build out lines will be established for U10 age groups and younger.  Build out lines promote playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting.  When the goalkeeper has the ball, either during play (from the opponent) or from a goal kick, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play.  Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into pay (punting is not allowed).  After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal.  The ball is considered “in play” when the goalkeeper’s intended recipient has received the ball.  Not the moment that the goalkeeper releases the ball. 

If a goalkeeper punts the ball, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the spot of offense.  If the punt occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.

The build out line will also be used to denote where the offside offenses can be called.  Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build out line.  Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build out line and the goal line.

 

 

Players Equipment

o   Players wearing splints or casts will be permitted to play if deemed safe by the referee and a physician’s release form provided at registration.

o   Safety straps are required for players wearing glasses. Wire rim glasses are prohibited, no exceptions!

o   All players must wear shin guards that are appropriate for their age and size, with minimum size of shin guard being 6 inches.

o   If a uniform conflict occurs, the Home team (team listed 1st on the schedule) must change jerseys, unless visiting team offers to do so.

o   The shirt number of each player must be the same as the number on the tournament roster.  No player will be permitted to participate until they match (Either the jersey changed or the match roster modified to correct the discrepancy.  A team must two jersey’s colors available.

Forfeits
Teams not having 7 players for 11 v 11 matches, (6 players for U9/10 age groups) ready to play within 10 minutes of the scheduled game time will have a forfeiture declared for the match. The score of a forfeited game will be 30 in favor of the team ready to play.  A team forfeiting a match will not be allowed to play in a semi-final or championship match. 

Inclement Weather
Regardless of weather conditions, coaches and their teams must appear at their respective field site, ready to play as scheduled. Failure to appear will result in forfeiture of the match. Only the Tournament Director(s) may cancel or postpone a match. Referees may suspend a match only In case of severe weather, in his/her discretion, Tournament Director(s) may cancel any and all games. In case of severe weather that occurs after the beginning of play, the Tournament Director(s) may reduce the length of the match and may discontinue or cancel the game. Should a match be terminated due to weather conditions after 20 minutes of play, the match will be considered official and the score at the time will stand. If a match is terminated prior to 20 minutes of play, every attempt will be made to complete the match. However, if necessary other means, determined by the Tournament Director(s), may be used to determine a winner. Referees and field marshals will not consider beginning or continuing matches when a lightning storm exists.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Refund Policy: In the event a team withdraws from the tournament prior to the acceptance posting the team will receive a refund less a $25.00 administrative fee within 45 days of the event.  If a team withdraws after the acceptance posting, no refund will be issued.   NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN IN THE EVENT OF CANCELLATION of the event either in whole or in part.

General Rules

Protests:  All decisions of the referee and the Tournament Director(s) are final. There are no protests!

Disclaimer: The Ultimate Cup, Tournament Director(s), RKYSC, and RSK Chesterfield will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by tournament participants if the tournament is cancelled for any reason.  The Tournament Director(s) reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the tournament and its decision shall be final.

Conduct:  Any player dismissed/sent off (red carded) shall not be allowed to participate in the team’s next game. A coach who is dismissed will not be allowed to participate further in the tournament. A report will be sent to the state association and league/club of teams whose players or coaches receive yellow/red cards. A case of referee assault will be referred immediately to the Virginia Youth Soccer Association in accordance with USSF Rule 1108.  For CONCACAF teams, the tournament director will notify the US Soccer Federation of disciplinary action taken, and the Federation will transmit the disciplinary action taken or required to that team's provincial or national association.

There is no penalty for accumulation of yellow cards issued in different matches. 

Each Coach is responsible for the conduct of the players and parents on his/her team.  Coaches not taking responsibility for their sideline’s behavior may be cautioned and / or ejected.  Any player or coach ejected asked to leave will not be within sight or sound of the playing field.  Per FIFA rules, only players will be shown a card (yellow or red) when being cautioned or sent off.  Two yellow cards in the same match equal an ejection and the player will sit out his/her next immediate match.

If in the opinion of the Tournament Director(s), the conduct of a team, its coaches or supporters do not meet the standards of sportsmanship that are expected, a team may be barred from further participation in the tournament. There will be no refunds of fees or costs in the event of expulsion. A full report of the reason for the barring will be sent to the state association and league of any team so expelled.

Home/Team Field Positions:  During games, coaches and players shall remain on 1 side of the field and the spectators shall remain on the other side. The teams will stay on one half of the side of the field from the halfway line down to the 18 yard box. Coaches, players, and spectators will remain at least 1 yard from the touchline. No spectators are allowed behind the goals.  It is requested that all teams pick up all trash around their bench area including the “pre wrap”.

The home team shall have the right to decide which half of the players/coach side of the field that they will occupy. The home team is the team listed first.  In the event of a jersey conflict, the home team is required to change jerseys unless the away team offers to do so. 

Warm Up   Teams may not warm up along the end line of a game in progress.

Mandatory Housing/Hotel Service
To ensure the quality of service provided at the tournament has appointed Anthony Travel as the official hospitality service of the tournament. All teams are mandated to book any hotel reservations through Anthony Travel to ensure their place in the 2018 Ultimate Cup. Any teams that do not comply will be a risk of forfeiting their acceptance.

By using Anthony Travel and our booking service, The Ultimate Cup Tournament can offer our "Act of God" clause. This states that, "Should this event be cancelled for reasons beyond the tournament director's control (including weather) all outstanding reservations will be released at no charge to the participants."

To book your rooms online, visit www.anthonytravel.com. To speak with an agent, dial 1-800-736-6377. 

Important Notes:  Have all player passes, official roster, and medical release forms with you at the fields during the tournament.  Although only checked at registration, the tournament committee reserves the right to check credentials during the event. In games where international teams are participating, all documents will be checked again by the head referee prior to the commencement of the match. 

The tournament is dedicated to the development of all the players participating, good sportsmanship, and the “good of the game”.  The Tournament Director (s) may suspend, without recourse or appeal any players, coaches, or spectators who demonstrate anything else.