Novato Classic / Tournament Rules
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This tournament will be played in accordance with US Club Soccer and FIFA rules as modified by the following changes:
CREDENTIALS: US Club Soccer OR USYSA (CYSA) player passes will be required for all players. Any player not providing a proper pass before the game will not be allowed to participate. All passes will be checked prior to each game by the Field Marshal. A mixture of US Club or CYSA passes is NOT permitted.
GAME BALLS: Game balls will be provided by the Home Team. The referee may choose to use a ball provided by the visiting team if the ball provided by the home team is inadequate.
INJURY TIME: Referees will be instructed NOT to add time to a game except under the most extenuating circumstances.
MEDICAL HELP: The FIELD MARSHAL should be notified immediately of any serious injury or need for Medical Attention. An Emergency Medical facility is available at Novato Community Hospital, 180 Rowland Way (see location map). In addition to the above, Paramedic responders are provided by the Novato Fire Protection District. All emergency situations should be brought to the attention of the Field Marshal promptly. All Field Marshals are equipped with cellular phones for dealing with emergencies.
PROTEST: All games will be considered final and NO PROTESTS will be allowed.
LENGTH OF GAMES: Each team will play a minimum of three preliminary games.
All games (including championship and consolation) will be two 25 minute halves with 10 minute break.
A standard overtime will be played in case of a tie in Championship or Consolation games. The Overtime will end after the completion of two 10 minute periods. At the end of the first period the teams shall reverse sides and start the second period with no rest between the periods. If the scores are still tied after the overtime, penalty kicks per FIFA will be taken to determine the winner. Each team takes 5 PKs, alternating teams, the best of 5 wins. Only players on the field at the end of the second half of overtime may take a penalty. If the game is still tied, teams alternate taking penalty kicks until after both teams have taken an equal number of attempts a scored PK, and a non scored PK result. No player may take a second penalty kick until all other players have taken a penalty kick.
PRELIMINARY GAME SCORING FOR 4-TEAM, 6-TEAM, 8-TEAM FLIGHTS AND ALL GAME SCORING FOR 5-TEAM FLIGHTS:
6 points will be awarded for each win.
3 points will be awarded for each tie.
0 points will be awarded for each loss.
1 point will be awarded for a shut out (points shall NOT be awarded in a 0-0 tie).
1 point will be awarded for each goal scored up to a maximum of 3 points per game.
2 points will be deducted for each player red card or Coach’s dismissal (sendoff).
FORFEITURES:
Any team not ready to play (5) minutes after the scheduled starting time will forfeit. The official score will be 2-0 and 9 points will be awarded. If, however, forfeiture adversely determines the final flight standing, the tournament committee may award equal losses (2-0) for all games played by the forfeiting team.
Any U9-U11 team falling below (6) players during the game will automatically forfeit at that time.
Any U12 team falling below (8) players during the game will automatically forfeit at that time.
The referee may terminate a game whenever he or she deems safety to be compromised. This decision is solely at the referee’s discretion. The outcome of the match will be determined by the tournament committee based upon the referee’s report. Reasons for termination may include, but are not limited to:
A team leaves the field during the play without the approval of the referee.
Extreme bench area misconduct or the outbreak of generalized fighting on the field (by coaches, players or fans) forces interruption of play.
Alcoholic beverages or tobacco are being consumed by coaches, players or fans.
FLIGHT STANDING & TIES:
In an eight-team flight, standings of each flight will be determined as follows:
The Winner is the team with the most total points and will go on to the Championship game.
The Runner-up is the team with the second most total points and will go on to the Consolation game.
In a four and six-team flight, qualifiers will be determined as follows:
The team with the most total points and will go on to the Championship game along with the team with the 2nd highest points total.
The Consolation game will consist of the team with the third highest total points who will play the team with the fourth highest points total.
In a five-team flight, each team will play every other team in the group for a total of four games. At the conclusion of all four games, first second and third place standings will be awarded based on point totals. There is no Championship or Consolation game.
If a tie exists after all non-finals games have been played, the following tie breakers will be employed in the following order – In order to encourage attacking play:
The team which defeated the other in regular play will be determined the winner.
The team with the highest goal difference
The team with the highest number of goals scored to a maximum of four per game.
The team which allowed the least goals.
The team with the fewest number of Red Cards, or Dismissals, assessed.
Penalty kicks per FIFA rules.
AWARDS: Each player will receive a souvenir pin and program. Team Trophy and Medals will be awarded to each player for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place in the eight, six, five and four team flight. Awards will be presented immediately after the final games for each flight. The Awards presentations will be held at the field noted on each flight game schedule.
SUBSTITUTION RULES:
Substitutions may be requested from the referee:
Prior to your throw in.
Prior to goal kick by either team.
After a goal by either team.
At half time.
After an injury by either team, unlimited.
Players who are sent off (red carded) may not be substituted as per FIFA Laws of the Game.
SPORTSMANSHIP: Good sportsmanship will prevail at all times. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents, and spectators. “Bench” areas for each team should be established.
HOME TEAM: The team listed first on the schedule will be designated the home team. The home team will be responsible for the game card. Teams will be on opposite sides of the field, except as noted on field maps. The home and visitor sides are shown on the maps.
SEND-OFF: If a player is sent-off from a game, the player shall automatically be suspended for the team’s next game. Any further sanctions will be decided by a committee made up of the Head Referee and Tournament Director. For teams participating with CYSA player passes any further disciplinary action will be as per section 4:08 of the CYSA Constitution and Tournament manual, Appendix 12.
RAIN: Please be flexible. Games may be shortened to protect the fields.
CONFLICT OF JERSEY COLORS: The home team shown on the schedule will be required to change.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcohol on the field in any form is PROHIBITED by US Club Soccer, Novato Youth Soccer Association, Novato Parks and Recreation Department and the Novato Unified School District.
SMOKING: Smoking is prohibited on all Novato soccer fields.