Welcome to the AYSO United AZ Cup
Presented by Superstition Springs Lexus
AYSO United AZ is excited to partner with Superstition Springs Lexus and our friends at Bell Bank Park to deliver this year’s tournament. We are looking to provide soccer families with a positive experience at one of the top soccer complexes in the nation.
This document contains important information about the tournament. Please read and understand them before arriving.
Match Play
1. All games will be played under FIFA rules as modified by US Youth Soccer/ASA unless otherwise stated in these rules. The Tournament Director or site representative will settle all rules disputes. Tournament rules may be modified by the Tournament Committee.
2. Under-7 / Under -8 will be played in accordance with the modified playing rules for Academy Teams.
a. The maximum number of players on the field will be four (4).
b. The match will be divided into (4) 10-minute Quarters with a 5-minute halftime.
c. All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the player(s).
d. All free kicks shall be indirect kicks. A goal may not be scored until the ball has been touched by a 2nd player from either team.
e. All fouls will result in an indirect free kick with the opponents 6 yards away.
f. No offside will be called.
g. No penalty kicks will be taken during the match for fouls.
h. There are no scores kept for Academy teams.
i. No referees are provided for U7/U8 games, Coaches must work together to referee the match
3. Under-9 / Under -10 will be played in accordance with the modified playing rules for Academy Teams.
a. The maximum number of players on the field will be seven (7), one of whom may be a goalkeeper.
b. The match will be divided into (2) 25-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.
c. Offsides will be called.
d. Minimum number of players to start a game is 5.
e. There are no scores kept for Academy teams.
4. A team playing 11 a-side must have a minimum of seven (7) players available at the start of the game and during the game to avoid a forfeit. Teams playing in 9 a-side must have at least six (6) players present. Teams failing to meet this minimum requirement at any point in the match will forfeit the match.
5. Coaches should be prepared to start the game on time. Five minutes after the official game start time is forfeit time. Tournament officials may waive this rule, if in their opinion it is in the best interest to play the game. In the event of a delay in the start of a game, the game may be shortened to allow the game to finish as scheduled.
6. Headers – Heading is NOT allowed in age groups Under-11 and younger. If, during a match, a header is performed in these age groups play will be stopped and resumed with an indirect kick for the opposing team.
7. Team bracket shall be as follows:
| AGE BRACKET | HALVES (EACH) | HALF-TIME | FORMAT | BALL SIZE |
| U17-U19 | 40 min | 5 min | 11v11 | 5 |
| U15-U16 | 35 min | 5 min | 11v11 | 5 |
| U13-U14 | 30 min | 5 min | 11v11 | 5 |
| U11-U12 | 25 min | 5 min | 9v9 | 4 |
| U9-U10 | 25 min | 5 min | 7v7 w/GK | 4 |
| U7-U8 | 10 min qtrs | 5 min | 4v4 No GK | 3 |
8. Unlimited substitutions will be permitted at any stoppage of play with the permission of the match Referee.
9. Forfeits
a. Teams failing to check-in prior to the start of the match may, at the discretion of the Tournament Committee, will forfeit the match. To be awarded a forfeit win, the opposing team must be present and ready to play. In the event of a forfeit the match score will be recorded as a 3-0 win.
b. If a team forfeits during a game (usually due to a rule violation) the opposing team, if losing at the time, will be awarded a 3-0 win. If the opposing team is winning the score will stand as is.
Pre-Tournament Check-In
All teams must provide player/coach credentials at the Pre-Tournament Check-In prior to the start of the tournament. AYSO United is using an online check-in process for the AYSO United AZ Cup. All check-in documents are due by 9/16/2022 at 12:00 PM Arizona time. If for some reason any portion of your check-in uploads are not accepted, you will be notified by AYSO United AZ Staff.
1. The following documents are required to be uploaded. Players may not play without this documentation being turned in.
a. Current Copies of Player Pass
b. Signed Medical Release of Liability forms
c. Travel Permission Papers (If required by your State Association)
d. Loan Paperwork (If applicable, up to 5 total loan players) Loan forms must be properly signed by the required parties, must be submitted for each loan or guest player, as required by the teams’ sanctioning organization. Players loaned within the same club do not need loan forms. Players loaned to a different club must have loan forms.
2. To upload your documents please follow the procedures found on the tournament website.
a. Log into your GotSoccer team account
b. Select “AYSO United AZ Cup 2022” from your event list
c. Select the “Documents” tab
d. Under the “Team Document Upload” section on the “Documents” tab, use the drop-down to select your document to upload. Click on the “Choose File” button, select your document for upload on your device, and then click on the “Upload File” button.
e. After you upload your documents you will see the documents you have uploaded on the left side. Once your documents have been accepted a check mark will show next to your documents.
3. Rosters are frozen once a team completes the online check-in process.
Player Eligibility
1. Official team rosters must be verified and approved by the Tournament Committee at the pre-tournament check-in prior to the start of the tournament.
2. Only players who are officially registered or loaned to a team may play in the Tournament and must have a laminated player pass with a photo of the player. See section below for the maximum number of loan players.
3. All participating players, regardless of the number of games to be played, must be listed on the official team roster prior to the start of a team’s first game of the tournament. Players will not be added to the roster after the start of the first game.
4. No player may play for more than one team in the tournament. If any player is found playing for more than one team, and either team won its game, the game will be forfeited. If either team lost the game, the existing score shall stand. Under both conditions, the player will not be allowed to play for the remainder of the tournament for either team. Coaches who knowingly attempt this type of activity to occur, will not be allowed to coach for the remainder of the tournament.
5. Player’s playing age is determined by the following chart for 2021/2022. A player is not allowed to play down unless the ASA Play Down Policy is followed, and proper documentation submitted 3 weeks prior to tournament check-in. The tournament committee will decide and inform the requesting team 2 weeks prior to check in. The tournament is under no obligation to grant approval for playing down.
| Age | Birth Year | Maximum Roster | Maximum # of Loan Players |
| U19 | 2004 | (18 per game) | 5 |
| U18 | 2005 | (18 per game) | 5 |
| U17 | 2006 | (18 per game) | 5 |
| U16 | 2007 | (18 per game) | 5 |
| U15 | 2008 | (18 per game) | 5 |
| U14 | 2009 | (18 per game) | 5 |
| U13 | 2010 | (18 per game) | 5 |
| U12 | 2011 | (16 per game) | 4 |
| U11 | 2012 | (16 per game) | 4 |
| U10 | 2013 | (12 per game) | 3 |
| U9 | 2014 | (12 per game) | 3 |
| U8 | 2015 | (10 per game) | N/A |
| U7 | 2016 | (10 per game) | N/A |
6. Teams with loan players must not exceed the maximum roster limit.
No Sunday Play Teams
1. All Tournament Games will be played on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
2. Semi-final and final games will be played on Sunday.
3. If a “No Sunday Play” team makes it to a Sunday scheduled semi-final or final game, they will be eliminated from the tournament and the next highest-ranking team in the bracket will be placed into the semi-final or final game in their place.
Pre-Match Check-In
1. Teams must present player passes or (roster for Academy teams) to referee prior to the start of each game.
2. If a player not on the official game roster is found participating in a game, the game will be forfeited per tournament rules. The player will not be allowed to play for the remainder of the tournament.
3. Referee Crew or Tournament Officials will inspect the equipment of each player including uniform and mandatory shin guards, and cleats. Toe cleats and metal cleats are not allowed. Objects such as jewelry, barrettes, bobby pins, bows, etc., will be inspected. If the Referee Crew determines any such object represents a hazard, the object(s) must be removed prior to play.
4. Players wearing an orthopedic or immobilizing cast may not be allowed to play. Final decision on whether the item presents a hazard to any player will be up to the referee.
Tournament Play Formats
Four (4) team bracket
One (1) group of four (4) teams. Each team will play the other teams in their group once, for a total of 3 games.
The winner and second place is determined by points. If needed, tie breaker criteria will be used to determine the winner.
Five (5) team bracket
One (1) group of five (5) teams. Each team will play the other teams in their group once, for a total of 4 games. The winner and second place is determined by points. If needed, tie breaker criteria will be used to determine the winner.
Six (6) team bracket
Two (2) groups of 3 teams; Bracket A and Bracket B. Teams will play the other three (3) teams in the opposite bracket. First and second highest point totals will advance to the final game.
Conduct and Sportsmanship
It is the intent of AYSO United to promote the highest Respect for the Game and this will include a rating of sideline and player behavior, by the referees. The purpose is to reward sidelines for conducting themselves with the highest level of integrity for the game. The points a team receives will be tracked. Teams will be recognized for achieving maximum points for positive player, coach, parent, and fan behavior. In the event of a tie during bracket play, these points will be used as a determining factor for which team will advance to the finals, after head-to-head competition. A more detailed explanation of the system will be posted on our website.
1. A player receiving a red card, or two yellow cards will be ejected from the current game and may not be replaced. Red card suspensions will be reported to ASA. The tournament red card sanctions will mirror the ASA Red Card Suspension Standards. Red cards must be cleared by ASA in GotSport for return from suspension. It is the team’s responsibility to work with ASA to get suspension cleared.
RED CARD SUSPENSION STANDARDS
| OFFENSE | MINIMUM SUSPENSION FOR PLAYERS | MINIMUM SUSPENSION FOR TEAM OFFICIALS |
| Second Caution | 1 game | 2 games |
| Foul or Abusive Language directed at someone other than a match official | 1 game | 2 games |
| Serious Foul Play- Denies a goal or an opponent a goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball | 1 game | N/A |
| Serious Foul Play- Denies a goal or an opponent a goal scoring opportunity by a committing a foul punishable by a free kick committed in a non-dangerous way (example pulling a jersey) | 1 game | N/A |
| Serious Foul Play- other than above | 2 Games | N/A |
| Violent Conduct- Pushing, Striking, Spitting or retaliation | 3 games | 4 games & may be referred to ASA Disciplinary Committee |
| Foul or abusive language directed at a match official | 3 games | 4 games & may be referred to ASA Disciplinary Committee |
| Abusive language (Discrimination)- prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, sex, or religion | 3 games | 4 games & may be referred to ASA Disciplinary Committee |
| 2nd Offense Violent Conduct or Serious Foul Play (other category) | 4 games & referred to ASA Disciplinary Committee | 5 games & may be referred to ASA Disciplinary Committee |
| 3rd Offense Violent Conduct or Serious Foul Play (other category) | 5 games & referred to ASA Disciplinary Committee | 6 games & may be referred to ASA Disciplinary Committee |
| Pushing, Striking or Spitting at a Match Official (A Match Official shall be defined as referee, assistant referee, referee assignor, referee administrator, tournament staff including volunteers, tournament | | |
| director, or ASA staff/board member.) | 3 games & referred to ASA Disciplinary Committee | 4 games & may be referred to ASA Disciplinary Committee |
| Coaches/team officials who are ejected from a match for Irresponsible Team/Bench Behavior | N/A | 2 games |
2. A coach ejected from the game, whether by red card or referee expulsion, shall leave the field to the satisfaction of the referee. Coaches who either refuse to leave or deliberately continue to coach after ejection (including but not limited to using a cell phone or proxy coach), will forfeit the game.
3. The Tournament Committee will determine the length of suspension as directed by ASA guidelines for players and coaches and notify the team prior to the next game. There are no appeal options and all decisions are final. In the event a player or coach is ejected from the game for fighting, that player or coach will not be permitted to play in the remainder of the tournament.
4. If a coach is ejected and there are no remaining registered assistant coaches and or a team manager with a valid laminated sanctioned pass, the team will forfeit the game. A parent or spectator who is not officially registered on the team and does not have a valid laminated pass cannot coach the team. However, if there is a credentialed coach from the same club, he or she may assume the role and the match will continue.
5. The team of any player or coach that receives a red card shall receive minus one point against their tournament standings.
6. Coaches have complete responsibility for the conduct of their players and all sideline spectators. Referees will have complete authority immediately before, during, and immediately after games, and will not allow abusive or profane language or threats of any kind. If, in the opinion of the referee, a game must be terminated due to misconduct, the offending team shall be declared to have forfeited the game per the tournament rules.
7. All last game ejections whether by red card or not, are forwarded to the ASA D&R Committee for review. The ASA D&R Committee will respond directly to these expulsions. Passes withheld following the last game will be sent to the ASA office with exception of Out of State and US Club Soccer passes.
8. Coaches who have multiple teams in the tournament, and who is issued a red card, will be required to serve their suspension in all subsequent matches they coach. In other words, if a coach is served with a red card and receives a two-game ban, the red card will carry over to the any additional team game until the suspension is fulfilled.
Home and Away Responsibilities
1. Coaches and Team Officials are responsible for ensuring team players and parents adhere to all guidelines and tournament rules.
2. All 11 v 11 teams will sit on opposite sides of the field from each other. Teams will sit behind the Assistant Referee, with spectators sitting on the same side as their teams but not behind the AR. Spectators will sit a minimum of five (5) yards back from the touchline when facilities permit. No spectators on the team sidelines or behind the goals. Each coach is responsible for the behavior of their spectators. The Referee has the option, but not the obligation to display a yellow or red card to a coach, team official or bench personnel for irresponsible behavior or for the irresponsible behavior of its spectators or sideline.
For 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 matches, both teams will sit on the same side of the pitch with spectators sitting directly opposite their teams bench. This is done for safety and space reasons.
3. There will be a coin toss at the beginning of every match.
4. Managers/Coaches agree to ensure that all players are listed on the tournament roster, are properly carded, and have the proper equipment.
5. Teams must exit the field within 5 minutes after games to maintain tournament schedules.
6. Home Team
a. Light color jersey*
b. Must change jerseys in case of a color conflict.
c. Will take the North or West half of Player’s sideline, unless specified otherwise.
d. Will clean up their side of the field.
e. Will provide 3 game balls for the match
7. Visiting Team
a. Dark color jersey*
b. Will take the South or East half of Player’s sideline, unless specified otherwise.
c. Will clean up their side of the field.
* Coaches are asked to be flexible in case a team (usually a recreational team) has only one color of jersey. The tournament site director may decide the visitor must change color if the home team has only one color of jersey.
Scoring
1. Final team standings will be determined using the following point criteria:
a. A WIN is six (6) points.
b. A TIE is three (3) point.
c. A LOSS is zero (0) points.
d. One (1) point for a shutout, includes a (0-0) tie.
e. One (1) point for every goal scored with a maximum of three (3) points.
f. Minus one (1) point for each red card issued to a player or coach during a match.
g. In the case of a shootout, the winner will receive (8) points and the score shall be recorded as 1-0.
At the end of each game the coach MUST verify and sign the game card. Once the game card is signed the score stands and will not be changed regardless of the circumstances including but not limited to a team’s points, advancement, awards, etc.
Also, one player from each team will be given a Sportsmanship Award, as determined by the Referee crew.
2. Retrieve your player cards from the referees at the end of each game. The tournament is NOT responsible for cards left behind during the day or overnight.
3. TIES (Bracket Play)
a. If two or more teams are tied in points at the end of the preliminary (bracket games, the following tie-breaker criteria shall apply:
i. The winner in head-to-head competition
ii. Highest goal differential [goals scored - goals allowed]
1. Goals for Limit = 4 per game
2. Goals against limit = 4 per game
3. Goal differential limit = 4 per game
4. TIES (Playoffs/Finals)
a. In the event a match is tied at the end of regulation in a semifinal or championship match, teams will go immediately to PKs. There is no overtime.
Awards
1. Medals will be awarded to all teams placing 1st or second.
2. Participation pins will be given to all participants in the tournament.
Protests, Disputes, Clarifications
Under no circumstances can or will the tournament director, site director, field marshal or tournament committee overrule a referee’s game time calls.
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather or other events which affect our ability to play as planned, the Tournament Committee may modify Tournament Rules to complete the tournament successfully safely and fairly. The Tournament Committee will make their decisions on what is best, considering the health and safety of the players.
AYSO United AZ utilizes the fields provided by Bell Bank Park. During inclement weather, Bell Bank Park officials will take into consideration the need to prevent the destruction of the fields and facilities. AYSO United does not own the fields, nor does it have any authority over their usage. Coaches and team managers are asked to remain flexible to the changes in fields/locations as required and to keep in contact with tournament officials for these changes.
1. Play all games as scheduled.
2. Eliminate pre-game warm-up on fields.
3. Shorten matches.
4. In the event the field conditions are unplayable as determined by the Tournament Committee or the representative of Bell Bank Park, games in question may be decided by penalty kicks from the mark. (FIFA rules apply).
5. If matches are unable to continue due to any reason(s), tournament placement will be based upon the last fully completed round of play. Bracket tiebreakers will be used to satisfy any ties that remain. If bracket tiebreakers cannot resolve a tie, the Tournament Committee will utilize a coin toss to resolve the situation.
6. In the unlikely event of game cancellation(s) due to inclement weather, entry fees may be forfeited, in whole or in part. AYSO United will make no guarantee of any refunds. However, AYSO United recognizes the financial
commitments of teams entering the tournament. As such, AYSO UNITED may, at its discretion, refund a portion of the entry fee(s) after all other expenses have been paid.
8. It is the team’s responsibility to ensure appropriate phone numbers (preferably cell phones) and email addresses are entered into the team’s tournament application. The Tournament Committee will utilize the tournament website (www.aysobluesombrero.com/unitedregion7020 or [email protected]), email, social media and sometimes telephone to communicate with teams in the event of changes to the schedule.
General Rules
1. NO SMOKING allowed in the vicinity of the players.
2. Heaters: Heaters (gas or electric) are NOT allowed at the fields.
3. Parking: Park in designated parking areas. Do not park along curbs. Curbs may be fire lanes and may not be painted red but have the identifying signage. No parking in desert areas. No overnight parking.
4. Canopies/Umbrellas: No staking of canopies, umbrellas or other items is allowed at any site.
5. Dogs: Dog are not allowed in the vicinity of the fields. This is a safety issue and will be strictly enforced. Failure to comply may result in a forfeiture of game, or at minimum, removal from the site.
6. No artificial noise makers are allowed. No audio/sound systems are allowed to be used expect for Host Site system used for announcements, where applicable. Teams not willing to abide by this rule will immediately be removed from the tournament, forfeit all remaining games and will not be provided a refund.