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5V5 HOLIDAY CLASSIC RULES

The rules for the Holiday Classic are the same as the regular indoor soccer played at the National Sports Center, with the following exceptions:

  • »  Games are 40 minutes in length (20 minute halves) with a 3-minute half time.
  • »  The field shall be between 40-50 yards long and 24-36 yards wide.
  • »  Games are played with 2 teams, each consisting of not more than 5 players on the field. A minimum of 3 players is needed to start a match in all age groups. One player shall be designated as the goalkeeper from each team.
  • »  Teams may roster up to 16 players and rosters are frozen at the start of your first game. Players may only play on one team in the same age group. Players wishing to play in different age groups may do so as long as they meet the age and gender requirements of the category. All players (and their guardian if a minor) must sign a liability waiver form in order to play at the National Sports Center.
  • »  A male player may not play on a female team, but a female player may play on a male team.
  • »  Shin guards are mandatory in youth games! Flat-soled shoes or turf shoes are allowed. Cleats are NOT permitted.
  • »  Teams must be ready to start on time. If the minimum number of rostered players to start a match is not available at kick-off, then a forfeit will result.
  • »  Goalkeeper may throw ball over half.
  • »  A size 4 ball will be used for U12 and under; A size 5 ball will be used for U13 and above.

Yellow Cards and Red Cards

  • »  A player receiving his/her first yellow card in a match must be substituted and remain off the field for two minutes before re-entering the game. Time will be kept by the referee closest to the bench area.
  • »  If a player receives a second yellow card (soft red) in a match, they will be ejected from that game and the team will be required to play short-handed for 5 minutes. A player will not be suspended from the next game for a “soft red” unless they have previously been ejected from a game. If this occurs, the player will be ejected from the tournament.
  • »  If a player receives a red card (conduct beyond a yellow card offense in the referee’s opinion) that player will be ejected immediately and the team will be required to play short-handed for 5 minutes. In addition, the player will be suspended for a minimum of one game. If, in the opinion of the tournament director, the conduct warrants an additional suspension, the player may be ejected for more than one game and possibly the tournament. There are no appeals allowed in this decision. A second red card results in an automatic tournament suspension.

Method for Determining Standings

Each team will receive:

  • »  3 points for a win
  • »  1 point for a tie
  • »  0 points for a loss

Tie-breaking System:

1. Most Points

2. Record Head-to-head (does not apply in 3 way tie)

3. Goal Difference (goals for minus goals against)

4. Least goals allowed

5. Earliest application date

 

Maximum goal difference allowed per game will be 7. For example: Eagles beat the Tigers 13-2 the score will be recorded as 9-2.

 

The tournament will make every effort to avoid forfeits. A forfeit can only be determined by Tournament Headquarters. Forfeited games will be recorded as a 3-0 score.

Playoffs

In all categories, the top teams will advance to a play-off or championship match. Groups that have 4 teams will only advance to a championship match with 1st vs. 2nd place. If a play-off or championship game is tied at the end of regulation, two 5-minute “golden goal” overtime periods will be played. If neither team scores in overtime, penalty shots will be used to determine the winner. First, a five-player “shoot-out” will be used. If score is still tied there will be a one player “shoot-out” until the winner is determined. Any player that played in the game may participate in the “shoot-out.”

Age Divisions

In order to play in a particular age group, you must have been born on or after:

  • »  9/10 and under 8/1/98
  • »  11 and under 8/1/97
  • »  12 and under 8/1/96
  • »  13 and under 8/1/95
  • »  14 and under 8/1/94
  • »  15 and under 8/1/93
  • »  16 and under 8/1/92
  • »  17 and under 8/1/91
  • »  19 and under 8/1/89

 

Any team found to be using non-rostered or illegal players will forfeit that match. All forfeits are recorded as 3-0. After age verification at final team check-in coaches should keep one of the following in their possession during the tournament to verify age should a question arise:

  • »  Player passes
  • »  Driver license
  • »  Birth certificate