(as of March 4, 2008)
1. Teams will consist of up to six (6) boys or six (6) girls or six (6) adults: four starters and two alternates. Youth girls may play on a youth boys team. Adult teams will all play in co-ed brackets.
2. Teams will be grouped into divisions according to age, gender, and experience, and will play all their games within their assigned divisions — Under 6, Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, Adult Open, Adult 30+. We request age breakdowns by single years and will make every effort to keep the divisions as close as possible, but it’s very likely that teams will compete in brackets based on two-year age groupings (i.e., U6, U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16). Players may “play up,” they may not “play down.” Every effort will be made to create divisions of similar caliber.
3. All teams will play at least three games during the weekend, unless games are reduced or shortened due to rain or unforeseen circumstances.
4. Playing Fields will be 40 yards by 30 yards or as space permits.
5. Goals will be 4 ft. x 6 ft. with no goalkeeper.
6. Games will consist of two 10-minute halves with a two minute half-time and will fit into a 30-minute time slot. If the score is tied at the end of regulation play, the game is recorded as a tie.
7. The ball must completely cross the goal line between the goal posts to score a goal. All scoring goals must be shot from the scoring team's offensive half of the field.
8. Each team must wear the same color jerseys. SHINGUARDS ARE MANDATORY.
9. Ball is out of bounds when it completely crosses at least one of the boundary lines. Restarts shall be taken as KICK-INS, not throw-ins.
10. There is NO OFFSIDE.
11. Regulations governing fouls and misconduct conform to FIFA with the following exceptions: All fouls taking place within ten (10) feet of the goal will result in a penalty kick from mid-field to an open goal. All fouls taking place more than ten (10) feet from the goal shall result in an indirect free kick with opponents three (3) yards away.
12. Penalty kicks will be taken from midfield on an open net, except for U6 and U8, which will shoot from 15 yards out. Once the shot is taken, the ball is dead. No rebounds or follow-up play is allowed. If the shot is missed, the defensive team is awarded a goal kick.
13. Goal kicks will be taken from the defensive end line.
14. The penalty arc is a 2 yard semi-circle located in front of the goal. No player is allowed inside the arc. If an attacking player goes into the penalty arc, a GOAL KICK is awarded to the defensive team. If a defensive player enters their own arc, a PENALTY KICK is awarded to the attacking team. Referees’ judgment shall prevail in these cases. The intent is not to penalize a player who inadvertently “clips” or steps on the arc line while defending a play. The intent IS to penalize a player who assumes the role of “goalkeeper” within the arc.
15. Intentional fouls or an intentional handball in the defending half of the field will result in a penalty shot taken on an open goal.
16. SLIDE TACKLING IS NOT ALLOWED.
17. The game official may issue Yellow (warning) and Red (ejection) Cards at his/her discretion. These may be given to players and coaches. Coaches receiving a Red Card will be suspended for the remainder of the tournament. Cards may be issued for poor sportsmanship, over-aggressive behavior and extreme rules violations, at the official’s discretion. Fans may be ejected from the field area at the official’s discretion.
18. Substitutions are unlimited but may only be made when play is stopped.
19. Each game will have one referee, who will call fouls and keep time. Referees will have the final say in all disputes.
20. All divisions shall use a Size 4 ball, excluding U6, who will use a size 3 ball.
21. McSoccerfest personnel reserve the right to verify any players age. Inaccurate information is grounds for disqualification of the entire team.
22. All teams and players are required to fill out a medical release form. This form is available here.
23. All conflicts, including interpretation of the rules, match-ups, scheduling, and any other unforeseen scenarios, will be resolved by the Tournament Director. The Tournament Director’s decisions are final.
24. All free kicks are indirect kicks, which means a team cannot score off a direct shot. This includes goal kicks, kickoffs and kick-ins. Kickoffs can go backwards.
25. Defensive walls must remain 3 yards from the ball.
26. Division standings are determined by the scoring system outlined below. In the case of a tie at the completion of divisional play, the following tie-breakers shall be instituted: