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USA CUP Qualifier Utah Tournament Rules
August 1-3, 2024
The USA CUP Qualifier Utah will be played under FIFA Laws and Regulations in effect January 1, 2024 with the following
modifications:
I. TOURNAMENT FEES
• Please refer to the tournament website for tournament fees.
• Teams that drop from the tournament will not be refunded their team application fee.
II. TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS
RSL Training Academy and Facility
14787 Academy Pkwy
Herriman, UT 84096
Contact: Clinton LaBeau, 763-785-3679, clabeau@nscsports.org
III. FINAL TEAM CHECK-IN
• All teams must check in 90 minutes before the team’s first game or earlier with Tournament Headquarter staff.
• A team representative may check in the team. Players do not need to attend Final Team check-in.
• All teams must use physical player passes, a coach pass must also be presented at check-in.
• Laminated valid US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, USSSA or AYSO players passes, Canadian booklets or
passports/international player passes (International Teams Only) are required.
• Arrange player passes/books/passports in alphabetical order to match roster.
• Bring any changes for previously submitted forms per team checklist.
• Do not bring player passes of players that are not participating in the tournament to Final Team Check-in.
• Your Official Tournament Roster will be frozen and no changes will be made to your roster for the remainder of the
tournament at Final Team Check-in.
• All teams must provide an official state/organization roster.
• Non-USSSA teams must provide proof of insurance.
• Non-Region 4 teams Soccer teams must provide permission travel.
IV. ELIGIBILITY
• The tournament is open to Intra-Club Tournament Teams, Inter-Club Tournament Teams, Recreational Plus, Classic, Premier
and Select Teams who are registered and in good standing with their FIFA affiliated association.
• Teams will be accepted on a first-come first-serve basis through the application deadline posted on the website, after the
deadline teams will be placed on a waiting list and duly notified of their acceptance.
• If an age group does not fill, teams registered will be given the opportunity to play up a category.
• FIFA International National Teams are not eligible.
• Age group offered are as follows
o Boys and Girls 10U Born on or after 01/01/15
o Boys and Girls 11U Born on or after 01/01/14
o Boys and Girls 12U Born on or after 01/01/13
o Boys and Girls 13U Born on or after 01/01/12
o Boys and Girls 14U Born on or after 01/01/11
o Boys and Girls 15U Born on or after 01/01/10
o Boys and Girls 16U Born on or after 01/01/09
o Boys and Girls 17U Born on or after 01/01/08
o Boys and Girls 19U Born on or after 01/01/06
V. GAME FORMAT
• 10U–7v7 Competitive
o Maximum number of 7 players on the field: 6 field players and a goalie. Must have a minimum of 4 players to start.
o Will play a minimum of 3 games
o Age-appropriate fields will be used.
o One referee per game.
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o Offside is in effect.
o All free-kicks will be played like older age groups, including direct free-kicks and penalty kicks.
• 11U–12U – 9v9
o Maximum number of 9 players on the field: 8 field players and a goalie Must have a minimum of 5 players to start.
o Will play a minimum of 3 games
o Age-appropriate fields will be used.
o One referee per game. Three person referee crew for finals.
o Offsides is in effect.
• 12U–19U– 11v11
o Maximum number of 11 players on the field: 10 field players and a goalie.
o Will play a minimum of 3 games.
o Field size meets FIFA regulations.
o Goal size is 8 feet high and 24 feet wide.
o Three person referee crew per game.
o Offsides is in effect.
• The tournament will be conducted as one “open” flight. The tournament reserves the right to combine age groups
depending on the total number of teams in identified age divisions. Teams will be notified prior to the tournament if age
groups are to be combined. In addition, any age group may be flighted to help parity of competition if a group exceeds 8
teams.
• Minimum number of teams at any age/flight is 3.
VI. PLAYERS AND RESERVES
• 10U playing 7v7 may roster and dress up to 14 players
• 11U-12U playing 9v9 may roster and dress up to 16 players.
• 12U-14U playing 11v11 may roster and dress 18 players for games.
• 15U-19U playing 11v11 may roster 22 and dress 18 players for games.
• All players must meet the age requirements and be listed on the team roster with unique jersey numbers.
• Teams must have a minimum of 4 players (10U 7v7), 6 players, (11U-12U 9v9), 7 players (12U-19U 11v11) to begin a game.
• Girls may roster on boys’ teams; boys may not roster on the girls’ teams. Girls teams may play in boys’ divisions; boys teams
may not play in girls’ divisions.
• Shin guards must be worn by all players.
• Hard casts are not prohibited, but they must receive explicit approval from the referee before a player wearing such a cast
would be allowed to play in the game. All casts must have the approval of the Referee. It is not a given that soft casts will
be approved.
• Players may not double roster on two teams.
VII. PLAYER PASSES
• Approved player passes, signed and laminated or Canadian booklets are checked at final team check-in and by the officials
prior to the start of each game.
• Players must have player passes in order to play. No pass – no play policy.
• A physical coach pass must also be present in order for an adult to be on the sideline. No pass – no play policy
VIII. GUEST PLAYERS
• Teams may roster up to 6 guest players.
• Guest players may come from any FIFA or USSF affiliated club.
• A jersey must be provided to the guest player by the host team.
• If age eligible, players may play up or down.
• Players that are age eligible but registered with an adult player pass are not eligible to play.
• All players must provide a loan form to participate as part of the required forms.
• USYS players may NOT guest play on US Club Soccer teams. US Club Soccer players may NOT guest play on USYS teams.
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IX. SUBSTITUTION PROCEDURE
• All teams are allowed unlimited substitutions with their entire roster.
• 10U-12U Unlimited substitutions may be made at any stoppage with the consent of the referee.
• 13U-19U Unlimited substitutions may be made with the consent of the referee at the following times:
o Prior to a goal kick by either team.
o After a goal by either team.
o After an injury by either team when the referee stops play.
o At half-time.
o Prior to a throw-in. The team in possession of the ball for a throw-in may substitute. If the team in possession of
the ball chooses to substitute, the opposing team may also substitute at that time, provided they are ready and
waiting at the midfield line.
X. HOME TEAM JERSEY
• The first team listed in the schedule is the home team.
• The home team must have an alternate jersey and be prepared to change, if, in the opinion of the referee, there is a color
conflict.
• Team jerseys must match with unique numbers for each player as submitted on the Official Tournament Roster.
XI. TEAM BENCHES AND SPECTATORS
• Teams will sit on the same sideline. Spectators will sit on the opposite sideline, directly across
from their team. Spectators are not allowed on either end line or behind the goal.
XII. LENGTH OF GAME PER AGE GROUP MINUTES PER HALF
Age Group Classifications Non-finals Finals
Boys or Girls 10 25 25
Boys or Girls 11-12 25 30
Boys or Girls 13-19 35 40
XIII. SCHEDULES, RESULTS AND STANDINGS
• After every game the referee will complete a game card to report the score. The winning coach must verify both scores on
the game card after the game. Any scores that are marked incorrectly on the game card will affect the standings and
playoff standings. Game cards are collected by tournament runners and brought to Tournament Headquarters for
recording
• If the game is a tie, either coach may sign the game card to verify both scores.
• Scores are posted on the event web site.
XIV. OFFICIAL GAME BALL
• The home team shall provide the ball to start the game.
• If additional balls are needed, they may be provided by either team.
• 10U-12U teams use a size 4 ball.
• 13U-19U teams use a size 5 ball.
XV. PLACEMENT OF TEAMS AND SPECTATORS
• Teams and rostered coaches only will position themselves on the same side of the field.
• Coaching may only occur on the team’s half of the sideline from the centerline to within 30 yards of the end line.
• Spectators for both teams will be positioned on the opposite side of the field from the teams.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for supervision of their children at all times.
o In the event that a child is lost, immediately notify any volunteer with a radio who will notify the police.
o Found children will be brought to Tournament Headquarters to be reunited with parents/guardians.
XVI. REFEREE SYSTEM
• The diagonal system of control is used with certified referees.
• Referees must be currently registered with USSF; international referees must be certified by their National association.
• Referees are assigned for all matches; however, 11U-19U teams should be prepared to provide a Club linesperson, if
necessary.
• A Club linesperson may only determine balls out of play.
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XVII. FACILITY
• RAC prohibits the use of drugs and alcohol at complex. Players in violation will be ejected from the tournament.
• There will be no pre-game warm-up on the field. Plan your pre-game warm-up in an adjoining area or on the sideline.
• USA CUP Qualifier Utah is committed to promoting an environment that is free from harassment and violence in any form;
verbal or physical intimidation; vandalism; drug, alcohol or tobacco use; gambling and inappropriate language. These
policies apply to all players, coaches, referees and spectators.
• RAC prohibits the following items:
o Off-leash pets – ALL pets must stay on leash;
o Bikes, inline skates, skateboards, scooters, etc. on the fields;
o Fireworks or open flame within the complex except by authorized concessionaires;
o Smoking;
o Overnight parking or camping – no vehicles, RV’s, or trailers parked in the complex. The gates will be locked 30
minutes after the last game;
o Littering or dumping;
o Alcohol, except as allowed by City permit.
o Glass on fields
• For more information regrading facilities policies, refer to https://www.slc.gov/parks/regional-athletic-complex/regional-
athletic-complex-rules-and-regulations/
XVIII. UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOR
• Unsportsmanlike behavior is not tolerated on or off the field.
• Know and understand the laws of the game. Educate players on the technical/tactical/physical demands of the game.
• Zero tolerance for fighting or heckling. Persons exhibiting these behaviors will be asked to leave the premises.
• Zero tolerance for verbal or physical acts of discrimination by players, coaches, other match officials or spectators.
• Be a positive role model. Set the standard for sportsmanship with the opponents, referees and spectators.
• Encourage moral and social responsibility.
• Encourage players to have fun and to keep a positive attitude about winning and losing.
• Show pride and support for your club, state and country, but be respectful of other nation’s customs and traditions.
• Any player, coach spectator or participant who is ejected from a game or participates in any misconduct will be contacted
by tournament headquarters at a minimum and the local authorities will be called if necessary. Misconduct by any of the
above listed may result in a warning, game forfeit, tournament disqualification or other action if necessary.
XX. RED CARDS
• Red cards will be administered as per FIFA laws of the game.
o A player/coach sent off for a second caution or red card will not be allowed to play for the remainder of that game
and the next game. The player may remain in the bench area, but not in team uniform, unless specifically asked to
leave for further intolerable behavior.
o A coach dismissed from the game will not be allowed to be on the team’s bench for the remainder of that game
and the next game. A coach who is removed from a game must leave that area of the field. The area of the field
includes but is not limited to the bench and spectator areas.
o If a coach is out of control, a referee may request the coach to leave before a game continues. If a coach is asked
to leave a game, the referee will retain the member’s pass and will send it to tournament headquarters along with
the appropriate game report.
o Violent Conduct by a player of coach may result in more than a one game suspension by tournament committee
decision.
o If a player receives a red card, the player pass will be retained by the referee and forwarded to headquarters.
o After the suspension is served, the coach may pick up the pass in headquarters.
• Player passes for un-served red cards from players eliminated from the event will be returned to the coach at the coach’s
request.
XXI. PROTESTS
• No protests will be heard on any judgment calls by the referee. All decisions by the referee are final.
• Protests on player eligibility and other technical matters may be made in writing and submitted to headquarters within one
hour of the conclusion of the match.
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• Express concerns regarding violations prior to the start of the game or at the time the incident occurs.
• If you have a problem regarding the rules or procedures at your game, take the following steps:
o Notify the referee immediately so that a correction can be made.
o If the situation is not resolved, notify the field manager and a tournament official will respond.
XXII. SCHEDULING
• Teams will be divided into groups of 3, 4 or 5 for round robin play.
• All games do count in the group standings for determining play-off placement
• If there are an insufficient number of teams in a group/flight, the tournament reserves the right to combine age groups or
flights. When this occurs, teams will be notified.
• Forfeits: The tournament will make every effort to avoid a forfeit. A forfeit may only be decided by Tournament
Headquarters. The tournament philosophy is to put its effort into playing tournament games rather than declaring forfeits.
In general a forfeit will be called if a team consisting of at least 7 players has not arrived at the field within 1 hour of the
start time. The tournament staff reserves the right to determine whether or not a team who forfeits during group play will
advance to the playoffs regardless of the standings.
XXIII. WORLD CUP GROUP RANKING
• No overtime will be played during group competition.
• Teams will be awarded three points for a win and one point for a tie.
• A forfeit score will be recorded as a 3-0 victory.
• The winning coach must sign the game card after verifying both scores. Any scores that are marked incorrectly on the game
card will affect the standings.
• Following preliminary rounds, criteria in order of importance will determine placement for the play-off brackets:
o Greater number of points. Each team receives 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0 points for a loss.
o Head to head record. (This will not be considered if three or more teams are tied)
o Goal difference. Subtract total goals allowed from total goals scored.
Please note: The maximum recorded “goal difference” in any one game shall be 7.
o Least number of goals allowed.
o Earliest application date.
XXIV. ADVANCEMENT PROCEDURES 10U Comp-19U
• In a group of 4 the top 2 teams will advance to the championship game. In a group of 5 the champion will be determined by
points. In groups of 6 or 7 teams will play two games within their own group, the top two teams from each group will play a
semi-final, and championship, the teams that finish in 3
rd
place in each group will play a consolation game. In a group of 8
the top team from each world cup group will advance to a championship game. In groups of 10, the top team from each
group, as well as a wildcard from the flight will play a semifinal and championship. In groups of 12, teams will play two
games within their own group, the top teams from each group will play a semi-final, and championship, the remaining
teams will play a consolation a game. In groups of 14 or 16 the top team from each group will play a semifinal and final.
In a group of 3, teams will play a round robin, and then a semi-final and final game.
• Overtime for playoff competition, including finals, a maximum of two 5-minute overtime periods will be played.
o If a team is in the lead at the end of two 5-minute overtime periods, then that team will be declared the winner.
o If the game is still tied at the end of the second overtime period, the FIFA tie-breaking procedure of kicks from the
penalty mark will be used to determine who advances.
o Players may be taken to a designated area where a referee crew will control, monitor and officiate the series of
kicks from the penalty mark.
o Only those players on the field at the end of the overtime period may participate in the taking of the kicks from the
penalty mark.
• If at any point a team chooses not to continue, USA CUP Qualifier Utah reserves the right to move other teams forward into
its position, even if that other team has already lost. Teams who choose not to continue may not be invited to participate
in USA CUP Qualifier Utah in the future.
XXV. AWARDS
• Individual medals and a team trophy will be awarded to the 1st and 2nd place teams.
• Awards can be picked up at tournament headquarters.
XXVI. WEATHER PROVISIONS
• The USA CUP Qualifier Utah will follow US Soccer weather guidelines.
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• Severe weather is a possibility. All weather decisions are the sole decision of the tournament committee and are based on
the Earth Networks storm tracking system
• If weather or the condition of fields makes it impossible to carry out the tournament to its full extent, the tournament
committee will make the necessary decisions concerning the rearrangement or cancellation of games for any reason. Every
effort is made to play all games in their entirety. Fees are non-refundable, if games or the tournament are cancelled for
any reason.
The tournament committee has the right to:
• Institute water breaks, if the heat index is high. This is not a coaching break; players must remain on the field.
• Shorten the length of games.
• Suspend games due to lightning or tornado warning.
o A game may be suspended by the tournament committee without being cancelled or considered complete if in the
second half of play. If the decision to terminate a game is made, and, if one half of the game has been played
before termination for weather conditions, the game stands as a completed match.
o If it is necessary to suspend games due to lightning, suspension and “all clear” announcements will be made over
the radios to the field managers. Information will also be posted on the website.
o When games are suspended due to lightning, coaches and players are instructed to proceed to the nearest safe
location: team buses, cars, or the buildings on the RRPMC campus. Teams should not be on the playing fields, in
tents or shelters during game suspension due to lightning.
o When games are suspended due to tornado warning, coaches and players are instructed to proceed to tornado
safe location.
o Coaches are requested to stay with their teams. A team representative may come to tournament headquarters to
await updates. Tournament HQ will be abandoned during a tornado warning so coaches are requested to stay
with their team in tornado safe location.
o Coaches/players should stay in a safe location until they see field managers return to their posts with radios.
o Coaches and referees should then proceed to their respective field manager to receive instructions on resuming
games.
XXVII. INJURIES
• Coaches are considered guardians for underage participants when the parents are unavailable, and for all players regardless
of age, when impairment of mental status renders the player incapable of making an informed decision. As such, they have
a responsibility to make decisions in the best interest of the health and safety of the player.
• A coach’s decision to allow a participant to play, contrary to the recommendation of the medical staff, may leave the coach
open to legal liability.
• If the coach is under the legal age, the team is required to have an official representative of legal age at the field who will
serve as the legal guardian.
• Coaches are responsible for having emergency medical information for all players in their possession at all games.
• Referees are responsible for summoning the coach and first aid personnel onto the field, in the event of an injury.
o The injured player will first be evaluated on the field by first aid staff.
o If further evaluation is warranted, the injured player will be moved to the sideline when medically safe, according
to emergency medical protocol.
• Concussions: Utah State Law requires that a child suspected of having sustained a concussion be removed from sporting
events and prohibited from returning to play until that child has been evaluated by an appropriate health care provider
