1) General

FIFA rules of play will apply unless modified by the Lititz Summer Showcase Tournament Committee (LSSTC). The LSSTC reserves the right to modify the Tournament format and the Tournament rules as necessary for the fair and orderly conduct of the Tournament, specifically the following:

-Lititz Youth Soccer Club is not responsible for any expenses incurred by any club or team in

the event the Tournament is cancelled in whole or part (see rule 13).

-Relocate or reschedule a match.

-Reduce the length of a match.

-Cancel preliminary matches that have no impact on a flight winner.

2) Eligibility/Registration

The Lititz Summer Showcase is an EPYSA and US Club Soccer approved tournament. Each participating team must be affiliated with the USSF, either USYSA or US Club Soccer, and must possess a state approved roster or US Club Soccer roster.

Accepted teams must check in at the tournament headquarters with the following:

-state approved rosters

-players passes

-medical release forms

-permission to travel forms for out of state teams.

Tournament Headquarters is located in the Warwick Middle School Cafeteria, 401 West Maple Street, Lititz, PA 17543. Contact person, Mike Logan 717-286-4588.

FOREIGN TEAMS – For a team coming from a CONCACAF nation:

1. Players must present passports at registration or, if from a nation that the United States does not require a passport, proof of entry into the United States that is required by the United States.

2. Teams are required to have and present player picture identification cards.

3. Tournament rules must require that the team have a completed form from its Provincial or National Association approving the team’s participation in the tournament.

All teams will also complete a Tournament Roster form containing player's name and uniform number. This roster will be submitted at registration. Referees and/or Tournament Officials may and will examine player passes and the Tournament roster prior to, during, or after any match.

Teams may register with their team with their 2009/10 rosters and passes which are good until September 1. If a team wants to play with their 2010/11 team, they can do so by using their 2009/10 roster and passes and requesting to play up.

3) Teams

The home team is listed first on the schedule. In the event of conflicting team colors, the home team will change. Any team that cannot change (for any reason) will forfeit the match.

Coaches and players from both teams will share the same side of the field, on opposite sides of the midfield line. The home team will choose which side of the midfield to locate. Only authorized team members, coaches, trainers and tournament staff are allowed in the team area during matches. All personnel must remain between the 18-yard lines. No coaching is allowed from within the 18-yard lines. All spectators will take up a position on the opposite side of the field during the time that the match is in progress. Spectators are not allowed in the player areas or behind goals. Only the site coordinator or Tournament Director may waive this rule.

Each team must check in with the field coordinator at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of each scheduled match for verification of team player passes and for any scheduling changes or delays.

Any team that cannot field seven (7) players within ten (10) minutes after the scheduled start of a match will forfeit the match.

4) Conduct and Discipline, Yellow/Red Cards

The Tournament Committee will report any disciplinary action to the State or Federation that the offending teams and/or coaches belong to.

Any coach or player receiving a red card (including 2 yellows = red) will be ineligible for the next scheduled match. The LSSTC will review all red cards, which could result in the team, player or coach being expelled from the Tournament and or future tournaments. Any severe or gross misconduct will be reported to the State Association for review and, in addition see the bonus point reduction below.

No alcohol or tobacco products on or around the fields including all Warwick School District property.

5) Referees and Referee Abuse
All referees will be licensed by USSF and every attempt will be made to schedule a referee and (2) assistant referees. However, matches will still be played if only one referee is available. Any abuse (physical/verbal) of a referee prior, during or after a match may result in the team, player, coach, or team follower being expelled from the Tournament. It will also be turned over to the State Association and/or local authorities for action.

6) Roster Size (for male and female teams)

U15-19: 7 guests not to exceed 25 total players.

U11-U14: 5 guests not to exceed 20 total players.

U10: 5 guest players not to exceed 14 total players

7) Ball Size U10-U12: #4, U13-U19: #5

The tournament will supply FIFA approved game balls for matches. If a tournament supplied ball is not available, then the referee will secure a ball from one of the participating teams,

8) Forfeits

A forfeit will be recorded as a 2-0 win with the exception of rule #9.

Any team that forfeits a match will not be allowed to advance past the preliminary rounds of the Tournament unless there is advance written permission from the Tournament Director(s).

9) Suspended Match

Any preliminary match that is suspended by a referee or the tournament committee for inclement weather, where at least one half of play has been completed, shall stand with the score at the time of the suspension. The referee may only suspend the game that is in question above. They have absolutely no authority to suspend, terminate or reschedule future matches. The site coordinator or the Tournament Director(s) have the ultimate authority.

Any match that is suspended because a team decides to no longer play (for any reason) will result in a forfeit against that team. If the forfeiting team is ahead or the match is tied, the non-forfeiting team will be awarded a 2-0 win. If the non-forfeiting team is leading, that score will stand as the final score. Clarification - The score as a result of a suspended match (or forfeit) will be either 2-0 or the standing score; whichever best benefits the non-forfeiting team.

10) Game Duration-Clock Stoppage

All U11-U19 games are (2) 30 minute halves with running clock with a 5 minute half. U10 games are (2) 25 minute halves. Due to the intensity of the schedule, the referee will not stop the clock during the match for any reason without approval of the Tournament Director(s) or their designee. It is the responsibility of the referee to have the field coordinator check with the Tournament Director(s) for permission. Games halted by injury will not lose any more time than the half already in progress.

11) Match Format:  U11-U19 11 vs. 11, U10: 8 vs. 8

12) Determination of Advancement From Groups

Division winner will be determined by the total number of points they gather through the play of games as follows:

Accumulation of points:
Win=3 points

Tie=1 point

Loss=0 point

Tie Breakers (to advance into playoffs if match points create a tie)

Head to head (excluded for more than 2 teams). However, after head to head is thrown out if 3 or more teams are tied, we continue to use the criteria below to advance one team at a time until only two teams are left. Once there are two teams remaining and only one can advance we go back to the beginning of the tie-breaker process which is head to head to see which team advances.)

Team with most wins.

Least goals allowed.

Most goals scored not to exceed 3 total differential per game:(e.g.: 5-0 = 3 goals, 8-2 = 3 goals, 4-2 = 2 goals, 3-0 = 3 goals).

Shutouts

Penalty Kicks

Division Placement

Single Division of 4: Each team will play a three game round robin with 1st and 2nd place playing in a

final. 

Two Divisions of 4 at Equal Flight Levels: Each team will play three games within their group with

the two first place teams playing in the final.

Multiple  Divisions of 4 at Different Flight Levels: Each team will play three games with their

group with the first and second place teams playing in a final.

Division of 5: Each team will play a four game round robin with the 1st place team being

awarded the championship.

Two Divisions of Three: Each team within the group of 3 teams will play the three teams in the 

other group in the preliminary round.  Then the teams in each group with the most points will

meet in the final.

13) Overtime Games

Semi or Final games will have two (2) five minute overtime periods that will be played to their conclusion. Teams will exchange ends of the field after the first period and will be allowed a one (1) minute water break. If still tied, FIFA penalty kicks.

14) Tournament Cancellation Policy

LSSTC will refund a minimum of 50% of a team's entry fee if the tournament is cancelled for any

reason before the start of the tournament. The reason for cancellation might include, but is not limited

to, weather, excessive rain or drought, field condition, field usage or sponsoring organization

management decision.  Once a team is accepted refunds are not given if the team decides to not attend.

15) Schedules

No requests for schedule changes will be honored after the preliminary schedules are posted.

16) Protests

There are no protests. All decisions of the referee and/or LSSTC are final. If a dispute other than the decision of the referee on the field is brought to the Tournament Committee’s attention, the Director and/or Boys and/or Girls Coordinator will make final decisions.

17) Player Credentials, Uniforms and Equipment

Player passes are to be present and available at all matches as referees will check prior to each match. All uniform numbers must match the roster. All players must wear shin guards. Cast and braces are at the discretion of the referee.  Players may only play for one team during the tournament.

18) Modifications To Laws Of The Game

All FIFA Laws Of The Game Pertain with the following exceptions:

1. 1)Length of Games are: U10: (2) 25 minutes running clock halves with a 5 minute half time, U11-19: (2) 30 minute running clock halves with a 5 minute half time.
   

2)Roster Sizes: U15-19: 7 guests not to exceed 25 total players, U11-U14: 5 guests not to exceed 20 total players, U10: 5 guest players not to exceed 14 total players.

3)Substitutions:  By either team: after a goal, at half time, during a goal kick; by team in possession: during corner kick and during a throw in, one for one at an injury stoppage at the discretion of the referee, one for one at a caution stoppage at the discretion of the referee,

19) Heat Rule: In the event of extreme heat only the Tournament Director (or designee) may invoke the "heat rule" which allows free substitutions (both teams are allowed to substitute at the same time) during the match with the exception of the last five (5) minutes of the match. During the last 5 minutes (and any sudden death periods) normal substitution is permitted.

Revised 6/14/2010 with new years for 2010 season.

Revised 7/08/2010 with correction to number of guest players for U11 to U14 (website was correct; downloaded rules did not show 5 guests in one of two places).

Tournament Contact Person: Mike Logan-Tournament Director, 1010 Helen Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601, 717-393-2665