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Cinco De Mayo Tournament By-Laws
I. Conduct/Sportsmanship
A. Good sportsmanship is essential throughout the tournament. Individuals or teams who demonstrate poor sportsmanship may be dropped from the tournament without refund.
B. Team managers are responsible for all team members and spectators. Obscene or abusive language by participants or spectators will not be tolerated and will be penalized accordingly. Team managers are expected to inform all participants of rules and policies prior to participation. The team manager also acts as the team captain. The captain is the representative of his/her team and may address officials on matters of interpretation or to obtain essential information in a courteous manner only, provided it does not disrupt the flow of the game.
C. . Yellow cards are given for minor acts of unsportsmanlike conduct and shall serve as a warning. Any participant receiving two (2) yellow cards in the same game shall automatically receive a red card and be ejected from the game. Red cards are given for more serious acts of unsportsmanlike conduct and will result in an immediate ejection and, at minimum, suspension from the next game. If a team receives four yellow cards in a game or 1 red card and two yellow cards the referee will have the ability to end the game if he/she feels it is unsafe. If there are two red cards in one game the game will be called automatically. If the game is stopped by the referee it will be recorded as a forfeit for the offending team.
D. Any player who is ejected for any reason will be automatically be suspended for the next game and potentially, dependent on the severity, be expelled from the tournament.
E. Fighting (physically striking, kicking, or attempting to strike or kick another player, spectators or staff) will not be tolerated. Players involved in a fight will be immediately ejected and will be expelled from the tournament.
II. Injuries
A. We (the Cinco De Mayo Tournament Soccer Committee) are not responsible for any injuries that occur while participating in the tournament.
B. All participants are encouraged to obtain a physical exam prior to participating in any physical activity. Additionally, participants are encouraged to maintain adequate health insurance while participating.
C. In the event an injury occurs during the tournament, please immediately notify the tournament officials so arrangements can be made to treat the injury and to complete an injury report. If needed, staff members can call for an ambulance.
III. Eligibility
A. All participants are required to present a valid identification card prior to the first game to validate registration. Individuals unable to do so will not be allowed to participate.
B. Any team unable to begin a game with the minimum number of players will forfeit the game (4 field players and goalie).
C. All players must be 18 years and older.
D. Players can only participate on one team per division.
IV. Team Rosters
A. The official game roster will consist of the members listed on the team roster as recorded prior to roster submission date. All rosters will be printed the night prior to the tournament, 1 May 2015.
B. Teams must have a minimum of seven (7) players on their roster and a maximum of twelve (12) players are permitted.
C. Only the players who have checked in are allowed to play during the game. If a player does not check-in before entering a game he/she will be immediately ejected from the game.
V. Players & Substitutions
A. A team shall be composed of seven (7) players on the field. Goalkeepers can be either male or female; the remaining six (6) field players shall consist of three (3) males and three (3) females. A team must have a minimum of five (5) players to start the game, including the keeper. Of the five players, two (2) must be females and two (2) must be males. No more than three (3) male players are allowed on the field at a time (excluding the keeper).
B. Substitutions may only occur in the following situations:
1. On a goal kick
2. On a corner kick
3. After a goal has been scored
4. Between periods
5. In the event of an injury (only the injured player)
6. When a player has been cautioned (only the cautioned player)
7. When the player has been ordered off the field for an equipment change (player needing equipment change is the only one who may be substituted for)
8. Throw-ins/Kick-ins
VI. Equipment
A. Illegal Equipment/Jewelry: Standard shin guards are allowed and recommended. However, Referees will not permit any player to wear equipment which in his/her judgment is dangerous or confusing to other players or is not appropriate. Illegal items include, but are not limited to:
1. A guard, cast or brace made of made of hard and unyielding leather, plaster, pliable (soft) plastic, metal, or any other hard material. Even if covered by soft padding, these items are not allowed when worn on the elbow, hand, finger, wrist, or forearm. Leg braces and knee braces must be covered with at least one half of an inch of slow recovery rubber or other similar padding so that no metal or hard edges are exposed.
2. Head decorations, headwear and jewelry, including earrings, wedding rings or bands, other rings, necklaces, bracelets, rubber bands, Lance Armstrong and other soft bracelets, metal barrettes, bandanas, baseball caps, and headgear with a bill or hard, unyielding outer surface.
3. Costumes are not allowed on the field of play.
4. Exception: Medical alert bracelets or necklaces may be worn if taped down. Also, a headband no wider than two (2) inches and made of non-abrasive, unadorned single-colored cloth, elastic, fiber, soft leather or rubber may be worn. Rubber/cloth elastic bands used to control hair may be worn.
5. Referees will not permit any player to participate if, in his/her judgment, items such as a player’s fingernails or hairstyle may constitute a safety concern.
B. Jerseys: Teams must wear the same colored jersey. Pennies will be provided by committee if necessary.
C. Shorts/Pants: Players may wear basketball or athletic type shorts/pants but shorts/pants must not have pockets, pouches, loops, belts, zippers, buckles, buttons, or snaps. Shorts may not be worn inside out.
D. Shoes: All players must wear shoes or cleats. Standard sneakers, molded one-piece rubber soled shoes or cleats and multi-turf shoes are permitted. Shoes which have any exposed metal are illegal.
E. Ball: Each team may provide their own soccer ball. The best ball will be used. If an agreement cannot be reached between the two teams, the official will decide which ball to use by either using the best ball or an tournament selected ball.
F. Mouth guards are recommended for all participants.
V. Length & Game Time
A. The clock will begin running at game time! Teams not present with the required minimum number of players ready to play five (5) minutes after start time will forfeit the game and it will not be played.
B. Games will consist of two (2), twenty (25) minute halves with clock running continuously. Time shall be extended to permit a penalty kick to be taken if needed.
C. Halftime will be three (3) minutes long.
D. No extra periods will be played during the first round. All games will end as a draw if the score is tied at the end of regulation. After the first round all games tied at the end of regulation will play one (1), ten (10) minute overtime period. After the overtime, penalty kicks will be used. The first period will have five (5) penalty kicks for each team. If the game is tied after that, teams will alternate penalty kicks until one (1) team
scores and the other does not. The scoring team will be declared the winner.
E. No time-outs will be granted. The clock will stop only for goals, penalty shots and at the official's discretion.
VI. Scoring
A. A goal is scored when the entire ball passes completely beyond the goal line‚ between the goal posts and under the crossbar provided it has not been deliberately thrown‚ carried or propelled by the hand or arm of a player from the attacking team.
B. A goal MAY be scored directly from a:
a. Kickoff
b. Direct free kick
c. Goal kick
d. Penalty kick
e. Corner kick
f. Drop ball
g. Goal keepers throw, punt or drop-kick
C. A goal MAY NOT be scored directly from a/an:
a. Indirect free kick
b. Throw-in
c. Free kick into a team’s own goal
D. The team that scores the most goals will be declared the winner. This is applicable in regular and extra time.
E. In the event of a tied score after regulation during the first round, the game will be recorded as a draw.
F. If the defending team deliberately stops or deflects the ball with hands or arms to stop a goal the player stopping the ball will receive an automatic red card, and:
a. The goal will be scored if the ball still goes in the goal.
b. A penalty kick will be awarded if the ball does not go in the goal and the foul occurs in the penalty area.
VII. Rules Governing Play
A. Fouls/misconduct rules to note:
1. A player who intentionally commits any of the following offenses shall be penalized by the award of a direct free kick to be taken by the opposing side from the place where the infraction occurred.
a. Sliding is strictly prohibited. Any form of sliding will be penalized.
c. Tripping an opponent.
d. Jumping at an opponent.
e. Violently or dangerously charging an opponent.
f. Charging opponent from behind.
g. Striking or trying to strike an opponent.
h. Holding opponent with hand or any part of arm.
i. Pushing opponent with hand or any part of arm or body.
j. Handling ball (carrying, striking or propelling ball with arm or hand):
1. This does not apply to goalkeeping within the penalty area.
2. Intention is a very important consideration in this case and should be taken into account by both referee and players.
2. Should a player of the defending side intentionally commit one of the above offenses within the penalty area, the opposing team will be awarded a penalty kick.
3. A player committing any of the five following offenses shall be penalized by the award of an indirect (free) kick to be taken by the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred.
a. Playing in a way considered dangerous by the referee (trying to kick ball while held by goalkeeper; e.g., high kicking).
b. Charging fairly (with shoulders) when the ball is not within playing distance of concerned players.
c. When not playing ball, intentionally obstructing opponent (e.g., running between him and ball or using body as obstruction to opponent).
d. Charging goalkeeper except when the goalie is holding the ball or has passed outside goal area.
e. When playing as goalkeeper taking more than six (6) seconds to release the ball so that it is played by another player; or, if in the opinion of the referee, the goalie is engaging in deliberate delay tactics. Note: After the goalie has obtained possession of the ball (at the discretion of the referee) once he releases the ball another player (either team) must touch the ball. If the player is from his own team the ball must leave the penalty area before the goalie can regain possession of the ball with his hands.
4. Cautioning or ejection results in the award of an indirect free kick to the opposing team, provided there was no previous foul to determine otherwise. A caution or an ejection may be employed by the referee, depending on the degree of seriousness of the following offense, at the direction of the referee (not obligated to give warning before ejection).
a. Unsportsmanlike conduct (public disagreement with referee, deliberate verbal tactics, abusive language, unnecessary delay, spitting, yelling at opponent, etc).
b. Repeated breaking of the rules of the game. (Official’s discretion)
c. Continuously fouling, simulating a foul or faking an injury (dirty play).
5. Slide Tackling is strictly prohibited. All slide tackles‚ or attempted slide tackles‚ shall be penalized as tackling‚ resulting in a direct kick from the spot of the foul‚ as well as carry with it a Yellow card. Slide tackles from behind are highly dangerous and will result in an AUTOMATIC RED CARD to the offender. However‚ goalies may slide toward an opponent in an attempt to block a shot provided the goalie does not lead with his feet. Goalies‚ who in the view of the referee‚ use excessive force or do not make an attempt to block a shot will be penalized‚ resulting in a penalty shot.
6. The advantage clause shall be used at the discretion of the referee. The referee should refrain from penalizing in cases where by doing so, the referee would be giving an advantage to the offending team.
7. Substitutions must be made male for male and female for female (exception: Goalie)
8. If a team begins the game with less than 7 members but members arrive late who can bring the team to its full complement, the additional player(s) may enter the game only as permitted by substitution rules and player eligibility.
9. Penalty Kicks must be taken by a player of the same gender as the person who was fouled.
10. There are no off-sides.
X. Protests
A. Protests based on the judgment calls of officials will not be accepted.
B. The officials and supervisors assigned to the game will make decisions regarding any rule interpretations not covered in these rules.
C. Supervisors can be used for rule clarification only and cannot overturn judgment calls made by officials.
A. Good sportsmanship is essential throughout the tournament. Individuals or teams who demonstrate poor sportsmanship may be dropped from the tournament without refund.
B. Team managers are responsible for all team members and spectators. Obscene or abusive language by participants or spectators will not be tolerated and will be penalized accordingly. Team managers are expected to inform all participants of rules and policies prior to participation. The team manager also acts as the team captain. The captain is the representative of his/her team and may address officials on matters of interpretation or to obtain essential information in a courteous manner only, provided it does not disrupt the flow of the game.
C. . Yellow cards are given for minor acts of unsportsmanlike conduct and shall serve as a warning. Any participant receiving two (2) yellow cards in the same game shall automatically receive a red card and be ejected from the game. Red cards are given for more serious acts of unsportsmanlike conduct and will result in an immediate ejection and, at minimum, suspension from the next game. If a team receives four yellow cards in a game or 1 red card and two yellow cards the referee will have the ability to end the game if he/she feels it is unsafe. If there are two red cards in one game the game will be called automatically. If the game is stopped by the referee it will be recorded as a forfeit for the offending team.
D. Any player who is ejected for any reason will be automatically be suspended for the next game and potentially, dependent on the severity, be expelled from the tournament.
E. Fighting (physically striking, kicking, or attempting to strike or kick another player, spectators or staff) will not be tolerated. Players involved in a fight will be immediately ejected and will be expelled from the tournament.
II. Injuries
A. We (the Cinco De Mayo Tournament Soccer Committee) are not responsible for any injuries that occur while participating in the tournament.
B. All participants are encouraged to obtain a physical exam prior to participating in any physical activity. Additionally, participants are encouraged to maintain adequate health insurance while participating.
C. In the event an injury occurs during the tournament, please immediately notify the tournament officials so arrangements can be made to treat the injury and to complete an injury report. If needed, staff members can call for an ambulance.
III. Eligibility
A. All participants are required to present a valid identification card prior to the first game to validate registration. Individuals unable to do so will not be allowed to participate.
B. Any team unable to begin a game with the minimum number of players will forfeit the game (4 field players and goalie).
C. All players must be 18 years and older.
D. Players can only participate on one team per division.
IV. Team Rosters
A. The official game roster will consist of the members listed on the team roster as recorded prior to roster submission date. All rosters will be printed the night prior to the tournament, 1 May 2015.
B. Teams must have a minimum of seven (7) players on their roster and a maximum of twelve (12) players are permitted.
C. Only the players who have checked in are allowed to play during the game. If a player does not check-in before entering a game he/she will be immediately ejected from the game.
V. Players & Substitutions
A. A team shall be composed of seven (7) players on the field. Goalkeepers can be either male or female; the remaining six (6) field players shall consist of three (3) males and three (3) females. A team must have a minimum of five (5) players to start the game, including the keeper. Of the five players, two (2) must be females and two (2) must be males. No more than three (3) male players are allowed on the field at a time (excluding the keeper).
B. Substitutions may only occur in the following situations:
1. On a goal kick
2. On a corner kick
3. After a goal has been scored
4. Between periods
5. In the event of an injury (only the injured player)
6. When a player has been cautioned (only the cautioned player)
7. When the player has been ordered off the field for an equipment change (player needing equipment change is the only one who may be substituted for)
8. Throw-ins/Kick-ins
VI. Equipment
A. Illegal Equipment/Jewelry: Standard shin guards are allowed and recommended. However, Referees will not permit any player to wear equipment which in his/her judgment is dangerous or confusing to other players or is not appropriate. Illegal items include, but are not limited to:
1. A guard, cast or brace made of made of hard and unyielding leather, plaster, pliable (soft) plastic, metal, or any other hard material. Even if covered by soft padding, these items are not allowed when worn on the elbow, hand, finger, wrist, or forearm. Leg braces and knee braces must be covered with at least one half of an inch of slow recovery rubber or other similar padding so that no metal or hard edges are exposed.
2. Head decorations, headwear and jewelry, including earrings, wedding rings or bands, other rings, necklaces, bracelets, rubber bands, Lance Armstrong and other soft bracelets, metal barrettes, bandanas, baseball caps, and headgear with a bill or hard, unyielding outer surface.
3. Costumes are not allowed on the field of play.
4. Exception: Medical alert bracelets or necklaces may be worn if taped down. Also, a headband no wider than two (2) inches and made of non-abrasive, unadorned single-colored cloth, elastic, fiber, soft leather or rubber may be worn. Rubber/cloth elastic bands used to control hair may be worn.
5. Referees will not permit any player to participate if, in his/her judgment, items such as a player’s fingernails or hairstyle may constitute a safety concern.
B. Jerseys: Teams must wear the same colored jersey. Pennies will be provided by committee if necessary.
C. Shorts/Pants: Players may wear basketball or athletic type shorts/pants but shorts/pants must not have pockets, pouches, loops, belts, zippers, buckles, buttons, or snaps. Shorts may not be worn inside out.
D. Shoes: All players must wear shoes or cleats. Standard sneakers, molded one-piece rubber soled shoes or cleats and multi-turf shoes are permitted. Shoes which have any exposed metal are illegal.
E. Ball: Each team may provide their own soccer ball. The best ball will be used. If an agreement cannot be reached between the two teams, the official will decide which ball to use by either using the best ball or an tournament selected ball.
F. Mouth guards are recommended for all participants.
V. Length & Game Time
A. The clock will begin running at game time! Teams not present with the required minimum number of players ready to play five (5) minutes after start time will forfeit the game and it will not be played.
B. Games will consist of two (2), twenty (25) minute halves with clock running continuously. Time shall be extended to permit a penalty kick to be taken if needed.
C. Halftime will be three (3) minutes long.
D. No extra periods will be played during the first round. All games will end as a draw if the score is tied at the end of regulation. After the first round all games tied at the end of regulation will play one (1), ten (10) minute overtime period. After the overtime, penalty kicks will be used. The first period will have five (5) penalty kicks for each team. If the game is tied after that, teams will alternate penalty kicks until one (1) team
scores and the other does not. The scoring team will be declared the winner.
E. No time-outs will be granted. The clock will stop only for goals, penalty shots and at the official's discretion.
VI. Scoring
A. A goal is scored when the entire ball passes completely beyond the goal line‚ between the goal posts and under the crossbar provided it has not been deliberately thrown‚ carried or propelled by the hand or arm of a player from the attacking team.
B. A goal MAY be scored directly from a:
a. Kickoff
b. Direct free kick
c. Goal kick
d. Penalty kick
e. Corner kick
f. Drop ball
g. Goal keepers throw, punt or drop-kick
C. A goal MAY NOT be scored directly from a/an:
a. Indirect free kick
b. Throw-in
c. Free kick into a team’s own goal
D. The team that scores the most goals will be declared the winner. This is applicable in regular and extra time.
E. In the event of a tied score after regulation during the first round, the game will be recorded as a draw.
F. If the defending team deliberately stops or deflects the ball with hands or arms to stop a goal the player stopping the ball will receive an automatic red card, and:
a. The goal will be scored if the ball still goes in the goal.
b. A penalty kick will be awarded if the ball does not go in the goal and the foul occurs in the penalty area.
VII. Rules Governing Play
A. Fouls/misconduct rules to note:
1. A player who intentionally commits any of the following offenses shall be penalized by the award of a direct free kick to be taken by the opposing side from the place where the infraction occurred.
a. Sliding is strictly prohibited. Any form of sliding will be penalized.
c. Tripping an opponent.
d. Jumping at an opponent.
e. Violently or dangerously charging an opponent.
f. Charging opponent from behind.
g. Striking or trying to strike an opponent.
h. Holding opponent with hand or any part of arm.
i. Pushing opponent with hand or any part of arm or body.
j. Handling ball (carrying, striking or propelling ball with arm or hand):
1. This does not apply to goalkeeping within the penalty area.
2. Intention is a very important consideration in this case and should be taken into account by both referee and players.
2. Should a player of the defending side intentionally commit one of the above offenses within the penalty area, the opposing team will be awarded a penalty kick.
3. A player committing any of the five following offenses shall be penalized by the award of an indirect (free) kick to be taken by the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred.
a. Playing in a way considered dangerous by the referee (trying to kick ball while held by goalkeeper; e.g., high kicking).
b. Charging fairly (with shoulders) when the ball is not within playing distance of concerned players.
c. When not playing ball, intentionally obstructing opponent (e.g., running between him and ball or using body as obstruction to opponent).
d. Charging goalkeeper except when the goalie is holding the ball or has passed outside goal area.
e. When playing as goalkeeper taking more than six (6) seconds to release the ball so that it is played by another player; or, if in the opinion of the referee, the goalie is engaging in deliberate delay tactics. Note: After the goalie has obtained possession of the ball (at the discretion of the referee) once he releases the ball another player (either team) must touch the ball. If the player is from his own team the ball must leave the penalty area before the goalie can regain possession of the ball with his hands.
4. Cautioning or ejection results in the award of an indirect free kick to the opposing team, provided there was no previous foul to determine otherwise. A caution or an ejection may be employed by the referee, depending on the degree of seriousness of the following offense, at the direction of the referee (not obligated to give warning before ejection).
a. Unsportsmanlike conduct (public disagreement with referee, deliberate verbal tactics, abusive language, unnecessary delay, spitting, yelling at opponent, etc).
b. Repeated breaking of the rules of the game. (Official’s discretion)
c. Continuously fouling, simulating a foul or faking an injury (dirty play).
5. Slide Tackling is strictly prohibited. All slide tackles‚ or attempted slide tackles‚ shall be penalized as tackling‚ resulting in a direct kick from the spot of the foul‚ as well as carry with it a Yellow card. Slide tackles from behind are highly dangerous and will result in an AUTOMATIC RED CARD to the offender. However‚ goalies may slide toward an opponent in an attempt to block a shot provided the goalie does not lead with his feet. Goalies‚ who in the view of the referee‚ use excessive force or do not make an attempt to block a shot will be penalized‚ resulting in a penalty shot.
6. The advantage clause shall be used at the discretion of the referee. The referee should refrain from penalizing in cases where by doing so, the referee would be giving an advantage to the offending team.
7. Substitutions must be made male for male and female for female (exception: Goalie)
8. If a team begins the game with less than 7 members but members arrive late who can bring the team to its full complement, the additional player(s) may enter the game only as permitted by substitution rules and player eligibility.
9. Penalty Kicks must be taken by a player of the same gender as the person who was fouled.
10. There are no off-sides.
X. Protests
A. Protests based on the judgment calls of officials will not be accepted.
B. The officials and supervisors assigned to the game will make decisions regarding any rule interpretations not covered in these rules.
C. Supervisors can be used for rule clarification only and cannot overturn judgment calls made by officials.