SOUTH DAKOTA STATE CUP 2010 RULES
Revised 3-27-09

ADMINISTRATION

Section 1. The entire administration of this competition is vested under the 1^st V.P. and competitive committee with the guidance of the Board of Directors. Any matters not provided for in this policy shall be decided by the competitive committee with the guidance of the Board of Directors, and its decisions are final.

Section 2. There shall be a South Dakota State Cup Committee appointed by the 1^st V.P. The committee should consist of the Referee assignor for the tournament, LOC Chair, members of the competitive committee and a member at large as chosen by the 1^st V.P. The Committee is responsible for the entire administration of the Championship competition.

TEAM ELIGIBILITY

Section 1. The South Dakota State Cup shall be open to any team whose players are registered with US Youth Soccer through South Dakota State Soccer Association if the team is in compliance with all of the following requirements:

1. The team must be comprised of properly registered and rostered youth players (as defined by US Youth Soccer).
2. The team must be in good standing with South Dakota State Soccer Association and must be in compliance with, and has not violated, any of the bylaws and policies of US Youth Soccer.
3. The team must be entered in the competition of the State Association in which at least 50 percent of its players are registered.

Section 2. Every team participating in the South Dakota State Cup shall have a team roster and will present a game roster for every match or competition.

1. Team Roster - The team roster shall be approved by South Dakota State Soccer Association. For U13 through U15 teams, the team roster shall not have more than 18 youth players on the team roster at any given time during the seasonal year. For U16 through U19 teams, the roster may have up to 22 youth players on the team roster at any given time during the seasonal year. Every team roster shall have a minimum of 7 players on the roster at all times. If a team goes over the allowed number of players, the team will not be eligible to compete.
2. Game Roster –
1. For U16 through U19 teams –

a. Which have more then 18 players South Dakota State Soccer Association will make five (5) copies of the team roster. These will be considered the game rosters. No later then sixty (60) minutes prior to each scheduled game the team will submit the game roster prepared by the team to the State Cup Committee at the tournament tent. The game roster shall have a maximum of 18 players designated to play and the players that will not be playing must be lined out on the roster. The team will be required to surrender the passes of players not playing to the Committee. They can pick up the passes after the completion of the game.

b. The pool rostered players that are NOT selected may remain in the bench area but may not wear the match jersey, socks of the same color and shinguards. The alternate team jersey may be worn by these players in the bench area.

2. For U13 through U15 teams the team roster used at check-in will be the game roster will all games.

Section 3. A team shall forfeit each game of the team in which –

1. An non-rostered player was with the team at the game in a uniform; or
2. A player was improperly entered on the team’s roster.

Section 4. It shall be the responsibility of the South Dakota State Soccer Office and the State Registrar to certify the eligibility of competing teams and to provide the teams with a copy of this policy.

Section 5. The team must name its team roster for the South Dakota State Cup no later than May 1^st, 2009.

Section 6. The team may compete in only one South Dakota State Cup competition during the seasonal year.

Section 7. A player may play for only one team in State Cup competitions in any seasonal year. If a player is named to the roster of a team under sections 6 and 7, the player may not be on the roster of any other team for State Cup competitions for that seasonal year. If a team is found to have a player that was rostered to a previous team, the team will not be eligible to compete.

FORFEITS FOR FAILURE TO COMPETE

Section 1. Any team intending to forfeit must give notice of its intention to forfeit to the South Dakota State Cup Committee and must give the notice twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled game. The notice shall include the reason for the forfeit.

Section 2. Forfeits and failure to compete by a team shall be a matter of review by the State Cup Committee that shall have the authority to take action against the team or club with Board of Directors approval.

Section 3. Any team or club failing to give notice of intention to forfeit may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, have additional penalties in the form of a fine that may be levied against the team and/or club.

Section 4. A minimum of seven players constitutes a team. A ten (10) minute grace period shall be extended beyond the scheduled kick off time if seven players are not available at the scheduled kick off time. A team of seven players must start the game as soon as seven players are at the field after the originally scheduled kick off time. If at the end of the ten (10) minute grace period the team does not have seven players, the referee shall suspend the game and report the failure of the team to appear to the South Dakota State Cup Committee. The Committee reserves the right to declare a forfeit.

Section 5. Any team that forfeits a game will not be allowed to advance out of their group to the semi-finals or championship game. In the event of a forfeit, the games that the forfeiting team played in will not be counted in the points for any of the teams they play. Teams in their bracket will only count the points from the games against the other teams in their bracket or crossed over against.

FORFEITS GENERALLY

At the discretion of the Board of Directors or its designee, any team proven guilty of violating this policy or of any other requirement of South Dakota State Soccer Association shall be subject to sanctions including, up to forfeiture of all games and the preceding competition and fines and suspensions.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

Section 1. A player must be properly registered and rostered in accordance with the rules of US Youth Soccer and South Dakota State Soccer Association.

Section 2. A player may play for only one team in South Dakota State Cup competitions in any seasonal year.

Section 3. A player who has been suspended may play after the player’s term of suspension has expired.

Section 4. A player may not play for a team in a South Dakota State Cup competition unless the

player was named to the team’s roster for State Cup competition.

Section 5. Alcohol and Illegal Drugs - Players in State Cup Competition are prohibited from consuming alcohol or using illegal drugs. Players are also prohibited from using any form of tobacco at the playing site of State Cup Competition. Penalty for violation by player participants is disqualification from the State Cup competition.

TEAM AND PLAYER BREACHES OF RULES

Section 1. It is the responsibility of the South Dakota State Cup Committee to investigate a properly protested violation following its receipt. Failure to cooperate with that investigation shall result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension.

Section 2. Any team found guilty of using an ineligible player is not eligible to compete further in the South Dakota State Cup competition in the current seasonal year. Any coach, manager, or official found guilty of knowingly using an ineligible player is not eligible to compete further in the South Dakota State Cup competitions in the current and subsequent seasonal year. A player found guilty of submitting falsified birth information is prohibited from competing further in South Dakota State Cup competitions in the current and subsequent seasonal year.

Section 3. A player who is sent-off from any championship game is at least prohibited from participating in the next championship game played by the player’s team. Depending on the send-off the South Dakota State Cup Committee may determine that the player will receive more than a one-game suspension. Any send-off in the last game of the South Dakota State Cup will carry over to the Regional competition if the team wins the championship or will carry over to next year’s State Cup if the team is eliminated. Any player sent-off must report immediately following their game with their coach to the tournament tent to find out their suspension.

Section 4. Coaches and other team officials shall be subject to all rules pertaining to misconduct contained in this policy, including cautions, ejections, and standard suspension. Any other individuals who may be reasonably construed as being associated with a team, such as relatives and spectators, are also subject to the jurisdiction and authority of South Dakota State Soccer Association. Any coach or team official shall be held responsible for the actions of any individual at any game that, in the opinion of the referee, is a supporter of that team. Any coach or team official sent off must report immediately following their game to the tournament tent to find out their suspension.

PROTESTS AND APPEALS

Section 1. All questions relating to the qualifications of competitors, to interpretation of the rules, or any dispute or protest concerning the South Dakota State Cup competition, shall be referred to the South Dakota State Cup Committee regarding games at the state level.

Section 2. Eligible and Type –

1. To be valid and eligible for consideration, each protest —
1. Must be orally lodged with the referee and with the opposing coach at the game site before entering the field of play or leaving the game site, except as provided in

subsection (b) of this section; and

2. Must be filed with the South Dakota State Cup Committee within 1 hours after the completion of the game being protested, accompanied by –

a. A fee of $100.00;

b. 3 written copies of the protest, which must include full particulars of the grounds on which the protest is lodged; and

c. 3 written copies of any information to be presented by witnesses.

2. Any protest relating to the grounds, goal posts, bars, or other appurtenances of the game shall be entertained only if a written objection has been lodged with the referee and the opposing coach prior to the start of the game.
3. Any protest relating to a judgment call of a referee or assistant referee will not be considered.
4. The Chairperson of the committee with which the protest is properly lodged shall immediately on receipt of the protest notify the team against which the protest is made and shall send a copy of the protest and all particulars to that team, which will then have the right to defend its case, with or without witnesses.

Section 3. Appeal –

1. An appeal of a decision regarding a protest may be appealed as provided by US Youth Soccer Bylaw 703. Any such appeal must be filed within 2 hours of receiving the decision of the South Dakota State Cup Committee, with the Chairperson of that Committee who shall immediately notify the Chairman of the National Championships Committee; or
2. Each appeal filed under subsection (a) of this section must be accompanied by -

1. a fee in an amount determined by the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors; and

2. 5 written copies of the appeal.

Section 4. Any party to a protest or appeal shall be accorded the right to be assisted in the presentation of the party’s case at the protest or appeal proceeding.

Section 5. A plea of ignorance to the rules and regulations of the South Dakota State Cup is not sufficient grounds for a protest or appeal. Violators may expect appropriate action by South Dakota State Soccer Association.

Section 6. Decisions made on protests and appeals by the South Dakota State Cup Committee are binding and allow that competition to proceed.

PASSES AND ROSTERS

Section 1. At the South Dakota State Cup competition, each player and team official listed on a team roster must carry the US Youth Soccer member pass. The US Youth Soccer member pass must carry a current photograph of the player or team official, as the case may be, and be signed by that player or team official and the State Registrar or State Board member.

Section 2. Each player at South Dakota State Cup competition must be listed on the South Dakota State Soccer Association Team Roster. All information listed on the Team Rosters, US Youth Soccer Player Passes and Medical Release may be verified by the appropriate official of the South Dakota State Soccer Association at any time during the competition.

Section 3. Game Check-in –

1. The US Youth Soccer member passes must be checked prior to each game.
2. Each player shall have a number on the player’s jersey. The number shall be affixed to the back of the jersey and shall be clearly visible. Each player on a team must wear a number different from the number of every other player on the team. Numbered jerseys for goalkeepers are required.
3. Goalkeepers must wear colors that distinguish them from other players and game officials.

Section 4. All teams will check in when arriving at the tournament to turn in all forms to include Blue Rosters for their “pool” play games. These forms must be turned in the the South Dakota State Cup committee or its designee at the Tournament Tent. Teams advancing to the Semi-final or Championship must turn in a Blue Roster Form prior to Semi-final game to the South Dakota State Cup Committee or its designee at the Tournament Tent. Teams playing in the Championship Game must come to the Tournament Tent one-hour prior to the game and the players and team officials of each team must sign the Blue Roster Form in the presence of the South Dakota State Cup Committee or its designee.

PLAYING RULES

Section 1. The playing rules of the South Dakota State Cup competition shall conform to the FIFA “Laws of the Game”.

Section 2. The home team will be responsible for wearing an alternate color jersey, if necessary, as determined by the referee. The team listed first in all rounds shall be the home team. Teams use the side of the field with team benches (when available) and spectators shall use the opposite side of the field.

Section 3. Bracketing -

1. 1-Team Bracket: Team is declared the winner.
2. 2-Team Bracket: The two teams will play a “best of three” series with the first team winning two games being declared the champion.
3. 3-Team Bracket: Each team will play round robin games with each of the other teams in the bracket. The two high point teams will advance to the championship game. High point team will be the home team for the Championship.
4. 4-Team Bracket: (one four-team bracket): Bracket play is round robin games with each of the other teams in the bracket. The two high point teams advance to the Championship match. The championship game will be a re-match and a semifinal or consolation game will not be played. High point team will be the home team for the Championship.
5. 5-Team Brackets (one five-team bracket): Bracket play is round robin games with each of the other teams in the bracket (each team gets four games). The two high point teams advance to the Championship match. The championship game will be a re-match and a semifinal or consolation game will not be played. High point team will be the home team for the Championship.
6. 6-Team Brackets (two three-team brackets): Bracket play is round robin games with each of the other teams in the bracket. The semifinal will match high point teams in each bracket versus second high team in other bracket. No consolation game will be played. The 1^st and 2^nd high point teams will the home teams for the semifinals. The winners of the semifinal games will then play each other in a championship game. High point team will be the home team for the Championship.
7. 7-Team Brackets (one four-team and one three-team bracket): Bracket play is round robin games with each of the other teams in the bracket (the teams in the three-team bracket will get two round robin games, but two teams advance to semifinal). The semifinal will match high point teams in each bracket versus second high team in other bracket. The Format may result in matches that are a re-match in the Championship. No consolation game will be played. The 1^st and 2^nd high point teams will be the home teams for the semifinals. High point team will be the home team for the Championship.
8. 8-Team Brackets (two four-team brackets): Bracket play is round robin games with each of the other teams in the bracket. The semifinal will match high point teams in each bracket versus second high team in other bracket. The Format may result in matches that are a re-match in the Championship. No consolation game will be played. The 1^st and 2^nd high point teams will the home teams for the semifinals. High point team will be the home team for the Championship.

9. 9-Team Brackets (three three-team brackets): Bracket play is round robin games with each of the other teams in the bracket, teams will get two games during bracket play. The bracket winners and a wildcard from all the brackets advance to the semifinal. The semifinal will match 1^st high point team verses wildcard and 2^nd high point team verses 3^rd high point team. There can not be a re-match in the semifinal, if that happens, 2^nd high point team will play the wildcard. The Format may result in matches that are a re-match in the Championship. No consolation game will be played. The 1^st and 2^nd high point teams will the home teams for the semifinals. High point team will be the home team for the Championship.
10. 10-Team Brackets (one four-team and two three-team brackets): Bracket play is round robin games with each of the other teams in the bracket and the two three-team brackets will play a crossover game with a team from the other three-team bracket. The bracket winners and a wildcard from all the brackets advance to the semi final. The semifinal will match 1^st high point team verses wildcard and 2^nd high point team verses 3^rd high point team. There can not be a re-match in the semifinal, if that happens, 2^nd high point team will play the wildcard unless that also creates a re-match, if so the 3^rd high point team will play the wild card. The Format may result in matches that are a re-match in the Championship. No consolation game will be played. The 1^st and 2^nd high point teams will the home teams for the semifinals. High point team will be the home team for the Championship.

Section 4. Game Length and Overtime –

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the length of games, overtime play periods, ball size, ball circumference, and ball weight for each age group shall be as follows:

Age Group Game Length Overtime Play Size _ Circumference/Weight

Under 19 Two 45’ halves Two 15’ periods #5 27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.

Under 18 Two 45’ halves Two 15’ periods #5 27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.

Under 17 Two 45’ halves Two 15’ periods #5 27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.

Under 16 Two 40’ halves Two 15’ periods #5 27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.

Under 15 Two 40’ halves Two 15’ periods #5 27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.

Under 14 Two 35’ halves Two 10’ periods #5 27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.

Under 13 Two 35’ halves Two 10’ periods #5 27-28 in. 14-16 ozs.

2. If a game is tied at the end of regulation play and overtime periods are to be played to determine a winner, two complete overtime periods as provided in subsection (a) of this section will be played after the end of regulation play. If the game is still tied after the end of the two overtime periods, FIFA “Kicks from the Penalty Mark” rules will apply in order to determine the winner.

Section 5. At the South Dakota State Cup competition –

1. Substitution may occur on any stoppage of play with the approval of the referee.
2. Unlimited substitutions shall be allowed for U13 & U14 matches.
3. For U15 and above matches a maximum of 7 substitutions for each team shall be allowed in each game during each half of play and during overtime play. After leaving the game during a half of play, the substituted player may not re-enter the game during the same half of play. The same rule applies to the players during overtime play.

Section 6. At the South Dakota State Cup competition unfinished games due to any cause shall be replayed if neither team is at fault nor play has not begun in the second half. If play is stopped during the second half and play cannot be resumed and if neither team is at fault, the South Dakota State Cup Committee may deem the game complete. However, if play is stopped at any time due to one of the teams being adjudged to be at fault, it shall be at the discretion of the South Dakota State Cup Committee whether the game is to be replayed or declared a forfeit.

Section 7. Ball - All teams shall play each game with a ball that will be provided by South Dakota State Soccer Association.

Section 8. Dangerous Equipment - Hard Cast, Splints and Hard Knee Braces - Players will not be allowed to play with any type of hard cast. A hard cast is a cast that cannot be removed. Splints and braces of any type fall under the determination of the referee if it is safe. If allowing the splint or brace to be padded can make the equipment safe, then the player should be allowed to play. The referee has the final determination if any equipment is safe to play in or safe to the players on the field.

Section 9. Scoring Method and Bracket Winners - Bracket winners will be determined by the following point system: Maximum points per game are 3 (three).

Win ----------- 3 (three) points

Tie ------------ 1 (one) point

Loss ---------- 0 (zero) points

Section 10. Tiebreakers - If at the conclusion of bracket play, two or more teams have the same point total, advancement to the semi-finals or championship will be determined using the following tiebreakers in the order listed until a team is eliminated. Once a team is eliminated, advancement among the remaining teams shall again be determined by the tiebreakers in the order listed starting with head to head competition.

1. Winner of Head to Head (this criteria not used if more than two teams tied).
2. Winner of Most Games.
3. Goal Spread (goals scored minus goals against) with a maximum of three goals per game.

Example: Game score of 6-1 would be scored as 4-1 for Goal Spread

4. Fewest goals allowed.
5. Most goals scored up to maximum of three goals per game.

Example: Game score of 6-1 your “goals for” would be 3

6. Kicks from the penalty mark.

Section 11. If more than two teams are tied, the above tie breakers will be applied until the position of one team is determined. The application of the tie breakers will then be restarted in the same manner to determine the position of the remaining teams.