2026 South Florida Super Cup Rules
Team Eligibility
This tournament shall be open to all teams comprised of properly registered youth players with their US Soccer affiliated Organization in all age groups indicated on the tournament approval form, provided such team is in good standing with its youth organization or country, as necessary.
It shall be the responsibility of each member organization to certify the eligibility of its competing teams and to provide such teams with a certified copy of the roster, permission to travel, and proof of insurance.
Foreign teams must have written permission and verification from USSF and the team’s federation indicating authorization to participate in the tournament.
Player Eligibility
All teams must have current player passes or the appropriate US Soccer affiliate organization passes to participate. Passes must be verified, photo attached, and laminated.
BIRTH YEAR /CHART
- U9 FS Aug 1, 2018 – July 31, 2019
- U9 Aug 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018
- U10 Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017
- U11 Aug 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016
- U12 Aug 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015
- U13 Aug 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014
- U14 Aug 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013
- U15 Aug 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012
- U16 Aug 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011
- U17 Aug 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010
- U18 Aug 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009
- U19 Aug 1, 2007 – July 31, 2008
Pre-Game Procedures
Tournament officials shall conduct all credential checks:
In no event will a player be allowed to participate who has not been certified by the tournament credential’s committee.
A player who arrives late at the playing field after the pre-game procedure may enter the game once the game’s official(s) verify the player is eligible and with the permission of the referee.
Only at the pre-game procedure may a player be challenged by an opposing manager/coach.
Challenged player(s) will be noted by the referee on the game report and will be allowed to participate in the game (if said player has been certified as eligible by the tournament credentials committee). A challenged player does not constitute a game protest but may serve as a basis for protest should one be submitted. A late arriving player may be challenged at the time he is allowed to participate by the referee.
Each manager/coach or assistant must have a valid coach’s pass and be listed on the roster. If a manager or coach is ejected, an assistant may conduct the team. If the assistant is also ejected, or there is no assistant, the game will be forfeited. In no case will a team be allowed to participate without a properly registered coach or assistant.
Souvenir patches, flags, crests, etc., may be exchanged and group team pictures may be taken at this pre-game procedure or during the handshake after the game.
Laws of the Game
All games shall be according to FIFA “Laws of the Game,” except as modified below:
Competition sanctioned by this association shall abide by the “Laws of the Game,” along with any modifications or regulations of the association. Players ten (10) and under must play under the rules of the US Soccer Federation Development Player Program — Modified
Law 1: Field of Play
U8, and U10 must play under the auspices of US Soccer Federation according to the rules of Development Player Program.
Law 2: The Ball
U8, U9, U10, U11, U12 Size # 4 (25-26 in. – 11-13 oz.)
All others Size # 5 (27-28 in. – 14-16 oz.)
Law 3: Number of Players
U8-U10 Seven (7) per side (as modified per Development Player Program) – Non-Heading
U11-U12 Nine (9) per side
U12 and above Heading allowed
U13-U19 Eleven (11) per side per FIFA
Maximum Number of Players
U9-U10 (12) Players Max Per Team Roster
U11-U12 (16) Players Max Per Team Roster
U13-U19 (22) Players Max Per Team Roster (Only 18 eligible to dress per game)
Maximum Number of Guest Players
U9-U10 (3) Players Max Per Team Roster
U11-U12 (4) Players Max Per Team Roster
U13-U19 (5) Players Max Per Team Roster
Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions for all age groups.
International Substitution Rules
For all tournaments and games involving international teams (teams from outside the United States), the rules for the tournament or games must comply with the following substitution requirements: For matches involving players under 16 years of age, the number of substitutions allowed is as provided by the rules of the tournament or game; for all other matches, the number of substitutions is as agreed to prior to the match, and the referee is informed prior to the match of that number. The number agreed to can be as provided in the rules of the tournament or game.
Substitutions may be made only upon proper notification of the referee through the assistant referee, with the referee’s permission,
The substitute shall not enter the field of play until the player he is replacing has left, and then, only after receiving a signal from the referee.
Law 3: Number of Players
U13 and older Maximum Eleven (11)- Minimum Seven (7) per side per FIFA
U11 and U12 Maximum Nine (9)- Minimum Six (6) per side
U09 and U10 Maximum Seven (7)- Minimum Five (5) per side
U13 and Older Game Roster shall have a maximum of 18 players. Players not on the game roster are allowed to sit on the bench in the team’s opposite uniform or street clothes.
Law 4: Player Equipment
Player equipment shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Affiliate, and FIFA rules.
Additionally:
Screw in cleats is permitted; however, judgment as to their safety is at the discretion of the referee.
Orthopedic casts are not permitted. However, soft braces can be worn with written approval from a doctor, and judgment as to safety is at the discretion of the referee.
- Shin guards must comply with FIFA Law 4:
- Shin guards are covered entirely by the stockings.
- Shin guards are made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substances).
- Shin guards must PROVIDE A REASONABLE DEGREE OF PROTECTION.
- Shin guards are required for any event for the safety of the players.
A player may be removed from the game at any time if the referee determines that the player is using or is attempting to use a brace to injure another player.
Teams will wear uniforms of matching design and color with a minimum of six (6) inch numbers affixed to the back of the uniform shirt. No two players may have identical uniform numbers on the team roster or while both players are playing on the field at the same time.
In the event of similar team colors, the designated home team will be required to
change to a color accepted by the referee.
Teams dressed predominantly in colors of those associated with the referee uniforms
will be responsible for providing the referee and assistant referees with a jersey that is
distinctively different from the uniforms worn by either competing team.
The goalkeeper uniform colors must distinguish him/her from the other players, the
referee and the assistant referee.
Law 5: Referees
Referees are required to submit a completed, official game report to the site director containing any information relating to any game incidents involving players/coach, spectator misconduct, or injuries.
1. Referees will not be paid before any required post-game reports have been submitted.
2. In the event the assigned referees fail to appear and the assignor and/or site director fails to provide a replacement, the senior assigned assistant referee shall assume the duties and shall find an alternate assistant referee. The game will be played as scheduled and will be deemed official.
Law 6: Assistant Referees
Two (2) assistant referees will be assigned in the appropriate age group games. In the event the assigned assistant referees fail to appear, the referee must find suitable assistant referees. The game will be played as scheduled and will be deemed official.
Law 7: Duration of the Game
The duration of the game will be:
Age Group Regulation No overtime (Direct to Penalty Kicks)
(8, 10) 2 x 25 = 50
(11, 12) 2 x 30 = 60
(13 and up) 2 x 35 = 70
Law 8 – Law 17: No Change
Control of Sideline Conduct
Players, reserve players, manager, coaches, and fans are expected to conduct themselves within the letter and spirit of “The Laws of the Game”. The site director has the authority and the responsibility to remove any person(s) from the tournament for abuses of conduct, in addition to any specific disciplinary action brought about by any other authority. In addition to good manners, these rules will apply to this tournament:
1. The site director will designate one sideline to be for the sole use of the players listed on the game roster and two manager/coaches from each team, with one team occupying one side of the midfield and one team the other. While the game is in progress, the manager/coach(s) and the reserve players must remain on their respective benches and may not roam the sidelines.
2. The site director will designate the opposite sideline for the spectators.
3. Manager(s)/coach(s) will be responsible for the behavior of their fans and the referee will have the authority to warn, and ultimately send off, any coach whose fans behave in an abusive or disruptive manner.
Post-Game Procedures
As a mutual courtesy, both teams meet at the center circle and congratulate each other for a game well played.
1. Referees will return player passes to the Site Director along with a completed game report.
2. The coach/manager of each team will confirm score with the Site Director and collect passes after each game except for those participants sent off (if any).
3. The manager/coach of both teams will ensure their respective sideline areas are clean and that all trash is in containers.
Discipline
The tournament committee shall have a discipline committee of not less than three (3) members. The discipline committee will review and rule on all reports of unacceptable conduct by players, managers, coaches, referees, spectators, etc.
1. A player or manager/coach ejected will have an automatic minimum one (1) game suspension regardless of the cause of the ejection.
2. Depending on the severity of the unacceptable conduct, the discipline committee may recommend the suspension of up to the duration of the tournament with further disciplinary action by the appropriate state or national association. The discipline committee recommendations must be available to the affected parties no later than prior to their next scheduled game.
3. At the conclusion of the tournament, passes will be returned to the coach (even if a suspension has not been completed).
Determination of Group Winners
In group play, there will be no overtime games. Standings in a group will be determined by:
Game Points:
3 points for a Win
1 point for a Tie
0 points for a Loss
Tie Breakers:
Head-to-Head Competition
Goal Differential to a maximum of 4 per game
Goals scored to a maximum of 4 per game
Goals allowed to a maximum of 4 per game
Kicks from the penalty mark per FIFA rules
If Two (2) Teams Tie:
Game Points (3 for a win, 1 for a tie, 0 for a loss; if no clear winner)
All tie breakers as defined above
Mini game consisting of two periods in accordance with Law 7
Kicks from the penalty mark per FIFA rules
If Three (3) Or More Teams Tie in Points:
All Tie Breakers above (Head to Head will not be used)
Mini-games or kicks from the penalty mark per FIFA rules with a blind draw to determine which two teams play. Third team draws a “bye”. The winner then plays the team that had the “bye”.
The winner will advance.
If Four (4) Or More Teams Tie in Points:
A blind draw will determine which teams play each other and the winner’s advance.
Mini games or kicks from the penalty mark per FIFA rules
Determination Of Semi-Final and Final Game Winners
In the semi-final, if a clear winner is not decided after regulation time go directly to kicks from the penalty mark.
In the final, if a clear winner is not decided after regulation time, kicks from the penalty mark
Forfeits
A minimum of seven (7) players constitutes a team. Game should start at a given starting time. In case the team does not have seven (7) players present, it should be allowed a maximum of fifteen
(15) minutes grace period before awarding the game to the opponent. A forfeit will be scored 4-0. The same rule limit will apply for a referee or assistant referee not showing up at the required time. The tournament director or referee assignor will appoint another referee or assistant referee for the game.
U9-U10 of a minimum of 4 players and U11-U12 of a minimum of 6 players.
Performance Bond
A performance bond may be required of teams to guarantee participation. The host organization shall return any un-forfeited bonds immediately after the team’s final game.
Protest
A protest committee shall be named at the credentials check-in and shall consist of at least three (3) members. No persons who would benefit by any decision of the protest committee shall have any vote with reference to protests involving his/her team, league, or association. For a protest to be considered, the following procedure must be followed:
1. No protest on referee judgment or discretionary calls will be accepted.
2. Verbal notification of an intention to protest must be given to the tournament officials immediately following the game.
3. Protests must be in writing by the manager/coach and delivered to the tournament committee no later than one (1) hour following the completion of the game or incident and accompanied by a cash fee of $200. This fee will be refunded should the protest be upheld.
4. The protest committee will investigate the particulars of the protest and rule on it as soon as possible but no later than the beginning of the next scheduled game for teams involved in the protest.
External Conditions, Weather, Etc.
In the event unusual conditions necessitate the rescheduling, curtailment, or cancellation of games, the tournament committee shall have absolute authority to make the changes in order to best serve the interests by a certain time period.
NOTE: “In the event of a game completely canceled because of the weather, the score of the game shall be posted as 0-0”
In case of extreme weather (heat/humidity), the referee shall allow brief stoppage of the game to allow players on the field a water break.
Championship Final Ceremony
Following the completion of each championship game, the two competing teams will present themselves to the game site coordinator for awards.
General
The tournament committee, and/or the host affiliate will not be responsible for any expense incurred by any team due to the cancellation in part or whole of this tournament.
1. The tournament committee’s interpretation on the foregoing rules and regulations shall be final.
2. The tournament committee reserves the right to decide all tournament matters.
3. If not, enough teams are realized within a specific age bracket, the tournament director shall notify the participants as soon as possible and the participants shall be given the option to play up or to receive a full refund.
4. The tournament committee agrees to have a copy of the tournament rules at all game sites.
Tournament Refund Policy
No refunds for teams withdrawing after the final schedule is posted.
Within five (5) days after notification that the team is not accepted by their application.
Within five (5) days upon cancellation of the tournament.
Within ten (10) days of withdrawal request of the application by a team prior to acceptance of that application by the tournament.
Any team that will not be permitted to play in the contracted age group shall have the option to withdraw and receive a full refund of all entry fees. All tournaments shall notify any participant not less than five days prior to the beginning of the tournament if any age group advertised will not be offered.
HEADING RULE
Player Eligibility
All Players age 10 years of age and under shall not head the ball directly from the air in any match or
competition, nor shall these players practice heading the ball in any organized team setting.
Players age 11 and age 12 shall be permitted to head the ball in any match or competition. These players may
practice heading the ball in an organized team practice or skill session, but coaches shall monitor this practice so that no single player heads the ball more than 25 times per week, regardless of setting. Balls should be
inflated to the IFAB official minimum standard of 8.5psi.
Players age 13 and older shall be permitted to head the ball in any match or competition and these players may practice heading the ball in an organized team practice or skill session.
Individual rules of competition may choose to impose stricter rules however they may not impose less stricter rules.
Heading the ball
In games where deliberate heading is not allowed, it is an offence if a player:
• Deliberately touches the ball with their head, for example moving their head towards the ball
• scores in the opponents’ goal:
• directly from their head, even if accidental
• immediately after the ball has touched their head, even if accidental