2025 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 2018
- U9 2017
- U10 2016
- U11 2015
- U12 2014
- U13 2013
- U14 2012
- U15 2011
- U16 2010
- U17 2009
- U18 2008
- U19 2007
Pre-Game Procedures
Tournament officials shall conduct all credential checks:
§At initial registration (location and date TBA)
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 Playing Rules for U10, U8, and U6, except as modified below. A festival format must be used for players U8 and below and is recommended for the U9 and U10 age groups.
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
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
U9-U10 Seven (7) per side (as modified per Development Player Program) – Non-Heading
Divisions as per US Soccer mandate U11-U12 Nine (9) per side (as modified per Development Player Program) – Non-Heading Divisions as per US Soccer mandate
FOR U12 ONLY
211.4 HEADING RULEPlayer EligibilityAll 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 offense 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
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
•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.
• **All other U12 Rules of Competition including no heading will apply.
Law 4: Player Equipment
Player equipment shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Affiliate, and FIFA rules.
Additionally:
1. Screw in cleats is permitted; however, judgment as to their safety is at the discretion of the referee.
2. 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.
3. 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 FYSA event for the safety of the players.
4. 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.
5. 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)
9, 10 2 x 25 = 50
11, 12 2 x 30 = 60
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 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. 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.
FYSA Rules that will apply as part of our Tournament Rules
502.DISCIPLINE – GAME CONDUCT
When Discipline/Sanctions are imposed, they must meet the required minimums as specified by FYSA and/or USSF. The Disciplining body must evaluate the incident as to intent, severity and past misconduct to determine the appropriate disciplines/sanctions. More severe disciplines/sanctions shall be imposed for multiple red cards during a season and for misconduct directed towards officials or administrators.
502.1 One Game Suspension:
1. Resulting from a second caution; (i.e., persistent infringement or dissent by word or action).
2. Denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately
handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area).
3. Denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving toward the player’s goal by an offense punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick.
4. Serious Foul Play is defined as using disproportionate and unnecessary strength in a manner likely to hurt or injure an opponent; any tackle from behind which endangers the safety of an opponent.
502.2 Offensive or insulting or abusive language:
1. One (1) game suspension — Offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures not directed.
2. Three (3) game suspension — Offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures directed toward a player, referee, assistant referee, administrator, spectator or game and /or tournament official.
3. Six (6) game suspension — Adult directed to a youth referee.
502.3 Violent Conduct:
1. One (1) game suspension (minor infractions) — dead-ball foul that is neither violent or
with intent to harm or injure; attempting to strike, hit or punch.
2. Two (2) game suspension (minor infractions) — is defined as the aggression of a player
towards an opponent with clearly no intent to play or fight for the ball, threatening gestures.
3. Four (4) game suspension (major infractions) – striking with the intent to injure; fighting; any intentional exposure of the anatomy considered lewd and lascivious; all gestures with any part of the body which implies visual profanity.
4. Six (6) game suspension (major infraction) — Entering a fight in progress or action resulting in law enforcement being called; entering the field of play and committing any additional offense (e.g., violent conduct, foul or abusive language; this will be in addition to the sanction for the subsequent violation).
502.4 Spitting – 4 (four) game suspension:
Spitting is defined as spitting on or at an opponent or another person as well as spitting onto their own hand prior to shaking hands with their opponent and/or the referees or other game officials.
502.5 FYSA affiliates shall notify the FYSA Office within seven (7) days of any player or coach red card/ejection for violent conduct (major infraction), foul and/or abusive language/gestures directed, spitting, or referee abuse. If the player or coach has two such ejections during a seasonal year or a third within two seasonal years, FYSA will notify the player, coach, affiliate agent of record and reporting affiliate that an additional suspension for thirteen (13) games or six (6) months, whichever is longer be applied to the end of the current suspension. Multiple offenses relating to the same red card/ejection will qualify under this rule. The action may be appealed to the FYSA Protest and Appeals Committee.
502.5.1 Any player who attempts to conceal their identity either before, during or post game, shall be suspended for a minimum of sixty (60) days or eight (8) games whichever is longer.
502.6 GAME OFFICIALS
502.6.1
Misconduct toward a referee may include, but is not limited to, all registered referees, assistant referees, forth officials or other duly appointed to assist. It also includes any unlicensed or unregistered person serving in an emergency capacity as a referee under USSF Policy 531, Section 2 and any club assistant referees.
Any act committed before, during, or after a match, even at later times, if it is match related, such as at work or at home may constitute misconduct toward game officials.
REFEREE ABUSE
Referee abuse is a verbal statement or physical act not resulting in bodily contact which implies or threatens physical harm to a referee or the referee’s property or equipment.
Abuse includes, but is not limited to, the following acts committed upon a referee; using foul or abusive language toward a referee (must imply a threat of physical harm), spewing any beverage on a referee’s personal property; spitting at (but not on) the referee; verbally threatening a referee with remarks that carry imply or direct threats of physical harm.
Verbal threats are remarks that carry the implied or direct threat of physical harm. Such remarks as “I’ll get you after the game.” or “You won’t get out of here in one piece.” shall be deemed referee abuse.
Discipline: Minimum sanctions
a. Six (6) games or three (3) month suspension, whichever is longer.
b. Spitting at a referee or game official, six (6) games or six (6) month suspension, whichever is longer.
c. An adult upon a youth referee, minimum of one (1) year suspension.
REFEREE ASSAULT
Referee assault is an intentional act of physical violence at or upon a referee committed before during, or after a match, even later times if it is match related such as at work or at home. “For the purpose of this rule, “intentional act” shall mean an act intended to bring about a result which will invade the interests of another in a way that is socially unacceptable. Unintended consequences of the actions are irrelevant.” Assault includes, but is not limited to, the following act committed upon a referee: hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting on, grabbing or bodily running into a referee; the act of kicking or throwing any object at a referee that could inflict injury; damaging the referee’s uniform or personal property (i.e., car, equipment, etc.).
The player, coach, manager, spectator or official committing the referee assault is automatically suspended as follows:
1. For a minor or slight touching of the referee or the referee’s uniform or personal property, at least six (6) months from the time of the assault.
2. Except as provided in above, for any other assault, at least twelve (12) months from the time of the assault.
3. For an assault committed by an adult and the referee is seventeen (17) years of age or younger, at least three (3) years; or
4. For an assault when serious injuries are inflicted, at least five (5) years.
REFEREE/ASSISTANT REFEREE MISCONDUCT
502.6.2
502.6.3.
502.6.3.1 Misconduct, charges or allegations shall be filed immediately with the Site Director or Official in charge of the competition. The complaint shall also be filed in writing to the Local Referee Administrator with copies addressed to the State Referee Administrator within forty-eight (48) hours of identifying the offense. Hearings may be held as specified by the SRA or his/her designees.
502.6.3.2 Failure to act by any Local, Regional or State Referee organization gives jurisdiction to FYSA to Page 59 of 118 As of 8/17/18 2018-2019 Seasonal Year conduct hearings, discipline and/or sanction any Referee found to be in violation of FYSA Rules or for any misconduct at any FYSA sanctioned event.
502.7 PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING REFEREE ABUSE AND ASSAULT
Section 1: Procedures to be followed for any alleged incident of referee assault or abuse for any FYSA sanction club/league/Cup event.
The referee, or a member of the referee crew (should the referee be incapacitated), will report any incident of alleged referee assault/abuse to the FYSA State Office within seventy-two (72) hours of the incident. The written report submitted must be postmarked within seventy-two (72) hours of the
incident (excluding legal holidays) and must include the official game report, supplemental referee report, any other information the referee wants to submit, and the FYSA/US Youth Soccer pass of the player/coach/manager or the name of the non-player under investigation (if known). The FYSA Representative must, in turn, forward the report to the FYSA office. FYSA will in turn notify the SYRA, within 48 hours of receipt of the report. Upon receipt at the FYSA office, a file will be opened to contain a copy of the initial report and the player/coach’s pass, if applicable. The original report will then be immediately forwarded to FYSA’s Review and Discipline Committee. The Review and Discipline Committee will make a determination within seven (7) days of receipt of the report as to one of the following: (i) possible referee assault did occur; (ii) possible referee abuse did occur; or (iii) documentation provided did not warrant a determination of either assault or abuse. (FYSA will inform the SYRA as to the determination of the Review and Discipline Committee.)
In the event the Review and Discipline Committee determines a possible referee assault case exists, the Committee will forward its findings to the FYSA office. Upon verification of an allegation of assault by FYSA, the person is automatically suspended until the hearing is held on the assault. FYSA will immediately notify the applicable RVP with the direction to schedule a hearing on the matter within thirty (30) days. Any delay in scheduling the hearing within the thirty (30) day timeframe must be approved by the chairperson of the FYSA Review and Discipline Committee. Failure to hold the initial hearing shall not rescind the automatic suspension.
At the completion of the hearing, the RVP will forward a copy of the findings to the FYSA office and will notify the accused in writing of the findings of the hearing panel. (FYSA will inform the SYRA of the results of the hearing.) FYSA’s State Office upon verification that all requirements of Section 600 have been complied with will send a copy of the decision to the FYSA Review & Discipline Committee in order that its file may be also closed If the accused is found guilty of assault, notification will include information as to the next level of appeal, as per USSF Bylaw 705 which is directly to the Appeals Committee of the USSF.
In the event the Review and Discipline Committee determines a case of referee abuse exists, the Committee will forward its findings to the FYSA office. FYSA will immediately forward the report along with the player/coach pass, if applicable, to the appropriate RVP who will, based on the report, immediately impose sanctions of not less than a six (6) game or three (3) month suspension, whichever is longer. The RVP may impose greater sanctions for repeat offenders or if the situations warrant; however, sanctions of more than six (6) games or three (3) months will require that a hearing be held, unless waived by the accused. When sanctions are imposed, the RVP will, within seven (7) days, notify the accused in writing of said sanctions and the right of appeal of this decision to FYSA’s Protest and Appeal Committee as per FYSA Rule 605 inclusive. The player/coach pass will be forwarded to the FYSA State Office to hold until proper notification of games served is presented. Proper notification is accomplished by way of game reports indicating that a red card/sanction is being served. When such notification is presented, the pass will be immediately returned to the player/coach/manager.
In the event that the Review and Discipline Committee determines that neither referee assault nor abuse occurred, the Committee will notify the FYSA office of such. FYSA will immediately forward them player/coach/manager’s pass to the appropriate club/league. If sanctions are required as a result of actions not determined to be that of referee assault or abuse, the club/league will handle these separately and according to FYSA, and/or or club/league rules.
If an allegation of referee assault/abuse occurs during a tournament under sanction of FYSA the followings actions are to be completed:
Section 2: Procedures to be followed for any alleged incident of referee assault or abuse for any FYSA Event/Tournament, not covered above
1. For players/coaches not registered to FYSA:
In the event an assault on or abuse of a referee occurs in a tournament/event outside the alleged offender’s home state, or from a soccer organization not under the authority of FYSA, the referee shall (A) immediately notify the Event/Tournament Chairman, and (B) forward a copy of the game report, supplemental referee report, and his/her comments on the incident to the Event/Tournament Chairman.
The Event/Tournament Chairmen shall have the right to immediately convene a hearing at the site of the Event/Tournament, at which the alleged offender, the coach of the alleged offender when the offender is a player, and the game official should be present. Information presented at this hearing shall promptly be relayed to the alleged offender’s National State Association by the Event/Tournament Chairman, both orally and in writing; however, failure to provide written information shall not restrict the offender’s home National State Association from taking action with regard to any referee abuse or assault. The Event/Tournament Chairman shall also, within 72 hours of the incident, notify FYSA in writing, by fax, of the incident with copies of all game reports, supplemental reports, and findings as to any hearing held at the Event/Tournament. (FYSA will copy the SYRA on all reports concerning this incident.)
1. For players/coaches registered to FYSA:
For players/coaches under FYSA’s jurisdiction, the Event/Tournament will retain the player/coach pass to be forwarded to the FYSA State Office, along with copies of all game reports, supplemental reports, and any other information concerning this incident, within 24 hours of the completion of the Tournament/Event. The review process of the incident will then follow the procedures as outline in Section 1 above.
502.8 ABUSE AND/OR ASSAULT UPON NON-GAME OFFICALS
Abuse and/or assault upon any affiliate member, league/tournament official, FYSA state staff, FYSA board member/official or any other person acting in an official capacity at any FYSA-sanctioned event.
Abuse shall be defined as under Rule 502.6.1. Assault shall be defined as under Rule 502.6.2.
PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING ABUSE AND ASSAULT
Section 1: Procedures to be followed for any alleged incident of assault or abuse for any FYSA sanction club/league/Cup event.
The official, or event director, will report any incident of alleged assault/abuse to FYSA, or its designee, (i.e.,RC, RVP) within seventy-two (72) hours of the incident. The written report submitted must be postmarked within seventy-two (72) hours of the incident (excluding legal holidays) and must include the official game report, supplemental reports, any other information the parties want to submit, and the FYSA/US Youth Soccer pass of
the player/coach/manager or the name of the nonplayer under investigation (if known). The FYSA Representative must, in turn, forward the report to the FYSA office.
Upon receipt at the FYSA office, a file will be opened to contain a copy of the initial report and the player/coach’s pass, if applicable. The original report will then be immediately forwarded to FYSA’s
Review and Discipline Committee. The Review and Discipline Committee will make a determination within seven (7) days of receipt of the report as to one of the following: (i) possible assault did occur;
(ii) possible abuse did occur; or (iii) documentation provided did not warrant a determination of either assault or abuse.
In the event the Review and Discipline Committee determines a possible assault case exists, the Committee will forward its findings to the FYSA office. Upon verification of an allegation of assault by FYSA, the person is automatically suspended until the hearing is held on the assault. FYSA will immediately notify the applicable RVP with the direction to schedule a hearing on the matter within thirty (30) days. Any delay in scheduling the hearing within the thirty (30) day timeframe must be approved by the chairperson of the FYSA Review and Discipline Committee. Failure to hold the initial hearing shall not rescind the automatic suspension.
At the completion of the hearing, the RVP will forward a copy of the findings to the FYSA office and will notify the accused in writing of the findings of the hearing panel.
In the event the Review and Discipline Committee determines a case of official abuse exists, the Committee will forward its findings to the FYSA office. FYSA will immediately forward the report along with the player/coach pass, if applicable, to the appropriate RVP who will, based on the report, immediately impose sanctions of not less than a six (6) or three (3) month game suspension, whichever is longer. The RVP may impose greater sanctions for repeat offenders or if the situations warrant; however, sanctions of more than six (6) games or three (3) months will require that a hearing be held, unless waived by the accused. When sanctions are imposed, the RVP will, within seven (7) days, notify the accused in writing of said sanctions and the right of appeal of this decision to FYSA’s Protest and Appeal Committee as per FYSA Rule 605, inclusive. The player/coach pass will be forwarded to the FYSA State Office to hold until proper notification of games served is presented. Proper notification is accomplished by way of game reports indicating that a red card/sanction is being served. When such notification is presented, the pass will be immediately returned to the player/coach/manager.
In the event that the Review and Discipline Committee determines that neither official assault nor abuse occurred, the Committee will notify the FYSA office of such. FYSA will immediately forward the player/coach/manager’s pass to the appropriate club/league. If sanctions are required as a result of actions not determined to be that of official assault or abuse, the club/league will handle these separately and according to FYSA, and/or or
club/league rules. If an allegation of official assault/abuse occurs during a tournament under sanction of FYSA the followings actions are to be completed:
Section 2: Procedures to be followed for any alleged incident of official assault or abuse for any FYSA Event/Tournament, not covered above
504.COMPLETING GAME SUSPENSIONS
504.1 Red card suspension or send off suspensions can only be served with the team with which the suspension was earned in games played by their team. Until the suspension is served the player/coach is suspended from any other team(s) to which the player/coach may be registered.
Games may not be scheduled to “work off” suspension. Players may not serve suspensions as “guest players” nor may they “guest play” with any other team(s) until such time as the original suspension is served.
1. Issued during league game must be worked off during next scheduled league, Cup or tournament game(s).
2. Issued during President’s Cup or Commissioner’s Cup, they must be worked off during remainder of the competition. If no competition remains, suspension must be worked off in next scheduled league and/or tournament game(s).
3. Issued during Tournament Play: Tournament Red Card Report filed along with game reports as required by post-Tournament rules. FYSA office to send copy of Red Card Report and appropriate game reports to the appropriate RC in the next immediate mail out. RC will notify club of a discipline/sanctions remaining.
4. Issued during “friendly games” must be worked off during the next scheduled league,
Cup or tournament game(s). “Friendly games” may not be scheduled to work off game suspensions nor if previously scheduled, used to work off suspension given during league, cup or tournament games.
5. Issued during the US Youth National Championship (State Cup), at any level, shall not be allowed to participate in the next immediately following National Championship (State Cup) game played by the player’s team. A player may receive more than one (1) game suspension. Local club/league may issue additional discipline to be served in other than National Championship (State Cup) games.
6. A red card suspension issued during a small, sided tournament which cannot be served during the event shall be served during the player/coach’s next scheduled club, league or cup game(s). For a suspension issued during a normal league/cup game, the player must sit out the first game of any small, sided tournament previously entered. The player shall then
be able to compete in the remainder of the tournament. The player shall not receive credit for the small, sided game(s) against the original suspension.
504.2 Red card suspensions received as a “guest player” may only be served with the player’s primary team. If the player’s primary team is not active in competition, with the permission of the RVP, the player may serve the suspension with a secondary team if dual rostered. Suspension received as a guest player may carry forward to the player’s primary team during the next seasonal year the player is registered.
504.3 Red card or ejection issued due to Referee Assault/Abuse shall require:
Player pass, game report and other documents sent to FYSA’s State Office within seventy-two (72) hours. (Referee shall also send a copy of the report to the SRA/SYRA.) A determination as to probable cause to proceed to a hearing shall be forwarded to the appropriate RVP.
Disciplinary hearing shall be scheduled within thirty (30) days of the notification by the FYSA Review and Discipline Committee. Any delay in scheduling a hearing within the thirty (30) days must be approved by the chairperson of the FYSA Review and Discipline Committee.
Player/coach suspended immediately upon receipt by FYSA of the initial report.
402.3 JEWELRY
It is the policy of FYSA that no player be allowed to wear ANY jewelry while participating in any FYSA sanctioned match. The only exception that may be allowed is a medical alert bracelet or necklace when taped to the body. The referee shall make the decision as to the safety of the player and the referee’s decision is final. (The taping of any earring shall not be permitted under any circumstances.)
If the referee notices a player wearing jewelry while the match is under way at the next stoppage of play, the referee will instruct the player to remove the item. If the referee deems the jewelry to be dangerous to any player, the referee must stop the match to correct the situation
HEADING GUIDELINES
Deliberate heading is not allowed in age groups U12 and younger.
If a U12 or younger player deliberately heads the ball in the game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.
If the deliberate header of a U12 or younger player occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infraction occurred.
CONCUSSIONS:
§ Pursuant to Florida Statutes (FS 943.0438) Florida in 2012 enacted a very stringent Head injury and Concussion Law. If the referee (or assistant referee) believes that, in her/her opinion, a player has suffered a head injury or possible concussion, the match must be stopped IMMEDIATELY.
§ The injured player if able to leave the field on their own must be escorted to their coach, and the coach must be told that the player cannot return for the duration of the match. If a trainer is brought onto the field because the player is incapacitated, the referee must still notify the coach that the player cannot return to the game. It is the responsibility of the coach and the player’s parent(s) or legal guardians to seek medical attention.
§ The player may not resume participation until he/she has been cleared by a medical doctor.
The Referee HAS NO FURTHER responsibility beyond removing the player from the match in which the player was injured. The referee crew must ensure, that UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES or due to the appeal from any coaching staff that the player is allowed to return to the game
Orthopedic Policy 402.2:
• b) Orthopedic casts can be worn at any sanctioned FYSA tournament with written approval from a doctor and written permission from a tournament official, final judgement as to its safety is at the discretion of the referee.
• c) Soft braces can be worn with written approval from a doctor, and judgement as to safety is at the discretion of the referee.
The Technical Area/Box, Laws of the Game, FIFA Rules:
The technical area relates to matches played in game fields with a designated seated area for team officials, substitutes and substituted players as outlined below:
The technical area shall only extend 1m (1yd) on either side of the designated seated area and up to a distance of 1m (1yd) from the touchline
• markings shall be used to define the area, temporary or Permanent.
• the number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by the competition rules
• the occupants of the technical area:
Are identified before the start of the match in accordance with the competition rules must behave in a responsible manner must remain within its confines except in special circumstances, e.g., a physiotherapist/doctor entering the field of play, with the referee’s permission, to assess an injured player
Only one person at a time is authorized to convey tactical instructions from the technical area