Rules & Rosters


Summer Scrimmagefest – Rules & Regulations

I. Event Overview

  • Dates: U-9 – U-10: Saturday, August 15, 2026
     U-11 – U-12: Sunday, August 16, 2026
  • Format: One-day event; each team plays 3 games (35 minutes each)
  • Awards: Trophies for 1st place; medals for 1st and 2nd place

II. Check-In & Credentials

  • Mandatory Check-In: Online via GotSport before the event.
  • USYS-Affiliated Teams: Upload official roster.
  • Non-USYS Teams: Use MDSL Roster & Player Waiver form.
  • Guest Players: Maximum of 7 per team.

III. Rules of Play

  • FIFA Laws of the Game apply, as modified by USYS, MSYSA, and MDSL.
  • Heading Restrictions: Players U-11 and younger (playing up in U-12) may not deliberately head the ball. Indirect free kick is awarded if violated.
  • Ball Sizes: Size 4 for all age groups.
  • Substitutions: Unlimited with referee consent at any stoppage in play (USYSA Rule 302).
  • Equipment: Shin guards are mandatory. Referees determine safety and suitability of all equipment.

IV. Game Duration

Age GroupFormatGame LengthBall Size
U-9 – U-107v735 min4
U-11 – U-129v935 min4

V. Determining Standings

Tie-breakers are applied in the following order:

  1. Goal difference in overall competition
  2. Most goals scored
  3. Head-to-head results
  4. Least penalty points (yellow = 1, red = 2)
  5. Tournament Manager decision

VI. Coaching & Sideline Conduct

  • Coaching from the sideline is allowed under the following:
    • No mechanical devices
    • Tone must be instructive, not derogatory
    • Remain within 10 yards on either side of halfway line
    • No derogatory remarks or gestures
    • No profanity or incitement
  • Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, substitutes, families, and spectators.

VII. Cautions & Ejections

  • Two yellow cards in one game → red card
  • Red card: Player is ejected and cannot play the remainder of the game or the next scheduled game
  • Violent conduct or serious foul play may result in missing two games
  • Assault on a referee → immediate expulsion from the tournament
  • Ejected coaches must stay out of sight and sound of the field; no contact with the team during suspension

Disciplinary Committee: May review multiple cautions or ejections; additional match suspensions may be applied.

VIII. Game Suspensions & Terminations

  • Referee may suspend or terminate a game due to misconduct or safety issues.
  • Games may be resumed or ended at the referee’s discretion.
  • Offending teams may forfeit remaining games and be reported to the state association if necessary.

IX. Injuries & Added Time

  • Referee may add time for injuries.
  • Added time may not delay subsequent games.

X. Tournament Competition Rules

  • Referee decisions are final on all in-game matters.
  • Home Team: Listed first on schedule; wears light jerseys.
  • Away Team: Wears dark jerseys. Home team provides the ball.
  • Kickoff: Home team starts; away team chooses direction. No coin toss.

XI. Spectator & Field Conduct

  • Spectators must remain on the opposite side of the team benches.
  • Teams stay on their half of midfield; do not switch ends at halftime.
  • Coaches are responsible for spectator behavior; violations may result in match forfeits or team expulsion.

XII. Forfeits

A forfeit occurs if:

  1. A team is not ready with minimum players, coach, and verified player cards within 5 minutes of kickoff
  2. A team’s conduct causes a game to be terminated

Shortened games may be played by mutual consent after a forfeit.

XIII. Protests & Disputes

  • No protests are allowed.
  • On-field referee decisions are final.
  • Off-field disputes resolved by the Event Director; decisions are final.

XIV. Guest Teams

  • Late-entry “Guest Teams” may be added to fill divisions.