Tournament Rules: Nutmeg Tournament - 4v4

I. Entry Requirements

-Registration & Payment: All team registration payments must be received before participation is confirmed. Payments are non-refundable in case of no-shows or weather-related cancellations.

-Withdrawals: Refunds may only be issued if a team withdraws before the registration deadline and a replacement team is found.

-Player Eligibility: All players must be registered with an officially recognized soccer association (e.g., US Club Soccer or STYSA). Proof of registration must be provided.

-Documents Required: Team managers/coaches must carry proof of age and medical release forms for all players.

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II. Uniforms & Equipment

-Player Attire: All players must wear shin guards; no shin guards mean no play. Alternate jerseys are required in case of color conflicts.

-Game Ball: Each team must provide a properly inflated ball for the referee to use.

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III. Roster Information

-Maximum Players: A maximum of 8 players per team is allowed, with 4 field players at a time.

-Players may only play for one team during the tournament.

-Final Roster: Rosters are final once a team plays its first game.

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IV. Game Format

-Duration: Games consist of two 12-minute halves with a 2-minute halftime.

-Goal Scoring: Goals can only be scored from within the offensive half of the field.

Goal Box Rules:

Defending players in the goal box who touch the ball result in a penalty kick for the opposition.

Offensive players in the goal box who touch the ball result in a goal kick.

Golden Goal/Penalty Shootouts: Playoff ties will proceed to penalty shootouts with 4 players from each team. If still tied, sudden-death penalty kicks will occur.

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V. Restarts & Rules of Play

Kick-ins: Ball must be kicked into play from the sideline.

Goal Kicks: Can be taken from any point along the end line.

Restarts: Defending players must stand at least 5 yards from the ball.

Substitutions: Allowed during any stoppage but must occur at the half-field mark.

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VI. Scoring System

Points System:

o Win = 3 points

o Tie = 1 point

o Loss = 0 points

o Mercy Rule: If a team is down by 10 goals, the referee will end the game immediately.

Forfeits: Recorded as a 3-0 loss for the forfeiting team.

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VII. Tie-Breaker Rules

1. Head-to-Head Results

2. Goal Differential (capped at ±5 per game)

3. Goals Scored

4. Goals Against

5. Penalty Kicks

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VIII. Awards

Awards will be given to the top two teams in each division.

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IX. Referees

Decisions: Referee decisions are final, and no protests will be allowed.

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X. Weather Policies

Severe Weather: Teams will be notified via the tournament’s preferred communication platform.

Cancellations: Entry fees are non-refundable in case of weather-related cancellations.

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XI. Team Discipline

Players, coaches, and spectators must exhibit good sportsmanship. Referees have the right to eject players, coaches, or spectators for inappropriate behavior.

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XII. Matters Not Provided For

Any matters not covered in these rules will be determined by the Tournament Director. Their decision will be final.

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