Rules
River City Cup 2023
October 7th and 8th
Tournament Headquarters
Tournament Headquarters will be located at River City Sportsplex, 13030 Genito Road, Midlothian, VA 23112.
Telephone: 804.644.5425 ext 304
Tournament Director: Tish Schrock tschrock@richmondkickers.com, 804.644.5425 ext 304
Tournament Rules
Laws of the Game
All tournament matches will be played in accordance with FIFA Laws of the game except as modified herein. All decisions by the Tournament Director(s) are final. No protests allowed.
General Prohibitions
Alcoholic beverages, smoking, pets, and noise makers are prohibited.
All attendees must adhere to current VDH guidelines in regards to COVID19.
Team Acceptance/Check-in Paperwork Verification
Teams will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications will not be considered complete until payment is received.
Teams withdrawing before official posting date will receive a refund of $25.00 within 45 days of acceptance posting. Teams withdrawing after the acceptance posting will not receive a refund.
Application Deadline
Teams must apply online by September 11th, 2023 in order to be considered for the event.
|
|---|
Mandatory Check In / Tournament Weekend Registration
Mandatory Team Check In / Paperwork verification will be online this year.
This is a USYSA/VYSA sanctioned tournament for club and tournament teams. Teams must be USYSA, USSF, FIFA, or US Club Soccer affiliated, in good standing with their state association, and players possess current year passes. Teams affiliated with AYSO, SAY, US Club Soccer, Super Y League, and FIFA are also welcome. National, state or league select teams are not eligible. Official state USYSA approved rosters, USSF player passes, medical release forms and permits to travel must be presented at registration. US Club soccer passes may not be used with USYSA rosters, and USYSA passes may not be used with US Club soccer rosters.
Teams that are members of organizations of the United States Soccer Federation but not members of US Youth Soccer (such as AYSO, SAY, US Club Soccer or Super Y Leagues) DO NOT have to have a US Youth Soccer Application To Travel form (although that team’s organization may require that the team have permission). An approved team roster does need to be provided to tournament officials, along with current player passes from its organization.
The River City Cup 2023 is an Un-Restricted tournament
- Region 1 Policy Regarding Application To Host A Tournament
Region I has established the following policy concerning permission to travel when attending US Youth Soccer sanctioned tournaments in Region I. The purpose of this policy is to make it as simple as possible for the US Youth Soccer Region I teams to travel to tournaments within Region I.
The new policy states that any US Youth Soccer State Association teams within Region I that is accepted into a tournament in Region I do not need permission to travel papers. Permission to Travel is not required in friendly games within Region I.
National State Associations in Region I
- Connecticut Jr Soccer Assn.
- Delaware Youth Soccer Assn
- Eastern New York Youth Soccer Assn
- Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Assn
- Soccer Maine
- Maryland Youth Soccer Assn
- Massachusetts Youth Soccer Assn
- New Hampshire Soccer Assn
- New Jersey Youth Soccer Assn
- New York State West Youth Soccer Assn
- Pennsylvania West State Soccer Assn
- Soccer Rhode Island
- Vermont Soccer Assn
- Virginia Youth Soccer Assn
- West Virginia Soccer Assn
You may still need to notify your state association.
US Teams
US teams must have current US Youth Soccer or approved organizational player passes or the appropriate National Association passes. All teams must provide an official roster, which includes all traveling players and team officials, signed or stamped by the appropriate registrar. Birth certificates and passports will not be accepted at this tournament as valid proof of ID for US Teams.
Referees:
Referees will be allowed to wear headsets to assist in game management.
Roster Sizes
Rosters will be limited to 18 players maximum for U9, U10, 18 players for U11, U12, and 22 for U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18, and U19 age groups. Coaches can only declare 18 players per game for the U13 through U19 age groups.
A player may only play for one team during the tournament. Any team found using a player that is registered with another team in the event will forfeit the match, and may not be permitted to advance into semi-finals or final matches.
Guest Players
Up to five (5) guest players will be allowed in all age groups.
Team Representative must have present at registration:
- 2023/ 2024 Official team roster (VYSA teams no longer have an “original”).
- All player passes (USYSA or US Club Soccer)
- Permission to Travel forms if required. Region I Travel Policy states that any US YOUTH Soccer team within Region I that is accepted into a tournament in Region I does not need permission to travel papers. You may still need to notify your state association.
- Guest players must be written in on the bottom of the copy of your roster, and make 2 copies of that roster for the tournament. Guest players must be carded and eligible according to the rules.
- Medical release forms for all players. (Your league forms are acceptable and they DO NOT have to be notarized.) **Medical release forms for each participating player must be available at the event. A Physician’s release must also be available for any player wearing a cast. The cast must be bubble wrapped. This release must be available for a match official to review. The final decision on whether the player may participate will be up to the match official. **
- Guest players can be added up to prior of the first game at the site. Guest players may not be added after that game has started.
U9-U10 Rules
FIFA Laws. Including and in addition to the rules below:
30 minute games with 2, 15 minute halves.
For throw-ins the players are allowed to lift 1 foot.
Build-Out Line in play.
-The opponent may cross the build-out line once the ball has been touched by whoever the goalkeeper passes to behind the build-out line.
No heading.
Intentional headers: Awards indirect free-kick for opponent at the spot of the intentional header. If the intentional header occurs within the penalty box, the indirect free-kick will taken from 10 yards distance from the goal-line. Referee's discretion.
Unintentional headers: Play on unless a player is hurt. Referee's discretion to determine intent.
-If a player is hurt from an unintentional header then play stops. To restart, the ball starts from the hands of the goalkeeper whose goal is nearest to the incident.
No Punting.
Subs allowed on any stoppage.
U11-U12 Rules
FIFA Laws. Including and in addition to the rules below:
Use Penalty Box rule on goal-kicks.
Normal throw in laws.
Headers are allowed for U12, but not for U11.
Intentional headers for U11: Awards indirect free-kick for opponent at the spot of the intentional header. If the intentional header occurs within the penalty box, the indirect free-kick will taken from 10 yards distance from the goal-line. Referee's discretion.
Unintentional headers for U11: Play on unless a player is hurt. Referee's discretion to determine intent.
-If a player is hurt from an unintentional header then play stops. To restart, the ball starts from the hands of the goalkeeper whose goal is nearest to the incident.
-If a player is hurt from the accidental header, the ball starts from the hands of the goalkeeper whose goal is nearest to the incident.
Penalty box rule on goal-kicks.
Subs allowed on any stoppage.
Placement of Divisions
U15 through U19 divisions will play in a SHOWCASE format when possible. 1st and 2nd place winners will be determined by points and will be awarded medallions.
There will not be a championship match in showcase format groups. Winners for those groups will be determined by points as outlined below. (Exception- Divisions of 8 and Divisions of 6 - see notes below).
Divisions with 4 teams (1st & 2nd Place Awards). Three matches will be guaranteed. Winners will be determined by points.
Divisions with 5 teams (1st & 2nd Place Awards). Four matches will be guaranteed in a round robin format. The champion and runner up will be determined by the point system in rules A & B.
Divisions with 6 teams (1st & 2nd Place Awards). Three matches will be guaranteed. Teams will be divided into two groups of 3, Group A & B. Each team in Group A will play 2 matches against the teams in Group A and the teams in Group B will play 2 matches against the teams in Group B. At the conclusion of Group Play teams will be ranked in their respective groups and play the same ranking from the other group. IE/ 1st place A will play 1st place B, 2nd place A will play 2nd place B, 3rd place A will play 3rd place B. The 1st place games may not end in a tie and will proceed to overtime period of 5 equal halves in their entirety. If still tied, Penalty kicks will determine the 1st and 2nd place winners. The 2nd place and 3rd place games are treated as Consolation matches and can end in a tie. **In some age groups, the groups of 6 will have a situation where after group play on Saturday, 1st Place A will place 2nd Place B and 2nd Place A will play 1st Place B in Semi finals. The two 3rd place teams will play in a consolation match. The semi final winners will advance to a final.
Divisions with 7 teams (1st and 2nd Place Awards). Three matches will be guaranteed. Teams will be divided into 2 groups (3 in A and 4 in B). Each team in each group will play two matches in their group on the 1st day of play. On the 2nd day, the group of 4 will play their 3rd match of group play to determine the top two teams in that group. 1st Place A will play 1st Place B for the Championship. 2nd Place A will play 2nd Place B in a consolation match. The 3rd place team in A will play the 3rd place team in B in a consolation match.
Divisions with 8 teams (1st & 2nd Place Awards). Three matches will be guaranteed. Teams will be divided into 2 Groups of 4 with each team playing three matches within its Group. Ties will not be broken during group play. The top team in each Group will advance to the Championship Match.
U15, U16, U17, U18 and U19 teams will play in a showcase format when possible which is set up in groups of 4. The 1st and 2nd teams will be determined by points. If it is not possible to set up a showcase bracket, then they will be set up per the Placement of Divisions as listed above.
U9/U10 Divisions: With the new format, divisions of 5, 6 and 7 will all play within their division and play each team in their division 1 time. The top 2 teams will play in a final.
Advancement Point System
Group or Division winners will be decided on the following basis:
Win = 3 points
Tie = 1 point
Loss = 0 points
Ties for 1st and 2nd place in Group or Division will be broken according to the rules listed below. An effort has been made to form competitive divisions in selecting tournament participants.
Scores will only be reported with a maximum goal differential of 5. Example: Team A scores 8 goals Team B scores 2 goals. Score recorded at 7 to 2.
Tie Breaking Procedure
Tie-breaking procedure to determine finalists in divisions with 4, 5, or 8 teams and semi finalist in divisions with 6, 10, or 12 teams will be determined as follows:
- Results of Head to Head competition with team(s) with which tied (Except where three teams are tied head to head competition will not be used. When three teams are tied begin with tiebreaker #2
- Goal Differential (Goals Scored minus Goals Against, Maximum goal differential is 5 goal differential per game)
- Goals Allowed in ALL matches (maximum of 5 goals per game)
- Most goals scored (maximum 5 goals per game) ALL matches.
- Most shut out wins.
- If tied after Tie Breaker #5 Penalty Kicks
If Championship matches cannot be played on Sunday but Semi Final matches have been played to completion, a Champion and finalist will be selected from the semi final matches. If Semi Final matches have not been played to completion, results will revert back to Saturday’s matches for Final determination.
**Please Note: scores will only be posted with a maximum of 5 goal differential**
Resolving ties in a Championship Match
If the Championship match is tied at the end of regulation time, the teams will be given a 5 minute rest and then two 5 minute overtime periods will be played. Both 5 minute overtime periods will be played to completion. If still tied after the two overtime periods are completed, the Champion will be decided by using the FIFA penalty kick procedure.
Resolving ties in a Semi Final Match
If the semi final match is tied at the end of regulation time, the winner will be decided by using the FIFA penalty kick procedure. There will be no overtime play in a semi final match.
Resolving ties in where a winner must be determined other than a Championship Match or Semi Final Match
If a match is tied at the end of regulation time where a winner must be declared in order to advance in a consolation game, the winner will be decided by using the FIFA penalty kick procedure. There will be no overtime play for such matches.
Substitution Rules U13 and Up
Unlimited substitutions may be made with the referee’s permission:
- After a goal has been scored
- At the beginning of the second half of play or prior to the beginning of overtime play
- At a goal kick by either team
- At a throw in by the team in possession** the opponent may substitute if they are at the half line and ready to enter play
- In case of stoppage of play for an injury
- A cautioned player may be substituted
Under NO circumstances may substitutions be made (1) on corner kicks or (2) after the game has ended in a tie and FIFA penalty kicks will be required to determine a winner.
Players must exit the field on the COACHES AND PLAYERS side of the field only when exiting the game.
Length of the Game and Ball Size
There will be no time allowance for substitutions and injuries or other compensating time.
The referee will start the clock at the beginning of each half and run it continuously until the conclusion of that half. The only time the referee will stop his clock for an injury is if the game has to be stopped because a player on the field may not be moved while the rescue squad is summoned.
All halftime periods will last 5 minutes.
In semifinal or final matches, if the game has been stopped for a serious injury, the referee will resume the game at the point where the match was stopped and finish out the match in its entirety. No semifinal or final match will be shortened due to a serious injury, daylight permitting.
- U9 & U10 7 v 7; size 4 ball, 30 minutes played, Registration fee is $650 for both days.
- U11/12 9 v 9; size 4 ball, 60 minutes played, Registration fee is $675
- U13-19 11 v 11; size 5 ball, 70 minutes played, Registration fee is $700
The Match Ball
The tournament will proved the adidas match ball for each game. In the event this ball is lost during play, the home team must provide a back up ball to be approved by the referee.
Players Equipment
- Players wearing splints or casts will be permitted to play if deemed safe by the referee and a physician’s release form provided at registration.
- All players must wear shin guards that are appropriate for their age and size, with minimum size of shin guard being 6 inches.
- If a uniform conflict occurs, the Home team (team listed 1st on the schedule) must change jerseys, unless visiting team offers to do so.
- The shirt number of each player must be the same as the number on the tournament roster. No player will be permitted to participate until they match. Each player on the roster must have a unique number.
- A team must have two jersey’s colors available. Home shall wear dark colors, and away shall wear lighter colors.
Forfeits
Teams not having 7 players for 11 v 11 matches, (6 players for U9/10 age groups) ready to play within 10 minutes of the scheduled game time will have a forfeiture declared for the match. The score of a forfeited game will be 3 to 0 in favor of the team ready to play. A team forfeiting a match will not be allowed to play in a semi-final or championship match.
Inclement Weather
Regardless of weather conditions, coaches and their teams must appear at their respective field site, ready to play as scheduled. Failure to appear will result in forfeiture of the match.
Only the Tournament Director(s) may cancel or postpone a match. Referees may suspend a match only.
In case of severe weather, in his/her discretion, Tournament Director(s) may cancel any and all games. In case of severe weather that occurs after the beginning of play, the Tournament Director(s) may reduce the length of the match and may discontinue or cancel the game. Should a match be terminated due to weather conditions after 20 minutes of play, the match will be considered official and the score at the time will stand. If a match is terminated prior to 20 minutes of play, every attempt will be made to complete the match. However, if necessary other means, determined by the Tournament Director(s), may be used to determine a winner. Referees and field marshals will not consider beginning or continuing matches when a lightning storm exists.
Refund Policy
In the event a team withdraws from the tournament prior to the acceptance posting the team will receive a refund less a $25.00 administrative fee within 45 days of the event. If a team withdraws after the acceptance posting, no refund will be issued.
If the tournament is cancelled due to Covid-19 a FULL REFUND will be given.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN IN THE EVENT OF CANCELLATION OTHER THAN Covid-19 EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART.
General Rules
Protests
All decisions of the referee and the Tournament Director(s) are final. There are no protests!
Disclaimer
The 2023 Richmond Kickers River City Cup Tournament Director(s), and RKYSC will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by tournament participants if the tournament is cancelled for any reason. The Tournament Director(s) reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the tournament and its decision shall be final.
Conduct
Any player dismissed/sent off (red carded) shall not be allowed to participate in the team’s next game. A coach who is dismissed will not be allowed to participate further in the tournament. A report will be sent to the state association and league/club of teams whose players or coaches receive yellow/red cards. A case of referee assault will be referred immediately to the Virginia Youth Soccer Association in accordance with USSF Rule 1108.
Referee abuse will not be tolerated. Any tournament official is permitted to remove a spectator or coach if referee abuse is seen.
Each Coach is responsible for the conduct of the players and parents on his/her team. Coaches not taking responsibility for their sideline’s behavior may be cautioned and / or ejected.
Any player or coach ejected asked to leave will not be within sight or sound of the playing field. Per FIFA rules, only players will be shown a card (yellow or red) when being cautioned or sent off.
Two yellow cards in the same match equal an ejection and the player will sit out his/her next immediate match.
There is no penalty for accumulation of yellow cards in different matches.
If in the opinion of the Tournament Director(s), the conduct of a team, its coaches or supporters do not meet the standards of sportsmanship that are expected, a team, a player (s) , coach, or supporter may be barred from further participation in the tournament. There will be no refunds of fees or costs in the event of expulsion. A full report of the reason for the barring will be sent to the state association and league of any team so expelled.
Home/Team Field Positions
During games, coaches and players shall remain on 1 side of the field and the spectators shall remain on the other side. Only coaches and aides listed on the roster are permitted on the coach/player side line. The teams will stay on one half of the side of the field from the halfway line down to the 18 yard box. Coaches, players, and spectators will remain at least 1 yard from the touchline. It is requested that all teams pick up all trash around their bench area including the “pre wrap”.
The home team shall have the right to decide which half of the players/coach side of the field that they will occupy. The home team is the team listed first. In the event of a jersey conflict, the home team is required to change jerseys unless the away team offers to do so.
Hotels
To ensure the quality of service provided at the Richmond Kickers River City Cup Tournament, the tournament has appointed Anthony Travel as the official hospitality service of the tournament. All teams are mandated to book any hotel reservations through Anthony Travel to ensure their place in the Richmond Kickers River City Cup Tournament. Any teams that do not comply will be a risk of forfeiting their acceptance.
By using Anthony Travel and our booking service, The River City Cup can offer our "Act of God" clause. This states that, "Should this event be cancelled for reasons beyond the directors control, all rooms will be released without further charges to the client.”
Important Notes
Have all player passes, official roster, and medical release forms with you at the fields during the tournament. Although only checked at registration, the tournament committee reserves the right to check credentials during the event.
The tournament is dedicated to the development of all the players participating, good sportsmanship, and the “good of the game”. The Tournament Director(s) may suspend, without recourse or appeal any players, coaches, or spectators who demonstrate anything else.