APPLICATION OF RULES

The following rules apply to the Nike Cup of Champions/Gallagher Friendlies Only. Any ruling not covered will be in accordance with Missouri Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) and the U.S. Youth Soccer Association.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

All players must be registered with U.S. Youth Soccer and their respective State Association or with US CLUB Soccer. This event will be sanctioned by MYSA and US CLUB. USYSA/US CLUB player passes (I.D. Cards) will be required (with picture and laminated). Maximum number of players eligible for one team for the Tournament is 22 for ages U13-U19, including guest players. Only 18 players can dress and play each game. Rosters can be changed from game to game allowing for flexibility. A maximum of five guest players will be allowed for U-9 thru U-13 teams with a maximum of 16 players on a roster for U11 &U12 teams. U8-U10 rosters will be a max of 12. A state roster and guest player forms will be required. Each player must have a completed medical release form. All players must play in their age group or older. No player can play on more than one team in the event.

HOME TEAM

The first team listed on the schedule is the home team and must wear light colored jerseys. The visiting team must wear dark colored jerseys. In case of a conflict of uniform colors, the team not complying will be responsible for changing to a different color.

GAME FORMAT

Length of games will be as follows:

U9 - U10 - 25 minute halves (7v7) (U10 Nike Cup of Champions is 9v9 and 30 minute halves)
U11-U12 - 30 minute halves (9v9)
U13 - U14 - 35 minute halves
U15 - U19 - 40 minute halves

SUBSTITUTIONS

Players may be substituted for and return to the game as often as desired. Substitutions will be allowed during the following:

•  Half Time
• Before a goal kick
• After a goal is scored
• Prior to a throw-in (Both teams if team in possession substitutes)
• In case of injury, for injured player*

* opposing team may substitute like number

STANDINGS

We will have standing’s in this year’s Nike Cup of Champions tournament. We will crown champions in all brackets. Our focus is still Friendlies and pre-season preparation, but we are adding a competitive element to increase the value and importance of the games to better emulate a real game.  Friendlies divisions will not have champions.

POINTS

Three (3) Points will be awarded for a win
One (1) point will be awarded for a tie
Zero (0) points will be awarded for a loss
In the event of a tie in total point standings, the following sequence will be used. This process will NOT restart if 3 teams are tied:

1. Head to head competition between the teams that are tied
2. Best Goal difference for all games – up to Four (4) per game
3. Fewest Goals Allowed
4. Most Goals Scored (up to 5 Goals per game)
5. Penalty Kick Shootout – Five (5) players per team; if still tied, sudden victory penalty kick shootout

Forfeit's will scored 4:0

Playoffs

In the event of a tied game at the end of regulation for all semi finals and finals, teams will play two 5 minute full over time halves.  Penalty kicks will be used to decide games that are still tied after over time.

Penalty Kick Shootout – Five (5) players per team; if still tied, sudden victory penalty kick shootout

PROTESTS

There will be no protest allowed, except to question player eligibility.

REFUNDS

If games are not played due to circumstances beyond our control, such as (but not limited to) weather, floods and other acts of God, etc., refunds for games not played will start at zero games played = 80% refund. Other refunds will determined based on the circumstances of the weekend.