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Brentwood Invitational
Brentwood Soccer Club
Outdoor Tournament Rules
I. Tournament Headquarters:
Crockett Park
1500 Volunteer Parkway
Brentwood, TN 37027
II. Registration and Team Eligibility:
A. Check-In
1. The BWSC outdoor tournaments are sanctioned by Tennessee State Soccer Association (USYS) and USCS. The “permission to host” documents can be found on the tournament website at http://www.brentwoodsoccerclub.com
2. Registration will be held at Crockett Park Pavilion (address is listed above)
3. Registration will take place the Friday before the event.
4. If your long distance travel plans do not allow Friday night registration, please email the Registration Coordinator in advance for approval.
B. Eligibility
1. Competition is open to any team registered with the USSF.
2. Each team’s roster must be approved prior to participation in the Tournament.
3. Each team must submit an official copy of its roster at registration and all players must be registered.
4. Each team must attend registration on Friday night unless permission is granted to register at least one hour prior to game time on Saturday.
5. Teams from outside Tennessee must have a "Permission to Travel" form approved by their state association. Teams from Region III, and
teams from USCS do not need the “Permission to Travel” form.
6. All teams must have medical release forms properly signed and notarized.
7. All teams must have and present official signed, laminated player and coach cards with pictures as issued by their association.
8. Players may play on only one team.
9. Failure to abide by the above may cause dismissal of players or entire team from the tournament
C. Registration Requirements: Teams Traveling under USYS (from inside Region III)
1. Team must have two (2) copies of the team roster with all jersey numbers noted
2. Team must have medical release forms properly signed and notarized – forms that meet your home state requirements will be accepted
3. Team must have and present signed, laminated player and coach cards with pictures
4. Team must have a completed Emergency Contact Form
D. Registration and Requirements: Teams Traveling under USYS (from outside of Region III)
1. Team must have two (2) copies of the team roster with all jersey numbers noted
2. Team must have a “Permission to Travel” form approved by their state association.
3. Team must have medical release forms properly signed and notarized – forms that meet your home state requirements will be accepted
4. Team must have and present signed, laminated player and coach cards with pictures
5. Team must have a completed Emergency Contact Form
E. Teams Traveling under U.S. Club Soccer
1. Team must have two (2) copies of the team roster with all jersey numbers noted
2. Team must have medical release forms properly signed
3. Team must have and present laminated player and coach cards with pictures
4. Team must have a completed Emergency Contact Form
F. Foreign Teams
1. Players must present passports at registration.
2. Teams must have a completed form from its Provincial or National Association approving the team’s participation in the tournament.
3. Team must have two (2) copies of the team roster with all jersey numbers noted
4. Team must have medical release forms properly signed
5. Team must have and present laminated player and coach cards with pictures
6. Team must have a completed Emergency Contact Form
III. Player and Age Eligibility:
A. Age Groups and Gender: U9 through U18 Boys
Age Division Roster Size Players on Field Min # of Games
U9 12 6v6 3
U10 14 6v6 3
U11 14 8 v 8 3
U12 18 8 v 8 3
U13 18 11 v 11 3
U14 18 11 v 11 3
U15 18 11 v 11 3
U16 18 11 v 11 3
U17 18 11 v 11 3
U18 18 11 v 11 3
U19 18 11 v 11 3
B. A maximum of three (3) guest players is permitted per team with appropriate guest player paperwork.
1. Team must provide a guest player permission form if required by the team’s resident state
2. Team must have and present a medical release form properly signed and notarized
3. Team must have and present a signed, laminated player card with picture
4. There is a maximum number of three (3) guest players per team permitted
IV. Teams
A. Determining Home and Away teams
1. The Home and Away team will be posted on the game schedule.
2. The Home team will be required to wear light colored jerseys. The visiting (Away) team must wear dark colored Jerseys.
3. In case of a conflict of uniform colors, the team not complying will be responsible for changing to a different color.
4. The home team shall take the bench to the left of the field as viewed from the spectator side of the field and shall defend the goal on that side of the field.
5. There shall be no coin toss except in semi-final or final games. The visiting team shall have opening kick.
B. Location of Teams and Spectators
1. Both teams will be benched on the same side of the field, with all spectators on the opposite side.
2. No person shall be permitted behind the goals.
3. Park Rules- Crockett Park is owned and operated by the City of Brentwood. It has 11 multi purpose fields, paved walking paths
and bikeways. There is a dog lease law in effect. No smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park.
V. Player Credentials and Uniforms
A. Player picture and ID cars shall be present and available at all matches.
B. ID cards are required to be checked by the officials prior to each match.
C. The shirt number of each player must be the same as the player’s shirt number on the daily match report or team roster. If the numbers are not the same, the referee is not to allow the player to take part in the match until the numbers are the same.
D. Teams must have on hand a certified/approved tournament roster from the team’s Federation Organization in case of any discrepancies with the tournament generated game cards.
E. MANDATORY: All teams must enter their rosters with player and coach personnel into the on-line scheduling system no later than 14 days prior to the start of the event. Information required includes complete player name, date of birth, player ID number, uniform number, and gender. Revisions may be made to the roster up to the Wednesday before the event. This information will appear on the tournament game cards to be used by the referees for check-in on the field (as well as player cards and roster) prior to each game. Teams failing to input this information are subject to removal from the event.
VI. Laws of the Game
A. All matches shall be played in accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game, except as specifically modified as follows in the tournament rules:
1. The game clock will not be stopped because of an injury to any player unless, at the discretion of the referee, and if the injured player is removed from the field by medical personnel.
2. The number of players will be as listed in section IV Player and Age Eligibility part A.
3. Unlimited substitutions are allowed in all age groups with the referee’s consent, at the following times:
a. Prior to your throw in;
b. Prior to a goal kick by either team;
c. After a goal by either team;
d. At half time;
e. After a caution (cautioned player) with the referee’s acknowledgement. The opposing team will be able to make a like number of substitutions.
f. Red card players may not be substituted. (Team must play short the rest of the Game.)
g. After an injury (injured player) with the referee’s acknowledgment. The opposing team will be allowed to make a like number of substitutions.
h. Before beginning an overtime period.
4. The Players Equipment
a. Shoes must meet FIFA specifications. NO STEEL SPIKES
b. All players must wear shin guards, during warm up and during games.
c. No jewelry is to be worn.
d. Players may play with a cast with padding if approved by the head referee.
e. The keeper shall wear a different colored shirt from his teammates, and his opponents.
f. The keeper does not require a number.
g. All equipment is subject to referee approval.
5. Game Length and Ball Size
a. U9 – U10 25 min. halves Ball size 4
b. U11 -U12 30 min halves Ball size 4
c. U13 - U15 35 min halves Ball size 5
d. U16 - U19 40 min halves Ball size 5
e. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to adjust game length.
VII. Tournament and Match Schedules
A. Tournament Format: Round Robin matches will have the top teams advancing to Semi-finals and/or Finals (using the point system described below). Flights with only one bracket of teams will be straight Round Robin play with winners determined by points.
B. Match Schedules - The minimum number of matches to be played during the tournament is three (3). The minimum number of games per day is one (1) (excluding Friday) and the maximum number of matches will NOT exceed three (3) in one day. This shall be the same for all age groups participating.
C. Procedures for Determining a Winner. Games will be scored as follows:
1. 3 points for a win
2. 1 point for a tie
3. 0 points for a loss
a. In a two (2) bracket flight, the top team in each flight with the highest number of points in their bracket will proceed to the finals.
b. In a three (3) bracket flight, the top team in each flight, plus one (1) wildcard team will proceed to the semi-finals.
c. In a four (4) bracket flight, the top team in each flight with the highest number of points will proceed to the semi-finals.
6. Trophy presentation for Champion and Finalist in each age/gender group will be immediately following the final game. All awards are to be presented at Crockett Park Headquarters, unless teams are notified otherwise by a Field Marshal.
7. Wild card team shall be the second place team in any bracket with highest points. In no event will the wild card team play the #1 team from its own bracket in the semifinals. Semifinal bracketing will be adjusted as deemed necessary by the Tournament Director or Site Coordinator.
D. Use of US Soccer Registered Referees: We agree that we shall use for all games only US Soccer registered referees, who are in good standing and shall utilize a 3 referee system. There will be an adequate number of US Soccer registered referees available in the area during the tournament to cover the scheduled games. Bob Cottrell is selected as our Referee Assignor to assign referees for the tournament.
1. In the event the appointed linesmen are not present for the match, each team will appoint a club linesman for its side.
E. Match Delays, Suspensions, and Cancellations
1. Tournament Director
a. The Tournament Director/Committee reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the tournament and his/her decision is final.
b. Requests for schedule changes will be DENIED.
c. Only the Tournament Director/Committee or City Parks Department may cancel a game due to weather other than due to lightning. The Tournament Director/Committee reserves the right to relocate, reschedule, or change the duration of any game.
2. Inclement Weather
a. No games will be played if lightning is in the area. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS. If any coach, Field Marshal or referee sights lightning they will immediately notify the field referee who will suspend play or delay the start of the game. If automated lightning warning equipment is present, as at Crockett Fields, any warning signal shall be treated the same as if lighting had been sighted. Such delay or suspension shall remain until the “all clear” announcement is made from the automated lightning warning system (at Crockett Park) or for a minimum of 15 minutes past the last sighting of lightning, or longer, at the discretion of the Field Marshal or the referee.
b. If a game delayed or suspended prior to completion of the first half of play cannot be completed within the allocated time remaining before the start of the next scheduled game at that field, or within two hours of the original starting time, all efforts will be made to reschedule that game at an alternate field. If the game cannot be rescheduled at an alternate field and the game’s results are important to advancement within the tournament, scores will be reset to 0-0 and the game shall be decided through penalty kicks at a time and location to be determined by the Tournament Director/Committee. Otherwise the game may be canceled.
c. If a game is cancelled during the first half of play and is rescheduled, the game shall be restarted with the same score and time
remaining as at the time that play was suspended.
d. Preliminary games times may be shortened in order to stay on schedule. Both halves will remain equal in length.
e. If a game is cancelled after half time, the score will stand as is at the time of stoppage.
f. If there is inclement weather it will be the responsibility of each team coach/manager to call the appropriate Age Group Representative or Tournament Hotline and/or visit the tournament website for tournament changes.
g. If a playoff game is cancelled after half-time, the score will stand as is at the time of stoppage. If the playoff game is cancelled before half-time, every intent will be made to finish the match should the weather clear-up. A finished match can include the full completion of time, a shortened period of time, or penalty kicks as deemed necessary by the Tournament Director/Committee. If weather prevents the completion of the game, all games will be considered a draw.
3. Refund Policy
a. There will be no refunds issued after the tournament’s application deadline.
b. The Tournament shall NOT be responsible for any expenses incurred by any team or individual if the tournament is canceled in whole or part for any reason. No refund will be guaranteed if part, or all, of the tournament is canceled.
VIII. Forfeit
A. A forfeiture will be defined as a team arriving to the field without the minimum number of players at the start of the match declared by the referee.
B. The minimum number of players required to start a match will be seven (7).
C. Voluntary forfeiture of a match will not be permitted once teams are registered. Reasons for forfeiture will be evaluated and the Tournament Director/Committee will decide within each circumstance if the team will be allowed to continue tournament play.
D. The Tournament Director/Committee reserves the right to prevent a team that has forfeited from advancing in the tournament. This will be decided on a case by case basis.
E. In the event a team forfeits a game, the opponent will be awarded a 3-0 score resulting and the maximum of 3 points awarded. If both teams fail to report on time, both will acquire a loss.
IX. Standings and Tie Breakers
A. Teams that advance to semifinals and finals are as described in VIII C.
B. In the event two or more teams are tied in preliminary round standings based on the final point total, the following procedure shall be used in priority order to determine group winners or wild cards teams:
1. Winner of head to head competition
2. Goal Differential (max of 3 goals per game)
3. Fewest goals allowed in all games
4. Most goals scored in all games
5. Penalty Kicks using FIFA rules
C. In the event of tied games in the semifinals or final rounds, the following procedure will be fol1owed:
1. There will be a period consisting of ten (10) minutes played. The ten (10) minute period will consist of two (2) five (5) minute halves with a one (1) minute halftime for teams to change halves. The overtime period will begin with the same procedure as starting a new game.
2. If still tied, best of 5 penalty kicks by 5 players from each team (alternating kicks). The team to kick first shall be determined by a coin toss
between the captains prior to the first kick.
3. If still tied, alternating penalty kicks will be taken by the balance of the remaining players on the field at the end of the game (substitutes
may not participate in the penalty kicks) until a team has a one (1) goal advantage at the end of a round. A round is defined as each team
having taken an equal number of penalty kicks. If still tied, the group of original five (5) penalty kick takers and the balance of the team will
take a second penalty kick in the same order as originally taken and under the same rules listed above.
X. Match and Scoring Report
A. Official scores and standings will be posted at Tournament Headquarters (at Crockett Park).
1. Field Marshals shall report match results and red and yellow cards (if applicable) at the end of each game to tournament headquarters. This will be performed through either a call in or key in procedure (depending upon location and availability) within one (1) hour of the end of play.
2. A game card will be completed by the referee and signed by each coach for every game. This card will be submitted to headquarters for verification.
XI. Protests and Disputes
A. No protests will be allowed. All decisions by referees and/or that of the Tournament Director/Committee are final and may not be appealed.
B. Disputes over player eligibility and/or rules must be addressed with the Tournament Director/Committee.
C. The Tournament Committee includes but is not limited to: Tournament Director, Assistant Tournament Director, Director of Coaching, and Brentwood Soccer Club Executive Board Members.
XII. Conduct and Discipline
A. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of the spectators, team staff, and players with their team.
1. Respectful conduct is expected at all times.
2. No spectators will be allowed on the team’s side of the field.
3. Players and coaches ejected from the game are automatically banned from their team’s next tournament game. Coach/player passes will be held by Tournament Director during suspension period.
B. Referees are authorized to take appropriate action to maintain proper control of matches.
1. Abuse (verbal or otherwise) from players, coaches and spectators will not be tolerated.
2. Referees must report all yellow and red cards to the Field Marshals in the game report.
3. If the Referee terminates play due to unruly behavior then the Tournament Director/Committee will determine if the game is to be replayed, continued, or forfeited by the offending team.
C. Yellow and Red Cards.
1. Two (2) Yellow Cards in one game will result in dismissal during the current game and the following game.
2. Yellow Cards do not carry into consecutive games.
3. Red cards given in any one game will result in dismissal from that game and the next game.
a. Referees must report all yellow and red cards in the Game report which will be given to Tournament Director/Committee.
b. Player card will be taken by the field marshal and turned into Tournament Headquarters.
c. Violations that are deemed of a serious nature (i.e. fighting) may require further disciplinary action such as banning further tournament play. This determination will be made by the Tournament Director/Committee.
d. Player/Coaches will not be permitted within 100 yards of their team’s field of play during the suspension period.
D. Post Tournament Report. The Tournament Director will file a Post Tournament Report with the State Association granting us permission to host this tournament within 30 days after the conclusion of the tournament. This will include the names and teams of all players issued red and yellow cards and details of any other matters involving the improper or unsporting conduct of a team, its players, coached or supporters. If conduct involves a foreign team, we will notify the US Soccer Federation of any disciplinary action taken and Federation will transmit the information to that team’s provincial or national association.
