Sanctioned Leagues and
Tournaments
Rules of Competition
League and Tournament Rules
All competitions need rules in
order to function.
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FIFA is the source of Laws of the Game
for full-sided games of adults and older
youth on full-sized fields with limited
substitutions.
FIFA Laws need to be modified for
Youth leagues and tournaments.
League and Tournament Rules
Target Audiences for Rules of
Competition:
• Referees
• Coaches and Team Managers
League and Tournament Rules
What Referees Need
• Clear statement of how Laws are to
be applied
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Length of games
Number of players and substitutes
Field size and markings
Any modifications to laws on
offside and fouls
League and Tournament Rules
What Referees Need
• Clear statement of requirements
for match administration
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Pregame check-in procedures
Reporting disciplinary matters
Overtime or kicks from the mark in
knockout games
League and Tournament Rules
What Coaches and Managers Need
• Clear information about
league/tournament administration
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How to register/pay for entry
Requirements for cards and rosters
Guest players
Where, when, how to check in teams for
the competition
League and Tournament Rules
What Coaches and Managers Need
• Clear information about
league/tournament administration
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How standings are determined
Where to find schedules and standings
How teams advance, tiebreakers
Awards, trophies, medals
League and Tournament Rules
What Coaches and Managers Need
• Clear information about
league/tournament administration
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Disciplinary suspensions, fines
Protest/Appeal procedures
Withdrawing from the competition
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Refunds?
Penalties?
League and Tournament Rules
What OYSA Looks For
• Compliance with USSF Player
Development Initiatives
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Playing format appropriate for player
ages:
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6U-8U – 4v4
9U-10U – 7v7
11U-12U – 9v9
League and Tournament Rules
What OYSA Looks For
• Compliance with USSF Player
Development Initiatives
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Game play modifications to laws of the
game as required by PDI
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Build out lines for 7v7
No heading at 12U and younger
Field size and markings as specified in PDI
League and Tournament Rules
What OYSA Looks For
• Compliance with USSF Player Safety
Initiatives
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Concussion Protocol
Heat safety guidelines
Lightning safety guidelines
League and Tournament Rules
Some Recommendations
• Do not summarize laws of the game
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Incorporate the Laws by reference
Only state how your rules are different
Referees know the Laws. If you tell them
what you are doing different so they will
quickly understand what they need to do
League and Tournament Rules
Some Recommendations
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Use the Modified Laws of the game
published by US Youth Soccer as
guidelines.
The modified Laws were developed by a
technical committee of US Youth Soccer,
US Soccer, and State Associations.
League and Tournament Rules
Some Recommendations
• Modified Laws of the game are
available for
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6 and Under
8 and Under
10 and Under
12 and Under
League and Tournament Rules
Some Recommendations
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Example of a concussion protocol - see
the Rules of Competition written by
OYSA for the Development League and
the Timbers and Thorns Leagues
League and Tournament Rules
Some Recommendations
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Put Laws changes and things Referees
are asked to do (pre-game check in,
disciplinary reports) all together at the
beginning of your competition rules
League and Tournament Rules
Some Recommendations
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See the USSF Tournament Rules checklist
for guidance on what should be in your
tournament rules
Guidelines can be used for any
tournament
League and Tournament Rules
Links to Resources
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http://www.oregonyouthsoccer.org/for
ms Tournament sanctioning documents,
including USSF Rules checklist
http://oysa.bonzidev.com/doclib/2016%
20League_Rules_16-17%20Final.pdf
http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/coaches/
SmallSidedGames/
League and Tournament Rules
Questions?
League and Tournament Rules
Contact Information:
Brian Scott
Manager, Member Services
Phone: 503-626-4625
Email: [email protected]