Soccer Rules

1. Age Divisions & Roster Limits

Age division is determined by the standard U8–U19 youth soccer age groups. The following maximum roster sizes apply:

2. Registration, Rosters, Insurance, & Hotel Booking

Rosters & Credentials

• Each team is allowed five (5) guest players. A player may only play for one team at the tournament.
• Rosters must be US Youth Soccer or U.S. Club — mixed rosters are not permitted.
• An original state-approved roster must be presented at registration for verification, and a copy must be provided to the Tournament Directors’ designee.
• At registration, each team must also submit player passes or event rosters, a medical release form for every player, an official sealed team roster for verification, and — if required by their National State Association — a signed permission-to-travel form.

Insurance

• Every team must carry proof of insurance on-site at all times, and must also upload it to their LeagueApps account at least 30 days before the tournament.
• Coverage must meet a minimum of $2,000,000 general aggregate and $1,000,000 per occurrence.
• The certificate must list “Salt City Sports, LLC, and their affiliates” as certificate holder and additional insured, at 528 Plum St #250, Syracuse, NY 13204.

Hotel Booking

• Any team staying overnight is required to book through one of our official host hotels to participate. Visit our Hotel Accommodations page for booking instructions.

3. Check-In

• Coaches must arrive at least one hour before their first scheduled game to check in their team.
• Come prepared with your roster, proof of insurance, and birth certificates for all players. Having these ready in advance keeps check-in moving smoothly for everyone.

4. Admission & Parking

• For detailed admission and parking information, please visit our Facilities page.
• Spectators ages 18 and up pay a daily admission fee, purchased at the front gate.
• Parking at Carrier Park is free and located right next to the fields. If the main lot fills, follow posted signage to the auxiliary lot.
• Do not park along the road — vehicles double-parked or parked outside marked spots are subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
• Buses and RVs must park in the auxiliary lot.

5. Park Rules & Fan Code of Conduct

On-Site Rules

• No smoking, alcohol, or tobacco use.
• No outside food or coolers — one team cooler is allowed per team and must stay with the coach.
• No heating or cooling units of any kind.
• No bicycles, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, or hoverboards.
• No personal music players or noisemakers in the stands, dugouts, or fields.

Fan Code of Conduct
Salt City Sports is committed to a safe, welcoming environment for everyone at our events. All fans, coaches, and players are expected to:

• Treat staff and other attendees respectfully — fans can expect the same in return.
• Avoid obscene, abusive, or discriminatory language, gestures, or signage directed at officials, opposing players, coaches, or fans. Indecent clothing or signage will not be permitted inside the venue.
• Refrain from verbal or physical confrontation of any kind.
• Stay off the playing surface and out of restricted areas — this includes throwing objects onto the field.
• Follow all directions from event staff regarding safety and operations.

Anyone showing signs of alcohol impairment, or who otherwise violates this code, is subject to removal, arrest, and/or prosecution.

6. Equipment & Uniform Requirements

Game Ball

• Size 4 ball: U8–U12.
• Size 5 ball: all U13–U19 (11v11) divisions.
• The game ball is provided by the tournament or the home team and must be approved by the referee.

Uniforms

• All players on a team must wear similar jerseys, each distinctly numbered — including the goalkeeper — with no number repeated. Teams are asked to bring an alternate set.
• If both teams have the same color jersey, the team listed first in the schedule is designated home and must change to avoid a conflict.
• Shin guards are required for every player. Socks must be worn pulled up, covering the shin guards, and jerseys must be tucked into shorts.

7. Game Day Logistics

• Referees: U13–U19 (11v11) games are officiated under the three-referee system (one referee, two assistant referees). U8–U12 (7v7/9v9) games are officiated under a single-referee system. All referees are USSF-licensed.
• Game Card: The winning coach must sign the game card at the completion of a match.
• Ejected Player/Coach Passes: Coaches must surrender the player or coach pass of anyone ejected to the field marshal following the game. Passes may be picked up from Tournament Headquarters or a location designated by the Tournament Directors.
• First Aid & AED: First aid equipment is on-site for every tournament.
• Concessions: Our stand is open from 7:00 AM until the last game starts (weekday hours may vary). To pre-order breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or drinks for your team, pick up an order form at the concession building and we’ll have it ready at your requested time.
• Allergen Notice: Our concession products may contain or have contacted eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.

8. Playing Rules

The tournament is played in accordance with USSF/FIFA Laws of the Game, with the modifications below.

1. Game Duration & Field Size: U8–U12 (7v7/9v9) games are two 25-minute halves on a small field. U13–U19 (11v11) games are two 30-minute halves on a full field. The Tournament Directors reserve the right to adjust game length for conditions beyond their control (for example, weather); coaches will be informed of any change. The clock runs continuously and is not stopped for injury, except at the referee’s discretion in extraordinary circumstances — for example, if medical personnel or an ambulance is needed, the tournament director may be consulted on whether to stop the clock.
2. Minimum Players to Start: Teams are expected to be ready to play at the scheduled start time. A game may begin with 5 players for U8–U10 (7v7), 7 players for U11–U12 (9v9), or 7 players for U13–U19 (11v11).
3. Substitutions: Unlimited substitutions are allowed for both teams before a goal kick, after a goal is scored, and at halftime. On a throw-in, the team in possession may substitute freely; the team not in possession may substitute only if the team in possession does. If an injured player is substituted, the opposing team may substitute an equal number of players. After a caution, one-for-one substitution is allowed for both teams if the cautioned player is substituted — though a cautioned player does not have to be substituted.
4. Ejections: A substitute may not be sent in for an ejected player, and an ejected player may not serve as a substitute. An ejected player or coach is also ineligible for the next scheduled game. A player ejected for fighting may be ruled ineligible for the remainder of the tournament at the Tournament Directors’ discretion. Players who are red-carded or receive two yellow cards in a single game must sit out their team’s next game. A player or coach ejected for violent conduct or serious foul play may face further sanctions, up to and including expulsion from the tournament. Any player or coach who physically assaults a referee will be expelled from the tournament and reported to local law enforcement. Verbal abuse of players and referees is strictly prohibited.
5. Forfeits: A forfeited game is recorded as a 1–0 win for the non-forfeiting team (no additional point for the shutout), unless play had already begun and the non-forfeiting team led by two or more goals at the time of stoppage — in which case that score stands. A team more than ten minutes late for its scheduled start forfeits the game, though the Tournament Directors may extend the grace period for extraordinary circumstances. Failure to complete a match, or a team leaving the field during play, may also result in forfeiture at the Directors’ discretion. A team that has forfeited a game cannot be declared a group winner or wild card.
6. Game Delays: A game stopped for unplayable field conditions or weather will resume as soon as possible, at a time and location set by the Tournament Directors. If games cannot be completed on a given day, they will not be made up — standings will be determined by the games already played.
7. Anything Not Covered: The Tournament Directors are the final interpreters of these rules and of any matter not addressed by them, and their decisions are final. No protests will be allowed or entertained.

9. Standings, Tiebreakers & Advancement

Standings: Teams earn three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie, and zero (0) points for a loss. Ties in points are broken in the following order:

1. Head-to-head result. This tiebreaker is skipped in a three-way tie until the first team in the tie is determined, after which head-to-head is used to determine the next order of finish.
2. Goal differential, capped at three (3) per game. (This is the first tiebreaker applied in a three-way tie.)
3. Fewest goals allowed, with no cap.
4. Most total wins.
5. Most shutouts, excluding a 0–0 draw or a forfeit.
6. If still tied, a penalty kick contest (below).

Penalty Kick Contest: The Tournament Directors set the time and place for any penalty kick contest. A team more than ten minutes late without the Directors’ consent is declared the loser.

• Before kicks begin, each coach selects an ordered list of 11 players (7 for U8–U10, 9 for U11–U12), including a goalkeeper, and provides the order to the referee. Five of these players (who may or may not include the goalkeeper) take the first round of kicks; the remaining players are available for a second round if needed. No other player is eligible to kick, except in the case of injury.
• The referee chooses the goal at which all kicks are taken. The coin-toss winner kicks first.
• Each team takes five (5) kicks, alternating in the order given to the referee. If one team has scored more goals than the other could possibly match before both have taken five kicks, the contest ends there.
• If the score is still level after five kicks each, kicks continue in the same order, one per team, until both sides have taken an equal number and one has scored one more goal than the other.
• Each kick must be taken by a different player, including the goalkeeper if not among the first five kickers, and no player may take a second kick until every eligible teammate has kicked once.

Advancement: Final-round matchups are set from round-robin standings, and the top teams from each bracket advance.

Playoff Games: A semifinal or final tied after regulation goes to one 5-minute overtime period, played to completion. If still tied, the penalty kick contest above determines the winner.

10. Weather & Tournament Cancellation

• If inclement weather or another event outside our control prevents the tournament from continuing, the tournament will be canceled.
• Partial refund checks are mailed to each team’s contact on file once all outstanding obligations are paid in full. Any refund is at the sole discretion of the Tournament Directors.

11. Withdrawals & Liability

Withdrawals

• A team that withdraws after registering forfeits a $50 non-refundable application fee.
• A team that withdraws after being accepted forfeits 100% of its registration fee.

Liability

• Salt City Sports is not responsible for injury, loss of property, or damage to personal property occurring during a tournament or while traveling to or from one. This includes, but is not limited to, all participants, spectators, parents, relatives, coaches, officials, and anyone else associated with Salt City Sports.
• Anyone entering the facility or parking areas with a vehicle acknowledges the inherent risk of parking near a sporting event.

12. Player & Coach Conduct

• The Tournament Directors may exclude any team, coach, player, or parent not acting in accordance with tournament rules, policies, or in a sportsmanlike manner.
• Disciplinary action against a coach is served in that team’s next game, or the next game the coach coaches if the infraction occurred during the team’s last game of the tournament. Continued behavior problems may result in additional discipline, up to and including expulsion from the tournament.

Revised 9/11/2026

1. Age Division & Roster Limits

• This showcase is open to U16–U19 teams, played 11v11.
• Teams may register up to 22 players. Only 18 may dress for each match and must be identified to the referees prior to kickoff — a player not identified before kickoff may not participate in that match.
• Five (5) guest players are permitted per team.

2. Registration, Fees, Rosters, Insurance, & Hotel Booking

Registration & Fees

• All entry fees are paid through LeagueApps.
• Late applications are placed on a wait list for review. Once a team is accepted, the entry fee is non-refundable — including if the team later withdraws. A team that withdraws after acceptance may also face sanctions on its future participation in events sponsored by the host organization(s).

Payment Methods

• Credit card entries are charged upon registration through LeagueApps and refunded immediately if a team is not accepted. An email confirmation follows every completed application.
• Check or money order entries must be postmarked by the registration deadline and made payable to Salt City Sports LLC. Please include a copy of your email entry confirmation with payment. Mail to Salt City Sports, 528 Plum St #250, Syracuse, NY 13204. Entry fees received by check or money order are deposited immediately upon receipt.

Team Check-In Requirements & Rosters

• Original player passes, current to the event’s seasonal year — either USYS State Association or US Club Soccer passes.
• One copy of the official roster.
• Guest players identified in writing on the front or back of roster copies, with a player pass for each guest player.
• An individual medical release form for every player.

Foreign Teams
For a team traveling from a CONCACAF nation:

• Players must present passports at registration.
• Teams must present player picture identification cards.
• Teams must have a completed form from their National Association approving the team’s participation in the tournament.

Insurance

• Every team must carry proof of insurance on-site at all times, and must also upload it to their LeagueApps account at least 30 days before the tournament.
• Coverage must meet a minimum of $2,000,000 general aggregate and $1,000,000 per occurrence.
• The certificate must list “Salt City Sports, LLC, and their affiliates” as certificate holder and additional insured, at 528 Plum St #250, Syracuse, NY 13204.

Hotel Booking

• Any team staying overnight is required to book through one of our official host hotels to participate. Visit our Hotel Accommodations page for booking instructions.

3. Check-In

• Coaches must arrive at least one hour before their first scheduled game to check in their team.
• Come prepared with your roster, proof of insurance, and birth certificates for all players. Having these ready in advance keeps check-in moving smoothly for everyone.

4. Admission & Parking

• For detailed admission and parking information, please visit our Facilities page.
• If additional parking is needed, follow posted signage to the auxiliary lot.
• Do not park directly on the road at either facility — vehicles double-parked or parked outside marked spots are subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
• Buses and RVs must park in the auxiliary lot.

5. Park Rules & Sideline Conduct

On-Site Rules

• No smoking, alcohol, or tobacco use.
• No outside food or coolers — one team cooler is allowed per team and must stay with the coach.
• No heating or cooling units of any kind.
• No bicycles, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, or hoverboards.
• No personal music players or noisemakers in the stands, dugouts, or fields.

Sideline & Spectator Conduct

• Both teams sit on the same side of the field. Only coaches and trainers may stay on the players’ sideline.
• Spectators are limited to the opposite side of the field, within the designated area from penalty box to penalty box. No spectators are allowed behind the goal areas.
• Harassment of officials by coaches, spectators, or players will not be tolerated.

6. Equipment & Uniform Requirements

Game Ball

• Size 5 ball for all 11v11 play.
• Game balls are used at the referees’ discretion and inspected by match officials before use — only approved balls are permitted. The tournament supplies game balls when available.

Uniforms

• The team listed first is the designated home team and must change jerseys if the referee determines a color conflict exists.

Player Equipment

• All players must wear shin guards. No jewelry of any kind is allowed.

7. Game Day Logistics

• Officiating: U16–U19 matches are officiated under a 2–3 referee system, with offside called. The Tournament Director reserves the right to alter officiating systems as needed throughout the event; no fees are refunded if officiating systems change.
• First Aid & AED: First aid equipment is on-site for every tournament.
• Concessions: Our stand is open from 7:00 AM until the last game starts (weekday hours may vary). To pre-order breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or drinks for your team, pick up an order form at the concession building and we’ll have it ready at your requested time.
• Allergen Notice: Our concession products may contain or have contacted eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.

8. Playing Rules

Matches are played in accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game, except as modified below.

1. Match Duration: U16–U17 matches are 70 minutes, with a 5-minute halftime and no stoppage time. U18–U19 matches are 80 minutes, with a 5-minute halftime and no stoppage time.
2. Substitutions: Unlimited, free substitutions are allowed with the referee’s permission after a goal; at the start of the second half or before an overtime period; on a goal kick by either team; on a throw-in by the team in possession; or for an injury, where any number of players from both teams may be substituted once beckoned onto the field by the referee. Limited substitution, with the referee’s permission, is allowed for a cautioned player. Substitutions are not permitted on corner kicks, or once a tied game moves to FIFA penalty kicks. A substitute must inform the assistant referee on their side of the field before entering as a substitute.
3. Forfeits: A team not at the field, ready to play with a minimum of 7 eligible players, at the scheduled game time forfeits the match at the tournament director’s discretion. Forfeited scores are recorded as 5–0, and a team that has forfeited a game may not advance to the playoff rounds.
4. Inclement Weather: The Tournament Rules Committee reserves the right to relocate or reschedule a match, change a division’s structure, reduce a match’s scheduled duration, or cancel a match due to weather. If weather halts a match before its scheduled duration is complete, the score stands as long as at least half the match was played. The tournament director has final say on field closures.
5. Scoring: Teams earn three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie, and zero (0) points for a loss.
6. Anything Not Covered: All officiating and administrative decisions are final. No protests will be considered.

9. Suspensions, Discipline & Ejections

• A player who is ejected (red card) or receives two yellow cards in a match must sit out the remainder of that match and their team’s next tournament match. Because this is a showcase event, appeals on this sit-out are allowed at the discretion of the tournament director, in coordination with the tournament’s referee coordinator.
• Violent behavior, fighting, and referee abuse are never acceptable, and only the Tournament Director may rule on these situations.
• Because this is a college showcase event, an ejected player — whether from a red card or two yellow cards — can be substituted, allowing both teams to continue at full strength.

10. Alcoholic Beverages

• No alcoholic beverages are allowed at the event or in the parking lot of any game site. A team found with alcohol is subject to forfeiting one game, and the offending individual will be banned from returning to any tournament site for the remainder of the event. The Tournament Director has final say on all aspects of this policy.

11. Tournament Cancellation

• If the tournament is canceled for any reason before any matches are played, teams are guaranteed a refund in an amount determined by the host organization(s), once all invoices are paid and final budgets are approved.

Revised 9/11/2026