Cerritos Memorial Challenge Cup Rules 2023

Division

Boys & Girls born on or after January 1, of the year specified:
2015, 2013, 2012, 2011 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005/04 Divisions.

 

Classification

This is a Class I and III Tournament open to USYSA & US Club Soccer affiliated teams, sanctioned through US Club Soccer.

 

Eligibility

Valid, laminated player cards with a photograph for the 2022/23 season for each player. We also accept AYSO, Recreational and Signature credentials. If no birth year is on the Player ID Card, then a copy of a birth certificate or passport is required.

 

Guest Players

Unlimited loan players are permitted.

 

Format

2015 & 2014 Divisions will play 7 v 7

2013 & 2012 Divisions will play 9 v 9

2011 thru 2004/05 Divisions will play 11 v 11

 

Small Sided Field Rules

2015 & 2014 Divisions:

Build out lines.

No Punting is allowed.

No Heading allowed.

 

2013 Division:

No Build out lines.

Punting is allowed.

No Heading is allowed.

 

2012 Division:

No Build out lines.

Punting is allowed.

Heading is allowed.

 

Roster Size

2015 & 2014: 14 player max roster

2013 & 2012: 16 player max roster

2011 thru 2004/05: 22 player max roster (Please Note: Only 18 players can be listed on the Game Card and eligible to play in a game.)

 

Protests

All decisions of the Tournament Director, Field Marshals, and Referee Coordinator are final.  NO PROTESTS WILL BE ALLOWED. Only the Tournament Director can make decisions relating to the interpretation of the Tournament Rules. Disputes relating to the interpretation of these rules will be resolved with the administrator/coach that are registered with the involved team(s). Individuals may not represent a team if not registered and carded as an administrator/coach with the involved team(s).

 

Team Check-in Process

Player ID Cards: Valid, laminated player cards with a photograph for the 2022/23 season for each player. We also accept AYSO, Recreational and Signature credentials. If no birth year is on the Player ID Card, then a copy of a birth certificate or passport is required.

 

Game Cards:  You will need to download and print a Game Card for every scheduled game located in your TGS Team Account. The Game Card needs to be turned into at the Field Marshal Tent 30 minutes before each game. You will be responsible to make sure the score is correct and must sign the Game Card after each game. The Game Card stays with the Field Marshal. If you are having difficulties with your TGS Account, you can click on the Game Card link on the Team Check-in Page of our website to print and hand write everything in at www.cerritoschallenge.com

 

Official Team Roster: The Game Card for your first scheduled game will also be your Official Team Roster. Make sure you list all of the players on that Game Card that will be participating throughout the weekend. Once you turn in your Game Card to the Field Marshal prior to your first game, your Roster is Frozen. You will not be able to add any players to your Team Roster for the remainder of the tournament.

Note: Do not worry if your opponent hasn't inputted their players on the Game Card. Each team will be responsible to turn in their own completed Game Card to the Field Marshal before every game. For more info regarding Team Check-in and to download forms.

 

Player Equipment

The referee’s decision is final concerning whether a player will be permitted to play with their existing equipment and physical condition (knee braces, cast, etc.)

 

Match Times for Pool Play, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals & Finals

2015 thru 2012 divisions will play two 30 minute halves.

2011 thru 2004/05 divisions will play two 35 minute halves.

 

Award Ceremonies

Both, the Champion and Finalist will receive awards and are both expected to participate in the Award Ceremonies. Any team who does not comply, the tournament will withhold the awards and the team will also be reported to the their State Association, League, Club President and Club Director of Coaching. We promote good sportsmanship at our event whether you win or lose.

 

Substitution

Substitution will be allowed during natural stoppage of the match at the referee’s discretion. All divisions, free substitution and re-entry will be allowed. All players, including any Coach and/or Admin on the bench must wear facial protection.

 

Injury Time

There will be no time allowance for injuries. The in-charge referee cannot extend the specified game time without the consent of a Tournament Committee Representative.

 

Tournament Scoring System

3 points for a win

1 point for a tie

0 points for a loss

Qualifying matches ending in a tie will stand. Quarter-final, Semi-final and Final matches ending in a tie will proceed immediately to FIFA penalty kicks to determine a winner.

 

Standing Tie Breaker

In the event there is a tie in the standing after the qualifying matches or a wild-card determination, the following method will be utilized to resolve the tie:

1. Head to Head Competition

2. Goal Differential (goals scored minus goals allowed)

3. Fewest Goals Allowed

4. Most Goals Scored

5. Most shut-out victories (forfeits not counting)

6. FIFA Kicks from the Penalty Mark If Field is available and both teams are present.

7. Tournament Representative will Flip a Coin to determine Winner

If more than two teams are tied at the end of preliminary rounds, the tie breaker criteria list shall be used in order shown to advance or eliminate teams. Once one team advances or is eliminated and if the remaining two teams are still tied, those two teams will then be compared beginning with criterion 1 (Head to Head) to determine ultimate placement. (See different examples below).

 

Example 1: Three way tie:

Head to Head cancels out since all 3 teams either beat or tied each other. The three teams will then be compared beginning with criterion 2 (Goal Differential) to determine ultimate placement.

Team A  Goal Differential  +3

Team B  Goal Differential  +2

Team C  Goal Differential  +1

In this above example Team A is first place, Team B is second place and Team C is third place.

 

Example 2: Three way tie:

Head to Head cancels out since all 3 teams either beat or tied each other. The three teams will then be compared beginning with criterion 2 (Goal Differential) to determine placement.

Team A Goal Differential  +3

Team B Goal Differential  +3

Team C Goal Differential  +1

In this above example Team C is Third Place with the lowest Goal Differential. Since Team A and Team B are still tied, those two teams will then be compared beginning with criterion 1 (Head to Head) to determine ultimate placement. In this case, Team A beat Team B  in Pool Play. Therefore, Team A is first place, Team B is second place, and Team C is third place.

 

Example 3: Three way tie:

Head to Head cancels out since all 3 teams either beat or tied each other.

Team A Goal Differential  +3

Team B Goal Differential  +1

Team C Goal Differential  +1

In this above example Team A is in First Place with the Highest Goal Differential. Since Team B and Team C are still tied, those two teams will then be compared beginning with criterion 1 (Head to Head) to determine ultimate placement. In this case, Team B beat Team C in Pool Play. Therefore, Team A is first place, Team B is second place, and Team C is third place.

 

Flight Placement:

Teams have the option to request what level they prefer to play in. This option does not guarantee flight placement. The Tournament Committee will review all team applications and determine the flights and brackets. No refunds will be given to a team unhappy with their flight placement.

 

Playoffs for Boys & Girls 2015 thru 2004/05 Divisions (Non-Showcase Divisions)

Flight of 4 Teams:

Round Robin play. The top two teams with the most points will advance to the Championship game.

 

Flight of 6 Teams:

Cross Play. Top 4 teams with the most points will advance to the Semifinals. 1st Most Points vs 4th Most Points will advance to Semifinal #1. 2nd Most Points vs 3rd Most Points will advance to Semifinal #2.

Note: Tiebreaker Rule for Flight of 6 Teams Only: If teams are still tied after going through the Standing Tie Breaker Rules 1 thru 5, then there will be a Coin Flip to determine team placement and advancement. No Pk's will be taken.

 

Flight of 8 Teams:

1st Place from Group A vs 2nd Place from Group B will advance to the Semifinal Game. 1st Place from Group B vs 2nd Place from Group A will advance to the Semifinal Game.

 

Flight of 10 Teams:

1st Place from Group A vs 1st Place from Group B will advance to the Championship.

 

Flight of 16 Teams:

1st Place from Group A vs 2nd Place from Group D. 1st Place from Group B vs 2nd Place from Group C. 1st Place from Group C vs 2nd Place from Group B.  1st Place from Group D vs 2nd Place from Group A will advance to the Quarterfinal Game.

 

Wild Cards

Only Second Place Teams from each pool can advance as a Wild Card. If there is a tie for Second Place in pool play, the Standing Tie Breaker Rule will determine the Second Place team. Penalty kicks will be taken thirty (30) Minutes before the scheduled start of the Quarterfinal or Semifinal game. Any additional conflicts with Wild card teams will be resolved by the Tournament Directors.

 

Flight of 12 Teams:

Will consist of three (3) Groups of four (4) teams each. Each team will play the other teams in its Group for a total of three (3) preliminary round games.

The winner of Group A will play Wild card #1 and the winner of Group B will play the winner of Group C. If Wild Card comes from Group A, then it will be winner of Group B vs Wild card and winner of Group A vs Group C.

 

Flight of 20 Teams:

Will consist of five (5) Groups of four (4) teams each. Each team will play the other teams in its Group for a total of three (3) preliminary round games.

The winner of Group A will play Wild card #3 in Quarterfinal #1.

The winner of Group B will play Wild card #2 in Quarterfinal #2.

The winner of Group C will play Wild card #1 in Quarterfinal #3.

The winner of Group D will play the winner of Group E in Quarter final #4.

If Wild card #1 comes from Group C, then Wild card #1 will play the winner of Group B and Wild card #2 will play the winner of Group C.

If Wild card #3 comes from Group A, then Wild card #3 will play the winner of Group B and Wild card #2 will play the winner of Group B.

If Wild card #2 comes from Group B, then Wild card #2 will play the winner of Group C and Wild card #3 will play the winner of Group B.

If two (2) Wild cards come from their same respective groups. Both Wild card teams will automatically switch places.

If three (3) Wild cards come from their same respective groups, then winner of Group A will play Wild Card #2 and winner of Group B will play Wild Card #1 and winner of Group C will play Wild Card #3.

The winner of the Quarterfinal #1 will meet the winner of Quarterfinal #4 and the winner of Quarterfinal #2 will meet the winner of Quarterfinal #3 in the semifinals. The winners of semifinal games will meet for the Championship.

 

Flight of 24 Teams:

Will consist of six (6) Groups of four (4) teams each. Each team will play the other teams in its Group for a total of three (3) preliminary round games.

The winner of Group A will play Wild card #2 in Quarterfinal #1.

The winner of Group B will play Wild card #1 in Quarterfinal #2.

The winner of Group C will play the winner of Group F in Quarterfinal #3.

The winner of Group D will play the winner of Group E in Quarter final #4.

If Wild card #1 comes from Group B, then Wild card #1 will play the winner of Group A and Wild card #2 will play the winner of Group B.

If Wild card #2 comes from Group A, then Wild card #2 will play the winner of Group B and Wild card #1 will play the winner of Group A.

The winner of the Quarterfinal #1 will meet the winner of Quarterfinal #4 and the winner of Quarterfinal #2 will meet the winner of Quarterfinal #3 in the semifinals. The winners of semifinal games will meet for the Championship.

 

Flight of 28 Teams:

Will consist of seven (7) Groups of four (4) teams each. Each team will play the other teams in its Group for a total of three (3) preliminary round games.

The winner of Group A will play Wild card #1 in Quarterfinal #1.

The winner of Group B will play the winner of Group G in Quarterfinal #2.

The winner of Group C will play the winner of Group F in Quarterfinal #3.

The winner of Group D will play the winner of Group E in Quarter final #4.

If Wild card #1 comes from Group A, then Wild card #1 will play the winner of Group B and winner of Group A will play the winner of Group G.

The winner of the Quarterfinal #1 will meet the winner of Quarterfinal #4 and the winner of Quarterfinal #2 will meet the winner of Quarterfinal #3 in the semifinals. The winners of semifinal games will meet for the Championship.

 

Flight of 32 Teams:

Will consist of eight (8) Groups of four (4) teams each. Each team will play the other teams in its Group for a total of three (3) preliminary round games.

The winner of Group A will play the winner of Group H in Quarterfinal #1.

The winner of Group B will play the winner of Group G in Quarterfinal #2.

The winner of Group C will play the winner of Group F in Quarterfinal #3.

The winner of Group D will play the winner of Group E in Quarter final #4.

The winner of the Quarterfinal #1 will meet the winner of Quarterfinal #4 and the winner of Quarterfinal #2 will meet the winner of Quarterfinal #3 in the semifinals. The winners of semifinal games will meet for the Championship.

 

Home & Away Match Preparations

Choosing Sides: Both teams will be on one side of the field and Spectators on the opposite side of the field designated by the tournament. The home team is the first team listed on the schedule. The home team has choice of field half. Spectators must mirror their team on the opposite side of the field.

Player Uniforms: Opponents must wear colors that distinguish them from each other, and also the Referee and the Assistant Referees. It is recommended that the home team wears light uniforms while the away team wears dark uniforms. Each goalkeeper must wear colors that distinguish them from the other players, the Referee, and the assistant Referees. All players on a team except the goalkeeper shall wear identical uniforms (shirts, shorts, and socks).

  • If there is a conflict in the uniform color, the away team shall change uniforms.
  • Player numbers must be affixed to the back of the uniform shirt. Each Player on a team shall wear a unique number.

Game Balls: The home team is the team listed first on the official schedule. The home team will furnish three game balls.

 

Athletic Trainers: The tournament will provide certified Athletic Trainers at the Silverlakes Soccer Complex and OC Great Park. They will be located at various Red Tent First Aid Stations throughout both complexes. Players will need to provide their own pre-wrap and athletic tape for ankle and/or wrist wraps before games.

 

Forfeits/Team Disqualifications

If a team forfeits due to a no show or not having enough players during the preliminary round, the following will apply “Forfeit one-forfeit all”. If a team forfeits in a later round, only that match will be forfeited. If a team doesn’t have their player cards present by the end of the match, only that match will be forfeited. Games will be recorded as a 1-0 victory for the opposing team. Any team that forfeits will be reported to their Club President and Club Director.

 

Grace Period

All matches will have a 5 minutes grace period to appear with at least 7 players (2011 thru 2004/05 divisions), 5 players (2015 thru 2012 divisions) to avoid a forfeit.

 

Spectators:

Teams and spectators must be on opposite sides of the field on the same half. Spectators are not allowed to sit or stand on the opponent’s spectator half of the field. All Spectators must comply with the Tournament & Facility COVID Protocols and Guidelines.

 

2 Yard Sideline Rule 

All spectators must always be at least 2 yards away from the sideline. This rule will be enforced by the Referee Coordinator and Showcase Officials.

 

Player/Coach Conduct

Any player receiving a double yellow / red card or coach receiving an ejection shall be ineligible to participate in the remainder of that match, plus the following match.

 

Withdrawal from the Tournament 

Any team withdrawing before May 1, 2023, will receive a full refund minus $100 processing fee. Any team withdrawing after the May 1, 2023, will not be entitled to a refund unless the tournament is canceled.

 

Inclement Weather or Unexpected Termination of Play

If the Tournament is canceled due to the Inclement Weather prior to the start of competition, teams will be issued partial refunds as determined by the Tournament Committee, after a reasonable amount has been deducted for incurred tournament costs.

In the event of inclement weather, which the Tournament Committee deems as being unsafe for the players and/or the fields for competition to continue; or the unexpected termination of the match, the following system for determining the winner will be implemented:

Matches that are at the half time break or in the second half of play will have the score stand.

Matches before the halftime break will be deemed not to have been played and may be postponed and played at a later time or the following day if a field is available. If a field is not available, then a coin flip by the Tournament Director will determine the winner and the score will be reported as 1-0.

Matches may be shortened in order to play all assigned matches. If all assigned matches are unable to be played, awards will be made based on a point system to be determined by the Tournament Committee.