California Youth Soccer Association - North

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Pleasanton, CA 94566-4754

State Cup Rules

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CYSA Cup Competition Directives,

Rules & Regulations

CYSA Cup Competition Directives, Rules & Regulations

1. JURISDICTION

2. TEAM FORMATION

3. CREDENTIALS

4. GAMES AND FIELDS

5. SCORING

6. SEND OFF PROCEDURES

7. PROTEST AND APPEALS

8. AUTHORITY

Addendum to CYSA Cup Competition

Directives, Rules & Regulations

for Items Specific to CYSA State Cup

For Boys and Girls Under 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 Teams

 

State Cup Rules Addendum

 

1. CYSA STATE CUP COMPETITIONS

2. NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

3. CYSA STATE CUP ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

4. TEAM FORMATION

5. GAMES AND FIELDS

6. FINES, FORFEITS, PENALTIES AND REFUNDS

7. AWARDS

8. AUTHORITY

CYSA Cup Competition Directives,

Rules & Regulations

These rules govern CYSA Cup Competitions and supersede any other CYSA rules to the extent that other CYSA rules may be inconsistent with these rules.

1. JURISDICTION

The entire CYSA Cup competitions shall be under the jurisdiction of the separate CYSA Cup Committees as authorized by the CYSA Board of Directors. The CYSA Board of Directors reserves the right to any final decision with regard to any and all games played in this competition.

2. TEAM FORMATION

   1. Players must have registered with the District Commissioner/Registrar for the current seasonal year, in accordance with CYSA and US Youth Soccer Rules.  All teams entered in CYSA Cup Competitions are intended to be age pure.  No older players may be rostered on these teams.

   2. A team playing in CYSA Cup Competitions is limited to NO MORE than three (3) transfer of previously registered players "onto" its roster in the seasonal year.  There is no limit to the number of players who may be transferred "off" a team during a seasonal year.

   3. There is no limit to the number of previously unregistered players who may be "added" to a team's roster providing that the total number of players on the roster does not exceed eighteen (18) at ANY ONE TIME.  This is per US Youth Soccer Rules and CYSA Specific Rule 4:06:06.

   4. The deadline for transfer, drops (releases), and adds shall be fourteen (14) days prior to the originally scheduled date for the start of the CYSA Cup Competition in that particular age/gender group.  All rosters are frozen at that time.  Only those players legally rostered at such time are eligible to participate in further State, Regional or National Competitions.

3. CREDENTIALS

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR CYSA CUP COMPETITION GAMES.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Proper credentials shall be presented at a check-in prior to each round of play.  Credentials must be proper beginning with the first preliminary game.  Any improper player or registered team official's member pass shall be retained by the Cup staff and they may not participate until proper credentials are cleared with either their District Commissioner or District Registrar and presented to the CYSA Cup Credentials Committee for clearance.

1. US Youth Soccer Member Passes, properly completed, (see PIM 88-4 Revised 4/07) will be required for CYSA Cup Competition play at each game.

2. In order for the team to play a properly filled out US Youth Soccer/CYSA member pass must accompany each registered team official who is in the team “bench” area of the field. Each team shall be limited to a maximum of four (4) registered team officials in the team’s “bench” area of the field during a game.  If due to a send off during the game there is no adult who is a registered team official available to take charge of the team, the game shall immediately be terminated and the opposing team shall be declared the winner of the game.  If the score of the game exceeds 1 - 0 in favor of the opposing team at the time of the game being terminated that score shall stand as the final score of the game.  If the score is 1 - 1 or the score favors the team that is causing the game to be terminated the score shall be recorded as a 1 - 0 score in favor of the opposing team.  Registered team officials may be added to the team roster at anytime prior to or after the CYSA Cup Competition has begun.  A team must have an adult of at least twenty-one (21) years of age in attendance as the registered team official.  No team shall be allowed to play if it does not have a registered team official who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age who will be responsible for the actions/activities of the team during CYSA Cup Competition Play.

3. Any questionable players/coaches/administrators credentials will be held by the Credentials Committee in that round of play and will result in that player/coach/administrator being ineligible to participate.

4. An original CYSA Team roster (goldenrod) authorized by the league and district registrars must be presented prior to participating in any round/game of CYSA Cup Competition Play.

5. A US Youth Soccer Membership form with original “wet ink” signatures, (original signatures, no copies of signatures) of the player’s parents or guardians in the Consent for Medical Treatment and Hold Harmless sections  must be presented for each player.  Players who are 18 years or older at the time of competition MUST sign their own forms.

6. An ineligible player, participating in a CYSA Cup Competition Game shall cause his/her team to forfeit any game that the player has participated in and may result in further disciplinary action, against the coach, team administrator, or player by the CYSA Board of Directors.

The length of games played in the opening round and any subsequent Round-Robin round of CYSA Cup Competition will be reduced by five (5) minutes per half. All ties in the opening round shall stand and no extra  time shall be played SUBJECT TO LAW 7 OF THE LAWS OF THE GAME. Single elimination games shall be regulation length. In single-elimination games, the "Golden Goal" rule will be in place. If the teams remain tied at the end of overtime play, then the winner shall be determined by kicks from the penalty spot per FIFA.

3. CYSA Cup Competition Game and Referee Report (game cards), supplied by CYSA, shall be presented to the referee and will be used for all Cup games.  Such game cards will be submitted to the CYSA office directly.

4. The team listed first on the CYSA-issued schedule of games shall be the HOME TEAM in all cases and will provide a game ball.  Home teams will change uniforms in the even of conflict in uniform color.

5. A complete schedule of games, playing dates, and opponents will be mailed to all teams as soon as possible but no later than three weeks after the draw so long as all fields are secured at the time of the draw.  THERE WILL BE NO RESCHEDULING OF GAMES TO ACCOMMODATE OUT-OF-STATE TOURNAMENTS, LEAGUE GAMES, SOCIAL EVENTS, SCHOOL AND/OR COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTS.  It is the responsibility of each team to be aware of all potential conflicts which may affect its ability and the ability of its players to participate in CYSA Cup competition on any and all dates for which play is scheduled (both primary dates for play and alternate dates for play) for its age group.

6. In the event of inclement weather, the host district is responsible for informing participating teams and the respective district CYSA cup coordinator(s) as soon as possible before games if fields are unplayable.  Only the CYSA Cup Committee Chairman may reschedule a game for different dates.  If inclement weather should necessitate field and/or playing date change, it is the prerogative of the CYSA Cup Committee Chairman to schedule such changes.  District CYSA Cup Coordinators may, if necessitated by inclement weather, make last minute changes to different playing sites.

7. The CYSA Cup Committee Chairman may schedule makeup games necessitated by inclement weather or reentry games due to a Protest and Appeals decision on consecutive days (Saturday and Sunday) or between scheduled dates (weekdays).  The CYSA Cup Committee Chairman’s decisions are not protestable.  Should a scheduled game be terminated or abandoned before its completion and the situation is not covered by CYSA Cup Competition Rules, or National Cup Rules, the status of the game shall be determined by the CYSA Protest & Appeals Committee.

8. The appearance of players is a vital extension of the game.  Stockings/socks must be of the same color, (a player must wear stockings/socks of a matching color), should be correctly worn in the pulled-up position covering shin pads or guards. Shirts/ jerseys shall be neatly tucked into their shorts.  The wearing of tracksuit trousers or long tights in a color that coordinates with the team’s colors is permissible in adverse weather. Cyclists’ pants, tights, etc., may be worn under a player’s shorts if they are the same color as the shorts.  The wearing of long sleeve shirts/ jerseys under uniform jerseys is permitted, in inclement weather, provided the garment is the same color as the team’s jersey.  A player’s team uniform confirms the identity of the club or organization that the player represents.  It should be worn with pride.  All CYSA Cup referees will be instructed to enforce this uniform rule in all games.

9. In the event that a team forfeits and/or withdraws during the preliminary round competition, all games involving that team shall not be considered in determining the team that advances.  If a team forfeits one game, all games that team is scheduled to play are forfeit.

10. In single elimination games, both teams’ bench areas will be on the same side of the field, and coaching from the sideline will not be permitted except as in accordance with FIFA directives. Spectator areas will be established on the opposite side of the field at single elimination games.  No individual is allowed on the “team” side of the field in these games unless they are credentialed members of one of the teams participating in the game.  No more than four (4) team officials from each team including coaches shall be on the same side of the field as the teams during quarterfinal, semifinal and finals play.

5. SCORING

   1. In the preliminary rounds, the following point system will be used to determine which teams advance.

      3 points for a WIN

      1 point for a TIE

      0 points for a LOSS

       

   2. If teams are tied in points at the conclusion of the preliminary round, the following tie-breaking procedure will be employed to determine which teams advance to the next round:

      1. Results of head-to-head competition between teams that are tied.

      2. Goal differential (goals scored minus goals allowed to a maximum differential of 4 per game).

      3. Least goals allowed.

      4. Most goals scored to a maximum of 4 per game.

      5. Kicks taken from the penalty spot per FIFA.

   3. In three team groups, if FIFA kicks involve a team that had completed play on a previous day and is unavailable to take the kicks, an alternative time and site for the kicks shall be scheduled by the CYSA Cup Committee Chairman.

   4. Should more than two teams be tied at the end of the preliminary round, the above list of tiebreakers will be used in sequential order until one team is determined to be the winner. The tie-breaking procedure does not revert back to previous tie-breaking criteria after one team has been eliminated.

   5. Should three or more teams be tied at the end of the preliminary round after completing the above list of tie-breakers, a Round Robin Shoot-out will then be utilized as follows:  Ten (10) shots will be taken per team, five (5) each against opposing keepers.  Total from two (2) shoot-outs, i.e. Team A scores 3 versus Team B keeper, then scores 2 versus Team C keeper, Team A’s total is 5.  Team with most goals advances.  If teams remain tied after two (2) rounds re-shoot.  Coach will designate ten (10) shooters of which ANY ROSTERED PLAYER may shoot.

      Round 1

      Team A           5 Players (1 - 5) versus Team B Keeper

      Team B           5 Players (1 - 5) versus Team C Keeper

      Team C           5 Players (1 - 5) versus Team A Keeper

      Round 2

      Team A           5 Players (6 - 10) versus Team C Keeper

      Team B           5 Players (6 - 10) versus Team A Keeper

      Team C           5 Players (6 - 10) versus Team B Keeper

   Unique scoring elements for the CYSA Association Cup may be found in Section V of the Addendum for Items Specific to CYSA Association Cup.  Unique scoring elements for the CYSA Founders' Cup may be found in Section V of the Addendum with Items Specific to CYSA Founders' Cup.  These documents can be found in the CYSA Team Manual and on the CYSA website.

    

6. SEND OFF PROCEDURES

    

   1. Any team receiving three (3) red cards throughout this competition shall be immediately placed on probationary status.  Upon receipt of a fourth (4th) red card, (player/adult send off), the team shall immediately be eliminated from this competition for the remainder of the current CYSA Cup Competition.  The game shall be abandoned by the referee and deemed a forfeit.  All preliminary round games involving that team shall not be considered in determining the team that advances.  In single elimination games, the opposing team automatically advances.

   2. Each District hosting games shall have, on site, a Protest, Appeals, Disciplinary (PAD) Committee to determine penalties for red card sendoffs.  PAD Committee decisions shall be communicated to applicable players, coaches or team officials.

   3. Sendoffs shall be handled in accordance with CYSA Specific Rule 4:07:02.  If a player is sent off for misconduct, and has not served his/her suspension, the governing authority for that competition shall mail the player’s pass, game report and Send-Off Report to the District Commissioner, with the exception of send offs for referee assault which will be sent to the Board of Directors of this Association.  The player or players in question shall be ineligible for further CYSA Cup Competition Play until the player pass is returned, upon completion of suspension.  All CYSA Cup Competition suspensions must be served during CYSA Cup Competition and Regional Cup/National Cup Games if applicable; and if the individual does not complete their suspension in the current year of CYSA Cup Competition/ Regional Cup/ US Youth Soccer National Cup Competition the suspension shall carry over to the following year’s CYSA Cup Competition/ Regional Cup/ US Youth Soccer National Cup Competition until the suspension is completely served.

       

      1. A coach serving a red card from a previous year shall serve the suspension with the team he or she earned it with as long as the coach is still associated with that team.

      2. If number 1 does not apply, that is, if the coach is no longer with the team from the previous year that he or she earned the suspension, the coach will serve the suspension with his or her current team.

      3. Coaches who are listed on multiple rosters and who are suspended will serve their suspension during the next scheduled games involving the team they were coaching at the time of their suspension. If that team is no longer participating in the national championships, coaches will serve their suspensions with the next team they are coaching in the national championships.

      4. Coaches affiliated with two or more teams may not coach any team while serving a suspension.

   4. Any player or coach who is “sent off” the field before, during or after a CYSA Cup Competition game shall automatically receive the recommended minimum penalty prescribed by CYSA for the applicable age group and offense per CYSA Specific Rule 4:08, Disciplinary Rulings.  Additional games may be added by the Disciplinary Committee if the circumstances of the offense warrant it.  “Send offs” are not subject to Protest or Appeal.  Only penalties above the recommended CYSA minimums may be appealed.  In instances where CYSA Cup Competition Rules, CYSA State Cup Rules and US Youth Soccer National Youth Challenge Cup Rules conflict, the US Youth Soccer Rules prevail.

   5. Referees will hold player/coaches passes, for those players/coaches who have been “sent off”, and turn them in to the on-site PAD Committee for disciplinary action.  The player/coaches passes along with a copy of the “Game and Referee Report” card and a copy of the Referee’s 24-hour report will be sent within forty eight (48) hours to the respective District Commissioner for further action if necessary.

    

7. PROTEST AND APPEALS

   1. Referees’ judgment calls and send-offs may not be protested or appealed.  Only protests or appeals of a misapplication of the Laws of the Game will be considered.

   2. Disciplinary action that exceeds CYSA’s recommended minimum penalty for an offense for an age group may be appealed.

   3. In order for a protest of a competition to be valid, the referee must be notified that the game is under protest prior to leaving the field of play.  The referee should record protests on game cards and inform the opposing coach.

   4. The protest must be in writing and received by CYSA headquarters within 72 hours after the game being protested.  A $200.00 fee must accompany the protest or appeal. CYSA headquarters: 1040 Serpentine Lane, Suite 201, Pleasanton, CA. 94566.

   5. The decision of the CYSA P&A Committee shall be forwarded to the coach within 48 hours of the P & A Committee’s decision.

   6. Game results and CYSA P&A decisions will stand, and scheduled CYSA Cup Competition games will continue.  All appeals and protests shall be heard by the CYSA P&A Committee within five (5) days after the game has been played that is being appealed or protested.  No further protest or appeal shall be allowed beyond the hearing of the CYSA P&A Committee.  Any appeal or protest filed that pertains to any CYSA Cup Competition Activity including but not limited to team entry status, player eligibility, team eligibility, or any other area pertaining to CYSA Cup Competition Play except a specific game/games shall be heard by the CYSA P&A Committee within seven (7) days of filing of the protest and appeal.  The CYSA P&A Committee also reserves the right to make decisions regarding appeals and protests by conference phone call or other electronic communications amongst the members of the Committee relying solely on the written testimony that is submitted by the parties to the appeal or protest.  BY ENTERING A CYSA CUP COMPETITION TOURNAMENT A TEAM AGREES TO WAIVE ANY APPEAL RIGHTS OTHER THAN TO THE CYSA P&A COMMITTEE.

   7. All instances of Referee Assault shall be reported within 48 hours to the CYSA First Vice Chairman. Individuals, accused of Referee Assault, shall be immediately suspended pending a review by the CYSA PAD Committee. Reports of Referee Assault should be sent to the CYSA State Office in Pleasanton.

   8. A game upon which a protest/appeal is upheld will be replayed as called for by the CYSA Protest and Appeals Committee.  It shall be the responsibility of the individual CYSA Cup Chairmen to reschedule the game and set a time and place for the game that will allow all CYSA Cup Competition play to continue with the least amount of delay.

   9. There will be no make-up games against teams that have lost during the time of any protest or appeal procedure not filed by or against them.

   10. Suspension penalties that cannot be served in the current season will carry over to the next seasonal years.

   11. Any individual that is sent-off during a CYSA Cup Competition game and the suspension exceeds the minimum suspension for the conduct that caused the send-off shall have recorded in the send-off report the reason for the additional suspended games, or an attachment to the send-off report that gives the reason for the additional suspension.  The lack of such backup may be grounds for reduction of suspension.  The minimum suspensions are located in Section 4:08:01 through 4:08:06 of CYSA Specific Rules.

   12. The CYSA Cup Competition PAD Report form will be used to record all decisions regarding send-offs. Directives regarding send-offs are attached to the Cup Competition PAD Report.

   13. The Board of Directors may remove from cup competition for cause any team, which violates section 3:01:03 of the general procedures of the CYSA Constitution.

   14. Forfeit:  A game is “forfeit” when:

       1. A team does not show up to play at the scheduled time and place they have been scheduled to play in the CYSA Cup Competition Schedule.  It is the team’s responsibility to know when and where they are scheduled to play ANY CYSA Cup Competition Game that they have been scheduled to participate in.  It is the team’s responsibility to be aware of any schedule changes that take place in CYSA Cup Competition play that affects their team.

       2. A team is not ready to play within fifteen (15) minutes of the scheduled start time of a CYSA Cup Competition Game that the team has been scheduled to participate in with AT LEAST seven (7) players with proper credentials as called for in the CYSA Cup Competition Rules and that are dressed in uniforms that meet the CYSA Cup Competition Guidelines.  The team must also have a team administrator of the appropriate age and with proper CYSA credentials as called for in the CYSA Cup Competition Rules at the beginning of the game.  Any of these “faults” shall result in a “forfeit” game.

       3. A team that allows a player/administrator/coach to participate in a CYSA Cup game and it is found out before, during, or after the game that the player OR team administrator was not properly credentialed or was not in “good standing” and should not have participated in the game/games.

       4. Once a game has begun, the game cannot be a “forfeit” UNLESS one of the teams has at least one individual that is not eligible to participate in Cup Competition Play AND the individual participates in the game as described in Section 3.

   15. Abandon/Terminate:

       The terms “abandon” and “terminate” are interchangeable and mean the same thing for purposes of CYSA Cup Competition play.

       1. A game is “abandoned” or “terminated” by the referee when one of the following situations occur:

          1. The referee is unable to control the players on the field.

          2. The referee is unable to control the actions of individuals that are not "playing" in the game. (coaches/team administrators/spectators, etc.)

          3. The field has become "unsafe" to play on, usually weather related or objects being thrown on the field, or something has happened to the field that makes the field "unsafe" for play.

          4. The referee has been instructed by a CYSA Cup Competition Administrator to abandon/terminate for a specific purpose related to CYSA Cup Competition Rules.

          5. The referee and his/her assistants have been threatened by players/coaches/team administrators/spectators and feel that it is in their best interest to abandon/terminate the game and leave the site.

          6. Any reason that are consistent with, "the risk of continuing to play is outweighed by the possibility of someone being seriously injured if the game continues."

          7. If the team does not have at least one team administrator of the appropriate age with the required CYSA credentials at any time ONCE the game has begun the game will be deemed an “abandoned/terminated” game.

       2. A game is abandoned/terminated ONLY after the game has begun OR just prior to the game IF the field is determined to be unsafe for play or the weather is such that in the opinion of the referee OR a CYSA Cup Competition Administrator the game cannot be played for reasons of safety or potential field damage.  Any game that is abandoned/terminated prior to the game beginning shall be played at a later time UNLESS the game will not have any bearing on which team wins the flight that the two (2) teams are in.

       3. Once a game has BEGUN and the game has been abandoned/terminated the status of the game shall be determined by the CYSA Protest, Appeal and Disciplinary Committee regardless at what time during the game the game was abandoned/terminated.  The CYSA Protest, Appeal and disciplinary committee shall render a decision as to the status of the game within seventy-two (72) hours of the written information reaching the CYSA First Vice Chairman, which shall allow the competition to continue.  The CYSA Protest, Appeal and Disciplinary Committee may deem the particular game status to be played over again in its entirety.  The CYSA Protest, Appeal and Disciplinary Committee may also take action regarding teams, or individuals behavior that are related to the abandonment/termination of any game as a separate action that has been brought to their attention as a result of information brought forth during the review of the abandoned/terminated game or games.

8. AUTHORITY

   1. The CYSA Board of Directors reserves the right to change any rule during the competition and such changes will take effect five (5) days after written notification has been mailed to all teams entered/remaining in this competition.

   2. During the competition, questions regarding interpretation of these rules and matters not addressed herein shall be resolved by the CYSA Cup Coordinator on site or the CYSA Cup Committee Chairman.

Addendum to CYSA Cup Competition

Directives, Rules & Regulations

for Items Specific to CYSA State Cup

For Boys and Girls Under 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 Teams

1. CYSA STATE CUP COMPETITIONS

   1. The purpose of the CYSA State Cup competitions is the selection of CYSA State Champions in each age and gender group.  Separate competitions will be held in both boys and girls U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18, U19 divisions.  Only winners of the U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18 and U19 division competitions will be eligible to represent this Association in the annual Region IV Cup Competition.

   2. CYSA State Cup competitions are open to all CYSA registered teams so long as such teams are in good standing at the time of entry and remain in good standing during the competition.

   3. A team or player may play in only one (1) state competition (i.e. team or player may not play in CYSA State Cup and CYSA Association Cup or CYSA Founders’ Cup) within the same current seasonal year. Any player on a frozen roster is considered to have participated in cup play.

   4. Finances for Region IV Finals: Any excess income left after all CYSA State Cup expenses are paid will be divided equally among all teams who are advancing to the annual Region IV Finals.  These funds will be used to help defray expenses, not to exceed actual cost, provided such events are held outside the jurisdiction of this Association.  CYSA funds under this section will not be made available until a team has fulfilled its scheduled out-of-state commitments.

2. NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

   1. National competitions, known collectively as the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship, are held for the U14, U15, U16, U17, U18 and U19 age groups, for both boys and girls.

   2. The cups for male competition are called the James R. McGuire Cup (U19), the National Championship (U18), the Don Greer Cup (U17), and the D.J. Niotis Cup (U16).

   3. The cups for female competition are called the Athena Cup (U19), the National Championship (U18), the National Championship (U17), and the Patricia Masotto Cup (U16).

   4. Those age group competitions from which the CYSA State Cup Championship team becomes the CYSA representative at the regional and/or national competitions must conform to the National Youth Challenge Cup Rules.

   5. The Far West Region includes the associations of: Alaska, Arizona, California North, California­ South, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

3. CYSA STATE CUP ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS (ONLINE CYSA STATE CUP APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE FOUND ON THE CYSA WEB SITE AT www.cysanorth.org

1. In order for a team to be eligible for CYSA State Cup Competition, it must submit:

   1. The CYSA State Cup Competition Form (Form 2501, Rev. 5/07) filled-out completely (type or print and be sure to include a fax number and e-mail address if available),

   2. The CYSA State Cup Entry Fee in the form of a check or credit card made payable to CYSA for $500.00

   3. A legible copy of the team’s roster (goldenrod) that has been authorized by the league and district registrars

2. Completed applications, consisting of the three items in Section III, item A, above, must be received at the CYSA office (1040 Serpentine Lane, Suite 201, Pleasanton, CA  94566) no later than 5 PM, November 1, 2007.

3. Any team that participates in an U-10 or below playing league may not enter the CYSA State Cup.

4. Late receipt of entry through delay by the U.S. Mail, other carriers, or delivery by person cannot and will not be accepted.  NO EXCEPTIONS!  Entries on any but a CYSA State Cup Entry form will not be accepted. Non-acceptance of entries for failure to meet entry deadlines is not protestable.

5. Teams that enter after the November 1st deadline are not guaranteed the opportunity to play.  They must pay an entry fee of $600.00 by credit card, certified check, money order, or bank cashiers check.  Any team that enters after the November 1 deadline and meets all other entrance requirements will be put into the “Reserve Pool”.

   1. The CYSA State Cup Committee may blind draw additional teams from the “Reserve Pool” of teams in a particular division to make that division divisible by four (4) prior to the draw.  The CYSA State Cup Committee will only draw enough teams to get to the first number of teams divisible by four (4) above the number of teams that have entered CYSA State Cup in the specific age/gender division of play at the time of the CYSA State Cup Deadline for Entry that does not include any “late fee” penalty.  The CYSA State Cup Committee cannot draw any more than a maximum of three (3) teams to attain a division of play that is divisible by four (4). The deadline to adjust and add teams to flights divisible by four (4) shall be at 5:00 p.m. on the Monday preceding the DRAW for each age/gender division of play.  Anytime that a team is needed to “fill” a flight in CYSA State Cup play, a team in the “Reserve Pool” in the proper age/gender group shall be blind drawn from the “Pool.”

   2. The CYSA State Cup Committee may draw from the “Pool” if a team drops from CYSA State Cup play in the team’s proper age/gender division.

   3. Any team not blind drawn from the “Reserve Pool” when play commences shall have $500.00 of its entry fee returned to the team within thirty (30) days from the first day of play in the team’s age/gender division. The $100.00 that will be retained by CYSA is an “administrative late fee.”

6. In order to be eligible to play in CYSA State Cup, a team must have played in a CYSA affiliated league with at least three (3) other teams and have played three (3) different teams at least once BEFORE it is eligible to participate in CYSA State Cup.  In a district where a team’s league does not begin play until CYSA State Cup Play has already begun, or a team has not been able to play the required number of games because of inclement weather, the team’s District Commissioner shall notify the CYSA State Cup Chairman in writing of the team’s conflict with this rule and explain why there is a conflict AT LEAST FIVE (5) DAYS PRIOR TO THE TOURNAMENT DRAW FOR THAT TEAM’S AGE/GENDER GROUP.  If the team is accepted for play in the tournament it shall be the responsibility of the team’s District Commissioner to make sure that the team meets the requirements of this paragraph BEFORE the end of the seasonal playing year of that specific year’s CYSA State Cup Tournament.  The District Commissioner shall notify the CYSA State Cup Chairman in writing when a team that has received a temporary exemption from this rule has met the requirements as called for in this paragraph.  Under no circumstances, and notwithstanding the foregoing, will any team be eligible to participate in CYSA State Cup if its participation in league play was only for the purpose of creating or establishing eligibility to participate in CYSA State Cup.

7. Any team that enters CYSA State Cup Competition agrees to play WHEREVER it is assigned to play within the CYSA geographical boundaries without complaint to CYSA.

4. TEAM FORMATION

   These elements are in addition to those listed in CYSA Cup Competition Rules

   1. Any team entering CYSA State Cup may not release a player or players in order to qualify for a lower age group division.  A team is required to play in CYSA State Cup at the oldest age group at which it was ever rostered during the seasonal year.  Player releases are allowed in certain circumstances per CYSA Specific Rule 4:06 (B, C, D) which states:

4:06:01 (B) - A player may be released from a team by the coach only if the player is unable to play for one of the following reasons:

1. The player has violated USYS rules or state disciplinary rules

2. The player has moved beyond a reasonable travel distance.

3. The player is injured in such a manner that the player will not be able to participate for the remainder of the season.

4. Dissolution of teams.  A dissolved team can be defined as a team which has been registered and has been playing but ceases to exist before less than one-half (1/2) of their league season has been played.

4:06:01 (C) - A player may voluntarily request to be released from a team.

4:06:01 (D) - A player, upon reaching their eighteenth birthday will not require a parent/guardian approval for transfer or release.

The team must demonstrate continuity of rosters between league and CYSA State Cup by maintaining a minimum of nine (9) players common to the rosters of both competitions

5. GAMES AND FIELDS

   Elements unique to CYSA State Cup Scheduling

   1. All properly received CYSA State Cup entries will be entered into preliminary rounds by a modified blind-draw, which will be open to the general public.

      1. The CYSA State Cup Committee reserves the right to combine flights with less than three (3) teams in the flights after the draw has taken place.  (This would take place after a team has dropped from the competition and there are not any teams available in the “Reserve Pool” to take the place of the team/teams that have withdrawn from competition in the specific flight or flights.)  The combining of these flights must take place no later than 6:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the first weekend of play in the particular age/gender division that is being adjusted UNLESS the two (2) flights being combined were scheduled to play in the same district of the preliminary round of play.

      2. The CYSA State Cup Committee reserves the right when necessary to bring two (2) teams forward to the next round from certain predetermined flights in the preliminary round of play to ensure that all age divisions will have complete quarter-final play in the competition.

      3. The Regional Divisions of play may be formatted in any manner that the CYSA State Cup Committee feels will create a “level playing field” for all teams in those two (2) divisions of play, etc.  This could include single elimination, double elimination, Round Robin, flight play, etc.  The type of format for the Regional Divisions shall be determined by the number of teams in each division and the time frame available to complete play in these divisions.

      4. In the event that a team is added to a CYSA State Cup age/gender group after the draw has been taken place do to an administrative error by the CYSA State Cup Committee, that team will be placed into the competition as follows:  All flights of three (3) in the specific age/gender group will be put into a “hat”, one of the flights will be drawn from the “hat” and the team will be the fourth (4th) team in that flight.

      5. If in the opinion of the CYSA State Cup Chairman and his/her Committee an uncorrectable error is made in the draw of a division of teams and it is discovered after the draw had taken place, the CYSA State Cup Chairman and CYSA State Cup Committee shall determine the best and most expeditious manner in which to redraw the particular division/divisions if they determine that a partial or complete redraw is necessary.  The implementation of this shall be done as quickly as possible with the approval of the CYSA 3rd Vice Chairman.

   2. There will be seeding of eight (8) teams in the Under 12 through Under 19 age divisions. In order to have eight (8) teams seeded, the age group must have the minimum number of teams necessary to create no fewer than 8 brackets, otherwise only four will be seeded.

      1. The eight (8) teams that will be seeded for this year’s CYSA State Cup Tournament in the above referenced age divisions will be last year’s CYSA State Cup Winner, Runner Up, and the six remaining quarter-finalists that will be moved up one age group division for this year’s CYSA State Cup Play.  In the event that a team played “up” an age group in the previous year’s CYSA State Cup Competition and they are a “seeded” team based on the team being a finalist in the previous year’s CYSA State Cup Play they will take precedent in the “seeding” of teams in their age/gender division over any team that is moving up an age group from the previous year’s CYSA State Cup Competition. The previous year’s CYSA State Cup Champion will be seeded #1, the previous year’s CYSA State Cup Runner Up will be seeded #2, the determining factor as to the order of the remaining quarter-finalist teams shall be determined by the results of the semi-final or quarter-final games in which the teams participated in during the previous year’s CYSA State Cup Tournament.  The #3 and #4 seeds will be the non-advancing semi-finalist teams and will be seeded third and fourth based on the following tie breakers:  1) Goal differential, goals scored versus goals allowed, (if one team lost 0-4 and the other team lost 1-3, the team with the 1-3 loss would be the #3 seed).  2) Least goals allowed.  3) Most goals scored.  4) Coin toss.  Tie breaking procedures will begin with (1) and continue in numerical sequence to (4).  When one of the tiebreakers shows a differential between the teams, the prevailing team shall become the #3 seed immediately without continuing to any other tiebreakers. Seeds # 5, # 6, #7, and #8 will be the non advancing quarter-finalist teams and will be seeded in order based on the tie breaking system used for determining the third and fourth seeds. In the event that a team does not meet the eligibility requirements to be a seeded team even though the team was a finalist from the preceding year’s CYSA State Cup Competition, or the team is not entered in the current CYSA State Cup Competition all teams “seeded” below that team will be moved up in the “seeding” and no new teams will be “seeded” to fill the vacant “seeding” position created by the move up of the other teams.

         1. Should a game remain tied at the end of the regulation and overtime periods, resulting in kicks from the mark to determine the winner, the score as it stands at the conclusion of the overtime periods will be used in the determination of seeding. (for example, if one team lost 1-2 and the other team tied 2-2, the team with the 2-2 tie would receive the higher seed.)

             

      2. In the event that a team does not meet the eligibility requirements to be a seeded team even though the team was a finalist from the preceding year’s CYSA State Cup Competition, or the team is not entered in the current CYSA State Cup Competition all teams “seeded” below that team will be moved up in the “seeding” and no new teams will be “seeded” to fill the vacant “seeding” position created by the move up of the other teams.

      3. In order to qualify for a seeded position in CYSA State Cup Play, a team must essentially be the same team that played in CYSA State Cup the previous year.  The criteria for determining if a team is to be considered a “returning” team is as follows:

         1. At least fifty percent (50%) of the team’s players return from the previous year’s CYSA State Cup Team Roster.

         2. The team is rostered and the players are registered with the same league and district, as they were the previous season.

         3. The team is in good standing with their league and district.

         4. Any team that does not meet these criteria shall go into the blind-draw pool with all the other teams in its respective age division; and, that age division shall have less than four (4) seeded teams.

         5. The CYSA State Cup Chairman shall send a response form to each district registrar with the names of all teams from their district that were either finalists or semifinalists in the previous years CYSA State Cup competition.  The district registrars will then be asked to verify whether these teams meet the criteria listed in a-c above.

   3. If, due to the withdrawal of teams, half or more of the preliminary brackets contain three or fewer teams, the CYSA State Cup Committee may schedule a redraw of that age group.  In addition, the CYSA State Cup Committee may redraw any age group if withdrawals reduce the total number of teams in that age group competition to a level, which would eliminate the need for an extra round of competition.

   4. Each district is expected to provide one field for every four teams which enter CYSA State Cup in the U14 to U19 age groups and one field for every six teams that enter in the U11 to U13 age groups.  For every two (2) fields that a Hosting District provides, at least one (1) of its teams will be scheduled at home during the Preliminary Rounds.

   5. The host district is responsible for supplying referees, credential review personnel (through its District Registrar), game fields (and/or alternative fields). The recommended minimum dimensions for game fields are: 100 yards long x 60 yards wide for U11 - U13; 100 yards long x 70 yards wide for U14 - U19.  The CYSA State Cup Chairman may place games on different sized fields if the use of such fields is necessary for the timely play of CYSA State Cup games.  Fields should be properly marked and ready by game time, with corner flags and nets in good condition. The referee’s decision, as to whether any field is playable or not, is not protestable.  It is recommended that field marshals be available for crowd control, etc.

   6. For this competition, US Youth Soccer National Championship Rules regarding substitutions will be followed, if adopted, for Regional Cup play.  For U-16 through U-19 age groups, this may involve limited substitutions.

6. FINES, FORFEITS, PENALTIES AND REFUNDS

   1. Any team that drops from CYSA State Cup Competition after the team has entered the Competition and prior to the draw for the team’s age/gender group shall receive a refund of their entry fee less an administrative charge of $100.00 providing that the team notify the CYSA Office in writing at least five (5) days prior to the draw for their group.

      1. If the team does not notify within this time frame, they will be assessed a penalty of $200.00 and will receive their entry fee less the penalty.  The deadline for this option is 5:00 PM of the last regular workday prior to the draw.

      2. If a team misses the deadline mentioned in #1 above, yet makes an effort and does notify the CYSA State Cup Committee prior to actually drawing the team they will only forfeit their entry fee.  This notification must still be in writing.

      3. Any team that applies to CYSA State Cup, as a “Reserve Pool” team will be assessed an additional fee of $100.00 above the regular CYSA State Cup entry fee.

   2. Once a team is drawn for CYSA State Cup Competition its entry fee becomes “non-refundable” regardless of whether the team wishes to withdraw or is declared ineligible through CYSA credential check process.  After the CYSA State Cup draw for the team’s age/gender division has been completed, any team that withdraws from Competition shall forfeit its entry fee and pay an additional penalty.

      1. A penalty of $100.00 will be assessed if a team notifies the CYSA office in writing no later than 5:00 PM on the Monday preceding its first scheduled CYSA State Cup Game/Games.

      2. A penalty of $300.00 will be assessed if a team notifies the CYSA office in writing no later than 5:00 PM on the Thursday preceding its first scheduled CYSA State Cup Game/Games.

      3. A penalty of $500.00 will be assessed if a team notifies the CYSA office in writing after 5:00 PM on the Thursday preceding its first scheduled CYSA State Cup Game/Games.

   3. If a team forfeits a game, the entry fee is forfeited and a penalty of $500.00 will be assessed to the team.  These penalty fees will be billed to that team’s league and may be used to defray expenses of teams adversely affected by the forfeit/forfeits.  Coaches are responsible for the forfeits of their teams and will be subject to disciplinary hearings if events relating to the forfeits warrant such action.

   4. In the event that a team is in a preliminary flight that had three (3) or four (4) teams and all the teams except one (1) other team drops from the CYSA State Cup Competition prior to any games being played the non-advancing team of the single game played in that flight shall receive a refund of one-half of their CYSA State Cup Entry Fee.

7. AWARDS

   1. A commemorative team trophy will be presented to the winning team’s coach. Perpetual trophies for each age group will be kept in the CYSA Office honoring each year’s champion.

   2. Participation awards will be given to all teams up to a maximum of twenty (20) per team.

   3. Individual championship game medals will be presented as follows:

      1. A maximum of twenty (20) medals per team.

      2. Replicas of medals may be purchased for additional team members, coaches, and supporters from CYSA.

      3. A player or coach sent off from the championship game or serving a previously issued suspension will not participate in the awards ceremony.  His/her medal will be given to the coach.

8. AUTHORITY

   1. The CYSA Board of Directors reserves the right to change any rule prior to the competition, and such changes will take effect five (5) days after written notification has been mailed to all teams entered/remaining in that competition.

   2. During the competition, questions regarding interpretation of these rules and matters not addressed herein shall be resolved by the CYSA State Cup Coordinator on site or the CYSA State Cup Committee Chairman.

For further information, please contact:

Kathi Killion, CYSA Programs Department

925.426.KIDS