Tournament Rules
PrimeTime Sports tournament rules follow USSF rules for recreational and competitive divisions with a few exceptions included below.
Forfeiture Policy | Rain Out | Eligibility Rules | Team Entry / Withdrawal Policy
Length of Games and Roster Size:
Teams will play full-length games, similar to league play regulations.
| Division | Field Dimensions* | Goals* | Game Length | Roster Max | Ball Size |
Tiebreakers in Play-offs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U6-U8 (4v4) | 30 yards x 20 yards | 4' x 6' | 4 -10 minute quarters | 8 | 3 | Shootouts |
| U9/10 (7v7) | 60 yards x 40 yards | 6.5' x 18.5' | 25 minute halves | 14 | 4 | Shootouts |
| U10 (9v9) | 75 yards x 50 yards | 6.5' x 18.5' | 30 minute halves | 16 | 4 | Shootouts |
| U11/12 (9v9) | 75 yards x 50 yards | 6.5' x 18.5' | 30 minute halves | 16 | 4 | Shootouts |
| U12 (11v11) | 110 yards x 75 yards | 8' x 24' | 35 minute halves | 18 | 4 | Shootouts |
| U13/14 (11v11) | 110 yards x 75 yards | 8' x 24' | 35 minute halves | 18 | 5 | Shootouts |
| U15/16 (11v11) | 110 yards x 75 yards | 8' x 24' | 40 minute halves | 22 | 5 | Shootouts |
| U17-19 (11v11) | 110 yards x 75 yards | 8' x 24' | 45 minute halves | 22 | 5 |
Shootouts |
* = dimensions may vary by location
Pool Play games may end in a tie. Semi-finals, Finals, 3rd Place, and Consolation games will go straight to a shooout to determine a winner in the event a score is tied at the end of regulation.
Substitution Rule:
There will be free substitution, with the referee’s consent at the following times:
a. A player receiving a yellow card (the player carded only)
b. Prior to a throw-in for the team in possession (the opposing team may substitute when the team in possession subs)
c. Prior to a goal kick
d. After a goal by either team
e. After an injury by either team when the referee stops the play
f. At the referee's discretion
Other Rules:
All referee decisions are final. You may not protest “Judgment Calls”.
The Tournament Director, or their designee, is empowered to make all decisions regarding the competition during the tournament. The Tournament Director’s decision is final in all matters. No appeals will be allowed beyond that point.
In the event the referee or linesmen are missing from the field, report immediately to PrimeTime Sports tournament staff. In the event the linesmen are not available, each team may be required to provide a “club linesman”.
If a game has played one full half, but is stopped short of full time, other than by acts on the part of one of the teams, the game shall be considered complete.
All scores shall be turned in to the PrimeTime Sports tournament staff by both teams in each match.
Net and Flags: Provide by the Tournament
Intentional use of head is NOT allowed for U6-U11 divisions
NOTE: NEW RULE IN EFFECT
Punting and drop kicks are not allowed in divisions playing the 7v7 format. The Build-out line will be enforced.
Each team must have unique numbered jerseys. No two players may have the same jersey number. Alternate jerseys or numbered T-shirts must be available with a unique and permanent (no tape) number for each player. Pinnies (mesh vests) may be used over the jersey resolve color conflicts, but the numbers must be visible through the pinnies. Goalkeepers are not required to have a number on their jersey but should be identified by number on the Gotsoccer roster and PrimeTime Sports game report. Violators will be removed from the field by the referee and not allowed back on the field of play until player equipment is corrected. Home Team is team listed first (left or top) on schedule. Home Team will wear white or lighter-colored jerseys. AWAY TEAM ARE NOT TO WEAR WHITE JERSEYS.
Most complexes are setup for both sets of coaches and players to be on the opposite side of the field from all spectators. This is the preferred seating arrangement for games. Under this seating arrangement, we ask that spectators sit/stand on the side of the field directly across from their team’s bench area. If you must sit/stand on the incorrect end of the field, amongst the opposing team’s spectators (photographers and parents of the goalkeeper), we ask that you be quiet and courteous. Spectators on the wrong end of the spectator side is not an issue which should involve the referees. If a spectator is in the wrong end of the spectator side AND being rude/obnoxious, please alert a field supervisor or other PrimeTime Sports tournament staff.
For complexes where the complex is set-up for a team and its spectators to be on the opposite side of the field from the other team and its spectators, the Home Team and its spectators will occupy either the North or West side of playing field.
Additional Tournament Rules
Awards
In all age groups, teams finishing 1st or 2nd will receive individual awards.
In divisions of six (6) teams, where three (3) teams in a pool play crossover games with three (3) teams in another pool, the top two (2) teams with the highest total points of all six (6) teams will advance to the Finals. In divisions with four (4) team pools, where teams play each other within the pool, the team with the highest total points will advance from the pool. Teams that advance from their pools, will be seeded in the play-off round based on tournaments points in their pool: 1st vs 4th, 2nd vs 3rd.
In a division with ten (10) or twelve (12) teams, a Wild Card will advance to the play-offs. The Wild Card is the team with the highest number of tournament point that did not win their pool. The Wild Card is 4th seed, regardless of tournament points in their pool. If the Wild Card and the 1st seed are from the same pool, then the play-offs will be seeded 1st vs 3rd, 2nd vs Wild Card. In divisions of ten (10) teams), if the 2nd and 3rd seeds played each other in pool play, then the play-offs will be seeded 1st vs 3rd, 2nd vs Wild. If the 2nd seed played both the 3rd seed and the Wild Card in pool play, then the play-offs will be seeded 1st vs Wild Card, 2nd vs 3rd.
Scoring system for preliminary (pool) games will be as follows:
a. 6 points for a win
b. 3 points for a tie
c. 0 points for a loss
d. 1 point per goal scored in the game with a maximum of 3
e. 1 point for a shutout (not allowing opponent to score)
f. A forfeit game will be scored at a 3-0 win in calculating preliminary (pool) game points for tiebreaker determination. (See Forfeit Policies)
Tiebreaker System:
If two or more teams are tied in points after their preliminary (pool) games are completed, the following tiebreaker procedures will be used to determine the team advancing:
a. Head to Head game results - winner will advance.
b. Most number of “shutouts” - team with most “shutouts” will advance.
c. Goal differential – team with highest goal differential against opponent will advance (maximum of five (5) goal differential). (Example: A 7-0 game = 5-0 in calculating advancement; an 11-5 game = 10-5 in calculating advancement).
d. Fewest goals allowed - team with fewest goals allowed will advance.
e. Fewest accumulation of caution points, 1 point for yellow and 2 points for red.
f. Kicks from the mark, aka. Penalty Kicks
These tiebreaker procedures will be applied, in order, to the teams tied in points until one team is selected for advancement. In the event of a tie involving age brackets that contain flights with different numbers of scheduled games, then the same tie breakers are used with the exception that averaging to determine b, c, d, and e will be used.
Any send-offs should be reported to the PrimeTime Sports tournament staff immediately following the game. Any player or coach sent-off (other than on account of receiving two cautions in the same game) shall automatically sit out the next played tournament game with their team (unless the send-off occurred in the last game of the tournament for that player or coach, in which case such player or coach would be required to sit out their next scheduled game played). If the send-off was for fighting (or if it is the player’s second tournament send-off) the player, coach, or spectator will be suspended from the remainder of the tournament. Any player receiving three (3) cautions (yellow cards) in the tournament must sit out the next played tournament game with their team (unless the third caution occurred during the last game of the tournament for that player or coach. In which case, such player or coach will be allowed to finish the game, but would be required to sit out their next scheduled game played). PrimeTime Sports has the right to increase the suspension at its discretion based on the severity of the incident. Any player sent off must immediately report to the tournament headquarters with a manager or parent. Any coaches or spectators sent off must report immediately to the tournament headquarters.
Inappropriate behavior, serious foul play, and violent conduct will not be tolerated. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of his/her players and spectators, on and off of the field, and must promote sportsmanship - win or lose. PrimeTime Sports tournament staff may remove a player, coach, and/or spectator from a game or the tournament for unacceptable conduct and/or actions that endanger the safety of others. PrimeTime Sports tournament staff may also remove an entire team for accumulating an unacceptable number of yellow and red cards.
Teams participating in a tournament expect their opponent to be as diligent and conscientious as their own team in being on-time and prepared to participate in ALL scheduled games. To minimize the occurrence of forfeited games, PrimeTime Sports has adopted these Game Forfeiture Rules:
Game time is forfeit time, unless specifically directed by the PrimeTime Sports tournament staff.
When a team forfeits a game in a tournament, the following rules apply:
a. The team receives a loss for the scheduled game, scored 0-3
b. The forfeiting team is still expected to play any and all subsequently scheduled games.
c. The team forfeits any team or individual awards given for participation in the forfeited game.
d. A game ended prematurely by a game official or PrimeTime Sports tournament staff due to the misconduct of a player, coach, or spectator shall be deemed a forfeit by that team for purposes of this policy.
e. When a team forfeits a game, the team will be required to pay a Forfeit Penalty for each forfeited game. The amount of the Forfeit Penalty is $25 in the U6-U9 age groups and $50 in all other age groups. Payment of the Forfeit Penalty is due prior to the team’s entry in any subsequent PrimeTime Sports soccer tournaments.
f. In the event of a subsequent forfeit by the team within one (1) year, an additional Forfeit Penalty of $100 per forfeited game will be assessed. Any team forfeiting a game in 3 or more events will not be eligible to participate in any future PrimeTime Sports events for a period of not less than six (6) months and may participate thereafter only upon such terms and conditions as may be required by the Director of Soccer.
g. PrimeTime Sports tournament staff reserves the right to make a team ineligible for the play-off rounds for intentionally forfeiting a preliminary (pool) game.
h. Teams who forfeit a game(s) will be reported to their governing home association and are subject to any forfeit penalties, if any.
For 9v9 and 11v11, each team must have a minimum of seven (7) players on the field to start or continue a game. For 7v7, each team must have a minimum of five (5) players on the field to start or continue a game.
The forfeit policies may be modified or waived by the Director of Soccer in the event of extenuating circumstances. Factors considered will include advane communications from the teams as to their unavailability to play the scheduled game, the timing of such communications, the circumstances causing the forfeiture and such other considerations deemed relevant by the Director of Soccer. The Director of Soccer's decision as the the application of the forfeit policies shall be binding upon all parties.
Because of our commitment to competitive excellence, PrimeTime Sports gives the team who won by forfeit a credit for each forfeited game, which can be applied toward the entry fee of any future PrimeTime Sports soccer tournaments, except the Cup Championship. This credit must be used within one year and is available for fully paid entries only. The amount of the credit is $25 in the U6-U9 age groups and $50 in all other age groups. In the case of a double-forfeit, both teams will be required to pay the forfeit fee and neither team will receive a credit.
In the event of inclement weather, format for tournament play and/or completion of the tournament will be determined by the Tournament Director.
In case of rain - HARD RAIN, NOT A SPRINKLE - check the tournament website, www.primetimesportz.com/soccer. In the event that inclement weather forces the cancellation of all or part of a qualifying tournament, teams will have the option to receive a credit or cash refund of a percentage of their entry fee. This credit is to be used in future PrimeTime Sports soccer tournaments, excluding the Cup Championship, within one calendar year and will be given in the following increments:
a. No preliminary (pool) games played = 75% credit or 50% cash refund
b. One preliminary (pool) game of three played = 50% credit or 25% cash refund
c. Two preliminary (pool) games of three played = 25% credit
Eligibility Rules
US Club Soccer and USSF eligibility requirements will be strictly adhered to. Age groups and player eligibility are based on birthdays January 1 - December 31. See age chart on US Club or NTSSA website. We accept teams registered through US Club or a US Youth Soccer (USYSA) home association, such as NTSSA , STYSA, OSA, etc. If you are playing under a US Club roster, your guest player(s) must also be registered through US Club Soccer and you must submit to PrimeTime Sports a signed US Club Soccer Player Loan Form for each player. If you are playing under a USYSA roster, your guest players must also be registered through a USYSA member home association. Again, a team and its guest players must be registered through the SAME national organization.
For NTSSA-registered teams, we must receive a properly signed NTSSA Guest Player Release Form for each guest player. For U7-U10 NTSSA academy teams, we must receive an NTSSA Academy Tournament Roster signed by any NTSSA home association. Please note, NTSSA will not allow U6 players to play in tournaments, so they will not include them on NTSSA Academy Tournament Rosters. In order for a U6 to play in our tournament, the player and team will need to register with US Club Soccer.
Players and teams are allowed to “Play-up”, which means participate in an older age group, but may NOT play in a younger age group where they exceed the age eligibility. If even as few as one player is too old for a specific age group, the entire team is too old for the age group. Girls may play on boys teams in boys divisions. If there is at least one boy on a team, the team is classified as a boys team and may NOT play in a girls division.
Players are allowed to play on multiple teams, provided the teams are in different age groups and/or skill divisions.
There is NO limit to the number of guest players that a team may bring to a tournament, PROVIDED THE TEAM DOES NOT EXCEED THE ROSTER MAXIMUM FOR THEIR AGE GROUP and all players have the proper paperwork submitted to PrimeTime Sports in advance of their participation.
The only protests allowed are for 1.) ineligible players and 2.) misapplication of the laws of the game that the referee admits. Judgment calls may not tbe protested. Protests must occur during the game, unless the misapplication of the laws ended the game. If the misapplication ended the game, the protest must occur prior to the start of the next match on that same field. All protest must have a material impact on the outcome of the game and be reported in writing, with a One Hundred Dollar ($100) cashier's check, money order or cash. If protesting an ineligible player, the fee is $100 per player. If a team wins the protest, their protest fee will be returned. If it cannot be proven that a player is ineligible, then the $100 protest fee will be donated to the PrimeTime Sports Charitable Foundation, which supports youth sports teams and events. For protest involving ineligible players, the result of the protest will only affect the game protested, unless there is concrete evidence of the ineligible player participating in previous matches.
The top 2 finishing teams will advance to the PrimeTime Sports Cup Championship, June 2018. At-Large bids will be considered for teams that participate in at least one Cup Qualifying tournament in the 2017-2018 soccer year.
We recognize that rosters change from season to season. When a team qualifies for the PrimeTime Sports Cup Championship, their team is required to bring no less than 50% of those same players from the qualifying team to the Cup Championship.
All teams not accepted by the tournament will be refunded in full within ten (10) days of the notification of rejection, or notification to the teams accepted, whichever comes first.
One of the biggest challenges to managing events is late entry withdrawals by teams. Such entry withdrawals shift energies and resources away from preparing for future events to “damage control” for a late change in a division. PrimeTime Sports events are among the lowest cost tournaments available. To continue to offer this outstanding value to teams, PrimeTime Sports has this Tournament Entry Withdrawal Policy.
Entry Withdrawal - A team withdrawing an entry on or before the entry deadline for a tournament will receive a full cash refund of the Entry Fee, provided that the withdrawal must be made by email to [email protected].
Late Withdrawal - Any withdrawal after the entry deadline for a tournament will be considered to be a Late Withdrawal. The Entry Fee for a Late Withdrawal will be handled as follows: If a fully paid entry is found to replace the withdrawing team, the withdrawing team will be assessed a $20 per game Withdrawal Fee and the balance of the Entry Fee will be a credit forward to be used by the withdrawing team for any future PrimeTime Sports tournament.
If a fully paid entry is not found to replace the withdrawing team, no amount of the Entry Fee will be refunded or credited.
Any withdrawal from an event by a team within 48 hours of the event will also be assessed a Forfeit Fee in accordance with the Game Forfeiture Rules.
If a team’s entry has been accepted without full payment of the Entry Fee, any amount due must be paid prior to the acceptance of the team’s entry in a subsequent tournament.
PrimeTime Sports assumes no duty or responsibility to find a replacement entry for a Late Withdrawal.
The Late Withdrawal policy may be modified or waived by the Director of Soccer in the event of extenuating circumstances. Factors considered will include communications from the teams as to their entry withdrawal, the timing of such communications, the circumstances causing the entry withdrawal and such other considerations deemed relevant by the Director of Soccer. The Director of Soccer's decision as to the application of the Team Entry Withdrawal Policy shall be binding upon all parties. USSF policies regarding USSF teams withdrawing from a USSF-sanctioned tournament will also apply.
Basketball Events
| Date | City, State | Register | |
|---|---|---|---|
Football and Soccer Events
| Date | City, State | Register | |
|---|---|---|---|
