CHECK IN PROCEDURES

Teams will need to email their Team Rosters and ID Cards to Sandip Patel at sandip@afclightning.org
Teams will need to bring one copy of their Team Roster and ID cards.
Before each game, the referees will check your team in with your player cards and team roster.

TOURNAMENT RULES

Open to Select Program teams from U8 through U12, registered with a State or National Organization affiliated with FIFA.
● Teams must submit verified rosters and player passes from their respective associations.
● Roster size limits: ○ U8: Maximum 10 players (5v5 format) U10: Maximum 14 players (7v7 format) ○ U11-U12: Maximum 18 players (9v9 format)
● Rosters must be submitted by email via sandip@afclightning.org.

Ball Size: ■ U8: Size 3 ■ U10-12: Size 4
Substitutions: Unlimited and permitted at designated stoppages.
Player Equipment: Shin guards are mandatory; casts and braces are allowed only with a medical waiver and referee approval.
U9/U10 – 7v7 Play Rules:
Build-Out Lines: Lines should be positioned equidistant from the penalty area and halfway line, or 8 yards from the halfway line.
Goalkeeper Play: When the goalkeeper has the ball in hand or on a goal kick, the opposing team must move behind the build-out line until the ball is in play.
Restarting Play: Once behind the build-out line, the goalkeeper may pass, throw, or roll the ball; punting is not allowed.
In-Play Definition: The ball is in play as soon as it is released from the goalkeeper’s hands or kicked on goal kicks. Opponents may then cross the build-out line.
Indirect Free Kick for Punting: If the goalkeeper punts the ball, an indirect free kick is awarded from the spot of the offense. If within the goal area, the kick is taken on the goal area line nearest to the infraction.
Offside with Build-Out Line: The build-out line denotes the area for offside calls. Offside is enforced only between the build-out line and the goal line.

Two Groups of 3, round robin play on Saturday (two games each).
Sunday, 1st of Group A plays 1st of Group B in the final.
Sunday, 2nd of A plays 2nd of B; and 3rd of A plays 3rd of B in consolidation games.

● Points determine standings: ○ Win: 3 points, Tie: 1 point, Loss: 0 points.

● Tiebreakers: head-to-head, goal difference, goals scored, fewest goals allowed, shutouts, and, if necessary, penalty kicks.

For divisions with finals, ties are resolved with penalty kicks after regulation time.
If a game is stopped due to weather after reaching halftime, the score stands as official.

The home team (first listed) wears light jerseys; the away team wears dark jerseys.
A team that cannot field enough players within 10 minutes of the scheduled start time forfeits the game, recorded as a 4-0 loss.
No protests are permitted.

Coaches are responsible for the conduct of players, parents, and spectators. Any profanity, degrading remarks, excessive criticism, or intimidation directed at referees, players, or others will lead to removal from the tournament venue for the remainder of the event.
AFC Lightning promotes good sportsmanship at all events. Coaches are asked to help maintain a positive environment and support referees to encourage their growth.
Players or coaches ejected from a game are suspended for the next match, with potential tournament disqualification for severe misconduct.

No protests are allowed.
Under no circumstances whatsoever will the Tournament Committee be responsible for any expenses (including tournament entry fee) incurred by any team. This includes a situation where the Tournament or any game is canceled in whole or in part.
Entry fees are non-refundable once entries close Refunds will be made if the tournament is cancelled due to weather or Acts of God, but approximately one half of the entry fee will be retained.
The Tournament Committee’s interpretation of the rules shall be final.
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to this Tournament.