1. Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments
Rules of Competition

2. All competitions need rules in order to function.
League and Tournament Rules
All competitions need rules in order to function.
FIFA is the source of Laws of the Game for full-sided games of adults and older youth on full-sized fields with limited substitutions.
FIFA Laws need to be modified for Youth leagues and tournaments.

3. Target Audiences for Rules of Competition: Referees
League and Tournament Rules
Target Audiences for Rules of Competition:
Referees
Coaches and Team Managers

4. What Referees Need League and Tournament Rules
Clear statement of how Laws are to be applied
Length of games
Number of players and substitutes
Field size and markings
Any modifications to laws on offside and fouls

5. What Referees Need League and Tournament Rules
Clear statement of requirements for match administration
Pregame check-in procedures
Reporting disciplinary matters
Overtime or kicks from the mark in knockout games

6. What Coaches and Managers Need
League and Tournament Rules
What Coaches and Managers Need
Clear information about league/tournament administration
How to register/pay for entry
Requirements for cards and rosters
Guest players
Where, when, how to check in teams for the competition

7. What Coaches and Managers Need
League and Tournament Rules
What Coaches and Managers Need
Clear information about league/tournament administration
How standings are determined
Where to find schedules and standings
How teams advance, tiebreakers
Awards, trophies, medals

8. What Coaches and Managers Need
League and Tournament Rules
What Coaches and Managers Need
Clear information about league/tournament administration
Disciplinary suspensions, fines
Protest/Appeal procedures
Withdrawing from the competition
Refunds?
Penalties?

9. What OYSA Looks For League and Tournament Rules
Compliance with USSF Player Development Initiatives
Playing format appropriate for player ages:
6U-8U – 4v4
9U-10U – 7v7
11U-12U – 9v9

10. What OYSA Looks For League and Tournament Rules
Compliance with USSF Player Development Initiatives
Game play modifications to laws of the game as required by PDI
Build out lines for 7v7
No heading at 12U and younger
Field size and markings as specified in PDI

11. What OYSA Looks For League and Tournament Rules
Compliance with USSF Player Safety Initiatives
Concussion Protocol
Heat safety guidelines
Lightning safety guidelines

12. Some Recommendations League and Tournament Rules
Do not summarize laws of the game
Incorporate the Laws by reference
Only state how your rules are different
Referees know the Laws. If you tell them what you are doing different so they will quickly understand what they need to do

13. Some Recommendations League and Tournament Rules
Use the Modified Laws of the game published by US Youth Soccer as guidelines.
The modified Laws were developed by a technical committee of US Youth Soccer, US Soccer, and State Associations.

14. Some Recommendations League and Tournament Rules
Modified Laws of the game are available for
6 and Under
8 and Under
10 and Under
12 and Under

15. Some Recommendations League and Tournament Rules
Example of a concussion protocol - see the Rules of Competition written by OYSA for the Development League and the Timbers and Thorns Leagues

16. Some Recommendations League and Tournament Rules
Put Laws changes and things Referees are asked to do (pre-game check in, disciplinary reports) all together at the beginning of your competition rules

17. Some Recommendations League and Tournament Rules
See the USSF Tournament Rules checklist for guidance on what should be in your tournament rules
Guidelines can be used for any tournament

18. Links to Resources League and Tournament Rules
Tournament sanctioning documents, including USSF Rules checklist

19. League and Tournament Rules
Questions?
Only some

20. League and Tournament Rules
Contact Information:
Brian Scott
Manager, Member Services
Phone:
Only some