Surf Challenge and Showcase 2024
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General Rules
- ALL Teams – MUST check in online and can be asked to verify passcards/rosters prior to each game
- Teams are allowed 5 guest players only (must be on the roster – club pass players count as a “guest” player)
- Rosters – you may write in guest players as long as passcard/waiver documentation is provided
- Roster – the roster being used prior to game must match roster uploaded at check in online
- Player pass: A player may only play on two teams in the same club. They must be pre-registered on both rosters – can be written in as a guest. However, they cannot play for two teams in the SAME BRACKET. NO PLAYER can play for two different clubs in the same event.
- Player Verification: the referee may require that both teams provide one copy of your official roster.
- Please be sure to have copies of your rosters and passcards with you on hand throughout the event. Referees may check these before a game.
- If you play with more than the maximum number on a roster without written confirmation from the event committee – the game will become a forfeit.
In the event of conditions beyond the Event Committee’s control, final decisions with respect to game cancellations, shortenings or terminations shall lie solely with the Event Committee and Director. The Event Committee/Director, in conjunction with the Referees’ Committee/Coordinator, reserves the right to change field assignments. In addition, the Event Committee/Director reserves the right to change sectional and divisional assignments in the interest of fair and balanced competition.
Field Marshals will be present at all fields. All participants should be aware that the Marshals have the authority and right to remove any unruly or uncivil spectators or coaches from the game field perimeter and/or the field complex area. Anyone found consuming alcohol at any location will be asked to either dispose of the alcohol or to leave the premises.
At the first visible sign of lightning (regardless of the estimated distance from the field) all play will be stopped, and players and spectators will be asked to move to a safe location. For all games that were in progress, the game clock will continue to run. If time runs out and the game was at or past half time when play was stopped, the result at the time of play being stopped will stand. If 5 minutes or less remain in the first half and the score has 2 or more differential the game will be declared final.
If the game has not reached 5 minutes or less before half time every attempt will be made to make up the game at a later date and time. However, this may not be possible and will be based upon field availability.
Play will not resume until 30 minutes after the last visible lightning strike seen (regardless of the estimated distance from the field). When play is resumed, the game, which was scheduled closest to the restart of play, will begin. For example if play is stopped at 2:50 pm and restarted at 5:20 pm, the teams scheduled to play closest to 5:20 pm will play, NOT the teams scheduled to play at 2:50 pm.
In this instance every attempt would be made to make up the 2:50 pm game at a later date and time. When play is stopped, or resumed, due to lightning, it is at the sole discretion of the referees and the event director/committee. Both referees and event officials will enforce strict adherence to the above policy. No appeals will be allowed. Personal safety is the number one concern of the event and it will supersede any game situation.
If the entire event is cancelled due to weather prior to your first scheduled match, NES will either partially or fully refund your team once all event expenses have been fully covered. If weather curtails the event thereafter, every reasonable attempt will be made to assure teams play at least 2 games but no refunds will be given.
If you must pull out your team – refunds are as follows:
- Before Brackets are released: 75% Refund
- After Brackets are released: 50 refund/charged 50%
- After Schedule is released: no refund or charged full amount
In the case of inclement weather, every attempt will be made to play all scheduled games in the event. At the sole discretion of the Event Director/Committee, some games may be declared a 0 – 0 tie and not made up. The following priority will be given to making up games:
- Teams that have not yet played a game in the event.
- Teams that have only played one game in the event.
- Games that will have a material impact on the final standings.
- All other games.
Gameplay
The field size by age group is:
U9-U10: 7v7
U11-U12: 9v9
U13-U19: 11v11
HOME team provides game ball.
The ball size by age group will be:
U9-U12: 4
U13-U19: 5
The game length by age group will be:
U9-U10: 25 minutes per half
U11-U12: 30 minutes per half
U13-U15: 35 minutes per half
U16-U19: 40 minutes per half
U11 players and younger may NOT head the ball intentionally. If in the opinion of the referee a player heads the ball intentionally, the restart is an indirect free kick for the opposition. U12 players and older may head the ball intentionally. If a player plays “up” an age division, that player will play by the age group rule.
HOME TEAMS to wear light colors. AWAY TEAM to wear dark colors. In the event of uniform clash, AWAY team changes.
Qualified officials will officiate each game. All 11v11 games will be officiated by a central referee and 2 assistant referees, although the availability of qualified referees might necessitate the use of fewer linesmen on occasions. For 7v7 and 9v9 games you should expect only one official for the match.
Offside will be in effect for ALL AGE GROUPS.
Shirt must be tucked inside shorts. Shin guards must be firmly in place and covered by socks.
Non-standard attire, accouterments, and apparel must be cleared prior to the event with written U.S.S.F. approval: otherwise, Rule 4 of the FIFA rules applies. The Referees’ Committee will continue to be the sole arbiter as to what is legal and what is not legal.
The issuance of all red and yellow cards and other matters involving the conduct of a team, its players, coaches or supporters will be recorded and reported immediately to the event directors.
A player receiving two cautions (yellow cards) in a single game is considered to have been given an ejection (red card). A player who has been ejected (sent off) will not be replaced. A player who has been ejected will not return for that game and will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game. If this player is found to be participating in the next scheduled game – the team with that player will forfeit the game.
A coach who has been ejected (sent off) will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game. Any player or coach ejected (red card) from a game shall be ineligible to take part in any further action with the team during that match.
The referee, referee coordinator and event staff/director will assess the ejection and decide upon further suspension. The discretion will be solely down to the event director and referee coordinator.
Assault or abuse by players, coaches, or supporters will result in immediate suspension for the balance of the event and notification will be sent to the team’s home state or USCS for further action.
NES Staff members will report scores when possible. In some situations, score reporting responsibilities will fall to the winning team, or the home team in the event of a draw.
Substitutions can be made at ANY stoppage with the consent of the official. This includes free-kicks, corners and opposition stoppages such as the other team’s throw-in. Unlimited re-entries are allowed. We strongly recommend reducing substitution instances and allowing the game to flow more naturally.
No shows/forfeits: If a team does not show with the minimum number of players or fails to show – this will result in a forfeit of a 0-3 loss that will be recorded. In the case of a team showing up to the wrong field/traffic – a period of 15 minutes will be given to see if the “no show” can get the minimum of 7 players to start the game. After 15 minutes, if a team does not have 7 players, the game will become a forfeit.
If a team is fully responsible for the termination of a game due to poor sportsmanship towards a referee, opposing team/fans then the offending team will be forced to forfeit. The team responsible for the forfeit will incur a 0-3 loss.
If you play with more than the maximum number on a roster without written confirmation from the event committee – the game will become a forfeit.
In 7v7 competition, the opposing team must be behind the halfway line ONLY for goal kicks.
* The offside rule for 7v7 games will be adhered to, however, please note that it may be loosely enforced. If there is a blatant advantage from an offside – the referees will give the call. If a player is a yard offside, but no advantage is gained, then referees will use their discretion. At 7v7 we want the game focus to be on development and multiple touches with minimal stoppages, rather than coaches and teams focusing on the offside trap.
The keeper cannot dropkick or punt the ball.
Player & Team Rules
The team must have a coach or administrator from within the same club at all scheduled matches in which their teams participate. The coach/administrator must have a valid coaching pass. There must be a coach present throughout the entire match or match will be forfeited by the team without a coach present to a score of 3 – 0. A maximum of 5 coaches are allowed on the team’s sideline.
If a coach is sent off – the team must replace the coach with another coach/administrator with a valid passcard from the same club within a 5-minute period. With a running clock, if the coach gets ejected and the game time comes to completion before the 5-minute grace period – the result will stand.
The following shall be permitted for player safety:
- A soft splint or cast shall be allowed per the referee has determined that the cast is not a danger to themselves or other players.
- A brace, joint, or prosthetic is allowed per the referee has determined that is not a danger to themselves or other players.
- Sport Spectacles/plastic prescription frames sports are allowed, however eyewear with glass, metal, or sharp edges are barred.
- Soft foam headgear is allowed per the referee has determined it is not a danger to themselves or other players.
If a referee has determined a player is wearing articles that are not allowed – the referee shall order the said player to remove them. If the player fails to remove the article – they will not be allowed to return to the match.
All players can play in each game. The max roster size by age group is:
U9-U10: 14 Max
U11-U12: 16 Max
U13-U14: 18Max
U15-U19: 20 Max
Results & Tiebreakers
No protests will be considered.
All divisions U19-U16 will have finals – with progression into play offs decided by group play.
- 3 points awarded for a win
- 1 point awarded for a tie
- 0 points awarded for a loss
NES Staff members will report scores when possible. In some situations, score reporting responsibilities will fall to the winning team, or the home team in the event of a draw.
No shows/forfeits: If a team does not show with the minimum number of players or fails to show – this will result in a forfeit of a 0-3 loss that will be recorded. In the case of a team showing up to the wrong field/traffic – a period of 15 minutes will be given to see if the “no show” can get the minimum of 7 players to start the game. After 15 minutes, if a team does not have 7 players, the game will become a forfeit.
If a team is fully responsible for the termination of a game due to poor sportsmanship towards a referee, opposing team/fans then the offending team will be forced to forfeit. The team responsible for the forfeit will incur a 0-3 loss.
If you play with more than the maximum number on a roster without written confirmation from the event committee – the game will become a forfeit.
In the event tie breakers are required they will fall in the following order as applicable:
- Head to Head
- Goal Difference (4 max, per game)
- Goals For
- Goals Against
- Most Shutouts
- Penalty Shootout
In any situation where these do not break the ties a penalty shootout will be scheduled by the Tournament Director.
Games Requiring a Winner
In situations that require a winner (semi-finals, finals, etc) – should the game be tied at the final whistle the winner will be determined by the standard FIFA standard Penalty Kick Shootout rules.