COPITA LATINA RULES

1. TEAM ELIGIBILITY:  This tournament shall be open to all teams comprised of properly registered players.

2. ENTRY FEES:  None. The tournament will be free of charge to all teams. We will however require a refundable performance bond in the amount of $50.00 from every participating team.

3. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY:  In no event, will a player, who has not been certified by the tournament credentials committee, be allowed to participate. Players may not dual register, or enter on other tournament teams. Once a team roster has been filled, no substitutions to the roster will be allowed. Any team violating this rule, knowingly or unknowingly, shall forfeit those games. No exceptions.

4. TOURNAMENT FORMAT: Single elimination. Each game will consist of one 15-minute period. Games that end in a tie will be determined by penalty kicks in the “IncaKola” penalty shoot out area.

5. STADIUM ACCESS: Teams must arrive at the stadium 1 hour before their scheduled kick off time. The coach will identify himself at the stadium’s ticket window where a Copa Latina staff member will meet the team. 1 coach and his team will be escorted into the stadium and the coach will organize his team on the field to act as ball boys for the first half of the scheduled Copa Latina match.

         Parents, family members and friends coming to support the team will pay a reduced admission fee of $3.00. The coach will organize the money and ticket distribution of the team’s supporters with the Copa Latina staff member before entering the stadium.

6.  FIELD ACCESS and EXIT: 2 coach per team and the players will have access to the field. No exceptions.

At the conclusion of every match, the coaches and the players must exit the pitch immediately to allow for the start of the second half of the Copa Latina match being played. Coaches and players will exit in an orderly and timely fashion under the direction of a Copa Latina staff member.

7.  FIELD OF PLAY:

         Goals:   6.5 feet high by 18 feet wide.

         Playing field:  Approximately 70 yards (length) and 40 yards (width).

         Penalty box:   25 yards wide by 15 yards long.

8.  NUMBER OF PLAYERS:

         (1) Maximum on roster – as per FYSA regulation for each specific age group.

         (2) Minimum on field – as per FYSA regulation for each specific age group.

         (3)  Unlimited substitution at game stoppage.

9. BALL:  As per FYSA regulation for each specific age group.

(Under 8 – Size 3         Under 12 – Size 4     Under 13 – Size 5)

10. PLAYER EQUIPMENT: As per FYSA regulation.

11. REFEREES:  Only one referee per game. The referee shall have the authority to remove a player from a game for serious foul play. The decisions of the field referees shall be final. There will be no protests.

12. LINEMEN:  None are required.

13. COACHES TECHNICAL AREA: The technical area for the matches will be on the left and right sides of the 8’ x 24’ goals.

14. START OF PLAY:   Conform to F.I.F.A.

15. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY:  Conform to F.I.F.A.

16. METHOD OF SCORING: Conform to F.I.F.A.

17. OFF SIDES:  As per FYSA regulation.

18. FOULS AND MISCONDUCTS:

         (1) Conform to F.I.F.A.

(2) Goalkeeper cannot handle the ball outside of the penalty area. If done, it is an indirect free kick.

19. DISCIPLINE: The tournament Committee shall have a Disciplinary Committee. The Disciplinary Committee will review and rule on all reports of unacceptable conduct by players. Notwithstanding any rulings of this committee:

(A) A player ejected will have an automatic one-game suspension (minimum) regardless of the cause of ejection.

(B)  Depending on the severity of the unacceptable conduct, the Disciplinary Committee may recommend indefinite suspension.

20. PROTESTS: No protests will be allowed. Un-sportsmanship will not be tolerated, The tournament is free of charge and aimed at the kids and for the kids to experience and enjoy a great tournament in a stadium environment.

21. EXTERNAL CONDITIONS, WEATHER, ETC.: In the event unusual conditions necessitate the rescheduling, curtailment, or cancellation of games, the Tournament Committee shall have absolute authority to make these changes or cancellations in order to best serve the interest of the tournament and the players’ safety.        

22. GENERAL: The Tournament Committee will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any team, due to cancellation, in part or in whole, of the tournament. The Tournament Committee’s interpretation of the foregoing rules and regulations will be final. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on all tournament matters.

    Anything rulings or issues not provided for above will be determined by the tournament committee and it’s decisions will be final without exception.