Fond du Lac Rec League – End of Year Tournament Rules (2026)

1. Laws of the Game

All matches follow USYSA/FIFA rules unless otherwise noted.

2. Eligibility to Play

• Teams use their regular recreational roster.

• Players may only play for one team during the tournament.

3. Game Information

• Slide tackling is not allowed at any age.

• U5–U8 teams each play 2 games.

  • Girls play Saturday.

  • Boys play Sunday.

• U9 and older play a Select-style tournament:

  • Games on both Saturday and Sunday.

  • Two games Saturday, at least one Sunday.

  • Championship games (when applicable) held Sunday afternoon/evening.

• Coaches receive scorecards:

  • Verify with opposing coach and referee.

  • Both coaches must submit cards.

  • Missing results may be entered as a 0–0 tie.

• No protests allowed on referee judgment calls.

• Teams must arrive 15 minutes early and check in with the referee.

• No on-field warmups; use open areas.

• Games are 2×25-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.

• Game length may be adjusted by the Tournament Director.

• Home team provides game ball and changes jerseys if needed.

• Benches on one side; spectators on the opposite side, 3 feet from sideline.

• If teams are low on players, play down one player from normal size.

  • U9/U10: 6v6 (with keeper)

  • U12: 8v8

  • U14: 10v10

• Scorecards must be submitted by end of Saturday or games may be recorded as 1–1 ties.

• Tournament Director may relocate, reschedule, shorten, or cancel games.

4. Uniforms & Equipment

• Shin guards required; socks must cover them.

• Hard casts allowed if padded with ½-inch foam and approved.

• No jewelry or knotted headbands.

• All players must wear matching jerseys with unique numbers.

• Guest players may wear similar-colored shirts.

• Referees have final approval on equipment.

5. Discipline & Behavior

• This is recreational soccer—coaches and parents must model good behavior.

• All cards reported to Tournament Director.

• Red cards = at least one-game suspension.

  • Violent conduct or abusive language = suspension for the entire tournament.

• No substitution for a red-carded player.

• Harassment of officials may result in game stoppage or forfeiture.

• Coaches removed for conduct may not coach again during the tournament.

• Ineligible players:

  • Game becomes a loss.

  • Player removed.

  • Wins with ineligible players become 0–3 losses.

• Tournament Director has full authority over disciplinary matters.

6. Forfeits / Failure to Show

• Teams failing to show or leaving early may be disqualified.

• Forfeits recorded as 3–0.

• Tournament Director has final authority.

7. Substitutions

• Allowed before your throw-in, any goal kick, after goals, injuries, or halftime.

• May substitute on opponent’s throw-in if they also have a player waiting.

• Referees control timing and frequency.

• Players with blood must be substituted until cleaned and bandaged.

• Play stops for head injuries; player must be substituted.

8. Tournament Director & Referee Authority

• All referee decisions are final.

• Tournament Director may relocate, reschedule, shorten, or cancel games.

9. Standings & Scoring

• Win = 3 points

• Tie = 1 point

• Loss = 0 points

• Goal points: 1 per goal, up to 3 per game.

Tie Breakers (in order)

1. Head-to-head

2. Most wins

3. Goal differential (max +3 per game)

4. Fewest goals allowed

5. Most goals scored

6. Penalty kicks (per FIFA rules)

Penalty Kick Procedure

• 5 players who were on the field at end of regulation.

• Goalkeeper must also have been on the field.

• Teams alternate kicks; visiting team shoots first.

• If tied after 5, alternate one at a time until winner is determined.

• All eligible players must kick before anyone repeats.

Additional Notes

• Round robin ties remain ties.

• 4- or 5-team brackets have no championship game; standings determine 1st/2nd.

• Standings posted Saturday evening and before Sunday championships.

10. Awards

• U9 and older receive awards for 1st and 2nd place.

• Awards given immediately after championship games.

• For 4- or 5-team groups, awards given based on standings.

• Teams report to concession stand after final game for awards.