Cincy Challenge

I. REGISTRATION
Team Check-in/Registration will be through GotSoccer prior to the designated cut off date listed on the website.

A. US Teams Check-in/Registration Requirements

1. Copy of official roster; either USYS State Association or US Club Soccer
2. Copy of Guest Player Roster (if applicable)
   • Roster provided by team’s state association, or
   • Roster provided by tournament (see registration information on tournament website)
3. Permission to Travel paperwork
   • Not Required for US Club Soccer teams
   • Required for all USYS teams that are not from Ohio South
4. Copies of player/coach passes; either USYS State Association or US Club Soccer
   • Copies of player passes for guest players if applicable
   • Originals may be requested by referees prior to each game
5. Copy of Coach Concussion Certificate pursuant to Ohio’s “Return to Play” law – O.R.C. 3707.511 (C)(1)

II. ELIGIBILITY 

A. Roster Sizes:

1. 5v5 teams are limited to 10 players identified at Registration
2. 7v7 teams are limited to 14 players identified at Registration
3. 9v9 teams are limited to 18 players identified at Registration
4. 11v11 teams are limited to 22 players identified at Registration

B. Guest Players:
There is no limit to the number of guest players a team may bring, provided they do not exceed the roster maximum for their age group and have required paperwork/documents for each guest player.
Guest players must be listed on a state-approved Guest Player Form and that form must be uploaded with team registration documents in GotSoccer.

C. Players may play on two different teams, provided ALL of the following requirements are met:

• Teams are in two different age groups
• The player is age-eligible for both age groups
• The player is listed on the GotSoccer roster for both teams prior to check-in

III. CODE OF CONDUCT
Harassment of the officials from coaches, spectators, or players will not be tolerated.

A. Sideline Organization:

1. Both teams will sit on the same side of the field. Only coaches and trainers may stay on the player’s sideline.
2. Spectators are permitted on the opposite side of the field from the coaches and players and are limited to being in the designated area from penalty box to penalty box.
3. No spectators are allowed behind the goal areas.

B. Sideline Behavior:

1. NO alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park or the parking lot of any of the game sites. Your team will be subject to forfeiting 1 game.
2. NO smoking in the park or the parking lot of any game sites. Your team will be subject to forfeiting 1 game.
3. Any player or coach ordered off the field by the referee for misconduct may be suspended from at least the next game, as determined by the Tournament Committee.  The Tournament Committee shall review each incident based on the report of the referee.   The Tournament Committee’s decision with respect to any suspension shall not be subject to review or appeal.

IV. PLAYING RULES
FIFA Laws of the Game will be used with the following exceptions:

A. Game Duration:

1. U8 – 5v5, 25-minute halves, 5 minute halftime period.  Size 4 Game Ball
2. U9 – 7v7, 25-minute halves, 5 minute halftime period.  Size 4 Game Ball
3. U10 – 7v7, 25-minute halves, 5 minute halftime period.  Size 4 Game Ball
4. U10 – 9v9, 30-minute halves, 5 minute halftime period.  Size 4 Game Ball
5. U11 – 9v9, 30-minute halves, 5 minute halftime period.  Size 4 Game Ball
6. U12 – 9v9, 30-minute halves, 5 minute halftime period.  Size 4 Game Ball
7. U12 – 11v11, 30-minute halves, 5 minute halftime period.  Size 5 Game Ball
8. U13 – 11v11, 30-minute halves, 5 minute halftime period.  Size 5 Game Ball
9. U14 – 11v11, 30-minute halves, 5 minute halftime period. Size 5 Game Ball
10. U15 – 11v11, 30-minute halves, 5 minute halftime period. Size 5 Game Ball
11. OVERTIME – Overtime rules will be in effect for Semi-final and Championship games only. No overtime in preliminary games. For Semi-final and Championship games – Two five-minute overtime periods will be played in their entirety.  If a Semi-final or Championship game is still tied at the end of the overtime periods, the winner will be determined by penalty kicks.  Only those players on the field at the end of the second overtime are eligible for penalty kicks.

B. Substitutions:
Unlimited substitution according to FIFA Rules with the following modifications:

• Before a throw-in by the opposing team if the opposing team is also substituting;
• For a cautioned player (cautioned player only)
• In case of injury, unlimited substitution for both teams.

C. Cautions and Ejections:
The decisions of the referee regarding the application of the Laws of the Game are final;

• A player receiving a red card, including a second yellow, during a match will not be permitted to play in his/her team’s next match;
• If the severity of the red card offense so justifies it, a player may be suspended from playing in the next two matches.  The decision to impose a two-match suspension shall be made by the Tournament Director and the Referee Coordinator;
• If a player receives a red card in the team’s final match, it will be returned to his/her team and a report sent to Ohio South Youth Soccer to be forwarded to the respective association. Any further penalty shall be at the discretion of the team’s host organization.
• Per regulations by the Ohio South Youth Soccer Association, all yellow and red cards, as well as any matter involving misconduct by a team or coach, will be recorded and submitted to Ohio South in the post-tournament report;

D. Modifications for U8 – U14 Games
The tournament shall utilize US Youth Soccer Rules for Small-sided Games except as adjusted below.

1. Field
The Tournament Director has the right to make any changes or modifications to the fields and/or goals.  All decisions of the Tournament Director are final.

2. Players

• U8 teams shall play 5 v 5.  One player on the field must be a goalkeeper.
• U9 teams shall play 7 v 7.  One player on the field must be a goalkeeper.
• U10 (7v7) teams shall play 7 v 7. One player on the field must be a goalkeeper.
• U10 (9v9) teams shall play 9 v 9. One player on the field must be a goalkeeper.
• U11 teams shall play 9 v 9. One player on the field must be a goalkeeper.
• U12 (9v9) teams shall play 9 v 9. One player on the field must be a goalkeeper.
• U12 (11v11) teams shall play 11 v 11. One player on the field must be a goalkeeper.
• U13 teams shall play 11 v 11. One player on the field must be a goalkeeper.
• U14 teams shall play 11 v 11. One player on the field must be a goalkeeper.
• U15 teams shall play 11 v 11. One player on the field must be a goalkeeper.

3. Offside
Referees will enforce the offside rule for U8 and U9 matches.  For a player to be offside, he/she shall be in an obvious offside position (in the opinion of the referee) and an advantage results by being there when the ball is played to him/her.

4. Referees
U8-U12 small-sided 7v7 and 9v9 shall play with one (1) referee
U13-U15 shall play using a three referee system

5. Build Out Line for 7v7

Build-out Line

• The build-out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting
• When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the build-out line until the ball is put into play
• Once the opposing team is behind the build-out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed)
• After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build-out line and play resumes as normal
• The opposing team must also move behind the build-out line during a goal kick until the ball is put into play
• Build-out lines should be equidistant between the penalty area line and halfway line
• The build-out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can be called
• Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build-out line
• Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build out line and goal line

Build-out Line Practical Applications

• Ideally, the goalkeeper will wait to put the ball into play once all opponents are past the build-out line
• However, the goalkeeper can put the ball into play sooner but he or she does so accepting the positioning of the opponents and the consequences of how play resumes
• To support the intent of the development rule, coaches and referees should be mindful of any intentional delays being caused by opponents not retreating in a timely manner or encroaching over the build out line prior to the ball being put into play
• Coaches are responsible for addressing these types of issues with their players
• Referees can manage the situation with misconduct if deemed appropriate
• Referees should be flexible when enforcing the 6-second rule and counting the time of possession should only begin when all opponents have moved behind the build-out line

E. Player Equipment

1. Home Team – Team listed first is the designated Home Team and must change jerseys when the referee determines a conflict to exist. However, as a matter of protocol, home teams are expected to wear their light uniforms and away teams are expected to wear their dark uniform

2. Game Balls

• U8 – 5v5: Size 4 Game Ball
• U9 – 7v7: Size 4 Game Ball
• U10 – 7v7: Size 4 Game Ball
• U10 – 9v9: Size 4 Game Ball
• U11 – 9v9: Size 4 Game Ball
• U12 – 9v9: Size 4 Game Ball
• U12 – 11v11: Size 5 Game Ball
• U13 – 11v11: Size 5 Game Ball
• U14 – 11v11: Size 5 Game Ball
• U15 – 11v11: Size 5 Game Ball

3. Safety

• The referee’s decision as to the safety of the players is final.
• All players must wear shinguards. No metal-rimmed glasses or jewelry of any kind will be permitted.
• Casts, splints or body braces made of a hard substance in its final form such as leather, rubber, plastic, plaster or fiberglass must be covered on all exterior surfaces with no less than 1⁄2 inch thick, high-density polyurethane, or an alternate material of the same thickness and similar physical properties to protect the injury.  A medical release for the injured player signed by a licensed physician must be available at the game site. Players may not play with these casts without the approval of the Referee.

F. No Heading Rule for all U11 and younger games. Players are prohibited from deliberately striking a soccer ball with any portion of their head (aka heading).  The rule is as follows:

• If a U11 or younger player engages in heading a soccer ball during the tournament the parents /guardians and the player accept the risk and/or peril of doing so.
• When a player deliberately strikes the ball with his/her head during the tournament, Referees and Assistant Referees of that game must consider the act to be Dangerous Play and handle the matter accordingly as an infraction of the laws of the games.
• An indirect free kick (IFK) is awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the infraction.
• If the infraction is within the goal area, the IFK should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infraction occurred.
• If the ball makes contact with the player’s head and the player has not deliberately played or attempted to play the ball, they play should continue as no infraction has occurred.
• A player shall not be cautioned nor sent-off for persistent infringement, as a result of a heading infraction
• A player shall not be cautioned nor sent-off for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity as a result of a heading infraction.

G. No Punting / Drop Kicking Rule for all U10 and younger.

• If heading or keeper punting occurs the reset is – An Indirect free kick (IFK) is awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the offense. If the offense occurs within the goal area, the IFK is to be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.

H. Forfeits:
Teams not at the field ready to play with a minimum of 7 eligible players (U11-U15), 5 eligible players (U8-U10) at the scheduled game time will forfeit the match at the discretion of the tournament director. Forfeited scores will be counted 3 – 0.  Teams forfeiting games will not be able to advance to the playoff rounds.

V. INCLEMENT WEATHER

Please check the web page for all updates, www.kingshammer.com.
A. The Tournament Rules Committee reserves the right to make changes to the schedule in the event of inclement weather. These changes may include relocation or reschedule of matches, change of division structure, reduction of the duration of a match, or even cancellation of matches.
B. In the event of inclement weather forcing play to be suspended and preventing the match from being completed during the scheduled time, the score shall stand if at least one-half of the match has been completed. If a match cannot be completed at all during the event it will be marked as a 0-0 result. The tournament director and facility managers shall have the sole final decision on field closure. See Severe Weather Policy for more info.

VI. REFUND POLICY
If the application is accepted then teams acknowledge that their payment will be deposited upon acceptance and if payment is refused, the application may be revoked, and teams acknowledge that 1) Payment must be made prior to acceptance, applications may not be considered until payments are received. 2) The application must be reviewed by tournament directors before the team is accepted. 3) Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance 4) If the application is not accepted team will receive a full refund and a letter of notification, but 5) Once accepted no refunds are allowed.

COVID-19 Refund Policy

VII. ESTABLISHING THE DIVISIONS AND RULES FOR DETERMINING BRACKET WINNERS

A. Placement of Division:
Divisions will be placed at the discretion of the tournament committee to ensure the best competitive environment for all teams.

B. Game points:

• 3 points for a win
• 1 point for a tie
• 0 points for a loss

C. Tiebreakers to determine division winners:

1. Head to Head
2. Goal Differential (max 4 goals per game)
3. Goals Against
4. Goals For
5. Most Shut-outs

If three or more teams are tied, the criteria are followed from 1 through 5 until one team is eliminated and then the criteria starts over again at Rule #2.  Rules are repeated until one team remains.

VIII. Protest:

A. Protests:  There will be no protests.  All officiating decisions are final.
B. Exceptions:  The Tournament Director reserves the right to modify any rule/regulations at any time with or without notice.

Registration for the 2022 Cincy Challenge will be through GotSoccer only. Registration materials may be submitted once the application process is closed and your team has been accepted to the tournament.  Registration information must be received by September 14th, 2021.

Please login to your GotSoccer account to upload your registration materials using the directions below:

1. Log into your gotsoccer.com team account.

2. Click on registered tournaments (Cincy Challenge).

3. Click on the “documents” tab (far right of screen).

4. Upload the list of items below:

• Copy of Roster (validated by state association)
• Copy of Guest Player Roster
• Copy of Travel Permit (required for all teams outside of OSYSA)
• Copy of Players, Guest Players and Coaches Cards
• Copy of Coach Concussion Certificates (required for all teams outside of OSYSA)
• Liability Release/Lindsay Law/Infectious Disease Form (signed by every parent and coach)

Please note: There is no onsite check-in however everything listed above MUST be accessible at EVERY game and only certified staff is permitted on player’s sidelines.

In April 2013, the Return to Play law was passed in Ohio, requiring all youth coaches to complete a concussion training course.  All coaches participating in an Ohio sanctioned tournament must complete this course and provide a copy of their certification of completion to the tournament.  If your coach does not currently have a certificate of completion for a concussion training course, he/she can click here for information for the free online course through NFHS.

Lindsay’s Law, Ohio Revised Code 3313.5310, 3707.58, and 3707.59 went into effect on August 1, 2017. In accordance with this law, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Cardiology and other stakeholders jointly developed guidelines and other relevant materials to inform and educate students and youth athletes participating in or desiring to participate in athletic activity, their parents, and their coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest.

Parents/Guardians

• Watch Required Video
• Download the SCA Informational Handout

Coaches

• Watch the Required Coach Video
• Download the SCA Information Handout specifically for coaches

We will NOT check medical authorization forms but it is strongly encouraged that each team has in its possession a medical authorization form for each player on its roster.

If you have any questions please email khsctournaments@gmail.com.

This event is a “Stay to Play” event.  All teams attending the Cincy Challenge that need rooms must stay at one of the tournament-approved hotels.

Click here to view the list of hotels for the Cincy Challenge

If you have any questions, please contact Lindsay Prozy at lindsay@pybsports.com

Please let the tournament committee know via a GotSoccer support ticket using the account used to register for the event if any of the following have a appeared on your schedule:

• A direct coaching conflict within this event for coaches who coach multiple teams (up to 2 teams. For those coaching 3 teams we encourage you to have an assistant coach).
• A major scheduling mistake (a team playing two games at the same time or back to back games).

Although we know life happens but we simply cannot honor requests for the following reason as there are just too many:

• Personal reasons (family events, weddings, etc).
• Non-event specific coaching conflicts not related to this event (another team you are coaching is playing elsewhere).

All support tickets must be made before schedules become final.