ANNUAL FALL TOURNAMENT
TOURNAMENT DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE
The annual MSSL Fall Tournament is a Challenge level tournament aimed at providing league and other Challenge teams from North Carolina an opportunity to participate in a fun tournament at an excellent facility. This tournament is moderately competitive with an emphsais on player and team development in a tournament setting. At this tournament, activities are organized for siblings and for parents in keeping with the league's understanding of youth soccer as a family activity. The tournament is played over a Saturday and Sunday at the beautiful Jordan Soccer Complex in Fayetteville featuring 8 high-quality bermuda grass fields.. A full-service snack bar, restrooms, and ample paved parking are part of this complex.
Each team is guaranteed three games for the weekend and some teams will play four games if they are involved in a championship match. USSF-certified referees are assigned to each match. Awards will be given to first and second place teams. Divisional play is available for both boys and girls teams at U-10 (6v6 play), U-11, and U-12 (8v8 play), and teams playing 11v11 on full-size fields at U-13, U-14, and U-15. (A U-15 division is generally viable, but depends on the numbers of teams applying. Sometimes 14s and 15s are placed in a combined division.)
The
tournament is scheduled in early to mid-November as a cap to the fall season.
The tournament is positioned so as not to conflict with other Challenge
level tournaments in the area. The cost of the tournament is less
than most other tournaments of this kind.
DATES FOR FUTURE MSSL TOURNAMENTS
FALL 2008:
Tournament Date: November 8-9.
Postmark Deadline for Application: October 1, 2008.
FALL 2009:
Tournament Date: November 14-15. Postmark
Deadline for Application: October 1, 2009.
FALL 2010:
Tournament Date: November 13-14. Postmark
Deadline for Application: October 1, 2010.
The MSSL annual tournament has been held since 2001. Our experience is that November weather has been both sunny and warm (three years) and cold and blustery for two of the years. Attendance at this tournament has ranged up to 68 teams. The most recent MSSL annual Tournament held on November 10-11, 2007 was a great success. Spectator attendenace was very high with many grandparents and older siblings coming out to watch play. For some teams, this was their first tournament experience and the feed back was very positive. The championship games were all competitive with fine quality soccer being played. Consistent with MSSL philosophy, at this tournament there was an emphasis on sportsmanship and exemplary adult behavior. This emphasis has been quite successful as many of the more experienced referees have commented that this is one of the most enjoyable tournaments they had worked. A thorough review of the tournament operations by the MSSL Executive Committee will consider all suggestions for an even better tournament experience in the future.
Some quotes from participants in the 2005 MSSL Tournament:
Congratulations on another great Midstate tournament. Well organized, beautiful weather and loads of fun for the kids. Our team really enjoyed it. (BH, U-10B)
Great tournament. Even though we came out on the short end of the stick, everything seemed to go smoothly. (BW, U-14G)
Some quotes from participants in the 2004 MSSL Tournament:
"I just wanted to compliment you guys on a GREAT tournament. This is our first MSSL tournament and it was a fun and exciting experience for all. We were very impressed with the facilities and how well organized everything was..." (KH, U-10)
"All of the games ran very smoothly, and the tournament atmosphere was a very positive experience for everyone." (FJ, U-12B)
"Just a note to let you know that my team had a great experience this past weekend at the MSSL tournament. The atmosphere and facilities were outstanding. It really brought back some great memories of my playing days... Good sportsmanship all around...it was great to see coaches and fans cheer good plays from both teams. This was our Challenge team's first tournament and I'm glad we started with a good one." (JA, U-11B)
Some quotes from participants in the 2003 MSSL Tournament:
"Our team had a wonderful experience at the tournament this weekend." (U-12B)
[We were surprized to place] "...second in the excellent MSSL Tournament two weeks ago." (U-14G)
Some quotes from participants in the 2002 MSSL Tournament:
"A great tournament all the way around, even though my U12 boys team didn't fare well (0-1-2)".
"We all had a great time with excellent competition."
"We had 5 teams from Clayton play in the tournament and everyone I talked to gave nothing but rave reviews."
"Please convey our appreciation to your referee's and all involved in making this past weekend a success. We are already looking forward to next year's tournament."
2007 Tournament Winners
| Age / Division
U-10B Gold
|
Champions
Johston Red Devils
|
Finalists Johnston Gunners
|
For previous years' Tournament Winners archive, click here.
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TOURNAMENT
APPLICATION
2008 Postmark Deadline Extended until 10/3/08
The Application for the tournament
may be downloaded (click
here) or may be obtained from the League Commissioner (midstatesoccer@hotmail.com).
The deadline for postmarking the completed application is October 1.
The application must be accompanied by an original (or copied) official
USYSA roster (stamped by a NCYSA registrar. Not the "work roster".)
For reasons of development and participation of current team players, no
"guest" players are allowed at this tournament. MSSL teams with complete
applications submitted before the deadline (including roster) will be accepted
on a first-come, first-served basis (by postmark) until brackets are full.
Teams outside of the MSSL will be accepted on a space permitting basis.
Teams not accepted will have all fees returned. Any team withdrawing
before the application deadline will have 66% of the tournament fees returned.
After the application deadline, there will be no refunds for accepted teams.
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NOTE:
The following MSSL Tournament Rules may be changed without notice.
Rules
posted at the tournament site and distributed to registering teams will
apply.
MSSL TOURNAMENT RULES
Each team, by its participation in the tournament, agrees to abide by these Tournament Rules which are distributed to each team at registration and are posted at the tournament site.
Team Application, Refund Policy
MSSL teams with complete applications postmarked before the October 1st deadline (including roster) will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis (by postmark) until brackets are full. Teams outside of the MSSL will be accepted on a space permitting basis. Teams not accepted will have all fees returned. All withdrawals must be in writing. Any team withdrawing (postmarked) before the application deadline will have 66% of the tournament fees returned. For withdrawals postmarked after the application deadline, there will be no refunds for accepted teams. No refunds will be made for accepted teams after the application deadline for any reason including the cancellation or termination of games for weather or safety reasons.
Team Registration, Player Eligibility
All teams must be registered before beginning tournament play. Registration consists of presenting to on-site tournament officials valid USSF player cards and medical waiver forms (NCYSA) matching the official team roster submitted with the application and receiving official rules of the tournament. Teams with matches beginning before 10:00 AM on Saturday must register Friday evening. (NO exceptions.) Teams scheduled to play their first game after 10:00 AM may choose to register Friday evening or may register at least one hour before their scheduled game time. NOTE: Starting in 2007, a NCYSA Tournament Pre-Registration form signed and stamped by an official Registrar may be used for registration. Only players who appear on the team's official USYSA roster (no "guest" players) and who have been verified at the tournament registration may participate in the tournament.
Commitment to Participate, Minimum Players, Game Cancellations
Each team accepted into the tournament will play all games as scheduled -especially consolation games. Even if the team is short players, it is expected that the game will be played if minimum players are available. If a team does not show to play a scheduled game, a 0-3 forfeit will be declared and the offending team may not be considered for future tournaments. Commitment to play is a serious undertaking that other teams coming to the tournament are counting on. Minimum players to begin a game are 7 on a side for 11v11 games, 6 on a side for 8v8 games, and 5 on a side for 6v6 games. Any game or games may be canceled or terminated by decision of the Tournament Director for reasons of weather, safety, serious rule violation, or player or spectator conduct or non-compliance.
Tournament Brackets
The Tournament Director determines all bracket assignments and may combine age divisions in a single bracket if it becomes necessary. Brackets may be offered for 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 teams in a division.
Uniforms and Equipment
Each player on the field shall have as minimum equipment shin guards, appropriate shoes, and a uniform consisting of shorts, numbered jersey (number must match the number on the certified roster), and stockings. Each player on a team must have a jersey matching in color and basic design the jerseys of his/her teammates except for the goal keeper who shall have a distinctive jersey (or covering penney). If the referee determines that the jerseys of the competing teams are similar enough so as to cause potential confusion, the home team (the team listed first on the schedule) shall change jerseys to an alternate color. The referee shall be the final arbiter of the safety or suitability of any piece of equipment worn by a player (including size and style of shin guards, jewelry, eye glasses, casts, braces, medals, hats, or gloves, etc.)
Game Ball
The home team (the first team listed on the schedule) shall provide a game ball of the appropriate size and in a condition acceptable to the referee. (U-10, U-11, U-12 use number 4 balls; U-13 and up use number 5 balls.)
Game Start Times, Forfeits, Game Termination
Each team shall be ready to play at the scheduled time on the appointed field regardless of any weather conditions. Teams may have to warm-up on an adjacent field or other area to be ready play on time. If a team is not on the field ready play at the scheduled time or within 3 minutes of the completion of the previous game on the field (if later than the scheduled time), the game may be deemed forfeited and a score of 0-3 posted in the standings. If a game must be terminated for dangerous weather or other conditions as judged by the referee or a tournament official, the score will stand as of the game stoppage regardless of how much of the game has been played except for an elimination match. (See "Point System, II" below.)
Game Length
Except for championship matches, games scheduled in the U-10, U-11, U-12 brackets shall play 25 minute halves and games scheduled in the U-13, U-14, U-15, or U-16 brackets shall play 30 minute halves. Times for championship match halves shall be as follows. U-10: 25 minutes, U-11 and U-12 (including any U-12/13): 30 minutes, U-13 and U-14 (including any U-14/15 combined brackets): 35 minutes, and U-15 and U-16: 40 minutes. Five minutes shall be allowed for half times. No time shall be added for injuries or other delays except in championship matches where time may be added at the discretion of the referee. The Tournament Director may direct the referees to change the lengths of the halves if made necessary by environmental conditions or advancing darkness.
Spectators and Players Field Side
Spectators shall be expected to be on one side of the field and the players on the other.
FIFA Laws Observed, Card Policy
Soccer matches played at this tournament shall be governed by FIFA rules as modified by the USYSA, NCYSA, or specifically by these tournament rules. Any player receiving a "red card" from a referee during a game shall be removed from play for the remainder of that game and the following tournament game. Subject to the review by and decision of the Tournament Director, a player issued a red card be may not be allowed to play for the remainder of the tournament. A player issued a second yellow card at the tournament shall automatically not be allowed to play in the next tournament game.
Sportsmanship and Expectations for Behavior
Players, coaches, parents, and other spectators are expected to behave in a manner reflective of the highest levels of sportsmanship. In particular, parents and spectators are expected to cheer only in a positive manner and to refrain from making disparaging remarks about other players, teams, or the referees. Coaches are expected to set an example of sportsmanship and good will. All persons present at a game, and especially the players, shall not challenge or dissent from the decisions of the referee. Tournament officials may participate (with the assistance of local law enforcement, if necessary) in the removal of any person from the area of the game field (or the soccer complex) who challenges referee decisions or in other ways is inappropriately confrontive or disruptive or who makes threats or utters profanities or insults directed at any person present, or is involved in fighting. A referee or tournament official (Tournament Director or an Assistant Director) has the authority to order any person to leave the playing field area for any reason identified in this paragraph as interpreted solely by the referee or tournament official. Any player, coach, or spectator thus dismissed from the game field by a referee or tournament official will not be allowed to be present on the game field or within 100 feet of the field for the next scheduled tournament game. Refusal of a person to comply with such an order by a tournament official to leave the field area subjects the team with which he or she is associated to a 0-3 forfeit of the game being played or to be played. The consumption of alcohol or the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on the premises.
Post Game Procedures, Verification of Match Reports
As a mutual courtesy, both teams are expected to meet immediately after the game at the center to congratulate each other for providing good competition. Before leaving the field following the game, the coach of the winning team should verify with the referee that the correct score has been entered on the match report and sign the match report when he or she is sure that the game data is correct. (For tied matches, neither coach needs to sign the match report, but coaches are expected to verify the score with the referee.) The coaches of both teams, after the completion of each game, are expected to see that their respective sidelines are clean and that trash is placed in containers.
No Protests
No protests of any decision of the referees will be entertained concerning interpretations of the Laws of the Game, the safety and suitablility of any equipment worn by a player, length of matches or halves of play, ejection of a player, coach, or spectator, or termination of a match. No protests of match results certified by the referees will be entertained. Any comments with regard to the organization or conduct of the tournament will be accepted in writing for consideration by the Tournament Director and the MSSL Executive Committee as a review of operations after the conclusion of the tournament. The philosophy of this policy is that all participants should understand that everyone (players, referees, tournament officials, and volunteers) is doing their best and should be credited as such. Tolerance, good will, and the acceptance of others' best efforts (no matter how mistaken they may be perceived to be) are the hallmarks of sportsmanship and are valued at this tournament.
Point System and Advancement in Brackets
I. "Pool" Brackets
In the round-robin play in a single "pool" bracket, the point system described below shall be used to determine champions or advancement to an elimination round.
Basic Point Awards
Win 3 points
Tie 1 point
Loss 0 points
A. To determine advancement or order, apply the following in the order listed until a team can be identified:
1. Apply basic point awards. Advance
the team with the highest Basic Points total.
2.A. If two teams are tied on Basic Points, then advance the
team which won any head-to-head competition.
2.B. If three teams are tied on Basic Points, advance the team
that has won head-to-head with both of the other tied teams.
3. If two or three teams are tied on
Basic Points and no team may be advanced on head-to-head competition, then
advance
the team with the largest goal margin (total goals scored less goals allowed),
maximum 3 per game.
(N/A if negative numbers.) If no team may be advanced then:
4. Advance the team with the highest goal
differential (goals scored divided by goals allowed). If no team
may be advanced then:
5. Advance the team with the lowest goals
allowed ratio (goals allowed divided by games played). If no team
may be advanced then:
6. Advance the team winning a coin toss conducted
by the Tournament Director or an Assistant Director..
B. When a champion is to be determined by round-robin play in a single "pool", apply items 1 through 5 above and, if still tied, declare co-champions.
II. Elimination or Championship Matches
If a match is tied in the elimination round at the end of regulation play, then two five-minute "golden goal" overtimes shall be played. If two overtimes are completed with out a winner, the a penalty kick "shootout" shall be conducted. The coaches shall provide the referee an ordered list of the players on the field at the end of the overtimes. The first round of the shootout shall be the first five listed players from each team alternating shots starting with the team determined by a coin toss by the referee. If yet tied, then the shootout shall continue utilizing the remaining named players with one player from each team shooting in pairs until a score differential exists at the completion of the shots of a pair of shooters. If tied after all named players have shot, then start at the beginning of the ordered list shooting in pairs until a score differential exists at the completion of any pair of shooters. If weather or other conditions force the cancellation of a championship match (or termination before the second half has started), the Tournament Director may declare co-champions.
Awards
Awards for champion and second place teams will presented immediately following a championship match or following the determination of first and second place teams after the completion of round-robin play in a "pool" bracket. Awards will be provided to coaches who will present them to players, typically nearby the administrative area.