TOURNAMENT FORMAT

TOURNAMENT-STYLE FORMAT (Invitational Division)

Teams play two games against the other teams in their bracket and a 3rd game against a team in the Gold 1 Division; the result of this game will used as a tiebreaker only. The fourth game is played against the same-ranked team in the other bracket, based on intra-bracket play ranking, described below.

In the event of a tie in points at the end of preliminary play, the winner is determined as follows:

1: Point total in Gold 1 cross-divisional game;
2: The winner in head-to-head competition;
3: Goal differential (goals-for minus goals-against with a maximum of 4 goals per game); 4: Fewest total goals AGAINST;
5: Most total goals FOR;
6: Most total wins;
7: Most shutouts;
8: Coin flip conducted by the Tournament Director.

Championship: Top Ranked team Bracket A vs. Top Ranked team Bracket B

Consolation Games: The 2nd ranked team in A plays the 2nd ranked team in B, 3rd vs 3rd, etc. Consolation matchups may be changed by the Director to allow teams to play non-league opponents or meet travel obligations.

If the Championship Game is tied at the end of regulation, there will be an overtime period, consisting of 2 10- minute halves. The Golden Goal rule applies (first goal wins). If a Golden Goal is not scored in overtime, a shoot-out will determine the champion. The shoot-out will consist of kicks taken from the penalty mark in accordance with NFHS rules to determine the winner. Note: For CIF NCS teams only, section rules dictate that the score at the end of regulation is to be considered the final outcome for official team record purposes.

SHOWCASE-STYLE FORMAT (Gold, Silver, Bronze Divisions)

All teams will play 4 pre-scheduled games. Teams will be awarded points as described below. However, since many teams do not play the same opponents and divisions are not seeded (i.e., priority was given to providing non- league opponents and competitive matches), the Tournament will not officially designate Champions.

BRACKET PLAY RANKING

Team standings will be based on the point totals to determine the winner of each Bracket. Teams will be awarded points on the following basis:

6 points Win
3 points Tie
0 points Loss
1 point for a shutout. If game is tied 0-0 each team will be awarded 4 points. 1 point for each goal up to three

Maximum point total per game is 10 points.
In the case of a forfeit, the winning team will be awarded a 2-0 win.

The referee's report will constitute the official game record.

REFERENCE

The Tri-Valley Classic is sanctioned by the National Federation of High School Associations and is officiated according to the 2011-2012 NFHS Soccer Rules Book. The following are specific points of emphasis and/or tournament-specific interpretations.

Rule 1: FIELD OF PLAY

Teams will locate on the same side of each field. Except for incoming substitute players, teams are restricted from entering the official area extending 10 yds from the halfway line, which may be unmarked on some fields.

Rule 2: BALLS

The home team shall provide 3 game balls. If the home team cannot provide 3 balls, the referee will choose game balls from those provided by both teams.

Rule 3: PLAYERS

Each team shall submit a team game roster to the officials prior to the start of the game.

Rule 4: PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Home team is listed first on the schedule and will wear LIGHT jerseys. Teams listed second will be the visitors and will wear DARK jerseys. In case of uniform color conflict, the home team shall change to an alternate colored jersey.

All players are required to wear shin guards conforming to NFHS rules.

Tournament rules permit players to wear insulating gear, such as: underarmor, soft caps, and/or gloves; it is specifically NOT a requirement that this gear be similar color or style for all team members. However, such gear must be worn under the player’s uniform, and must conform, in all other respects, to NFHS rules from a safety viewpoint.

Rule 5: OFFICIALS

Every effort will be made to staff each game with a three-referee system. However, if it becomes necessary a two- referee system will be used.

Rule 7: GAME DURATION

All matches will consist of two halves of 40 minutes with a 5 minute rest period between halves. All games will be played with a running clock; there will be no added stoppage time.

One or both halves may be shortened, if it is deemed necessary by the center referee in order finish the match on schedule.

In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament Director and/or referees will determine whether or not the game is to be played. Once the game has begun, the decision to continue to play rests solely with the center referee.

If a match is terminated prior to completion of the first half, the game is not considered official. It will be scored, for tournament purposes, as a 0-0 draw. A match terminated after the first half of play is considered official and the score at the stoppage of play shall be considered the final score.

Rule 12: FOULS/MISCONDUCT

Any coach who is disqualified must leave the playing area, remain outside of the field fencing, and may not communicate with the bench or players.

If, in the opinion of the game officials, a game must be terminated for misconduct of players, bench or spectators, the offending team will forfeit that game and subsequent participation is at the discretion of the Tournament Director. Additionally, the home league and state association will be contacted as appropriate.

DISPUTES & PROTESTS

All interpretations of the rules and other decisions made by the referees, Tournament Director, and the Tournament Committee will be final.