Rules

Last updated: February 27, 2023 11:00am

Dates

Saturday, April 6, 2024
Sunday, April 7, 2024

Location

Teton Trails Park (Synthetic)
7850 N Bradley Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89131
(Parking lot on W Grand Teton Drive)

Team Meeting

Friday, April 5, 2024 8:30pm

2800 W. Sahara Avenue #8A, Las Vegas, NV 89102

All team managers are required to attend the team meeting.

Awards Dinner Banquet

Sunday, April 7, 2024 6:30pm

KJ Dim Sum & Seafood Restaurant 粵港海鲜酒家
@ Rio Hotel and Casino
3700 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103

Division & Age Requirement

58+ Division

All players must be at least 58 years old within the tournament’s calendar year (i.e., born on December 31, 1966, or earlier).
Up to two players at least 56 years old within the tournament’s calendar year (i.e., born on December 31, 1968, or earlier).

50+ Division

All players must be at least 50 years old within the tournament’s calendar year (i.e., born on December 31, 1974, or earlier).
Up to two players at least 48 years old within the tournament’s calendar year (i.e., born on December 31, 1976, or earlier).

40+ Division

All players must be at least 40 years old within the tournament’s calendar year (i.e., born on December 31, 1984, or earlier).
Up to two players at least 38 years old within the tournament’s calendar year (i.e., born on December 31, 1986, or earlier).

30+ Division

All players must be at least 30 years old within the tournament’s calendar year (i.e., born on December 31, 1994, or earlier).
Up to two players at least 28 years old within the tournament’s calendar year (i.e., born on December 31, 1996, or earlier).

Cost

Registration fee is $1,400 per team, plus $500 deposit.
The registration fee includes:
- Registration of up to 20 players
- Four 70-minute games (either 4 group games, or 3 group games and 1 playoff game, or 2 group games and 2 playoff games)
- Field rental
- Referee fee
- One size 5 soccer ball
- One trophy
- Commemorative medals for each registered player
Any team registering over 20 players will pay an additional $70 per player.

Team Registration

The tournament is open to teams within the U.S. and Canada.
Team registration deadline is September 30, 2023.
The $500 deposit amount is required to secure a spot in the tournament. The payment datetime will determine each team’s registration priority in the tournament.
Full payment (including registration fee and deposit) must be submitted no later than November 30, 2023. The payment represents the team’s commitment to participate in the tournament.
Payment must be made electronically using Zelle account “LASportNHobby@gmail.com” (without the quotes), or by check payable to “Los Angeles Sports and Hobby”.
Payment of registration fee and deposit does not guarantee acceptance into the tournament.
- Teams participating in the most recent Asian Championship Cup tournament have priority over new teams.
- When there are more teams than the schedule can accommodate, the teams with earlier registration priority dates will be accepted. Teams with a later priority date will be placed on a wait list based on the order that the payment was received.
- Any team on the wait list may request to withdraw from the wait list and have the payment (registration fee and deposit) refunded.

Player Classification

All players must:

Be a Chinese descendent with one of his/her biological parents being an ethnic Chinese; and
Never played soccer as a profession, or an ex-professional player (who played in a professional soccer league) and has retired from professional soccer for five (5) years or longer; and
Reside within North America. Only a valid government-issued Driver License or Identification Card will be accepted as proof of residence.
Exception: Teams reside outside of North America may be invited to join the tournament. Players must meet all requirements except proof of North America residency.

Player Registration

Each player is required to sign a waiver of liability online. The link will be provided when it becomes available.
Each registered player must be added to a tournament team roster in order to play.

Team Roster

There is no limit on the number of players on each team’s roster.
Each team’s tournament roster must be confirmed by Friday, March 22, 2024, two weeks before the tournament. After the roster confirmation date, no changes are allowed.
Each player can play for only one team within each division. Players registered with more than one team within a division will become ineligible. They will be removed from the team roster(s), and registration fee for these players will NOT be refunded.
A player is allowed to play for different teams in different divisions, as long as the player meets all requirements in those divisions. When a player is registered with multiple teams, the player is counted as one roster spot on each of the team rosters.
Players who are not on a team roster are not allowed to play.

Match Format

Three (3) Teams

The 3 teams will play in a round robin format twice.
Each team will play against the other 2 teams twice, for a total of 4 group games.
The standings after the group games will determine 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, and 4th Place. Only the points will be used to determine the standings. Goal differential and other tiebreaker rules do not apply. Teams with the same number of points after the group games will rank the same in the standings.

Four (4) Teams

The 4 teams will play in a round robin format.
Each team will play 3 group games.
The top 2 teams in the group will play for 1st Place, and the bottom 2 teams will play for 3rd Place.
If a playoff game ends in a draw, both teams are declared winners.

Five (5) Teams

The 5 teams will play in a round robin format.
Each team will play 4 group games.
The standings after the group games will determine 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, 4th Place, and 5th Place.
Only the points will be used to determine the standings. Goal differential and other tiebreaker rules do not apply. Teams with the same number of points after the group games will rank the same in the standings.

Six (6) Teams

Each team will play 4 group games.
Team 1 will not play against Team 2; Team 3 will not play against Team 4; and Team 5 will not play against Team 6.
The standings after the group games will determine 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, 4th Place, 5th Place, and 6th Place. Only the points will be used to determine the standings. Goal differential and other tiebreaker rules do not apply. Teams with the same number of points after the group games will rank the same in the standings.

Eight (7) Teams

Each team will play 4 group games.
Each team will not play against the teams immediately before and after its own placement. I.e., Team 1 will not play against Team 7 and Team 2, Team 3 will not play against Team 2 and Team 4, Team 5 will not play against Team 4 and Team 6, and so on.
The standings after the group games will determine 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, 4th Place, 5th Place, 6th Place, and 7th Place. Only the points will be used to determine the standings. Goal differential and other tiebreaker rules do not apply. Teams with the same number of points after the group games will rank the same in the standings.

Eight (8) Teams

Each team will play 4 group games.
Each team placed with an odd number (i.e., Team 1, 3, 5 or 7) will play against the 4 teams placed with an even number (i.e., Teams 2, 4, 6 and 8). Each team placed with an even number (i.e., Team 2, 4, 6 or 8) will play against the 4 teams placed with an old number (i.e., Teams 1, 3, 5 and 7)
The standings after the group games will determine 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, 4th Place, 5th Place, 6th Place, 7th Place, and 8th Place. Only the points will be used to determine the standings. Goal differential and other tiebreaker rules do not apply. Teams with the same number of points after the group games will rank the same in the standings.

Nine (9) Teams

The 9 teams will be divided into 3 groups of 3 teams each.
Each team will play 2 group games.

The top team of each group will play against each other for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. The second-place team of each group will play against each other for 4th, 5th and 6th places. The third-place team of each group will play against each other for 7th, 8th and 9th places.
Each team will play 2 more group games in the second stage after the re-grouping.
Goal differential and other tiebreaker rules do not apply in the second stage. Teams with the same number of points will rank the same in the standings.

Tiebreakers

Tiebreakers are used only to determine playoff seeds.
The teams are ranked according to points (3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss).
If two or more teams have equal number of points at the completion of all group matches, the following criteria are applied in the order given to determine the rankings:

If some teams in question did not play against each other, start with criterion 5.

Higher number of points obtained in matches played among the teams in question.
Superior goal difference from matches played among the teams in question.
Higher number of goals scored in matches played among the teams in question.
If, after having applied criteria 1 to 3, teams still have an equal ranking, criteria 1 to 3 are reapplied exclusively to the matches among the remaining teams in question to determine their final rankings. If this procedure does not lead to a decision, proceed to the next criterion.
Superior goal difference in all group matches.
Higher number of goals scored in all group matches.
Fewer number of red cards in all group matches.
Fewer number of yellow cards in all group matches.
Coin toss.

Tournament Draw

Use an online Random Sequence Generator from www.random.org to generate a random sequence based on a persistent identifier (a.k.a. seed value).
The seed value for each division will be based on the closing price of major US stock indexes (including the thousand separator and decimal point) on Friday, March 1, 2024, four weeks before the tournament. For example, “12,345.67”.
- The 3/1/2024 closing price for Dow Jones Industrial Average will be used as seed value for the 58+ age group.
- The 3/1/2024 closing price for Nasdaq Composite Index will be used as seed value for the 50+ age group.
- The 3/1/2024 closing price for NYSE Composite Index will be used as seed value for the 40+ age group.
- The 3/1/2024 closing price for S&P 500 Index will be used as seed value for the 30+ age group.
The teams in each division will initially be positioned chronologically based on the date and time the registration fee was paid by each team. They will be drawn based on the sequence generated from the Random Sequence Generator.
For example, the payment order for teams in Group A is Team P, Q, R, S, and the random sequence generated is 2, 1, 4, 3. Then Team P will be A2, Team Q will be A1, Team R will be A4, and Team S will be A3.
Game schedule will be published prior to the drawing.

Awards

A trophy will be awarded to each participating team.
Each registered player will receive a commemorative medal.

Length of Game

All games consist of two 35-minute halves, with a 5-minute halftime break.
All games start and end on schedule. If a game starts late, the length of the game will be reduced accordingly, so it will not delay the following games.
There is no stoppage time. Injured player(s) must be carried off the field to receive medical attention.
In the event of a serious injury, the injured player(s) may be required to stay on the field until the paramedic arrives to avoid further injury. Playing time will be reduced accordingly.
There is no overtime or penalty shootout. If a playoff game ends in a draw, both teams are declared winners.

Referees

One (1) head referee and two (2) assistant referees (linesmen) will be used for all games.
All referees are licensed in the U.S., unless otherwise stated.

Rules within the latest Laws of the Game will be adopted, unless otherwise stated.
Sliding tackles are NOT allowed in all games.

Equipment

Each team must provide the referee with a game ball at the beginning of the game.
All players on the same team must wear the same color uniform (including jersey, shorts, and socks). Each jersey must have a unique number on the back.
In the event of a uniform color conflict, the away team must change to a different color.
Shin guards must be worn by all players on the field. The shin guards must be worn under the socks.
Eyeglasses, sunglasses, earrings, studs, finger rings and other jewelries are not allowed. If corrective lenses are required, only sports goggles and contact lenses are allowed.

Player Check-In

Players are required to check in at the Check-In Desk sixty (60) minutes prior to their first game for player verification. Players must show a valid government-issued Driver License or Identification Card as proof of residence. Photo-copied or expired Driver License or Identification Card will NOT be accepted.
A colored Tyvek wristband will be assigned to each player. Each wristband is uniquely numbered; and the number will be recorded on the team roster.
The same wristband will be used for the duration of the tournament.
The Check-in Desk(s) will close 5 minutes before game time. Players who arrive late will have to wait until half time to check in and receive a wristband.
Damaged or lost wristbands must be replaced before a player can be checked in for the next game. A valid government-issued Driver License or Identification Card must be presented for the issuance of a replacement wristband. A $10 fee will be charged to the team for each replacement wristband.
Players without a wristband will not be allowed to play. Violation will result in forfeiture of the game.

Team Check-in

Team captains must pick up a lineup sheet before each game. All registered players are pre-printed on the lineup sheet. Each captain must fill in the jersey number of each player (all starters and substitute players) who may play in the game. Players without a jersey number on the lineup sheet are not allowed to play. Violation will result in forfeiture of the game.
Up to twenty-five (25) players can be played in each game. Additional players must be crossed out on the lineup sheet. Listing more than 25 players on the lineup sheet will be considered forfeiture.
Each team must submit the lineup sheet with unique jersey numbers to the referee before game time. Failure to provide the lineup sheet could result in forfeiture of the game.
Once the lineup sheet is submitted to the referee, it cannot be changed.

Minimum Player Count

Each team must have a minimum of seven (7) players checked in by game time.
A team with fewer than seven (7) players by game time will be considered forfeiture.
A team with fewer than seven (7) players at any time during the game due to injury, ejection or any other reasons will be considered forfeiture.

Substitution

A total of up to twenty-five (25) players can be played in each game. Players serving suspension are included in the total count. E.g., if one player is suspended for the upcoming game, only up to 24 players can be played in the game.
Players substituted out are allowed to be substituted back in the game.
Unlimited substitutions are allowed in each game.
One of the referees must be informed before any substitution is allowed.
The substitute is allowed to enter the field only after receiving the signal from the referee and after the player being replaced leaves the field.
The substitute must enter the field at the halfway line.
Players without a wristband will not be allowed to play. Violation will result in forfeiture of the game.
All benches and bleachers (including coaches, bench players, spectators, and their belongings) must stay at least 3 feet from the playing field. Anyone wearing the same color top must sit down.

Violation of Player Requirements

Violations include, but no limited to, false identification, false proof of residence, players who don’t meet the age requirement, who don’t wear a valid wristband, switching to a different jersey number in the same game (unless requested or approved by the referee), playing an unregistered player.
It is a violation when a player plays for more than one team within the same division. All the games the player played in will result in forfeiture. The player will be disqualified from the tournament and will not be allowed to play in any of the remaining games. It is not a violation if a player is registered with multiple teams within the same division but never played for a second team.

When a violation is reported before the end of a game, and verified by the tournament organizer, the violating team will result in forfeiture, along with a $200 fine, and the opposing team will be awarded a win. Yellow cards, red cards and any fines (for both teams) remain on the record.

When a violation is reported after the regulation of a group game and verified by the tournament organizer, and if the playoff teams have not been announced, the game result and score stay on the record, but the violating team will be deducted 3 points from the standings, along with a $200 fine.
When a violation is reported after the regulation of a group game and verified by the tournament organizer, and if the playoff teams have been announced, there will be no adjustment to the standings. However, the $200 fine will still be imposed on the violating team.
When a violation is reported after the regulation of a playoff elimination game, and the violation verified by the tournament organizer, there will be no adjustment to the game result. However, the $200 fine will still be imposed on the violating team.

Dangerous Plays & Penalties

Sliding tackles are NOT allowed in all games.
A team is fined $30 for each yellow card.
Two yellow cards in the same game are considered a red card. The player will be ejected from the game and suspended for the following game, and the team is fined $100.
Any player receiving a straight red card will be ejected from the game and suspended for the following game, and the team is fined $100. Additional suspension and/or fines will be assessed on more severe violations.
Yellow cards are cumulative. Any player receiving two yellow cards from two different games will be suspended for one game. The fine will be based on the two yellow cards from the two different games.
A team with fewer than the minimum of seven (7) players because of ejections will automatically forfeit the game.

Violence

Additional suspension and/or fines will be assessed on more severe violations, such as intentionally injuring or verbally abusing an opposing player, a referee, or a tournament staff. If the tournament ends sooner than the length of the suspension, the remaining suspension will carry over to the same tournament in future years.
Any player (including bench players), coach or manager involved in fights will be disqualified from the tournament and will not be allowed to participate in any future events organized by Los Angeles Sports and Hobby, Inc. Disqualified person(s) must be sent off the soccer field premises immediately. The team will also be disqualified from the tournament.

Forfeiture, Disqualification & Withdrawal

All forfeitures before the game started will result in a 3:0 score being awarded to the opponent. The team that forfeited the game will be fined $300. The $300 fine will be awarded to the opposing team. In group games, 3 points will be deducted from the standings.
When a team withdraws from a game involuntarily due to insufficient players (i.e., fewer than 7 players on the field) after the game has started, it is considered a forfeit. If the score at the time of the forfeit is higher than 3:0 with the opposing team leading, the score remains. Otherwise, the opposing team will be awarded the win with a 3:0 score. In group games, 3 points will be deducted from the standings. Yellow cards, red cards, and any fines for the game (for both teams) remain on the record.
Repeat violation of player requirements (i.e., age and player classification), or during player check-in or substitution, will result in the team being disqualified from the tournament.
Intentional violation of player requirements (i.e., age and player classification), or during player check-in or substitution, will also result in the team being disqualified from the tournament.
Playing a player under suspension will result in the team being disqualified from the tournament.
When a team withdraws from a game voluntarily after the game has started, it is considered a withdrawal from the tournament. Yellow cards, red cards and any fines for the game (for both teams) remain on the record.
When a team is disqualified or withdrawn from the tournament prior to the completion of its group games, all games for the team (whether played or not) will be considered forfeiture with a 3:0 score being awarded to the opponent.
When a team is disqualified or withdrawn from the tournament, all yellow cards, red cards and any fines for the games (for all teams involved) remain on the record. The deposit will not be returned. If awards (trophy and medals) have been presented, they must be returned.

Field Use Policies

Synthetic Turf Field

Any cleats that are used must be rubber. No metal spikes.
Staked chairs, umbrellas, tents, flags, and other outdoor furniture are not allowed on the field.
No driving in of stakes.
Dogs or pets of any kind are prohibited.

All Field Types

Glass bottles or containers are prohibited.
Use of alcohol is prohibited.
Smoking and tobacco products are prohibited.
Gambling is prohibited.
Animals are not permitted except service animals.
Use of candles and other open-flame devices are prohibited.
Banners of any size must be pre-approved.
Use of amplified audio must be pre-approved.
Additional restrictions posted for each specific field location must be followed.

Removal of Trash

Each team MUST remove their own trash and bottles before leaving the field. Failure to do so will be fined $200 per game.
Trash must be placed INSIDE the trash bins. If the closest trash bin is full, inform the tournament organizer and use another trash bin.
If trash is left by either or both teams playing in the prior game, it is your responsibility to tell them to clean up. If you allow them to leave the field without cleaning up, the trash is considered yours.