MANAGERS GAME DAY PROCEEDURES

• CHECK IN your team 30 minutes before the first game at the Field Marshal Tent​. 
• PLAYER CARDS 2025-2026 - virtual / cards will be accepted.
• ROSTER: You can add players prior your first game by writing the name in an open space.

       *NO player will be added to the roster, once the tournament officially begins with your first game.*

       **Forfeit all games; PLAYERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PLAY FOR TWO DIFFERENT TEAMS WITHIN THE TOURNAMENT**

1. TEAM MANAGER/ADMIN/COACH IS RESPONSIBLE for presenting roster/game cards to the referee 10 minutes prior the start of each game.
2. ​​​​​​​FIRST GAME - GAME CARD: Pick up the game card and return back to the field marshal tent at the conclusion of each game so we can record the score of the game.​​​​​​​
3. MANAGER'S keep the game card for the next game & day. If you are moving fields, please make sure you take the Game Card to the Field Marshall so they can record the score.

Forest Cup will be complying with the USYSA/USSF birth year mandates with the birth years as of August 1st - July 31st. Teams registering will need to comply with the rules and make sure all players are using their 2025-2026 cards or Virtual cards as the Field Marshall's will check the roster to assure players are playing in the correct age.    

RULES

ANY ADMINISTRATOR THAT SIGNS UP FOR THE WRONG BIRTH YEAR AGE GROUP WILL NOT BE GUARANTEED A SPOT IN THE TOURNAMENT UNLESS THERE IS ROOM IN THE APPROPRIATE AGE GROUP. IF THERE IS NO ROOM IN THE PROPER AGE GROUP THE TEAM WILL NOT BE REFUNDED UNLESS THE TOURNAMENT FILLS THEIR SPOT IN THE TOURNAMENT.

• TEAM administrators/Manger's (ONLY) must be referred to the Tournament Director through the Field Marshal regarding Problems and rule interpretations from the team.
• SCORES: Official standings are continually updated on the website.   Maximum # of goals scored will be 6 posted.
• RED CARDS: will be kept with the Field Marshal.

There will be no refunds after the set application deadline.  Prior to the application deadline, refunds will be made less administrative fee.

The Forest Cup Memorial Day Tournament age brackets are based on your teams age level under the New USYSA/USSF mandates which require the players to register with their 2025-2026 player cards. We are adopting the New year mandates, August 1st - July 31st for all ages competing so all birth dates will be checked at the Field Marshall tent.

• CONDUCT: Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their sidelines, including players, parents and friends.
• NO SMOKING/NO ALCOHOL is allowed on any fields (CYSA rule).
• NO DOGS ALLOWED, please comply with the park rule.  This is a US CLUB sanctioned event.

GAME CARDS: The coach or team manager/administrator will be responsible for delivering signed game cards from the referee to the field marshal after the game.

GAMING RULES

REFEREES:

• All referees are "USSF-certified"
• GAMING RULES:  All games will be played by FIFA laws of the game, except as modified by USYSA and US Club and/or clarified by these rules.
• The HOME team shall determine which half of the field they would like. AWAY team has the kickoff. 

Birth Date Range

• AGE GROUP	BIRTH DATE RANGE
  U7	AUG, 01 , 2019 - JUL 31, 2020
  U8	AUG, 01 , 2018 - JUL 31, 2019
  U9	AUG, 01 , 2017 - JUL 31, 2018
  U10	AUG, 01 , 2016 - JUL 31, 2017
  U11	AUG, 01 , 2015 - JUL 31, 2016
  U12	AUG, 01 , 2014 - JUL 31, 2015
  U13	AUG, 01 , 2013 - JUL 31, 2014
  U14	AUG, 01 , 2012 - JUL 31, 2013
  U15	AUG, 01 , 2011 - JUL 31, 2010
  U16	AUG, 01 , 2010 - JUL 31, 2011
  U17	AUG, 01 , 2009 - JUL 31, 2010

   

• Pool play for U7 -U9 age brackets will have one assigned referee. 
• All matches for U10 - U18  will have three assigned referees.
• The referee has final say on safety of each player's equipment, including shin guards and any type of knee brace or cast Shin guards are mandatory. 
• After the start of a match, it will be the decision of the referee whether or not playing conditions are safe or not.
• Referees will make sure shirt and player name/number correspond with game roster or player will NOT play.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Referees will comply with FIFA rules
• Substitutions - Substitutions can be made at any stoppage or dead ball but ONLY with the permission (discretion) of the referee.
• If a referee terminates a game due to misconduct of players or spectators, the offending team will forfeit.  The offending player, spectator or team may be banned from further participation in the tournament.

FIELD SAFETY/INCLEMENT WEATHER: The referee or Tournament Director will determine if a field is safe for play. Teams are expected to show up for scheduled game time unless notified by a tournament official.  Rain or other weather conditions will not delay play unless the referee determines the fields are unsafe.  If games cannot be rescheduled or played due to rain or other circumstances the Tournament Director will make refund adjustments and scores will stand as follows:

      a. One half matches completed; score stands.

      b. Stoppage in first half of match, no score.

      c. Matches may be played next day if field space available.

      d. Matches may be shortened to accommodate schedule.

      e. If matches unplayable, standings will be based on FIFA penalty kicks for top two teams or by tournament director if kicks cannot be taken.

      f. If play is terminated due to misconduct from one or both teams, the offending team will not benefit from termination.

      g. If a -final match is a tie, FIFA penalty kicks will determine the winner.

      h. If the final game cannot be played, the top 2 teams will be co-champions.

For CONCACAF teams, the tournament committee will notify the US Soccer Federation of disciplinary action taken, and that the Federation will transmit the disciplinary action taken or required to that team's provincial or national association.

RED CARDS

RED CARDS:

• A player or coach receiving two yellow cards in one game equals one red card. 
• A player or coach given two yellow cards or one red card shall be expelled from the game, will not be replaced in that game and will not be permitted to play or coach in the next game, as a minimum. The Tournament Director may give a further suspension for violent conduct. Any adult or coach who is ejected must leave the field of play.
• Teams that are short a player(s) due to red card ejection will also play any overtime short a player(s).
• Cards for ejected player or coach will be available from the Field Marshal after the team's last scheduled game. 
• All red cards are reported to US Club.

PROTESTS / DISPUTES: No protests will be allowed and all games will be considered final. The Tournament Director will resolve any situation not explicitly covered by the rules. Disputes relating to the interpretation of these rules will be resolved with the field marshal and ONLY the administrators/coaches that are registered with the involved team(s). Individuals may not represent a team if not registered as an administrator/coach with the involved team(s). Please make sure you fill out the protest/complaint forms which are located at the Field Marshall booth.

GAME DAY RESPONSIBILITIES

  HOME & AWAY TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES: parent sideline & BLUE lines.

1. The HOME team is listed first on the game schedule.
2. The home team will provide 3 game balls. The game ball is subject to referee approval.
3. The Home team will switch to an alternate jersey if the referee declares a color conflict.
4. The Home team decides which sideline or half depending on field layout, they'll sit on. The opposite team & families will sit on the opposite sideline, if communicated by the tournament.. 
5. The HOME team shall determine which half of the field they would like. AWAY team has the kickoff. 
6. BLUE PARENT LINE - In all cases, spectator and team seating will allow the referee's assistants clear runs and views of all touch lines. Coaches and families should stay behind.
7. NO spectators behind the goals.
8. NO players/coaches or parents allowed on their opponent's sideline.
9. HORNS / LOUD DEVICES - Are not permitted! Anyone using such devices will result in the Coach receiving a YELLOW card, further infraction MAY lead to a RED card!
10. SPECTATOR SEATING: Most fields have the ability for families to sit on opposite sides of the field, HOME & AWAY. IF NOT, due to field space, teams may be allocated to sit on the same sideline. One team sits to the right while the other sits to the left of the halfway line.

GAME FORMAT

GAME FORMAT & ROSTER

• Pool play is guaranteed 3 games in bracket play with Final.
• Champion: Highest points
• Runner Up: Second Highest points
• Finals tied will go to PK’s

BELOW: AGE GROUPS BASED ON 2025-2026 PLAYER CARDS & BIRTH YEAR MANDATES.

Forfeit all games; if

PLAYERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PLAY FOR TWO DIFFERENT TEAMS WITHIN THE TOURNAMENT...

ROSTER SIZES

• 11v11 games: A maximum of 18 players may be dressed and play in a game, ROSTER 22.
• 9v9 games: A maximum of 16 players may be in uniform and play in a game.
• 7v7 games: A maximum of 14 players may be in uniform and play in a game.

FINAL - PENALTY KICKS: Only the players on the field at the end of the game. Final games only participate in penalty kicks. 

NO OVERTIME.

FIELD SIZES & MANDATES

• All field sizes will be consistent with the New Mandates set forth by USSF.

BUILD OUT LINE RULES APPLY FOR 7 V 7. 

• All 7v7 games played will follow the US Soccer Player Development Initiatives regarding the use of the build out line for 7v7 games.
• The build out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting.
• The build out line will be striped as a BLUE or WHITE line across the field approximately half the distance between the edge of the penalty area and the half way line.
• Coaches, players, parents and referees, please understand the following rules when competing in 7v7:
• 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
• If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense
• If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred
• 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
• 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.

Heading – Per US Soccer rulings, ALL 7v7 GAMES are restricted from heading the ball. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, an indirect free kick should be awarded from the nearest corner, of the goal area, to where the infringement occurred.

POINTS SYSTEM

All teams participating in the Tournament are guaranteed three (3)  games.

• Brackets of 4:  Teams with the 1st highest points and 2nd highest points will determine Champions & Runner Up.
• Running clock for all games.
• Team Standings from Bracket Play will be determined by a 10-point system:

a.     6 points/win

b.     3 points/tie

c.     1 point/shut-out, including 0-0 ties

d.     1 point/goal (maximum 3 goals/game)

e.     0 points/loss

f.      Minus 1 point/red card issued to player or coach

• Ties in Standings from Bracket Play will be resolved as follows:

            a. Winner of head-to-head competition

            b. Goal differential (Goals scored minus goals against, to a maximum differential of  4 per game)

            c. Goals against

            d. Goals scored (To a maximum of 4 per game)

            e. FIFA penalty kicks, time and location determined by Tournament Director

We guarantee that each team will play a minimum of 3 games. If a team withdraws at the last minute and your team does not play its guaranteed 3 games, the following refund policy applies: 

- No refunds will be issued to teams that forfeit their games. 
- Refunds are not applicable if your team received a discount. 

***Maximum game scores will be posted at 6 goals.  If you scored more than 7 goals only 6 goals will be posted.

U7 - U10 - $120 refund per game

U11 - U17 - $130 refund per game

FORFEITS

FORFEITS:  A forfeit results in a 1-0 score and will receive 8 points.  If at the discretion of the Tournament Director a forfeit provides an unfair advantage, the Tournament Director may make an adjustment in the bracket.  If both teams fail to appear, each team will receive 0 points. Teams forfeiting their first game will be assumed to forfeit all of their games unless they contact tournament headquarters at least 3 hours prior to their subsequent games. Team will forfeit for any of the following reasons:  

a. Teams fail to check in at the required location, ready to play five minutes before the scheduled kick off time.

b. Home teams must produce an alternate color jersey if the referee sees a color conflict.

c. Teams fail to produce laminated player passes and/or coach's pass.

d. Teams fail to report to the field with the minimum number of players to start the game, 5 players for U7- U10 and 7 players for U11 - U17.

e. Coach is ejected and fails to leave the field when directed to do so.

f. Coach is ejected and there is no other coach or administrator available with Credentials/Card.

g. Game is suspended due to the misconduct of players, coaches, administrators, parents or spectators.

h.  Forfeit all games; PLAYERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PLAY FOR TWO DIFFERENT TEAMS WITHIN THE TOURNAMENT...

Weather!

Rain or other weather conditions before or during the Tournament shall not delay play unless the referee deems the field unsafe. In the event of inclement weather or unsuitable field conditions, games may: be shortened, go directly to FIFA penalty kicks or be cancelled. The Tournament committee will assess any reimbursements of fees for cancellation or forfeiture of the tournament or of any game.

PAYMENTS, FEES & REFUND

CREDIT CARDS & E-CHECK PAYMENTS WILL INCLUDE A SERVICE CHARGE

TOURNAMENT FEES: 

Bracket (7v7) - $975

Brackets (9V9) – $1000

Brackets (11v11) – $1100

• Discounts when advertised.
• Deadline to apply: May 8, 2026 - deadline date, no refunds.
• Acceptance Notification: when payment is made prior to deadline.

• Refund Policy: Withdrawing after the deadline.

  Once the registration deadline has passed, there will be **no refunds**. If a team registers in a specific age group and is able to fill an open spot, a refund will be issued. However, the refund will be minus any funds necessary to cover the costs of allowing another team to enter the event. If a spot is filled at the last moment and the tournament has to offer a reduced or free entry, the team withdrawing will be notified regarding any potential refund.

Tournament Rules May Be Modified Without Notice