US Finals Junior Masters Soccer Tournament

US Finals

Tournament headquarters and contact:
ASG Sports / 1101 East 25th Street / Baltimore, MD 21218
Phone: TOLL FREE 888.899.GOAL (4625)
E-mail: vw@asgsports.com
Website: www.vwjrmasters.com

The rules of this tournament shall be in accordance with FIFA and USSF except as modified and approved herein.

The players of the winning US team, coach and chaperones (18 slots total) travel to South Africa for the Junior World Masters Finals, taking place prior to the 2010 World Cup.

1. TEAM ELIGIBILITY

Only soccer clubs or school teams are allowed to participate in the Volkswagen Junior Masters. National teams of any kind are not eligible.

All teams participating in the United States Volkswagen Junior Masters Tournament and representing the United States at the International Finals MUST BE FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

It shall be the responsibility of each Association to certify the eligibility of its teams and to provide such teams with a certified roster and proof of insurance.

Falsification of any information provided in the application or registration process, including illegal players, will result in the withdrawal of the invitation to compete. In such a situation, there will be no refund of any travel fees that may have been paid.

The appropriate organization will be notified for further action.

As a condition of acceptance, all teams, other than those in the local area, are requested to stay in Tournament designated hotels. A list of these hotels can be found on the tournament website.

The Volkswagen Junior Masters Soccer Tournament has authorized a maximum of two (2) guest players for this tournament. The guest players must be officially carded players with the appropriate guest player paper work as issued by home state or national association.

2. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

All players must be properly registered with USSF, in accordance with the respective requirements of those organizations, through their respective National State Associations. All teams must have current approved organizational player passes, or the appropriate National Association pass to participate. Passes must be verified, laminated, and have a photo attached. Players may play on only one team during the Tournament; no player switching of teams will be allowed.

3. PRE-GAME

All Teams

Teams are required to possess and present player and bench personnel picture identification cards.

Identification cards will be checked against the tournament generated game reports.

Teams must have on hand a certified/approved tournament roster from the team's Federation Organization in case of any discrepancies with the tournament generated game reports.

Each team is limited to two (2) coaches on the bench, each of which must be listed on the team roster. In no case will a team be allowed to participate without a properly registered coach or assistant.

All parents or guardians of players must sign a waiver of participation, allowing usage of photography and video for marketing purposes.

Teams agree to usage of club logo, name, photography and video for marketing purposes.

TEAMS MUST WEAR A UNIFORM ISSUED BY THE VOLKSWAGEN JUNIOR MASTERS TOURNAMENT WITH NO ALTERATIONS, FOR THE DURATION OF THE US AND INTERNATIONAL EVENT(s). The shirt number of each player must be the same as the player's shirt number on the tournament roster. Referees are not to allow a player to take part in the match until the shirt and roster numbers are the same (i.e, the shirt or roster has been changed).

A player who arrives late at the playing field after the pre-game procedure may enter the game once the game's official(s) verify the player is eligible, and with the permission of the center referee.

Only at the pre-game procedure may a player be challenged by an opposing manager/coach. A challenged player will be noted by the referee on the game report and will be allowed to participate in the game if the player has been certified as eligible by the Volkswagen Junior Masters Soccer Tournament Credentials Committee. A late arriving player may be challenged at the time he/she is allowed to participate by the referee.

ANY TEAM USING AN INELIGIBLE PLAYER WILL FORFEIT ALL TOURNAMENT MATCHES PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. A report will be filed with the offending team's National Organization. If you are not sure of a player's eligibility ask the Tournament Director.

MANDATORY: All teams must enter their rosters complete with bench personnel to the tournament no later than 15 days prior to start of event. The minimum required information is Name, Date of Birth, player ID number, Uniform Number and Gender. Revisions can be made to the roster up until the night of team registration.

This information will appear on the tournament game reports to be used by the referees for check-in on the field prior to each game. Teams failing to input this information are subject to removal from the event.

PLAYER AGE AND ELIGIBILITY

In no event will a player be allowed to participate who has not been certified by the Volkswagen Junior Masters Soccer Tournament Credentials Committee.

AGE DETERMINATION: the player's playing age is determined by the following USSF guidelines for 2009-10.

Every participant has to have a date of birth of 01/01/1997 or later by May 2010.

Each club, if they choose, is able to select eligible players from both their U12 and U13 team to compete at the US Final. Added players MUST be a member of the participating club.

Each team will be allowed to have guest players, who are properly registered through their USSF affiliated organization. Crossover between USSF affiliates will be allowed. Guest players must have permission to participate/travel from their USSF affiliated organization.

The Volkswagen Junior Masters Soccer Tournament has authorized a maximum of two (2) guest players for this tournament. The guest players must be officially carded players from the clubs majority home organization with the appropriate guest player paper work as issued by home state or national association.

Players may not play for more than one team in the tournament.

Any Team that advances to the INTERNATIONAL FINALS must consider the following as roster substitutions will be limited to current team members only:

The players that win at the US Final must be the same players that compete in the International Final.

"Entitlement to participation in the competition is restricted to under 13-year-old junior players in the D category who either reached the age of 12 in the calendar year 2009 or are younger ("Birth- Deadline" 1.1.1997 or younger). Participants must verify their date of birth by producing a passport, identification card or valid player's ID."

4. LAWS OF THE GAME

All games shall be in accordance with the FIFA "laws of the game", except as modified below.

Competition sanctioned by FIFA shall abide by the "laws of the game", along with any modifications or regulations of the association.

LAW 1: Field of Play

LAW 2: The Ball

Size #5 (27-28 in., 14-16 oz.)

LAW 3: Number of Players

A. Eleven per side (max. of 16 players on the roster)

B. Substitution Rule: Substitutions may be made only upon proper notification of the referees through the assistant referee, with the referee's permission, at the following times:

a. Prior to a throw-in by your team
b. Prior to a goal kick by either team
c. After a goal by either team
d. After an injury by either team when the referee stops play.
e. At the beginning of the second half or overtime periods

The substitute shall not enter the field of play until the player he is replacing has left, and then only after receiving a signal from the referee.

LAW 4: Players' Equipment

Player equipment must conform to FIFA and USSF rules. Players wearing a permanent "HARD" orthopedic cast (ex, plaster, fiberglass, etc...) shall not be eligible to participate in any game. Soft braces may be allowed if:

A. The player has a written statement from a physician stating that he/she feels the brace is necessary and that no further injury is likely to occur to the joint that is supported by the brace.

B. The parent has signed a waiver releasing the Volkswagen Junior Masters, USSF, their associations from any and all claims against them or their respective insurance companies in case of further injury to the joint protected by the brace.

C. A player may be removed from the game at any time if the referee determines that the player is using or is attempting to use a brace to injure other players.

D. Religious headdresses will be allowed as long as the material is not harmful to any other participant.

E. No jewelry of any kind shall be worn on the field of play. No tape over earrings. General "rule of thumb" is no rings, no watches, no bracelets, no necklaces, no friendship bracelets (string, plastic or rope type bracelets), no earrings, no body piercing, and no HARD hair holders.

F. Shin guards must be worn under the socks by all players and be of FIFA approved material.

G. Teams MUST WEAR designated Volkswagen Junior Masters uniforms during the Volkswagen Junior Masters Tournament, with NO EXCEPTIONS. These will be a matching design and color with a minimum of six-inch numbers affixed to the back of the uniform shirt. No two players may have identical uniform numbers while participating in any match.

H. In the event of similar team colors, the designated home team will be required to change to a color accepted by the referee.

I. The uniform of the goalkeeper must be distinctly different in color from the basic colors of both competing teams.

LAW 5: The Referee

The Referee may only change a decision on realizing that it is incorrect or, at his/her discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee, provided that he/she has not restarted play or terminated the match.

Referees are required to submit a completed, official game report to the site director containing information relating to any game incidents involving players, coaches, spectators, misconducts and injuries immediately following the game.

A. Referees will not be paid before any required post-game reports have been submitted.

B. In the event the assigned referees fail to appear and the assignor and/or site director fails to provide a replacement, the senior assigned assistant referee shall assume the duties and shall find an alternate assistant referee. The duties of the alternate assistant referee shall be limited. No tworeferee system will be allowed. The game will be played as scheduled and will be deemed official.

LAW 6: The Assistant Referee

Two assistant referees will be used. In the event the assigned assistant referee fails to appear, the referee must find a suitable assistant. The game will be played as scheduled and be deemed official.

LAW 7: The Duration of the Match

Games will have the following duration:

Round Robin Preliminary and Quarterfinal Matches (i.e.,: Saturday Play):
Game duration will be 30 minutes running time.
No overtime/PKs in the Preliminary Rounds.
Overtime and PK's in knock-out rounds.

Semi-Finals and Finals:
Game duration will be Two (2) 20 minute halves, running time.

LAWS 8 - 10 No Change

LAW 11: Offside

In the definition of offside position, "nearer to his opponents' goal line" means that any part of his head, body or feet is nearer to his opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent. The arms are not included in this definition.

The definitions of "elements of involvements" in active play are as follows:

A. Interfering with play means playing or touching the ball passed or touched by a teammate.

B. Interfering with an opponent means preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent's line of vision or movements or making a gesture or movement, which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts an opponent.

C. Gaining an advantage by being in that position means playing a ball that rebounds to him off a goal post or crossbar having been in an offside position or playing a ball that rebounds to him off an opponent having been in an offside position.

LAW 12: Fouls and Misconduct

Disciplinary Sanctions:

A. Only a player, substitute, or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card.

B. The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions, as from the moment he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle.

C. A player or coach receiving two (2) cautions (yellow cards) in a single game is considered to have been given an Ejection (red card). A player/coach who has been ejected (sent off), will not be replaced. A player or coach who has been ejected will not return for that game and will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game.

D. ANY player and/or official ordered from the field of play shall be suspended for one (1) game.

Tackles
A tackle (from behind, from the side or from the front), which endangers the safety of an opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play.

LAW 13: No Change

LAW 14: Penalty Kick

Per FIFA and USSF Ruling

LAW 15: The Throw-In

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:

A. Faces the field of play:

B. Has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line:

C. Uses both hands:

D. Delivers the ball from behind and over his head.

E. The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.

F. All opponents must stand no less than two yards (2 yds) from the point at which the throw-in is taken.

G. The ball is in play immediately after it enters the field of play.

LAW 16-17: No Change

5. CONTROL OF SIDELINE CONDUCT

Players, reserve players, managers, coaches, and fans are expected to conduct themselves within the letter and spirit of "the laws of the game" and comply with Volkswagen Junior Masters' Code of Ethics. The site director has the authority and the responsibility to remove any person from the tournament for abuses of conduct, in addition to any specific disciplinary action brought about by any other authority. In addition to good manners, the following rules will apply to this tournament.

A. The site director will designate one sideline to be for the sole use of the players listed on the game roster and two managers/coaches from each teams. While the game is in progress, the manager/coach and the reserve players must remain on their respective benches and may not roam the sidelines.

B. The site director will designate the opposite sideline for the spectators.

C. Managers/coaches will be responsible for the behavior of their fans and the referee will have the authority to warn and ultimately send off any coach whose fans behave in an abusive or disruptive manner.

COACHING: Each team will only be allowed two (2) coaches on the sidelines. Coaches must be registered to the team and noted. A trainer is permitted to be on the sideline as a third team official if he/she is registered to the team and holds a valid coaching card. All coaches have total responsibility for the conduct of their players, substitutes and spectators at all times.

Coaching from the sidelines (giving direction to one's own team on points of strategy, positioning and positive reinforcement) is permitted, provided:

A. No mechanical devices are used;

B. The tone of voice is instructive and not derogatory;

C. Each coach stays within his/her coach's area and ensures all substitutes remain on the team bench at all times.

D. No coach, substitute, or spectator makes derogatory remarks or gestures to the referees, other coaches, players, substitutes, or spectators;

E. No coach, substitute, or spectator uses profanity or incites in any manner disruptive behavior.

Volkswagen Junior Masters CODE OF ETHICS (COE)

Players

I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials and parents at all times.
I will remember that soccer is an opportunity to learn and have fun.
I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol; and expect everyone to refrain from their use at all soccer games.
I will do the best I can each day, remembering that all players have talents and weaknesses the same as I do.
I will treat my coaches, other players and coaches, game officials, other administrators, and fans with respect at all times; regardless of race, sex, creed, or abilities, and I will expect to be treated accordingly.
I will concentrate on playing soccer, always giving my best effort.
I will play by the rules at all times.
I will at all times control my temper, resisting the temptation to retaliate.
I will always exercise self-control.
Conduct during competition towards play of the game and all officials shall be in accordance with appropriate behavior and in accordance with FIFA's "Laws of the Game", and in adherence to USSF's rules.
While traveling, shall conduct themselves so as to being credit to themselves and their team.
Alcohol, illegal drugs and unauthorized prescription drugs shall not be possessed, consumed or distributed before, during or after any game or at any other time at the field and/or game complex.

Coaches/Volunteers

I will never place the value of winning before the safety and welfare of all players.
I will always show respect for players, other coaches, and game officials.
I will lead by example, demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship at all times.
I will be knowledgeable of the rules of the game, and teach these rules to my players.
I will never use abusive or insulting language. I will treat everyone with dignity.
I will not tolerate inappropriate behavior, regardless of the situation.
I will not allow the use of anabolic agents or stimulants, drugs, tobacco, or alcohol by any of my players.
I will never knowingly jeopardize the eligibility and participation of a student-athlete.
Youth have a greater need for example than criticism. I will be the primary soccer role model.
I will at all times conduct myself in a positive manner.
Coaching is motivating players to produce their best effort, inspiring players to learn, and encouraging players to be winners.
Coach's actions on sidelines during games shall be in the spirit of "good sportsmanship" at all times. Profanity, profane gestures, arguing, inciting disruptive behavior by spectators and/or players, or any conduct not in the spirit of good sportsmanship, shall require disciplinary action from the affiliate.
Alcohol, illegal drugs and unauthorized prescription drugs shall not be possessed, consumed or distributed before, during or after any game or at any other time at the field and/or game complex.

Parents/Spectators

I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, game officials, and administrators, at all times.
I will place the emotional and physical well being of all players ahead of any personal desire to win.
I will support the coaches, officials, and administrators working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
I will remember that the game is for the players, not for the adults.
I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, game officials, administrators, and fans with respect.
I will always be positive.
I will always allow the coach to be the only coach.
I will not get into arguments with the opposing team's parents, players, or coaches.
I will not come onto the field for any reason during the game.
I will not criticize game officials.
Alcohol, illegal drugs and unauthorized prescription drugs shall not be possessed, consumed or distributed before, during or after any game or at any other time at the field and/or game complex.

6. POST-GAME PROCEDURES

As a mutual courtesy, both teams meet at the center circle and congratulate each other for a game well played.

A. Referees will return player passes to the coach and submit completed game reports and Red card Player passes with report to tournament officials.

B. Managers/coaches of each team will have the opportunity to confirm the score with the site director after each game. One quarter hour after the completion of the game, any score that has been submitted by officials is final.

As a courtesy to the game that is starting directly after you please vacate the bench area immediately after the game. Post-event, please address your team off the playing field and to the side as to not delay the start of the next game. All teams should clean up their bench area after their game by picking up all bottles, cups, tape, ice bags, orange peels and trash from the ground and place them in the trash receptacles located at each field. Please help keep the team areas clean, Thank You!

7. DISCIPLINE

It shall be solely the team's responsibility to determine the status of its players. Any suspension from a tournament, local league, etc. is the responsibility of the team to notify the Tournament Director of this suspension at the time of the player's check in.

The Tournament Committee shall have a Discipline Committee of no less than three members. The Discipline Committee will review and rule on all reports of unacceptable conduct by players, managers, coaches, referees, spectators, etc. using the USSF standards.

A. All players and managers/coaches shall be subject to the minimum suspensions for unacceptable conduct in accordance with USSF's discipline procedures.

B. A player or manager/coach ejected will have at least a one-game suspension. The suspension will be served in the next scheduled tournament game. A player/coach may receive more than a one game suspension based on the severity of the actions.

C. Depending on the severity of the unacceptable conduct, the Discipline Committee may recommend a suspension of up to the duration of the tournament with further disciplinary action by the appropriate state or national association. The Discipline Committee's recommendations must be made available to affected parties no later than prior to their next scheduled game.

D. Any coach or team official shall be held responsible for the actions of any individual(s) at any match that in the opinion of the referee is a supporter of that team.

E. At the conclusion of the tournament, passes will be returned to the coach even if suspensions have not been completed. A complete report will be sent to the appropriate state association within three days of the conclusion of the tournament for possible further discipline.

8. DETERMINATION OF GROUP WINNERS

In-group play, there will be no overtime games. Standings in a group will be determined by:

GAME POINTS:

(3) Three points for a win
(1) One point for a tie
(0) Zero points for a loss

The team at the end of the bracket or pool play with the highest total points will be declared the bracket winner.

In the Event of a tie.
TIEBREAKERS:
A. Head to head competition
B. (Goals Scored - Goals Allowed) = Net goal differential Max 4 goals will be counted per game
Ex: 10 to 5 Final score
Winning Team = 10 goals - 5 goals = +4 Differential
Losing Team = 5 goals - 10 goals = -4 Differential
Ex: 4 to 2 Final Score
Winning Team = 4 goals - 2 goals = +2 Differential
Losing Team = 2 goals - 4 goals = -2 Differential
C. Total goals scored (maximum of 4 per game)
D. Total goals allowed (no maximum)
E. Most Shutouts
F. If tie still Exists, Penalty kicks in accordance with FIFA "Taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark"

Determination of semi-final game winners:

A. In the semi-final and final game, overtime will be played in accordance with the "law of soccer" if a clear winner is not decided after regulation time.

B. If a clear winner is not decided after the overtime period, penalty kicks will be used in accordance with FIFA "Taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark".

C. All overtime periods will be played to their conclusion, No Golden goal or Silver Goal will be permitted.

9. FORFEITS

A team will be allowed a 15-minute grace period from the scheduled game time before awarding the game to the opponent. The Tournament Director has the ability to extend the grace period per extenuating circumstances (Ex. Section 13). Failure to meet scheduled play will automatically require payment of forfeiture fine. A game shall be started as soon as the minimum number of players as required under the "Laws of the Game" are present. A forfeited game shall be recorded as 4-0 score in favor of the opponent.

Important: If a team forfeits a game during pool play, they will not be eligible for medal play or playoffs.

10. TERMINATED/SUSPENDED GAMES

Games terminated for other than inclement weather, i.e. violent or uncontrollable situations will not be replayed. The exception to this rule is as follows: The Tournament committee will decide the outcome of the game based on the circumstances involved in the termination if the circumstances produce an unusual or unfair outcome. The Tournament Director will make the decision as to the score of such games and whether teams advance, after receiving reports from game officials. The decision of the Director will be final and is binding on all parties. Further disciplinary actions may be taken with state and national organizations.

The Tournament Director may call the game at his/her discretion. In order to keep to the scheduled start times, the Director has the ability to end the game at his discretion, as long as the game is in the second half for the safety of the players, coaches or tournament staff. If in the opinion of game officials, a game must be terminated for misconduct of players, bench coaches, or spectators, the offending team(s) could be suspended from further play and forfeits that game and all remaining games. All previous points earned remain as played. Matches that, for one reason or another, do not reach half time will be considered a 0-0 tie.

11. PERFORMANCE BOND

A performance bond may be required of teams to guarantee participation. The host organization shall return any bond not forfeited within seven (7) days after the completion of the tournament

12. PROTESTS and OBJECTIONS

The rules exclude any option to lodge a protest or objection against decisions taken either by the referee or by competition headquarters.

13. INCLEMENT WEATHER

Games will not be played in inclement weather if there is a possibility of injury to players or damage to the playing surface. Thus, in the event of inclement weather or adverse conditions, not limited to weather, the Tournament Director has the authority to:

A. Relocate or reschedule any game

B. Change the duration of any game. Preliminary games terminated for weather after the beginning of the second half of play shall be considered official and score shall stand.

C. Cancel any preliminary game which has no bearing on the selection of group winners.

D. Cancel consolation games.

E. Cancel the entire tournament for the safety of the players and the good of the playing fields.

14. CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL CEREMONY

Following the completion of the championship game, both teams will present themselves to the Game Site Coordinator for awards. These awards will be presented to the entire team at a site indicated immediately following the games. There will be team and individual awards for teams finishing first and second.

15. REVISED WATER BREAK POLICY

In any Volkswagen Junior Masters sanctioned match, a break will be given at the midpoint of each half of regulation time and at the end of each overtime period (if played) for player hydration. This break will be given at a normal stoppage of play and it is mandatory for any Volkswagen Junior Masters sanctioned match during which the air temperature is or is expected to reach eighty-five (85) degrees.

This does not apply for games of 30 minutes or less.

16. GENERAL

A. The Tournament Committee, Director or the host affiliate will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any team due to the cancellation in part or whole of this tournament.

B. The Tournament Committee's interpretation of the foregoing rules and regulations shall be final.

C. The Tournament Committee/ Director reserves the right to decide all tournament matters within guidelines set by USSF.

D. The Tournament Committee has the responsibility to uphold any previous suspension imposed by the USSF other affiliated association.

E. The Tournament Committee agrees to have a copy of the tournament rules at all game sites.

F. The Volkswagen Junior Masters Tournament is not responsible for the behavior of players, coaches, and spectators off the field, or damages resulting from such behavior. Coaches and players committing breaches of the law may be ejected from the tournament at the discretion of the tournament committee.

G. Alcohol, illegal drugs and unauthorized prescription drugs shall not be possessed, consumed or distributed before during or after any game or at any other time at the field and/or game complex.

H. Any player, coach or spectator found in possession of alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons will be banned from the tournament and appropriate notifications made to the local law enforcement.

I. The Tournament Director(s) have the authority to remove any person(s) from the tournament for abuses to Volkswagen Junior Masters Code of Ethics, in addition to any specific disciplinary action brought on by other authority.

Additional notes...

Select teams will represent the club that the majority of players represent. If players need to be added to a select team, they must be a member of the majority's club.

Please remember, we are looking to have your normal, traditional team roster represented during this event. Different qualifying events have had different rules pertaining to guest players. Please note that within the spirit of the game, the international rules and fair play, a team that is going to participate in the finals can have a maximum of 2 guest players from outside of the club. If additional players from within the club are needed to reach the maximum roster of 16, they are not considered guest players for this event.

Please note that the squad should not exceed 16 players since there are only limited accommodation capacities, and each country is only allowed to bring 18 persons (including coaches and Volkswagen representatives).

In the event of injury, the goalkeeper may be substituted but not reinstated during a penalty shoot-out.

If your country needs a visa to enter South Africa please take care of the visa requirements! If there is any uncertainty please check with the South African Embassy or Consulate.

To participate in the Volkswagen Junior World Masters 2010 every participant has to belong to the U13 age group, i.e. they should not be older than 13 in 2010 (date of birth 01.01.1997 or later).

Each participant has to have a valid national player's license that must be carried along or, failing that, an ID-Card, Passport or any official document to verify the children's identity.

All matches must be played according to the international approved rules of the FIFA.

In the event that a team qualifies for the U.S. Finals during one of the qualifying events and then participates and qualifies for an additional Junior Masters event. The qualifying team will replaced for the US Final by the next highest qualifying team. Ie: you cannot qualify more than once for the U.S. Finals.

Last update: 7/3/09

Volkswagen Junior World Masters 2010

1. Organisation

Competition headquarters have been created, where Dieter Burdenski and his staff are responsible for the execution of the Volkswagen Junior World Masters 2010. All necessary decisions will be taken at that office, under the exclusion of legal recourse.

2. Participation Entitlement

Entitlement to participation in the competition is restricted to under 13-year-old junior players in the D category who either reached the age of 12 in the calendar year 2009 or are younger ("Birth-Deadline" 1.1.1997 or younger). Participants must verify their date of birth by producing a passport, identification card or valid player's ID.

The team steward is required to enter ID data on a relevant match report sheet to be controlled by competition management. The team steward will have the right to inspect the IDs (or copies thereof) of both teams.

3. Teams

A maximum of 16 players are eligible to compete, i.e. each match report sheet may contain the names of no more than 16 players.

4. Rules of Play, Duration of Matches

The FIFA rules recognised by the German Football Association (DFB) together with the conditions of play as set out by DFB (German Football Association) and its match rules will apply.

The matches held in the preliminary round, in the semi-finals and in the 3rd place play-off will comprise 2 x 10 minutes. The final of the tournament will comprise 2 x 10 minutes.

Teams will consist of 11 players on the field and matches will be carried out on the big field (with big goals). Corners will be taken at the corner flag. Back-pass and offside rules will apply.

Any number of player substitutions may be carried out during the course of a match, i.e. even one and the same player may be substituted and brought back onto the field any number of times. Player substitutions may only be carried out at the midfield line during a break in play and after informing the referee.

The preliminary round of matches will be contested in groups, with group winners and placements to be determined by accumulated points. Team's level on points after the preliminary round will be separated by the goal difference, and in the event of the same goal difference by the number of goals scored. Should these determinants still not produce a group winner and runner-up; teams will be separated on a head-to-head basis. Should direct comparison still not produce a result, the winner will be determined by penalty shoot-out, for which each team will name 5 participants. Should the shoot-out end in a draw, it will be continued with a sudden death with a different player until a winner is determined - the winner being the team which first produces one goal more than its rival after the same number of players have shot. All players in the squad will be eligible to take part in the penalty shoot-out. In the event of injury, the goalkeeper may be substituted but not reinstated during a penalty shoot-out.

Should the group table contain more than 2 teams with an equal number of points, rankings will be determined by goal difference, and in the event of the same goal difference, the teams who scored the most goals will advance to the semi-finals. Should these scores still not enable semi-finalists to be determined, a direct comparison will decide. Should a direct comparison still not produce a result, the winner will be determined by penalty shoot-out, with each team participating in a shoot-out against each of the other teams. Each team will name 5 participants. After each of these 5 players has shot, points will be allocated in the way they are for matches, i.e. in the event of a draw, one point for each team, a winner receives 3 points and a loser none. Subsequent to the penalty shoot-out, each team's points will be counted up and the two teams with the best results will qualify for the semi-finals. Again, the ranking will be determined by points, then by goal difference and then by the number of goals scored. Should this still not produce a result, a direct comparison will decide. If this too produces a draw, the penalty shoot-out will be continued with other players (one at a time) until a winner can be determined. Again, each of the teams will play against each of the other teams according to the system described above. All players in the squad will be eligible to take part in the penalty shoot-out. In the event of injury, the goalkeeper may be substituted but not reinstated during a penalty shoot-out.

5. Team Attire

In the event that two teams should have the same/similar team attire, the first-named team of a match must change jerseys.

6. Withdrawal from Competition

Should a team withdraw from the competition during the preliminary round; all the matches previously played by that team will be removed from the score list.

7. Penalty Measures

Personal penalties will include warnings (= yellow card), temporary penalty times (= 3 minutes) and permanent sending-offs (= red card). A warning may not be given subsequent to a temporary penalty time; in this case, incidents deserving a warning will be punished by red-card sending-offs.

In the event of a permanent sending off (red card), competition management will determine the duration of the ban on the player.

8. Protests and Objections

The rules exclude any option to lodge a protest or objection against decisions taken either by the referee or by competition headquarters.