Tournament Rules
Tournament rules are guidelines that establish fair play and a level playing field for all participants. These rules help ensure a competitive and enjoyable tournament experience for all. All rules will be strictly enforced.
CONTACT INFO
ENIGMA Cup
304 Indian Trace, Suite 925
Weston, Florida 33326
Tel: 954-812-7991
Email: info@enigmacup.com
The ENIGMA Cup will incorporate the US Soccer Player Development Initiatives, which will include:
- Birth Year Registration & Age Groups
- Small Sided Standards
- 7v7 for U9 & U10
- 9v9 for U11 & U12
- 7v7 will play with build out lines, per US Soccer
Participation in the ENIGMA Cup is open to accepted teams consisting of players meeting the age limit and roster size of the specified division. Age divisions are based on birth year per US Soccer guidelines. A team using guest players may have no more than four (4) to six (6) loan/guest players depending on age group.
Competitive teams, except for foreign/international teams, must be registered with a National Soccer Association affiliated with US Soccer (US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, USSSA, AYSO) and must present a valid state roster. For these teams, the only acceptable proof of age will be a valid player pass/card from a US Soccer member that includes a signature and a photograph of the player. Players on these competitive teams who do not present valid player passes will not play.
Recreational team must produce, at registration, a roster signed by an official of the club (which club must be affiliated with US Soccer or national soccer organization) of which they are affiliated and played for, listing each player, including their date of birth, and must provide, at registration, a birth certificate or state or national certified player pass, for each such player evidencing that player’s eligibility to play on that team based on birth date.
A player may compete for only one team participating in the tournament. In the event a player is found to have been rostered to more than one team in the tournament, the second team on which the player is rostered in the tournament shall be deemed as the team that fielded an ineligible player. Any team fielding an ineligible player will be disqualified from the tournament and their tournament fee will be forfeited.
Teams participating in the tournament must provide medical releases for each player in a format as required by the Tournament Committee and as posted on the tournament web-site. Medical releases shall be presented at registration and a copy kept by the team at the field, available for presentation in the event of an emergency.
Where required by the State or National Association for which a team/player is registered, all competitive teams/players traveling from within the United States but outside the State of Florida must have a copy of their Permission to Travel Forms, approved and signed by a US Soccer or duly authorized State or National Association representative.
Foreign Teams must have written permission and verification from their Federation, indicating authorization to participate in the Tournament. Players must present passports at registration (including Canadian citizens). These teams must present a certified roster signed by an official of the Club with which they are affiliated and played for, listing each player and including their date of birth.
- U9 – U10 age group teams will play 7v7 and roster size cannot exceed 12 players. 4 maximum guest players.
- U11 – U12 age group teams will play 9v9 and roster size cannot exceed 16 players. 5 maximum guest players.
- U13 and older age groups will play 11v11 and be limited to a 22-player roster size from which the game day roster for a given game may not exceed 18 players. U13-U20 are allowed 6 maximum guest players.
The above roster sizes are for the entirety of the tournament in that the same players must be on the maximum tournament roster for the entirety of the tournament. For U13 and older, the game day roster of 18 players may change
from game to game, but the players on the overall tournament roster of 22 players may not change. Players may not be listed on more than one tournament roster for the tournament. Rosters must be approved by the tournament and only approved rosters may be used as games rosters. Once a team begins play in the tournament, their roster is frozen for the duration of the event. Teams applying to “play up” an age group must be approved by the Tournament Committee.
| Group | Birth Year | Max Roster | Guest Player Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| U09 | 2016 | 12 | 4 |
| U10 | 2015 | 12 | 4 |
| U11 | 2014 | 16 | 5 |
| U12 | 2013 | 16 | 5 |
| U13 | 2012 | 22 | 6 |
| U14 | 2011 | 22 | 6 |
| U15 | 2010 | 22 | 6 |
| U16 | 2009 | 22 | 6 |
| U17 | 2008 | 22 | 6 |
| U18 | 2007 | 22 | 6 |
| U19 | 2006 | 22 | 6 |
| U20 | 2005 | 22 | 6 |
All games shall be played in accordance with FIFA Laws, except as specifically modified by these rules. Law 11, Offside, will be enforced in all age divisions, including U9-U12.
Deliberate or accidental heading is not allowed in U11 and below games. If a player deliberately or accidentally heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate or accidental header 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 offense occurred. Heading is NOT allowed in games U11 and below. Heading is allowed in games U12 and older without limitations.
- If the age group is 15 years and under, free substitution is allowed.
- For age groups 16 years and older, free substitution is allowed providing the tournament is not an official competition (but a friendly club tournament) and the age category does not include matches between national teams of CONCACAF member countries. If it does include national teams, then up to six substitutions are allowed.
In conjunction with US Soccer and US Club Soccer, Florida Youth Soccer Association and in accordance with the recent U.S. Soccer recommendations on concussion risk management: Heading is eliminated in matches for player’s age U11 and younger, per the new calendar year registration guidelines. For the Enigma Cup since some U12 teams may have U11 players on the roster all U12 divisions will also be non-heading. Sanctions will be made against teams that do not follow this guideline.
Pursuant to Florida Statutes (FS 943.0438) Florida in 2012 enacted a very stringent Head injury and Concussion Law. If the referee (or assistant referee) believes that, in her/her opinion, a player has suffered a head injury or possible concussion, the match must be stopped IMMEDIATELY.
The injured player if able to leave the field on their own must be escorted to their coach and the coach must be told that the player cannot return for the duration of the match. If a trainer is brought onto the field because the player is incapacitated, the referee must still notify the coach that the player cannot return to the game. It is the responsibility of the coach and the player’s parent(s) or legal guardians to seek medical attention.
The player may not resume participation until he/she has been cleared by a medical doctor. The Referee HAS NO FURTHER responsibility beyond removing the player from the match in which the player was injured. The referee crew must ensure, that UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES or due to the appeal from any coaching staff that the player is not allowed to return to the game.
- It is the policy of FYSA (402.3 Jewelry) that no player be allowed to wear ANY jewelry while participating in any FYSA sanctioned match. The only exception that may be allowed is a medical alert bracelet or necklace when taped to the body. The referee shall make the decision as to the safety of the player and the referee’s decision is final. (The taping of any earring shall not be permitted under any circumstances.) If the referee notices a player wearing jewelry while the match is under way at the next stoppage of play, the referee will instruct the player to remove the item. If the referee deems the jewelry to be dangerous to any player, the referee must stop the match to correct the situation.
- Orthopedic casts are not permitted. However, soft braces can be worn with written approval from a doctor, and judgment as to safety is at the discretion of the referee.
- Players are required to wear shin guards in accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game.
- Players must wear numbers on the back of their uniforms and these numbers shall coincide with those listed on the team’s roster.
- Where uniform colors are similar, the designated home team will change colors. Home team is listed first on the schedule.
- Both teams will take the same side of the field. All other supporters will take the opposite side. Only three (3) carded team officials are permitted on the sidelines with their players.
- No one is permitted behind either goal/end line.
- Spectators must remain behind the spectator line and coaches must remain in the coaches’ area.
- Each team shall be in the immediate vicinity of their assigned playing field 30 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off time.
- The home team will provide the game ball.
- In the event the assigned assistant referees fail to appear, the referee must find suitable assistant referees.
| Age Group | Ball Size | Preliminary Games | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| U09-U10 | 4 | 25 min. halves | 25 min. halves |
| U11-U12 | 4 | 30 min. halves | 30 min. halves |
| U13-U14 | 5 | 35 min. halves | 35 min. halves |
| U15-U16 | 5 | 40 min. halves | 40 min. halves |
| U17-U20 | 5 | 45 min. halves | 45 min. halves |
- Overtime. For playoff games and finals if tied after regulation, the game will proceed directly to penalty kicks, per FIFA “Laws of the Game”.
- Mercy Rule: All games will be subject to a mercy rule of an 8-goal differential at any time after the completion of the first half.
- The Head Referee will ensure that the game report forms are properly completed and presented to the Site Director at the completion of each game. Uniform numbers must be accompanied by player names if a card is issued.
- The Head Referee will ensure that the correct score for each game is reported to the Site Director after each game in a timely manner.
- A team shall be allowed a fifteen (15) minute grace period after the scheduled kick-off time before the match is awarded to their opponent. A minimum of seven (7) players constitutes a team for ages U13 and older and if seven (7) players are present, the game will not be delayed. For ages U9 and U10 the number of players required is five (5). For ages U11 and U12, the number of players required is six (6).
- In no case shall a team that forfeits or does not show-up for a game be declared a division winner. If an apparent division winner forfeits a game, or does not show up for play, the division team with the next best record shall be named the division winner.
- A forfeit in the preliminary round (group play) will be awarded as three (3) points for the win and the score will stand at the time of the forfeit unless the score is 0-0 at the time of the forfeit, in which even the score will be recorded as 4-0.
- Forfeits in the play-off rounds shall be recorded as 4-0 games.
No protests shall be entertained.
There will be a Discipline Committee comprised of three members. The Committee will review and rule on all reports of unacceptable conduct by players, managers, spectators and coaches, using the FYSA standards as set forth under FYSA Rule Section 502 and all players, managers, spectators and coaches shall be subject to FYSA Rule Section 502 – Discipline and Sanctions.
- Players, coaches, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves within the spirit of the Law as well as the letter of the Law. Displays of temper or dissent are cause for ejection from the game and surrounding field area and/or the Tournament. Repeated violations may result in the suspension of the team from the Tournament as decided by the Tournament Director.
- A player, coach, or team official ejected from a game shall receive an automatic minimum one (1) game suspension regardless of the cause of the ejection. The Discipline Committee shall determine the appropriate sanction for the action resulting in the ejection, said sanction will be determined and communicated to the affected parties as soon as practicable, but no later than prior to the next scheduled game in which the offending party would have an opportunity to participate, which is no sooner than two games after the game in which the offending party was ejected, since there is at least a one game automatic suspension.
- At the conclusion of the ENIGMA Cup, it is the responsibility of the team’s coach or manager to pick up the passes from the tournament headquarters, even if suspension has not been completed. A complete report will be sent to the Florida Youth Soccer Association Review & Discipline Committee within 72 hours for forwarding to the appropriate State and National Association.
- Any player, coach, team official or parent exhibiting or threatening violence to anyone (player, coach, referee, spectator, or Tournament official) will be grounds for immediate expulsion from the tournament, such determination to be made by the appropriate referees and tournament officials. When serving a suspension, the suspended party.
- Must check in and remain at the site tent through the duration of the game, or alternatively may be asked to leave the park.
- In accordance with US Youth Soccer Tournament Hosting Agreement, all red and yellow cards and other matters involving team conduct will be reported to the home club and State Association of the team involved as well as US Youth Soccer National Office within seventy-two (72) hours of the conclusion of the tournament for possible further discipline.
- Alcoholic beverages, smoking, use of profanity and animals are not permitted at the fields or parks.
- Mechanical and artificial noise makers are prohibited.
If a game is abandoned, meaning the referees have to cancel the game while in progress due to actions or behavior of players, coaches, or spectators, the score will be recorded as follows:
- If either team is at fault for the abandonment of the game, that team in fault shall forfeit the match and the score will be recorded as a 4-0 win for the opposing team.
- If both teams are at fault the score will remain as is at the time of abandonment.
Per FYSA Rule 504.1 Red card suspension or send off suspensions can only be served with the team with which the suspension was earned in games played by their team. Until the suspension is served the player/coach is suspended from any other team(s) to which the player/coach may be registered. Games may not be scheduled to “work off” suspension. Players may not serve suspensions as “guest players” nor may they “guest play” with any other team(s) until such time as the original suspension is served.
- Issued during league game must be worked off during next scheduled league, Cup or tournament game(s).
- Issued during President’s Cup or Commissioner’s Cup, they must be worked off during remainder of the competition. If no competition remains, suspension must be worked off in next scheduled league and/or tournament game(s).
- Issued during Tournament Play: Tournament Red Card Report filed along with game reports as required by Post-Tournament rules. FYSA office to send copy of Red Card Report and appropriate game reports to the appropriate RC in the next immediate mail out. RC will notify club of a discipline/sanctions remaining.
- Issued during “friendly games” must be worked off during the next scheduled league, Cup or tournament game(s). “Friendly games” may not be scheduled to work off game suspensions nor if previously scheduled, used to work off suspension given during league, cup or tournament games.
- Issued during the US Youth National Championship (State Cup), at any level, shall not be allowed to participate in the next immediately following National Championship (State Cup) game played by the player’s team. A player may receive more than one (1) game suspension. Local club/league may issue additional discipline to be served in other than National Championship (State Cup) games.
- A red card suspension issued during a small sided tournament which cannot be served during the event shall be served during the player/coach’s next scheduled club, league or cup game(s). For a suspension issued during a normal league/cup game, the player must sit out the first game of any small sided tournament previously entered. The player shall then be able to compete in the remainder of the tournament. The player shall not receive credit for the small sided game(s) against the original suspension.
Finalists will be determined through a seeding format or by a division winner’s format. The Tournament Committee will decide which format each age group and bracket will follow. This will be announced prior to the commencement of competition. The rules to determine tie breakers will be the same for either format. Each team will be awarded three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie and zero (0) points for a loss. At the end of the preliminary rounds, if the finalists for a particular age group and bracket are determined by the division winner, the division winner will be the team with the most points in their division. In the event of a tie within a division, the following criteria will be used to determine who moves forward:
- Goal differential
- Most goals scored
- Head to head competition
- Least goals allowed
- Most Shutouts
- FIFA penalty kicks
In the event that a wild card team must be selected for the playoff rounds, the above procedure will be used across the entire age group and bracket involved.
- If a division winner does not show up for play, the division team with the next best record shall be named the division winner.
- In the event the finalists for a particular age group and bracket are determined by seeding, the finalists (or semi-finalists if applicable) shall be determined based upon the two teams (or more if semi-finals are applicable) with the most points in the overall age group and bracket involved. In the event of a tie, the same criteria as utilized for division winners shall be used to determine the finalists.
- In the event that there is an age group(s) and bracket in which semi- finals are held, to be determined at the discretion of the Tournament Committee, the foregoing rules shall be applied to determine the teams that shall qualify for the semi-finals.
- Depending on the number of teams in the division/ age group bracket, there may be a playoff.
- If there are playoffs and a wild card team must be selected for the playoff rounds, that team will not be assigned to play the winner of its own division in the first playoff round.
- In the case of a draw at the end of regulation time in the playoff rounds and or Finals the winner will be determined as follows:
The best of five penalty kicks taken alternately by each team will determine the winner. Only those players on the field at the end of regulation time of the playoff game may compete. If the penalty kick score is tied at the end of the five kicks, the teams will continue to take penalty kicks alternately until there is a winner. All players on the field must kick before any player may kick a second time.
GROUP PLAY
In the event of inclement weather, the Tournament Committee will have the authority (in its sole discretion) to change games as follows:
- Reschedule or Relocate match: (Time and location determined by Tournament Director).
- Shortened match: The Tournament Director may reduce the length of halves due to weather conditions before the restart of a match once delayed due to weather; all such matches will be considered official.
- Go to “Penalty Kicks”: (Time and location determined by Tournament Director
- Be Cancelled: (The tournament committee has the right to cancel any match. Any game that is not started and is canceled [as opposed to postponed] due to weather or other external conditions will be recorded as a 0-0 tie. Canceled games will not be rescheduled.)
- Games that have been started and subsequently suspended due to inclement weather or other external conditions will be deemed complete if one half of play has been completed or the first half cannot be completed prior to the start time of the next scheduled game on that field. For any such game that is not completed, the score at the time of the suspension will be the final score. Any game that is not started and is canceled (as opposed to postponed) due to weather or other external conditions will be recorded as a 0-0 tie. Canceled games will not be rescheduled.
If in the event the Tournament Director rules that during the preliminary round “Taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark.” will be done due to inclement weather or field conditions, the following rule will apply:
- Each team will take a maximum of five (5) penalty kicks.
- At the end of five (5) kicks the game will be scored as a 1-0 win for the team that has scored more penalty kicks, or a 0-0 tie if both teams are tied in penalty kicks at the end of five (5) kicks.
- In the overall standings, 3 points will be given for the win, 1 point for a tie and 0 points for a loss.
- The 1-0 n penalty kicks will be counted for or against to determine the tiebreaker for advancement.
- If regular games have been played in the bracket and the Tournament Director has determined that other games go to penalty kicks due to inclement weather or field conditions, the regular games score will revert back to a 1-0 win or a 0-0 tie.
Only referees or duty manager can suspend a match already started due to weather conditions. The Tournament Director will determine duration of any suspension. In case of extreme weather (heat/humidity), 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 FYSA sanctioned match during which the air temperature is or is expected to reach eighty-five (85) degrees. (FYSA Bylaw 402.4)
FINALS
In the event of inclement weather affecting the Finals, the Tournament Committee will have the authority (in its sole discretion) to change games as follows:
- Relocate or reschedule any game(s)
- Change the duration of any game(s)
- FIFA penalty kicks
- Final Games that have been started and subsequently suspended due to inclement weather or other external conditions, will be deemed complete if one half of play has been completed or the first half cannot be completed prior to the start time of the next scheduled game on that field. For any such game that is not completed, the score at the time of the suspension will be the final score.
- If the score at the time of the suspension is tied, or the game cannot be started due to inclement weather, Point E (below) will be taken into account
- If the score at the time of the suspension is tied, or any Final game that has not started, and a Champion and Finalist needs to be determined, the tournament will revert back to final group standings based on three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie, and zero (0) points for a loss. In the event of a tie on points between the two teams that are in the Finals, the following criteria will be used to determine the Champion and Finalist.
- Goal differential
- Most goals scored
- Head to head competition
- Least goals allowed
- Most Shutouts
- FIFA penalty kicks
- Within five (5) days after notification that the team is not accepted by their application.
- Within five (5) days upon cancellation of the tournament.
- Within ten (10) days of withdrawal request of the application by a team prior to acceptance of that application by the tournament
- Any team that will not be permitted to play in the contracted age group shall have the option to withdraw and receive a full refund of all entry fees. All tournaments shall notify any participant not less than fifteen days prior to the beginning of the tournament if any age group advertised will not be offered.
- Teams that cancel or pullout of the tournament after the registration deadline of May 1, 2025 are not entitled to a refund of their registration fee.
- Under no circumstances whatsoever, will the Tournament Committee, FUTSOC, ENIGMA Cup, US Club Soccer, FYSA, or the City of Weston be responsible for any expenses (including tournament entry fee) incurred by any team. This includes a situation where the tournament or any game(s) is cancelled in whole or part, due to any factor including inclement weather.
- The Tournament Committee’s interpretation of these rules shall be FINAL.
- The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to this tournament.
- The Tournament Committee, based on its interpretation of these rules, will determine the teams which advance into the final rounds.
- Out of area teams are required to stay at tournament approved host hotels.
- Drones are not permitted without prior written approval and proof liability insurance.
- NO SALES OF ANY KIND ARE PERMITTED AT FACILITIES WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF ENIGMA CUP.