2021 Rules

SPECIAL ATTENTION:

The Northern New England Challenge Cup adheres to a Zero-Tolerance Policy for coach, player, and spectator behavior, therefore all players, coaches, and spectators are expected to display the best of sportsmanship behavior at all times. Anyone not able to comply with this rule will be asked to remove themselves from the field at the discretion of the tournament directors.


No smoking will be allowed on any game field, this will include coaches, players and spectators. Adults wishing to smoke are requested to remove themselves from the playing areas.


Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at the tournament.

RULES:


1. On Saturday all teams will play three 50­ minute games consisting of ­two 25 minute halves, running time, with a two minute half time – switch ends for the second half. Referees may stop time for injuries or if a team attempts to delay the game. Teams will play only within their groups on Saturday. We will follow NFHS rules except we will not have overtime. There are spaces adjacent to each field available for warm ups; please be ready to play on the hour.



2. Substitutions shall be unlimited. Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee, at the following times:

  • Prior to a throw-in in your favor, or if the other team is subbing on their throw-in.

  • Prior to a goal kick by EITHER TEAM.

  • After a goal by EITHER TEAM.

  • After an injury by EITHER TEAM, when the referee stops play.

  • No substitutions on corner kicks.



3. The top two teams from each group will advance to Sunday’s playoffs. Standings will be based on total points from the results of preliminary matches, as follows:

  • 6 points for a win

  • 3 points for a tie

  • 0 points for a loss

  • Points will also be awarded for each goal scored (max of 3 per game, losing team may receive points also), and 1 point for a shutout.

    • Example of point system: a 0-0 tie will be scored as 4 points for each team (3 points for a tie, 1 point for the shutout); a 4-2 game will be scored as 9 points for the winning team (6 points for the win, plus 3 points for goals) and 2 points for the losing team (2 for the goals scored). In the event of a forfeited game, the winner will be credited with a 3-0 win and awarded 10 points. A game abandoned by a team will result in the opposing team winning. The final score will be based on the score at the time of forfeit. No protests will be allowed. All officiating decisions are final.

  • In the event of a tie in standings points, division ranking will be decided as follows:

    • Head to head competition

    • Goal differential - maximum three goals per game

      • Examples: 9-0 = 3-0 (+3) / 8-1 = 4-1 (+3) / 2-4 = 2-4 (-2)

    • Most goals scored (up to three per game)

    • Fewest goals against

    • Penalty kick ­shootout in groups of five - after ten shooters (two groups of five) players can shoot again. Any player on the roster may shoot.

In the event that more than two teams are tied, the above tiebreakers will be applied until such time as one or more teams "fall out" of the tie. At that point, the remaining "tied teams" will return to the first tiebreaker and have the process re­applied. This process will occur until all ties have been broken.

4. For Sunday we have established quarterfinal and semifinal pairings with teams outside of the original groups (see Sunday’s schedule, next page). Playoffs will be two 25 minute halves, running time, switching ends after a two ­minute half time. Referees may stop time for injuries or if a team attempts to delay the game. If teams are tied after 50 minutes, teams will proceed directly to penalty kicks (again, in groups of five and after ten shooters, players can shoot again). Any player on the roster may shoot.



5. Any red card for a player or a coach will result in tournament expulsion. Two yellow cards in one game will be considered equivalent to a red card and that player or coach will be finished for the rest of the tournament. A total of three yellow cards at any point in the tournament will result in tournament expulsion (coaches / teams are on the honor system for this). Tournament Directors reserve the right to reinstate players and coaches who have been expelled after reviewing the circumstances of each case.