Rules of
the Cup.

All teams apply through the official online registration platform. There is no on-site check-in. Every accepted team completes online check-in before the event and submits the following:

1. Official Team Roster. USSSA roster, or an approved US Club or USYS roster.
2. Tournament Roster. Only players participating may be listed. Rosters are final after check-in.
3. Guest Players. Maximum of four guest players, properly rostered per USSSA rules.
4. Medical Release Forms. Teams must have medical forms available at all times.
5. Travel Permission. Required where applicable.
6. Player Passes. Must be present at all matches.

Eligible players must fall within the following birth-date ranges:

Eligibility rules

• All players must have a valid player pass.
• Maximum of four guest players per team.
• No roster changes after check-in.
• Players may not play on multiple teams unless approved by the Tournament Director.

• Halftime is 5 minutes.
• A running clock is used for all matches, and the referee is the official timekeeper.
• A game stopped after halftime due to weather is final.
• The Tournament Committee may adjust match times for weather or field conditions.

• No on-site check-in. Check-in is online only through GotSport.
• Teams must be ready 15 minutes prior to kickoff.
• Player and coach passes must be available.

Sidelines

• Spectators sit opposite the team benches.
• No one is permitted behind the goals.

Uniforms

• The home team is listed first.
• The home team wears a light color; the away team wears a dark color.
• The home team changes in case of a color conflict.

Additional

• The Build-Out Line is enforced for U8 through U10.
• Ball sizes: Size 4 for U8 through U12, Size 5 for U13 through U15.

• Minimum three-game guarantee for every team.
• Championship matches are played in applicable divisions.
• No team plays more than three games per day.

Points

• Win: 3 points
• Tie: 1 point
• Loss: 0 points
• Forfeit: 3 points, recorded as a 2-0 score

Tiebreakers, applied in order

1. Head-to-head result
2. Goals allowed
3. Goal differential (maximum of +4 per game)
4. Goals scored (maximum of +4 per game)
5. Penalty kicks

• There is no overtime in group play.
• Knockout games use two 5-minute golden-goal overtime periods. If still tied, penalty kicks decide the match (best of five, then sudden death).

• Shin guards are required.
• No jewelry, including no tape over earrings.
• No metal cleats.
• No hard casts.
• Matching numbered jerseys are required, and every player must have a different number.

• Substitutions are unlimited.
• U8 through U12: on-the-fly substitutions.
• U13 through U15: standard substitution moments on any restart.

• A red card carries a minimum one-game suspension. Further suspension is at the discretion of the Tournament Director.

Serious misconduct may result in:

• Removal from the tournament.
• Additional sanctions per USSSA policies.

• No alcohol, smoking, or artificial noise devices.
• No verbal abuse toward officials or participants.
• Coaches are responsible for their team and their spectators.

• Protests must be submitted within one hour.
• A $100 fee is required.
• Referee decisions are final.

• No refunds after acceptance.
• If the tournament is canceled, 50% is retained for administrative costs.

Tournament philosophy

The Midwest Youth Cup is committed to:

• High-level competition
• Player development
• Sportsmanship

The Tournament Director reserves the right to remove any individual or team not meeting these standards.

Disclaimer

The Tournament Committee is not responsible for expenses due to cancellations or schedule changes. All decisions are final.