Tournament Rules

All CIF and NFHS Game and Match Rules will apply.

1) Teams are considered Registered after receipt of Online Application and notice of Acceptance

2) All participating teams are guaranteed 3 games

3) Brackets of 4-6-8 teams will have a maximum of 4 games

4) Brackets of 8 teams will NOT have semi-final matches.  Bracket Winners will advance to Finals Saturday.

5) Varsity pool play games will have 35 min halves with running clock, Referee has final whistle. Clock stops at 2:00 mins, 5 min 1/2 time 

6) Home Teams are listed first on schedule, will provide game balls and choose sideline 

7) HOME Teams will wear DARK jerseys and DARK socks per NFHS rules

8) Unlimited Substitutions 

9) No Protests - Referee has final decision

SCORING - 10 Point System

Win = 6 points

Tie = 3 points

Shutout = 1 point

Goals = up to 3 goals max scored 

Red Card/Ejection = -1 point per each (player or coach)

Goal Differential = 5 max goals for per game

RED CARDS:  All double yellow cards pertaining to field of play violations will sit out present game of offense only and Red Cards only if DGH or DGF.  All other straight red cards and red cards involving violence or violent conduct will be an additional and minimum 1 game suspension. In the event of any violence, unsportsmanlike conduct or fouls perceived by the referee to be violent or requiring a more severe suspension will be reported by the referees to the Tournament Director, Referee Association and CIFSDS. The final decision will then be made by CIF, as this is a CIF sanctioned event,  as to length of suspension or expulsion from the Tournament after consulting with the Referees and CIF.  (The Tournament Director may expel any player during the tournament due to a VC red card offense, prior to CIF ruling.)  *CIF has total authority to final ruling and decisions to game suspensions when dealing with red card offenses... No exceptions.

*Winning Team will call or text in scores to Tournament Director - Home Team reports a Tie in Pool Play

PLEASE - NO warming up or walking in cleats on the track at UCHS!  Teams can use small turf patches on sides of field to warm up or behind the scoreboard only at UCHS, or the Upper Turf field behind the press box, if available

TIE BREAKERS

1) Head to Head

2) Least Goals Allowed

3) Goal Differential

4) Most Wins

5) Most Shutouts

6) Most Goals Scored

7) Coin Toss

FORFEITS

Forfeits will be scored 1-0 and will equal 8 Points with a shutout. 

(In the event of any team forfeiting or dropping out of the tournament early, all scores will be recorded as a 1-0 for that team, even games that have been played. No exceptions, in order for fair and even consideration for all teams)

FINALS 

1) VARSITY Final matches will have two 40 minute halves, running clock.  Referee has final whistle. Clock stops at 2:00 mins each 1/2 - 10 min 1/2 time (If teams agree, halves may be shortened to 35 mins - The 2025 edition of the SDHJ will have ALL games at 35 min halves, pool play and Finals)

2) If no winner is determined after regulation, there will be two, 10 minute halves (no half time and teams will switch sides immediately after 1st half whistle) with GOLDEN GOAL - first goal in any OT period wins the match

3) If no winner is determined after both OT periods - Kicks from the Mark will determine Winner

(All players on roster are eligible to kick even if not on field at final whistle - players that have been sent off are not eligible for kicks - red card or double yellow)