Rules and Regulations

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2002 Afghan Soccer Tournament

Labour Day Long Weekend

August 31^st, September 1^st and 2^nd

Vancouver, Canada

Just about every year soccer tournaments have been held in both Virginia and California in the United States. This year we want to make this happen in beautiful Vancouver. Therefore, we would like to invite all the Afghan teams from both United States and Canada to participate in this tournament. We hope to get as many teams as possible to make this an enjoyable event. So far, we have verbal commitments from various teams (Alberta, Concord, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle and Toronto) across the United States and Canada.

The organizers of this tournament hope to turn this event into a successful tournament so that we will be able to continue holding such tournaments on a yearly basis. We, therefore, ask that each team review and agree to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth here so the games can proceed in a professional and yet enjoyable manner for all.

General Rules:

All games will be played in accordance with FIFA rules and regulations, except with the following amendments:

1. First round games will be 30 minutes each half. Teams will be awarded points as follows:

3 points for a win;

1 point for a tie;

0 points for a loss.

2. If two teams are tied in points, the team with the following statistic(s) will qualify to the next round in this order:

Highest goal difference; or

Highest number of goals; or

Least number of goals against; or

If still tied, they will decide in a penalty shootout.

3. After the first round, all other games will be 45 minutes each half:

In the case of a tie, there will be two 7 ½ minute golden goal overtime periods, except the final where two 15 minute golden goal overtime periods will be played;

If teams are still tied after the overtime periods, there will be penalty shootouts.

4. In the event of a forfeit, the game will be scored 1-0 against the forfeited team;

5. If both teams forfeit, there will be no score and no points will be awarded to either teams.

Players:

Each team is allowed a total of 22 players and a list of the participating players should be submitted prior to the start of the tournament.

Each team is allowed a maximum of five non-Afghan players with no more than three non-Afghan players at the same time in the field of play. Some teams have shown concern that this number is high since this is an Afghan tournament. However, we want to keep it the same since it has been the case in the past Afghan tournaments in California.

Substitution:

Since this a tournament where we would like almost all of the players to take part in the games, each team is allowed to make unlimited substitutions.

Kick-off:

Since schedule is going to be very tight, especially on the second day of the tournament, the organizers of this tournament would like the games to start right on time. Therefore, the referee will wait no more than 10 minutes for the belated team. After that, the game will be awarded a victory (1-0) to the opposing team.

As stated in the FIFA rules, any team with a total of 7 players (1 goalie, 6 field players) is considered enough and the game can proceed.

Player and bench behavior:

Each team will be held accountable for the actions of the players that they include on their team list. Therefore, please consider the player’s behavior and attitude as much as his playing skills during your selection process.

Uniform:

Home teams are listed first on the game schedule. Home teams will be required to change uniforms in the event of a color conflict.

Security and Drinking Alcohol:

In tournaments of this type security is a concern for the visiting teams. We assure all the teams that we will take every measure to make sure that fans do not pose any problems for the players or the teams. We will need your help in this matter as well.

The use of alcohol is strictly prohibited in and around the stadium (this will include the parking lot). If any player or member from any team is caught drinking alcohol, the entire team will be disqualified from the tournament.

Discipline:

The standard FIFA rules apply. That is, if a player is red carded, he will not be able to play the next game. Or if a player receives two yellow cards in two consecutive games, he will not be able to play the following game.

In case, where a player is sent off for bad behavior and/or fighting, the members of the organizing committee will make further decisions. Only the captain or the coach of the involved team can approach this committee regarding the incident.

Any player that retaliates or participates in any fights shall be banned for the entire tournament.

Tournament Fee:

There is a fee of US$500 to participate in the tournament and the deadline is Monday, August 19, 2002.