Competition Model – Suprema Upstate Soccer League

1. General Format

Number of teams: 12 to 20 teams (depending on registrations)

Regular Season: Single-leg round-robin (11 to 19 rounds)

Season Length: 3 to 5 months (depending on the number of teams)

Game Days: Saturdays and/or Sundays

Playing Time: Two 40-minute periods (with a 10-minute break)

Field: Regulation size, with official referees assigned by the league

2. Final Phase / Playoffs

Season: Top 8 or 16 teams (depending on the total number)

Format: Direct

elimination with brackets: best in the table against last in the table, and so on. Two-legged matches.

Round of 16: Two-legged matches (round-robin)

Quarterfinals: 2 Games (home and away)

Semifinals. 2 Games (home and away)

Third place (optional) single game

Final. single game

Tiebreaker criteria: Goals, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head, and if necessary: ​​draw or penalty shootout.

3. Points System

Win: 3 points

Draw: 1 point

Loss: 0 points

Losing by W or "walkover" (also abbreviated as WO) means that a team automatically loses a match without playing it due to one of the following reasons:

No show for the match.

Did not meet the minimum number of players.

Disqualification for an administrative offense (e.g., unregistered players, players intoxicated or under the influence of drugs).

Arriving late beyond the statutory waiting time.

Financial fine. for the next game ($90 for not attending)

Automatic rout (e.g., 3-0)

Major ejections: Disciplinary review with the possibility of an extended suspension under league bylaws for fair play arguments.

4. Awards

Champion: Trophy + medals and cash

Runner-up: Medals + financial incentive

Top scorer: Trophy

Best goalkeeper: Trophy

Fair Play Team: Special recognition for the most disciplined team

plus a trophy for the cleanest player

Special mentions: Finals MVP, best young player, etc.

5. Costs and Requirements

Registration: Fixed fee per team $500.00 for covered 25 players

additional resgistration player fee 25 dolars

every game the fee is 180 fee for referee and field cost

payed before star the game.

Mandatory Uniform: Numbered jersey in good condition

Minimum age: 16

Documentation: Official team registration, player roster, signing of the rules

and sign the waiver form

6. Future Categories (for expansion)

Women's category

Veterans category (35+)

Intermediate flash tournaments

7. Promotion and Coverage

Social Media: Coverage of results, standings, top scorers, and photos

Videos and summaries of key matches

Streaming of the final or key matches

All matches within the league will follow the official FIFA Laws of the Game, adapted to suit the structure and spirit of an organized amateur competition. The following key rules will govern the tournament

• Each match consists of two 40-minute halves.
• A 10-minute halftime break will be provided.
• Duration may be adjusted depending on field availability or extraordinary conditions, with prior notice from the league.

• Matches will be played with a size 5 soccer ball approved by the league.
• If a replacement ball is needed, it must be approved by the referee.

• Teams must start with a minimum of 7 registered players.
• Maximum number of players on the field per team is 11.
• If a team is reduced to fewer than 7 players, the match may be suspended by the referee.

• Up to 8 substitutions are allowed per team, per match.
• Substituted players may re-enter as long as the total limit of 8 is not exceeded.
• All substitutions must be made with referee approval and at designated areas.

• Disciplinary sanctions will follow FIFA guidelines:
   - Yellow card: for unsportsmanlike behavior or repeated infractions.
   - Two yellow cards (accumulated): red card and 1-match suspension.
   - Straight red card: immediate ejection and minimum 2-match suspension, subject to committee review.

• The offside rule will be enforced in accordance with FIFA's current interpretation.
• The center referee or designated assistant will make the ruling.

• All players must wear full team uniform with a visible number on the back.
• Players with no number must wear a training bib or be identified clearly.
• Duplicate numbers within the same team are not allowed.
• Shin guards are mandatory for all players.
• Wearing jewelry (necklaces, watches, earrings, piercings) is strictly prohibited.

• The referee has authority to suspend a match due to bad weather, safety concerns, or crowd disturbance.
• The organizing committee will decide whether the match is replayed or the result upheld.

• All teams interested in joining must fill out the official registration form provided by the league, either digitally or physically.
• The form must include: official team name, full name of team delegate, active phone number, email address, and preliminary player list with valid identification.
• Registration is only valid once the form is fully completed, payment is made (full or partial as established), and the rules and policies have been signed and accepted.
• Team participation is not confirmed until an official acceptance notice is issued. Spots are limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Team registration fee: $500 USD, payable in two installments if needed.
• Includes: official tournament certificate, team photo, and a promotional video.
• Accepted payment methods: bank transfer, Zelle, credit/debit card via the website, or authorized in-person cash payment.
• No refunds will be provided except in extreme and justified cases reviewed by the disciplinary committee.

• Each team may register up to 25 players under the base registration fee.
• Additional players may be added during the tournament for the corresponding fee.
• Transfers between teams already registered are not allowed once the tournament starts.

• All official communication will be handled via WhatsApp, email, and the league website.
• Teams are responsible for checking these platforms regularly.
• The website will also host downloadable regulations, schedules, news, and the updated prize program.

To ensure a fair, organized, and professional tournament experience, all participating teams must adhere to the league’s general rules and policies. This section outlines key procedures for team registration, payments, match fees, optional services, roster changes, and official communications. Compliance with these standards is essential for smooth participation and maintaining the integrity of the competition.

• Additional player registration: $25 USD.
• Match video recording: $50 USD (optional).
• Match photography: $20 USD (optional).
• These services must be requested in advance and are not included in the registration fee.

• Each team must pay $180 USD per match.
• This includes field rental, referee service, water, and administrative and logistical operations.
• Match fee may vary slightly based on location or field availability.

• Spectators must behave respectfully and avoid insults, threats, or any form of violence.
• Crowd disturbances, fights, or threats may result in match suspension and sanctions against the team supported by the offenders.
• Security personnel and police may intervene if public safety is compromised.

• The referee's decisions are final and must be respected by all participants.
• Referees must officiate impartially and fairly.
• Disrespect or physical confrontation toward a referee will lead to immediate disciplinary action.

• Players must respect referees, opponents, organizers, and spectators at all times.
• Physical aggression, verbal abuse, unsportsmanlike conduct, and threats will not be tolerated.
• Players must avoid any behavior that incites violence or disrupts the match.
• Recurrent misconduct may result in suspension or expulsion from the tournament.

• Players are strictly prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs during the match.
• Spectators are subject to the rules of the venue. If the field allows alcohol, responsibility lies with the venue, not the league.

• Teams must maintain cleanliness of their area after each match.
• All trash should be collected and disposed of properly.
• Failure to comply may result in fines or warnings by the organizing committee.

This code establishes the expected behavior for players, referees, team delegates, and spectators within the Suprema Upstate Soccer League. Its purpose is to promote respect, safety, and fair competition throughout the tournament.