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Tournament Rules

Blossom Bash 2027

February 20–21, 2027 · Skip & Julie Davies Sports Park

General Tournament Rules

Game Rules

Tournament shall be governed by FIFA Laws of the Game as modified by US Club Soccer and as further modified herein.

Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is always required of teams, officials, and spectators. Coaches and managers are responsible for the conduct of their team’s players, parents, and other affiliated spectators. A coach may not enter the field of play except on a referee’s signal. Coaches, players, and spectators shall not harass or attempt to distract players or referees. Offensive, insulting, and abusive language will not be tolerated. Breaking these rules will result in a warning, to be followed by ejection from the sports park if the unacceptable behavior does not stop immediately. Appropriate disciplinary action will be determined by the Tournament Director.

Code of Conduct and Facility Agreement

Blossom Bash 2027 is held at Skip & Julie Davies Sports Park. All players, coaches, team officials, parents, and spectators must follow the Tournament Rules, Refund Policy, this Code of Conduct, and posted or communicated event and facility regulations. The registering team is responsible for communicating these requirements to everyone associated with the team.

Code of Conduct: Treat referees, opponents, volunteers, facility personnel, and spectators respectfully. No abuse, threats, intimidation, discriminatory or offensive language, fighting, or interference with match officials is permitted. Follow instructions from referees, Field Marshals, tournament officials, and facility personnel. Only authorized players and team staff may enter restricted playing areas; comply with all turf, food, alcohol, litter, and staging restrictions stated below. Violations may result in removal from the facility, match forfeiture, tournament suspension, or other discipline determined by the Tournament Director.

Application acknowledgment: By checking the Tournament Rules & Code of Conduct Agreement during registration, the applicant confirms review of the 2027 Blossom Bash Tournament Rules, Refund Policy, and Code of Conduct and agrees that the team, coaching staff, and spectators will abide by all event and facility regulations at Skip & Julie Davies Sports Park.

Team Eligibility and Credentials

Blossom Bash 2027 is an unrestricted US Club Soccer-sanctioned tournament open to eligible girls U9–U14 teams from the United States, including U8 teams playing in a U9 bracket, registered with US Club Soccer or another U.S. Soccer Federation member organization.

Teams must submit an official roster and valid player passes issued by their registering organization for the applicable seasonal year. Coaches and team officials must provide credentials and meet applicable registration and participant-safety requirements. Physical or digital passes are accepted, subject to tournament verification.

Teams must provide:

US Club Soccer teams do not require travel permission. Teams registered through other organizations must satisfy any travel permission or notification requirements imposed by their registering organization.

Guest and club-pass players must satisfy tournament limits, applicable registration rules, and the approved sanctioning requirements. Participation under different affiliations does not automatically permit mixing credentials on one roster.

Max roster size –

U9–U10 (7v7) — 14 players maximum; up to 2 club-pass players and 1 guest player.

U11–U12 (9v9) — 16 players maximum; up to 3 club-pass players and 2 guest players.

U13–U14 (11v11) — 18 players maximum; up to 4 club-pass players and 2 guest players.

No player can be rostered on more than 1 team in the tournament.

All credentials are subject to tournament approval through online check-in. Teams must have approved documents available for inspection at every match.

Team Age

Blossom Bash 2027 is a girls-only tournament for U9–U14 teams of all competitive levels, using 2026/2027 season age eligibility. U8 teams may register and play in a U9 bracket. U8 players may also play on eligible U9 teams. There is no separate U8 division.

Online Tournament Check-In

Teams must complete GotSport online check-in by Thursday, February 18, 2027, at 5:00 PM PST. No on-site check-in is available. Finalize the event roster and submit the documents listed under Team Eligibility and Credentials. Only approved, eligible players may participate; tournament staff must approve rosters before players appear on game cards.

Roster Submission Help

GotSport roster submission and check-in instructions explain the process for all WSC tournaments. For assistance, first contact your club registrar. If you still need help, contact tournaments@woodlandsoccerclub.com.

Game Cards

Game cards will be generated by the tournament staff. Only players on the game cards will be allowed to play. Be prepared to present physical or virtual player passes at each match, should the referee request them. Rosters will be frozen on Thursday, February 18, 2027, at 5:00 PM PST.

Teams Acceptance and Placement in Divisions and Brackets

Teams are accepted after the initial registration deadline as divisions and brackets are built, subject to payment confirmation and finalized brackets. Acceptance is not guaranteed by application alone. Bracketing uses recent fall league, State Cup, and tournament results. Brackets ordinarily combine two adjacent competitive levels (such as Copper/Bronze, Bronze/Silver, or Silver/Gold). Three adjacent levels may be combined only when needed to complete a flight or provide guaranteed matches. The Tournament Director makes final placement decisions. See the refund policy for withdrawal terms.

Tournament Format and Advancement

The tournament takes place Saturday, February 20, and Sunday, February 21, 2027. Except for three-team brackets, Saturday and the first portion of Sunday consist of group play. Group-play standings determine advancement to the Sunday championship final. Group-play points do not carry over to the final: the final-match winner is bracket champion, and the losing finalist is runner-up. Other teams may play consolation matches as scheduled. Except for three-team brackets, each accepted team is scheduled for three matches, with a potential fourth match for teams advancing to the championship final. Scheduled matches are subject to weather, safety, forfeits, or other circumstances beyond tournament control.

Brackets are built with three, four, six, or eight teams.

Three-Team Brackets — Double Round Robin

Three-team brackets play a double round robin: each team plays the other two teams twice, for four matches per team, with two matches Saturday and two Sunday. All four games count toward tournament points. First place by total points over both days is champion; second place is runner-up. Apply the standings tie-breakers if needed. No championship final is played in a three-team bracket.

Four-Team Brackets — Round Robin and Final

All four teams play in one group. Each team plays the other three teams once, for three group-play matches. The top two teams by tournament points advance to the championship final. Apply the standings tie-breakers if needed.

Six-Team Brackets — Two Groups of Three

Teams are divided into two groups of three. Each team plays the other two teams in its group once and one scheduled crossover match against a team from the other group, for three preliminary matches. All three matches, including the crossover, count toward tournament points in the team’s own group. The top team by tournament points from each group advances to the championship final. Apply the standings tie-breakers if needed.

Eight-Team Brackets — Two Groups of Four

Teams are divided into two groups of four. Each team plays the other three teams in its group once, for three group-play matches. The top team by tournament points from each group advances to the championship final. Apply the standings tie-breakers if needed.

Tournament Points Awarded in Pool Play Matches

Points will be awarded to teams for pool play matches (same as group play or preliminary games) using the 10-Point System as follows:

Tie-Breaking Procedures – Tournament Points

If teams have the same number of points at the end of pool play and this affects placement in later games, ties will be resolved using these criteria in the order shown below:

For a three-way tie, the goal differential and goals-scored caps of 4 and 5 will not be used.

General Game Rules

Logistics

Teams will set up on the same side of the field designated by Field Marshals, with spectators on the opposite side. Spectators are not allowed at the goal ends of the fields. Each team must have at least one approved adult team official properly credentialed under the applicable registration and tournament requirements present on the sidelines of each match.

Home Team

The first team listed on the schedule is the Home Team for every match, including group-play, championship, and consolation matches. The Home Team is responsible for supplying game balls, subject to referee approval. If the teams’ jerseys conflict, the Home Team must change jerseys. To keep matches on schedule, there will be no pre-match coin toss: the Home Team kicks off to start the match, and the second-listed (Visiting) Team chooses which side to defend. Teams switch ends at halftime, and the Visiting Team kicks off the second half. The Home Team is encouraged to wear dark jerseys and the Visiting Team light jerseys.

Game Start

All games will start at the scheduled time. Teams must report to the Field Marshal 30 minutes before each game for check-in. If a team is not on the field or has fewer than the required number of players (5 for 7v7, 6 for 9v9, and 7 for 11v11) within 5 minutes of their scheduled game time, the game will be forfeited to the team with at least the required number of players present. All pool play matches will be called at least five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled start of the next game, regardless of the amount of time played up to that point. A game is “complete” upon completion of at least one half of play, regardless of the circumstances of termination during the second half. Results will be based on the score at the time the game is called. Pool play matches can end in a tie.

Game Length

The games shall be of the following durations:

Halftime

Half-time will be exactly 5 minutes. The Tournament Director reserves the right to extend the halftime under special circumstances. Field Marshals may alter the length of any game at their discretion. Except for Championship & Consolation Games, games tied at the end of regulation time will be recorded as ties.

Suspended and Terminated Games

Tournament Officials may suspend and/or terminate games for reason. If a game is terminated, the game may be resumed at the discretion of Tournament Officials but is subject to ending five (5) minutes prior to the next scheduled game start. If a game is terminated due to field issues or due to the serious injury of a player, play may be resumed at the discretion of the Tournament Officials.

Tournament Officials may also conclude the game, require its completion, or utilize penalty kicks to determine the winner, depending on the circumstances. If, in the opinion of Tournament Officials, a game must be terminated due to the serious or violent misconduct of players, coaches, or spectators, the offending team may be immediately suspended from further play and all remaining games. All previously earned points remain as played. Additionally, the home league, State Association, and/or US Club will be contacted as appropriate.

Delays of the game will only be allowed for an injury to a player who is unable to be moved from the field and/or requires professional medical attention. Primary regard will be to the safety of the injured player. The delay will result in an appropriate amount of time being added to the full game time, as determined by the referee. Pool play matches shall not be extended to affect the game start of the next game as described herein.

Tie-Breaking Procedures for Games

Championship and consolation matches tied after regulation are decided as follows:

For 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 games, each team will take five (5) penalty kicks.

Only players eligible under the applicable Laws of the Game and tournament competition rules at the end of play (including any overtime) may take part in the penalty shootout. The referee administers the kicks.

If the score remains tied after the initial five (5) kicks per team, sudden death penalty kicks will continue until a winner is determined.

Ties are an acceptable outcome for all pool-play games.

Substitutions

Unlimited substitutions during a game are allowed at the discretion of the referee, prior to any restart

Special Rules for 7v7 Divisions

The tournament will follow the US Soccer Player Development Initiatives rules for small-sided games. For 7v7 games, the referee can permit another throw-in if the first throw was done incorrectly.

Ejections and Cautions

A player, coach, manager, or team-affiliated spectator who has been ejected in a single game shall not return for that game and will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game. Ejections will be reviewed by the Tournament Director and may result in a more severe penalty, including additional game suspensions in the tournament and potentially contacting the club, league, and playing association for additional penalties. Fighting by players, violent conduct or harassment of referees by players, coaches, parents, or spectators will be considered serious misconduct. Each ejection will result in a cumulative deduction from the team’s tournament points. Ejection of a player will result in a 1-point deduction & any ejection of a coach, manager, or team-affiliated spectator will result in a 2-point deduction from the team’s tournament points.

Disputes

Game conduct is under the total jurisdiction of the referee. The tournament will not overrule a referee’s decision.

Protests

All game results will be considered final. No protests will be allowed.

Forfeit and Byes

All teams that forfeit will have the game(s) scored as a 0-3 loss. The winner will be awarded points as described above in ‘TOURNAMENT POINTS AWARDED IN POOL PLAY MATCHES’. Teams failing to report ready to play within five minutes of the scheduled kickoff time will forfeit the match. The tournament assumes no financial responsibility for compensating a team whose opponent forfeits.

Equipment

Game Balls

Player Equipment

The following restrictions will apply:

Field and Facility Rules

Artificial Turf Fields

Specific rules are in place to protect the artificial turf fields. The rules are typically posted at the entrance to the fields. No food will be allowed onto the fields, particularly seeds of any kind or gum, as these are especially harmful. Please ensure that your team and their parents are aware of these restrictions and guidelines. Tournament staff will be monitoring to ensure that these rules are followed. Anyone caught disregarding these rules can be ejected from the facility by tournament staff and/or the Field Marshals.

Turf Access and Team Staging

Players, coaches, team staff, parents and spectators may enter the fenced playing-field area or artificial turf only when actively participating in an authorized pre-match warm-up or scheduled match. Staging, resting, gathering, eating, or waiting before or between matches is prohibited on turf and inside field fences. During those periods, all teams and accompanying spectators must remain outside the fences, off turf, and in designated grass areas. Leave the field promptly after play and follow Field Marshal instructions.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages at all tournament locations and parking lots are prohibited, without exception.

No Littering

Please respect the fields made available to the Tournament. At the conclusion of your games, please collect and dispose of all garbage generated by your team in the trash receptacle or in the garbage bag provided by the Tournament. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Food and Beverages

Outside food is not permitted anywhere in the Sports Park. On the artificial turf, no food or beverages are allowed other than water.

Additional Sports Park Rules

Woodland Soccer Club does not provide team benches or tents. Tents/canopies must be weighted or secured safely; no stakes may be driven into artificial turf. Tents on grass must be secured appropriately. See Food and Beverages for food and drink restrictions. No barbecues or open flames, including in parking areas. No personal heaters, including in parking areas. See Alcoholic Beverages for the alcohol prohibition. No RV parking. No pets on turf fields. All attendees must comply with posted City of Woodland park regulations and tournament staff instructions.

Also follow the City of Woodland Sports Park information and rules and posted park regulations.

Safety and Administrative Policies

Medical Assistance

All injuries requiring medical attention, suspected concussions, fainting episodes, and other significant safety incidents must be reported promptly to the Field Marshal or Tournament Director. Other injuries and near misses should also be reported. Tournament staff will complete an Accident/Incident Report documenting the circumstances, observed symptoms, actions taken, witnesses, and parent/guardian notification. Reports will be handled confidentially. For a serious or life-threatening emergency, anyone may call 911 immediately; notify tournament staff as soon as practicable. Do not delay emergency care to obtain permission. The referee determines when play may resume; qualified healthcare providers determine medical clearance.

Concussion and Head Injury

Any player suspected of a concussion or other head injury must be removed immediately for the remainder of the day. The player may not return to athletic activity until evaluated and cleared in writing by an appropriately licensed healthcare provider. If a concussion or head injury is diagnosed, a medically supervised graduated return-to-play protocol lasting at least seven days is required. For players age 17 or younger, the parent/guardian must be notified of the time and date, observed symptoms, and any treatment provided.

Fainting, Cardiac Symptoms and Emergency Response

A player who faints or passes out during athletic activity must be removed for the remainder of the day and may not return until evaluated and cleared in writing by an appropriately licensed healthcare provider. Suspected cardiac symptoms require immediate attention and removal when indicated. For a suspected cardiac arrest, call 911, begin CPR, and retrieve and use an AED if available, following dispatcher instructions and training. Notify the parent/guardian and Tournament Director promptly.

California Youth Sports Safety Requirements

Consistent with California Health and Safety Code §124235, participating organizations must provide annual concussion/head-injury and sudden-cardiac-arrest information sheets, obtain the required athlete and parent/guardian acknowledgments before participation, and satisfy applicable education requirements for coaches, administrators, and game officials. Teams must ensure these obligations have been met for their participants and personnel.

2027 Cardiac Emergency Plan and Coach Certification

Under California Health and Safety Code §124238.5, effective January 1, 2027, youth sports organizations must ensure coaches are certified in CPR and AED operation, with recertification at least every two years, and maintain a written cardiac emergency response plan reviewed annually with coaches and staff. The plan must identify available AED locations, emergency procedures and roles, notification/training methods, and annual electronic communication to parents/guardians including the plan or link, AED locations, and designated contacts. Tournament organizers will coordinate site-specific emergency procedures with participating teams and facility staff. The statutory requirement to ensure AED access at official practices or matches begins January 1, 2028; available AEDs should nevertheless be used promptly in an emergency.

Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (AB 310): View the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan

Weather and Field Safety

Tournament officials may delay, suspend, shorten, relocate, or cancel play due to lightning, unsafe weather, air quality, field conditions, or other hazards. Participants must follow directions from referees, Field Marshals, emergency personnel, and facility staff. Players should have access to drinking water and appropriate rest breaks. If play cannot resume, standings and awards will be determined by tournament officials using results and tournament points from matches played, with applicable tie-breakers. The tournament does not guarantee make-up matches. Weather-related cancellation does not automatically create a refund entitlement; see the Refund Policy below.

Rule Changes

The Tournament Director reserves the right to modify these rules at any time prior to the start of the tournament; any rule changes will be announced by the day before the tournament begins. Any situation not covered by these rules will be resolved by the Tournament Director. The Tournament Director’s decisions are final, and no appeal will be accepted.

Registration, Payment, and Refund Policy

Published registration fees and application dates are listed on the event website. Late applications are waitlisted and considered for open bracket positions or bracket expansion; acceptance is not guaranteed.

A valid credit or debit card is required when applying. By applying, the team authorizes a charge of the full team registration fee upon formal acceptance. No payment is processed for waitlisted teams until accepted. The tournament covers the $20 GotSport Software Fee at initial processing; the applicant is charged only the published team registration fee.

If payment fails upon acceptance, the team will not be added to tournament participants. The applicant has 24 hours to resolve the failure or supply an alternative payment card; otherwise the team may lose its place to a waitlisted team.

Refund policy: A team may withdraw its application at no charge at any time before it is accepted. Once a team is accepted and its registration fee is charged, no refunds are issued for any reason, including withdrawal, bracket placement disagreements, or schedule disagreements.

Weather-related cancellation: The standard refund policy applies, including when adverse weather prevents completion of some or all matches. Tournament officials retain authority over safety, schedules, results, and awards.

Scheduling and Coach Conflicts

The tournament will accommodate coaches managing more than one team to avoid overlapping matches where feasible; schedule adjustments remain at the Tournament Director’s discretion. Schedule updates are posted on the event website.

Venue Information

Find the address, driving directions, and field and parking map on the event website.

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