State Cup

2008 State Cup Governing Regulations

2007-2008 FIFA Laws of the Game as published by the United States Soccer Federation are in effect unless otherwise clarified below or by State Cup commissioner (Andrei Taradai will be the arbitrator-interpreter for any possible dispute).

  1. Until semi-finals, home team is responsible for providing the field of play meeting the Specification of Law 1 (See attached addendum Law 1- The Field of Play).
  2. Until semi-finals home team is responsible to provide the away team and State Cup Commissioner Andrei Taradai with appropriate directions, map, and game time 1 Week before playing time.
  3. In the event that the home team cannot provide the field of play, both teams can mutually arrange to play in an alternate field (meeting the specifications of Law and notify with adequate directions and map State Cup Commissioner, Andrei Taradai, at least 72 hours before playing time.
  4. Teams' management is responsible for the conduct of their players, substitutes and fans.
  5. Maximums of twenty-five players are allowed on the team roster. A maximum of eighteen players may be indicated as possible players for each match. A maximum of seven players can be named as substitutes. A maximum of seven substitutes may be used as players. As per Law 3, no more re-entry is permitted.
  6. League Official Player Roster as recorded by League Registrar is to be utilized. Players Eligibility will be verified via MASS State Registrar. Additionally each team is responsible for providing the referee and opponent team with a copy of their league roster fifteen minutes before the actual kick-off time. All players listed on the roster must have been officially registered with the team as of July 11, 2008 with their respective leagues' registrar and the state association.
    For State Cup purposes, teams are responsible and liable to ensure that player(s) appearing on the roster play currently only for that particular team. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in disqualification of the team.
  7. Referees are responsible to report via telephone, fax, or e-mail the final score (with additional information whenever necessary) and the issue of caution(s) and/or send/off(s) to State Cup Commissioner Andrei Taradai, within six hours of the conclusion of the match. Additionally, referees are responsible to submit a written official USSF Game Report within 24 hours to State Cup Commissioner Andrei Taradai. REFEREES FOLLOW STANDARD USSF & MASS STATE PROCEDURES IF UNUSUAL INCIDENTS OCCUR.
  8. Any disputes regarding State Cup matches must be referred to State Cup Commissioner Andrei Taradai. All decisions rendered by the State Cup Commissioners are final.
  9. Winners are needed in all matches. Thereof as per Law 7, Extra-Time 15 Minutes Periods and The Taking of Kicks form the Penalty Mark may be required. (If needed due to time constraints and extreme weather conditions, Commissioners may advise referees to go directly to The Taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark.)
  10. Both teams must agree and notify the referee before the beginning of the match on how much half-time interval they need (maximum 15 minutes).
  11. Team not present: If within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, but before the game commences, the referee determines that a team is unable to play due to an insufficient number of eligible players, unsuitable uniforms, inadequate player equipment, or unsuitable field preparation; the team will forfeit the match. In order to have a valid kick-off each team must have at least seven players present on the field of play (as per Law 3) no later than fifteen minutes after official kick-off. The referee and assistant referees are entitled to their game fees, to be paid in full by the forfeiting team. If neither team is able to satisfy these conditions for play, then each team will pay its half of the referee fees and each receive a forfeit. Referees are instructed to start initial kick-off no later than fifteen minutes after scheduled time.
  12. Any player accumulating two cautions (issue of a yellow card) will not be permitted to play in the next scheduled match. Any player who is sent-off (issued a red card) will not be permitted to play in the next 2 scheduled matches. ANY PLAYER WHO IS SENT-OFF (ISSUED A RED CARD) FOR VIOLENT CONDUCT OR VIOLENT FOUL PLAY WILL NO LONGER BE PERMITTED TO PLAY IN THE 2008 STATE CUP COMPETITION. FURTHERMORE SUCH PLAYER WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION AS STIPULATED BY THE MASS STATE ASSOCIATION.
  13. The State Cup Commission will exercise their best efforts to have all games inspected by qualified MASS STATE ASSOCIATION officers.
  14. The State Cup Commission will exercise their best efforts to assign the most qualified available certified referees for all the matches.
  15. The State Cup Commission will exercise their best efforts to have all games and referees evaluated.
  16. The State Cup Commission will exercise their best judgment to publicize the State Cup. Namely, local newspapers and scouts will be invited to observe and report.
  17. Participating teams will be responsible to equally provide the cost for officiating ($160: $ 80 for each team) before the match begins.
  18. In order to participate, each player must appear on the official affiliated league roster and be identified with a valid USSF passcard or photo identification (passport, license) with valid birth date. Referees will be notified to enforce this action and they will be required to check every player. Any player who does not appear on the official printed Game Roster, or who cannot present a suitable ID/pass card prior to entering the game, or who is currently under suspension by the League is considered INELIGIBLE. Any team found to be using an ineligible player will forfeit the game. The team will also be assessed a $300 fine and face additional sanctions by the state association disciplinary committee.
  19. Only players and team staff will be permitted around bench area (maximum 25: 18 players and 7 team staff).
  20. Both benches during Final match will be placed on the same touch-line to facilitate the entry of substitutes by Fourth Official.
  21. Uniforms must comply with Law 4, Players Equipment. Teams' uniforms in the field of play must match. Referees are required by the State Cup Commission to enforce this rule.