National Tier Rules

Subject to change as of October 29, 2024

SECTION 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.01 US Youth Soccer National League Administration

The US Youth Soccer National League is a program of, and administered by, US Youth Soccer (USYS) in accordance with the USYS Leagues Policy.

1.02 General

These USYS National League Rules shall include the rules for the National Tier of competition, known as the National League Quarterfinals and Semifinals (Playoffs), and the Regional Tier of competition, known as the National League Conferences.

The National League Management Group has final authority in all matters related to the National League not specifically provided for by the USYS Leagues Policy, or National League Rules.

NOTE: These National League Rules (Sections 2-9) apply to only the national tier of competition.

For all other regular season rules, including the Conferences, Elite 64 (E64), and E64 Regional League can be found on the National League Rules page of the website.

SECTION 2.  NATIONAL TIER – INTRODUCTION

2.01 USYS National League – National Tier Administration

The National Tier of the USYS National League is a program of, and administered by, USYS in accordance with the USYS Leagues Policy. This tier includes the National League (NL) Quarterfinals and Semifinals (Playoffs).

2.02 Rules

Participation in the Playoffs is governed by the rules adopted by US Youth Soccer (USYS), the United States Soccer Federation (US Soccer), and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) except where modified by those rules and these Playoff rules. These Playoff rules may be revised by the National League Management Group on a seasonal year basis and other times as may be necessary or appropriate.

2.03 Matters Not Provided For

The National League Management Group has final authority in all matters related to the Playoff not specifically provided for by the USYS Leagues Policy or Playoff Rules.

2.04 Playoff Rules and Operating Procedures

The Playoff Rules (E64 – Nov/Jan & Playoffs – Dec/Feb/May) and Operating Procedures, as established by the National League General Managers for each event or match that are approved by the National League Management Group, shall be considered a part of these National League Rules.

SECTION 3. PLAYOFFS (Dec/Feb/May) – TEAM APPLICATION

NOTE: These National League Playoffs rules (Sections 3-9) apply to the December NL Quarterfinal event and the Feb/May NL Semifinal events.

The Nov (E64) and Jan (E64) NL Quarterfinal event rules and procedures can be found on the National League Rules page of the website.

3.01 Team and Player Eligibility

Any team properly registered for the current seasonal soccer year with USYS or USYS State Association may apply for entry into the Playoffs. All players on a team must be properly registered with USYS or USYS member State Association.

To be eligible for a NL Playoffs qualification slot, teams must compete in the Conference during the same seasonal year.

3.02 Playoff Automatic Qualifiers

All automatic qualifiers for the current season Playoffs are determined by the final team standings from the previous season of the National League Conferences or Elite 64 Regional League. Specific Playoffs qualifying criteria is established by the NL Management Group each season. Any Playoffs slot not filled by an automatic qualifier will become an open slot, to be filled via an application process.

3.03 Open Slot Application Process

Team applications to participate in the Playoffs are to be submitted in a manner and form as determined by the NL General Managers on a seasonal year basis.

3.04 Open Slot Application Deadlines

All applications for participation in the Playoffs must be received by the deadline established by the NL General Managers.

3.05 Registration

Team registrations, applicable to both automatic qualifiers and open slot selections, for the Playoffs are to be submitted in a manner and form as determined by the NL General Managers on a seasonal year basis.

3.06 Acceptance of Teams

The National League Management Group shall determine the final acceptance of all teams into the Playoffs. Teams accepted into the Playoffs are accepted into the quarterfinal event stage of the competition. Teams must qualify for semifinal event stage through the Quarterfinal event.

3.07 Acceptance of Leagues Policy, Playoff Rules, Decisions and Fees

Any team registering to play in the Playoffs agrees to accept, abide by, and comply with all policies, rules, fines and decisions of the National League and further agrees to pay all fees and fines that are due for participation by the applicable deadlines.

3.08 Fees and Other Expenses

Each team playing in the Playoffs will pay the fees established by USYS. The Playoff event is not responsible for expenses incurred by teams through travel, housing, coaching, uniforms, and other related team operating costs. All entry fees are non-refundable subject to these rules.

3.9 Final Authority

The NL General Managers, after consultation with the National League Management Group, shall have the final authority and right to refuse admittance to any team based upon the team’s prior performance in a Conference or other competitions. These factors include but are not limited to failure to play Conference, Showcase, or Playoff matches as scheduled; failure to comply with Conference, Showcase, or Playoff rules; failure to pay Conference referees; and/or failure to pay assessed Conference, Showcase, or Playoff fees or fines on time.

3.10 Contact Information and Communication

All teams in the Playoffs shall have contact information on file with National League, including, but not limited to:

1. the Team Administrator’s Name, Phone Numbers and valid e-mail address;
2. the Team Coach’s Name, Phone Numbers and valid e-mail address; and
3. the Club’s Technical Director’s (Director of Coaching) Name, Phone Numbers and valid e-mail address.

E–mail will be the primary means of communication within the Playoffs. It is the responsibility of each team to ensure that accurate contact information is on file with the Playoffs.

3.11 State Association Team and Player Registration

All players and teams must be properly registered and meet the requirements of a USYS or USYS Member State Association.

3.12 Club Mergers Affecting Pre-Qualified Slot

In situations where there is a mutual desire to merge or consolidate entire organizations/clubs, National League may review and determine whether such teams resulting in the merger or consolidations should retain their automatic qualifying position. In such situations, the NL General Managers may request additional information regarding this matter including but not limited to the rationale for the merger/consolidation, a guarantee on the number of returning Playoff level players for the coming season and any other matter that National League deems pertinent in the review of this matter.

SECTION 4. PLAYOFFS (Dec/Feb/May) – EVENT ROSTERS

4.01 Team Event Rosters 

Teams must file with the Playoff, in a process outlined in the Playoff Operating Procedures, an event roster.  The Playoff event roster may include both primary and club pass players but must include a minimum of nine (9) players who are listed on the team’s National League Conference or Elite 64 Regional League roster.  At all times during the Playoff event, a team must have on its event roster a minimum of nine (9) players who are listed on their Conference or Elite 64 Regional League roster. All players, both primary and club pass, must be properly registered with their USYS or respective USYS Member State Association.

4.02 Player Eligibility 

All players must be current USYS members and have member passes that have been approved by USYS or their respective USYS Member State Association. During the Playoffs, a player may be listed on one event roster in a gender age group. Players listed on an event roster may also be listed as a club pass player on another Playoffs event roster within the same USYS affiliated club as approved by the team’s State Association. A player that is rostered to a team outside of the event but within the same USYS affiliated club as approved by the team’s State Association, may also be listed as a club pass player on team(s) within the same USYS affiliated club.

4.03 Maximum Event Roster Size and Pool of Players 

The maximum number of players on a Playoff event roster shall be thirty (30), however only eighteen (18) of those players are eligible to compete in a particular event match.  Such pool of players may include club pass players, as well as any players that may have been added to the event roster prior to the Playoff event. Prior to each Playoff match, the Referee must manually strike through the players that will not participate (during game check-in by the referee) for a maximum of eighteen (18) eligible players.

Once a player is on a Playoff roster, such player is frozen on such team’s pool of thirty (30) players for the remainder of the event.

4.04 Player Limitations 

A player may play for only one Playoff team during any single day. Once a player is on the event roster of a team in a gender age group and such team has played one match in event competition, such player may not appear on another team’s event roster in such gender age group during the remainder of the event. 

In situations where a club may have multiple teams participating in the Playoff, a player or players may be listed on multiple team event rosters in different age groups, but at no time may a player play for more than one team on the same day, and not play on more than one team in the same gender age group. Under no circumstances may a player be listed on multiple team event rosters if such teams are from different clubs. 

During an event, a Goalkeeper may be listed on up to two (2) team match day team lineups per day from the same club, with the written consent by NL Event Manager. A Goalkeeper may not play on more than one team in the same gender age group at the event and is subject to the same standards as club pass players.

4.05 Team Match Day Team Line Ups 

Up to eighteen (18) players (inclusive of both primary players and club pass players) are eligible to play in each Playoff match. Eligible players must be listed on the Team Match Day Line-Up (i.e. GotSport Game Card). The GotSport Game Card will be used as the official Team Match Day Line-Up prior to each event match, and the official Match Report following each event match.

No more than four (4) team bench persons (being only team coaches, team administrators, and team medical staff) shall be permitted at the team bench area during a match. Also, those players listed on the match lineup card are permitted at the team bench area during a match. Players on the Playoff event roster but who are not participating in an event match are allowed in the team bench area but must not be in uniform.

4.06 Member Passes Presented to Referee 

Valid USYS member passes (physical or electronic) for the current seasonal year shall be presented to the referee prior to each Playoff match.  

4.07 Playing of Ineligible Player 

A team that plays an ineligible player may be subject to disciplinary action which could include, but not be limited to: (a) forfeiture of the match; and (b) suspension of the team’s coach from Playoff competition. Additional disciplinary action could include (a) expulsion of the team from the Playoffs; and/or (b) any further action(s) as determined by the NL General Managers. 

Accusations from teams of an ineligible player must be extensively substantiated and is incumbent on the accuser to provide concrete evidence of ineligibility.

4.08 Additional Player Information 

The National League at its discretion may require participating teams to provide additional information on players for use in promoting the National League and/or its teams and players. Teams are required to submit information as requested in procedures established by the National League.

Players, teams and clubs are encouraged to maintain up-to-date information to aid in promoting players to college coaches, as well as to share event information with their database of college coaches and professional scouts.

SECTION 5. PLAYOFFS (Dec/Feb/May) – EVENT SCHEDULING AND MATCH MANAGEMENT

5.01 Structure

The Playoff Operating Procedures shall outline the gender age groups to be offered during a seasonal year, the number of teams and sub-divisions within each group of competition, and the format of the competition within each event.

5.02 Number of Games

Each team will be scheduled to play a minimum of three (3) games at a Playoff event.

5.03 Event Management

The NL General Managers may designate an Event Manager to oversee and have authority over the operation of assigned matches.

5.04 Match Schedule and Rest Periods

It is the intent of the National League to play only one (1) match per day; however, when circumstances dictate, no more than two (2) matches a day may be scheduled. Every effort will be made to provide a minimum of three (3) hours rest between matches.

5.05 Coaching Conflicts

Teams should understand that due to the nature of scheduling games at the Playoff event, scheduling games for the benefit of a single coach who coaches multiple teams should not be expected. Time conflicts may occur for those coaches that coach multiple teams in the event, and the Playoff is under no obligation to assist these coaches with their conflicts.

5.06 Referee Jurisdiction

Once the referee has jurisdiction of a match, the match may be stopped, suspended, or terminated as provided in the “IFAB Laws of the Game.”

5.07 Lodging Requirement – Permission to Host/Travel

To ensure the quality of service provided at the Playoff event, Anthony Travel has been appointed the Official Housing Provider for the Playoffs. Teams located 100+ miles beyond the USYS designated field location of the event are required to book their hotel accommodations through Anthony Travel. Teams competing at the event are required to secure a minimum of six (6) rooms per team per night.  Any teams that do not comply with the National League housing requirements are at risk of penalty. Penalties may include but may not be limited to: a) removal from the event, b) paying of a fine, c) forfeiture of game(s), and d) any other penalties deemed appropriate by the NL Management Group.

For Playoff competition, Permission to Host/Travel Forms are not required.

5.08 Match Management Procedures

The Event Manager, in consultation with the NL General Managers, has the authority to make the final decision on all aspects related to a match outside of the jurisdiction of the referees.

5.09 Additional Match Management Procedures

On an emergency basis, the Event Manager may impose additional Match Management Procedures. These additional procedures shall be limited to those items that are necessary, in the sole opinion of the Event Manager, in order for a match to be played. Such procedures could include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Shortening match lengths or half time due to inclement weather, lack of light, or other extraordinary circumstances.
• Moving a match to earlier or later in a day.
• Establishing additional match day(s) due to excessive rain-outs.
• Approving the use of less than a 3-man referee crew or approving use of a “club” linesman.
• Approving an alternate method to validate eligible players.

5.10 Responsibility of Teams

The officials of a team at a match are responsible for the behavior, conduct and control of team players, support staff, supporters including but not limited to family and friends, and team management staff. Failure to abide by this rule may result in Disciplinary Action as determined by the Event Manager.

5.11 Spectator Areas
Spectators are to only occupy the opposite side of the field from the teams on the same end of the field as their team bench area. Coaches/Managers are required to maintain control of their players and their team’s fans on the sideline.

5.12 Inclement Weather and Unplayable Field Conditions Prior to Match

If matches on scheduled fields are unable to be played due to field closings or inclement weather, the Event Manager, in consultation with the host complex, will make every effort to determine the status of matches as soon as possible ahead of the Playoff event.

5.13 Four Person System

Matches should be officiated by the four-person FIFA/USSF Referee System, but some may be officiated by a three-person FIFA/USSF Referee System. In the event the assigned officials fail to appear, an attempt to secure certified officials should be made to officiate the match. In the event certified USSF officials are not available, the Referee may appoint Club Assistant Referees. Club Assistant Referees shall be limited to decisions only on touchlines and possession as specified by FIFA/USSF Referee Guidelines.

5.14 Match Officials / Referee Assignor

Match officials will be assigned under the authority of the National League by a certified USSF Referee Assignor, designated by USYS.

5.15 Payment of Referees

Referee and Assistant Referees are paid for event matches in a process determined by USYS.

5.16 Filing of Referee Match Report

Prior to each Playoff match, the referee will be provided with a GotSport “Game Card,” which shall serve as the Official Match Line-Up Card prior to the game and the official Match Report following the completion of the game. The Referee shall use the Game Card to check-in the players from both teams.

Following the completion of each Playoff match, the Referee shall accurately report all scores, goal scorers, and cards issued onto the Match Report. Once the match data is completed on the Match Report, it should be presented to both coaches for their signature. Each team is required to take a picture of the final Match Report for their own records. The Referee shall then submit the Match Report to the on-site Event Manager.

If a player is sent off for Violent Conduct, Spitting, or Abusive Language, a US Soccer Supplemental Report must be filled out and submitted to the on-site Event Manager with the Match Report. Additionally, a US Soccer Supplemental Report must be filled out and submitted to the on-site Event Manager for situations involving Referee Abuse or Referee Assault. The on-site Event Manager shall submit all Match Reports and US Soccer Supplemental Reports to the NL General Managers.

5.17 Reporting of Scores

The Event Manager or their designee will input scores after collecting the Match Reports.

SECTION 6. PLAYOFFS – NL SEMIFINALS & USYS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

6.01 Qualification to NL Semifinals & USYS National Championships

On an annual basis, the NL Management Group shall determine the structure of the 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 19U Playoff and determine the format by which teams earn qualification from the NL Quarterfinals to the NL Semifinals. The NL Management Group shall also determine the format and structure of the NL Semifinals to qualify up to twelve (12) positions in the USYS National Championships designated for 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 19U National League teams. Such a process will be outlined in the NL Semifinal Operating Procedures.

A team that achieves a qualification slot from the Playoffs into the USYS National Championships is expected to honor the commitment to participate in the National Championships competition. Failure to field at the USYS National Championships may result in fines as determined by the NL General Managers.

To be eligible for qualification into the USYS National Championships, a team must have participated in their State Association’s State Cup competition within the same seasonal year or be granted a waiver by their local State Association in accordance with the USYS National Championships Policy.

SECTION 7. PLAYOFFS (Dec/Feb/May) – RULES OF PLAY

7.01 Applicable Rules and Laws of the Game

Matches will be played under the applicable rules of USYS. Teams are responsible for obtaining and abiding by the IFAB Laws of the Game as they govern play subject to the modifications noted in these rules.

7.02 Official Match

If less than one half is completed and the match is terminated because of weather or other unplayable conditions, the entire match should be replayed, subject to review by the Event Manager. If the first full half of a match is played, and the second half of the match is not played or not completed because of weather or unplayable conditions, the match is official, and the final score will be the score at the time the match is terminated.

7.03 Substitutions

1. Matches in the 14U age group, unlimited substitution will be allowed.
2. Matches in the 15U, 16U, 17U, and 19U age groups will operate under the FIFA-7 players “per half” substitution system. Once replaced, players cannot re-enter the game during that half of play.
3. Unlimited vs Limited substitution policies shall be aligned with the USYS National Championships Policy.
4. Substitutions may be made at any stoppage of play with the approval of the referee.
5. Reentry shall be at a normal substitution point (with approval of the referee) or at any point during the game if the referee signals for the player’s reentry.
6. During a match is that is part of a Playoff event using neutral Health Care Professionals (HCP) or neutral Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC) to monitor the fields, if a player is suspected of suffering a head injury, such player may be substituted for evaluation. The substitution for the evaluation of a concussion/head injury will not count towards the team’s total allowed substitutions in a half. However, the team must have at least one substitution available to implement this temporary substitution.

1) If the player is deemed by the neutral HCP or neutral ATC to not have been diagnosed as having a possible concussion, the player may re-enter the game at any stoppage of play and must replace the original substitute. This head injury evaluation substitution will not count as a used substitution in the half. Furthermore, the temporary substitute will be able to re-enter the game in that half at a later time.

2) If the player is not cleared to return to play by the HCP or ATC, the replacement player will no longer be considered a temporary substitute and the team will be charged a substitution.

3) Any discipline issued to the temporary substitute will count for the remainder of the game.

7.04 Match Length

Age Group	Length of Each Half	Halftime*
17U and 19U	45 minutes	10 minutes
15U and 16U	40 minutes	10 minutes
14U	35 minutes	10 minutes

*Halftime – subject to change

7.05 Field Size

Fields for all age groups must meet the U.S. Soccer/FIFA requirements for field size.

7.06 Anchored Goals

The coaches and match referee should inspect the integrity of the goals to ensure they are secure and suitable for play.

7.07 Team Uniforms

Each player (except a goalkeeper) shall have a number on the player’s jersey. The number shall be affixed to the back of the jersey and be clearly visible. Each player on a team should wear a number different from the number of every other player on the team. Numbered jerseys on goalkeepers are optional.

All teams are required to attend each match with two (2) sets of jerseys and socks for all its players; one set of light-colored jerseys and socks, and a second set of dark colored jerseys and socks.  It is expected that the first team listed on the match schedule is to wear light/white color jerseys and socks. If, in the opinion of the referee, there is a conflict in uniform color, the team listed second on the event schedule should change its jerseys and socks. The Event Manager shall have the option to assign jersey colors to teams for matches, should such procedure be deemed appropriate.

7.08 Uniform Logos and Patches

Teams playing in the Playoffs are permitted to have the following limited items on their game uniforms:

• USYS or National League related patch(es)
• Individual club and/or team logo and team sponsor logo
• USYS partner logos
• Name and jersey number of player

No other patches or logos are permitted unless written permission is granted by USYS. All patches or logos not permitted must either be covered up or removed. Any team that refuses to cover up or remove unpermitted patches or logos may be subject to a fine or sanctioning, as determined by the NL Management Group.

7.09 Coaching from Sidelines

Limited coaching is permitted only from one touch line from the team’s respective technical area (if marked) or from the centerline to no more than five (5) yards from the end of the team bench closest to the goal line (if no technical area is marked). Team bench persons may not enter the field without permission from the referee. Only one coach per team may stand and give instruction at a time.

7.10 Team Bench Area and Supervision

No more than four (4) team bench persons (being only team coaches, team administrators, team medical staff, and team video personnel) shall be permitted at the team bench area during a match. Any team video personnel on the team sideline must have proper credentials issued by their State Association. Players listed on the match lineup card are permitted at the team bench area during a match. A suspended team bench person is not permitted at the Team Bench Area. A coach, manager or team official must always supervise their team at the Team Bench Area. Coaches, managers and team officials are required to provide the Referee with a pass, as provided by USYS or their USYS Member State Association, certifying that the coach, manager or team official is currently rostered with the team/club.

7.11 Team Coaches – Coaching Education Requirement

On an annual basis, the NL Management Group shall determine the minimum levels of coaching education needed by each coach in order to supervise a team in the National League competition. Minimum levels of coaching education shall be outlined in the Conference Operating Procedures. Coaching education levels from U.S. Soccer, United Soccer Coaches and foreign national associations may be considered in meeting such standards.

7.12 Forfeit Due to Failure to Appear for Match

Failure to appear for a scheduled match will result in a forfeit. A team must be present and ready to play (7-player minimum) within ten (10) minutes of scheduled match time unless otherwise approved by the Event Manager.

SECTION 8. PLAYOFFS (Dec/Feb/May) – SEND OFFS, DISCIPLINE, AND PROTESTS

8.01 Protocol for Send Offs and Dismissals

Any player or team bench personnel dismissed from participating in an event match must leave the field area and retreat to an area designated by the Event Manager. All personnel dismissed by the match official are prohibited from communicating with the team for the duration of the game. Communication may include but is not limited to cell phone use, texting, or other means of communication. Violation of this rule may result in further disciplinary action against the individual and/or team. The match officials on site are authorized to prohibit the use of any communication devices at the team bench areas.

8.02 Send Offs and Dismissals – Automatic Suspension

Any player sent off or non-player dismissed will be automatically suspended for the next day of the event competition and for the team’s next event match (suspensions served concurrently). For a second send off or dismissal during a seasonal year and any send off or dismissal thereafter, the player or non- player will automatically be suspended for the next day of event competition and the team’s next two (2) event matches (served concurrently). Any player or non-player sent off or dismissed must comply with the location and communication provisions of Rule 8.01.

All send offs and dismissals, especially those that are a result of physical or verbal abuse, are to be reviewed by the Event Manager who, in consultation with the NL General Managers, may determine that an additional suspension shall be assessed. The Event Manager has the right to impose additional sanctions regarding any matters arising from participation in the Playoffs as a result of the sending off.

8.03 Racial / Spitting / Discriminatory Incident – Automatic Suspension

Any official reports from a referee or league/event official involving a racial, spitting, or discriminatory incident will be subject to a minimum suspension as follows: at least a five (5) game suspension for making racist or discriminatory remarks at or about any person; at least a five (5) game suspension for spitting at a person.

All official reports of racial or discriminatory behavior shall be subject to review by the NL Management Group who may impose additional sanctions.

8.04 Playing of a Suspended Player

A team that plays suspended player may be subject to disciplinary action which could include, but not be limited to: (a) forfeiture of the match, and (b) suspension of the team’s coach from the Playoffs. Additional disciplinary action could include (a) expulsion of the team from the Playoffs.; and/or (b) any further action(s) not limited to fines as determined by the NL General Managers.

8.05 Reporting Send Offs to States

The Event Manager may distribute information on all send-offs to the respective State Associations.

8.06 Termination of Matches

Referees may terminate matches for lack of crowd control, poor team behavior or other unsportsmanlike circumstances. Each coach is responsible for the behavior and conduct of his/her players. Upon request by the Referees, coaches are responsible for assisting in the control of parents, fans, and spectators. The Referee will immediately report the termination of any match to the Event Manager. The Event Manager shall ascertain the facts and determine appropriate disciplinary action. The NL Management Group shall determine any additional sanctioning.

8.07 Suspensions Incurred at Last Event Match

If a player or non-player is sent off or dismissed during the last match of a NL Quarterfinal event, and such team has qualified for the NL Semifinal event, the suspension shall be served at the semifinal event. If a player or non-player is sent off or dismissed during the last match of the NL Semifinal event, the suspension shall be served at the team’s next National League match. The NL General Managers have the right to impose additional sanctions regarding any matters arising from participation in the Playoffs as the result of the sending off or dismissal.

8.08 Match Manipulation

Match manipulation is when a team or teams fail to compete in the spirit of the competition or are involved in the manipulation of a game result. Reports of suspected match manipulation must be extensively substantiated in writing and be filed in writing with the Event Manager no later than two (2) hours following the completion of the match in question. Event Manager will investigate and adjudicate all allegations of match manipulation and will impose appropriate sanctions.

Verified instances of match manipulation shall be subject to sanctioning at the discretion of the NL General Managers. Such sanctions against the team and club found guilty of match manipulation may include but may not be limited to: (1) a minimum $10,000 fine; (2) forfeiture of matches; (3) suspension of the team coach(es) and club Director of Coaching; and/or (4) suspension from National League.

8.09 Violation of Rules or Operating Procedures

Any violation of the rules herein or Operating Procedures not specifically addressed in these rules will be subject to disciplinary action by the NL General Managers.

8.10 Protests and Appeals

Protests and Appeals must be filed in accordance with Section 20 of the NL Regional Tier Rules.

To be valid and eligible for consideration, a protest must be written on the Game Card and orally lodged by a team official with the match referee and the opposing coach at the game site before leaving the field of play. All protests must be submitted in writing and filed by the Director of the Club or the Director of Coaching of the Club that the team is a member with the appropriate fee to the Event Manager. The protest must be submitted no later than three (3) hours after match completion. The referee is the final authority on the field of play. All decisions of the referees with respect to matters of fact, including judgment matters, are final and may not be protested.

In cases of on-site protests or appeals, the Event Manager may approve a submission method other than by Registered or Certified U.S. Mail (as described in Section 20), which may include submission by email or in-person submission.

SECTION 9. PLAYOFFS (Dec/Feb/May) – STANDINGS/RESULTS

NOTE: Section 9 applies to the December NL Quarterfinal event and the Feb/May NL Semifinal events where round-robin group play formats are used.

9.01 Match Points

The standings of teams within a competition format will be based upon the number of points earned from each match. Teams earn points as follows: 3 points for a win; 1 point for a tie; and no points for a loss.

9.02 Forfeits

A forfeited match will be scored as a 1-0 win for the opponent. In addition, a team that forfeits one or more matches may be subject to further sanctioning including but not limited to a fine, becoming ineligible to advance in the Playoffs, or being suspended from the National League. The Event Manager, after consultation with the NL General Managers, shall determine any additional sanctioning.

The Event Manager, with consultation of the NL General Managers, will review forfeitures on a case-by-case basis. If it is determined that, based on the circumstances surrounding a team’s forfeiture of a match, dropping that team from the Playoffs will best maintain the integrity of the competition, that action may be taken. Should a team be dropped, all scores for that team in the event schedule shall be recorded as a 1-0 win for the opponent.

9.03 Uneven Number of Matches

If the teams in a competitions format do not play the same number of matches due to unforeseen circumstances, excluding matches that teams forfeit, the Event Manager shall determine the final standings utilizing average points per game and any tie-breaking procedures of Rule 9.04.

9.04 Tiebreakers

The following tiebreaker criteria apply to the competitions within the Playoffs.

Tiebreakers—Two Teams are Tied

If two teams are tied on the basis of points earned, the team’s placement will be determined in accordance with the following sequential criteria:

1. Winner of head-to-head competition
2. Winner of most games (all games)
3. Best Goal spread (goals scored minus goals against) in all games
4. Fewest goals allowed
5. Coin Toss

Tiebreakers—Three Teams That Are Tied

If three teams are tied on the basis of points earned, the final rankings will be determined in accordance with the following sequential criteria. If a criterion creates a situation where the three-way tie is completely broken, then that determines the final order of finish between those three teams. If a criterion separates just one team, then the two teams that are still tied based on that criterion will resort to the two-team tiebreaker to determine the order of finish between those two teams.

1. Points earned in head-to-head competition among the teams
2. Winner of most games (all games)
3. Best Goal spread (goals scored minus goals against) in games among the tied teams
4. Best Goal spread (goals scored minus goals against) in all games
5. Fewest goals allowed in games among the tied teams
6. Fewest goals allowed in all game.
7. Drawing of lots

Tiebreakers—Four Teams That Are Tied

If four teams are tied on the basis of points earned, the final rankings will be determined in accordance with the following sequential criteria. If a criterion creates a situation where the four-way tie is completely broken, then that determines the final order of finish between those four teams. If a criterion breaks a portion of the tied teams, then the tiebreaker shall move to the tiebreaker that coincides with the number of teams that remain tied.

1. Points earned in head-to-head competition among the tied teams
2. Winner of most games (all games)
3. Best Goal spread (goals scored minus goals against) in games among the tied teams
4. Best Goal spread (goals scored minus goals against) in all games
5. Fewest goals allowed in games among the tied teams
6. Fewest goals allowed in all games
7. Drawing of lots

Tiebreakers—Not Covered

For any situation not covered within these rules, the Event Manager will also determine any tie-breaking procedures that may need to be applied.