Age Matrix & Brackets

We strive to give you a great experience. Top competition with competitive brackets. Come join us for a great season of soccer fun in beautiful Southern California.

This season will focus on the 2026/2027 calendar year age matrix. We will offer the following Brackets:

• 7v7 for U7, U8, U9, U10
• 9v9 for U11 & U12
• 11v11 for U13 & Older

Team Registration & Rosters

Game Day Check-In

All teams must check in at the field marshal table 30 minutes prior to each game. All players and a coach must be present at the time of the field check-in with the field marshal. A team that fails to report fifteen minutes prior to scheduled kick-off will forfeit the game.

Prior to the start of each game, the team Player identification cards and team roster will be dropped off with the field marshal and picked up after the match. The team manager or coach will verify the score of the match with a signature (expected to sign immediately after the match). The player identification cards and roster may be picked up at this time after both team officials have verified the score with a signature. Failure to check-in will result in automatic disqualification from the tournament without a refund of the League fee. No card, no play.

Credentials

• Player Cards: Only Cal South / USYS 2025/2026 ID's will be accepted. At "Check-in," teams must provide the required credentials.
• All U.S. teams must provide valid player identification cards with a photograph. United States Youth Soccer Association teams / U.S. teams registered through Cal South must provide valid Players of their affiliation.
• All coaches must have a team binder which consists of Player Medical Liability/Media Release forms & Birth certificates for each player on hand.
• Teams must follow the Age Group requirements (2026/2027 season) from US Soccer Seasonal year for each age group. Teams/Individuals can choose to play up in an age bracket if they wish.

Rosters

Players will be allowed within the maximum roster of players. All players must be current USYSA/USSF or National equivalent players and can only play for one team.

• Teams U8-U10 could register up to 12 players.
• Teams U11-U12 could register up to 16 players.
• Teams U13 thru U19 could register up to 22 players.

Club Pass Rule - Player Movement Between Teams

Flights

In divisions which have a large number of teams, Flight 1 and Flight 2 will be created if the necessary criteria have been met.

Rules of Play

FIFA Laws of the Game will apply as modified by USYSA as described herein. Referees have been instructed to start the game on time.

Duration of Game, Halves & Ball Size

• U13 & Older: Ball Size 5
• U7 - U12: Ball Size 4

Uniforms

• Home Team: Light Color Jersey
• Away Team: Dark Color Jersey
• The team listed as the home team is responsible for providing 3 game balls.
• If there is a uniform conflict, the team listed as the home team must change uniforms (Jerseys).

Match Format

• * Group Play: All group games will be called not less than five (5) minutes prior to the start of the next scheduled game without regard to the amount of time played in each half up to that point. A game is “complete” upon completion of one half. The final result will be based upon the score at the time the game is called. Group play games can end in a tie.
• ** Playoffs: Games tied after regulation will have the match decided by FIFA Penalty Kicks, which will immediately follow the end of the regulation.

Substitutions & Equipment

• Substitutions shall be unlimited. Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee, at any stoppage in play. (USYSA Rule 302 Cal South Rule 2.9)
• Players Equipment: All equipment will be approved at the discretion of the Center referee who will determine the safety and suitability of a player’s equipment.

Scoring System

Determination of standings within a group:

• Win: Three (3) points
• Tie: One (1) point
• Loss: Zero (0) points
• Forfeit: Scored as 2-0 and Winner receives three (3) points.

Referee Fees, Cancellations & Forfeits

The referee assignor schedules referees well in advance to ensure smooth league operations. Please be advised of the following mandatory rules regarding schedule changes and forfeit fees.

Forfeit Fees for Canceled Matches

Funds collected go towards covering the lost costs for the referee, field rentals, and support staff.

No-Show Forfeiture Rule

If a team does not show up to their scheduled game, they will forfeit. The team must pay a double ref fee (Ref Fees to cover both teams + League Fines) as a forfeit fee. Games will not be scheduled for that team until all forfeit fees have been paid.

Fee Payment Options

Miscellaneous Policies

• Refund Policy: Once a team has been accepted, NO REFUNDS.
• Field Rules: Teams are responsible for field cleanup. No dogs, no sunflower seeds, no trash left behind. No gum or colored drinks (only water) allowed on synthetic turf fields. Spectators must remain in bleacher areas. Absolutely no alcohol, air horns, noise makers, or weapons permitted.
• Natural Events: If the tournament is canceled as a result of weather, acts of terrorism, or acts out of our control (e.g., Pandemic), teams will receive credit for the following season.

Referee Authority & Conduct

Referee Decisions: The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final. The referee may only change a decision upon realizing that it is incorrect or, at his/her discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee, provided that he/she has not restarted play.

Coaching Conduct

All coaches will be responsible for the conduct of their players (on and off the field), and spectators at all times. Coaching from the sideline is permitted, provided:

• The tone of voice is instructive and not derogatory.
• Each coach stays within 10 yards of the halfway line.
• No coach, players, or spectators make derogatory remarks or gestures to the referees, other coach, players, or spectators.
• No coach, player, or spectator uses any profanity or incites disruptive behavior.
• Instruction is directed at one’s own team.

Cautions and Ejections

• A player receiving two cautions (yellow cards) in a single game is considered to have been given an ejection (red card).
• A player who has been ejected (sent off), will not be replaced.
• A player who has been ejected will not return for that game and will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game(s).
• A player who is ejected for violent conduct or serious foul play will not be allowed to participate in the next minimum THREE scheduled games.
• Any player or coach who assaults a referee will be expelled from the League.
• A coach who has been ejected (sent off) will be suspended the same as a player ejection.

Suspended and Terminated Games

• Suspended Games: If, in the opinion of the referee, a game must be suspended (for reason), the game may be resumed, but is subject to being ended not less than five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled start of the next game.
• Terminated Games: If, in the opinion of the referee, a game must be terminated for misconduct of players, bench, coaches, or spectators; the offending team could be suspended from further play and will forfeit that game and depending on the severity of the offense, all remaining games and be removed from the league. All previous points earned will be awarded as forfeits. Additionally, the home league and State Association will be contacted as appropriate.
• Injury Delays: Delays of the game due to injury will result in appropriate time being added to the full game time, based on the judgment of the referee. However, all preliminary games will be terminated not less than five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled start of the next game.

Penalties Matrix

Please review the standard penalties matrix for misconduct below. Click the image to view it in full screen.