All matches will be played according to the current rules of International Rules of Hockey, with the exceptions specific to Tournament rules as listed here. Furthermore, the rules listed in this document can be altered at any time before the start of the tournament at the discretion of the tournament committee.

Check-in Procedures

All team managers must check in at the registration desk before their first match no later than 30 minutes. A “Code of Conduct” will have already been signed at the time of online registration and the Manager assumes full responsibility for his team and supporter’s behavior.

Format / Number of Players

Men – 7-a-side format. Maximum of 2 international players and total of 11 players per roster.

Women – 7-a-side format. (6 plus 1 Goalie). Maximum of 11 players per roster.

Masters (Mixed) – 7-a-side format. (5 plus 1 Goalie) Maximum of 11 players per roster. The age bracket for men will be over 50 or 60 as indicated. Women over 40 or 50 as indicated are allowed.

Youth – 7-a-side format. (5 plus 1 Goalie) Maximum of 11 players per roster.

Time

a. All scheduled games will be played as two 20-minute halves minimum.
b. There will be a minimum of 3-4 minutes break at each half and end of each game.
c. Game start-stop times will be controlled from the Technical Desk signaled by a horn.
d. There will be no extra stoppage time or overtime offered. Teams must ensure they are ready to play with all players present at the start of their game time.
e. The two umpires are the final authority on the field for each game. All players must comply and follow all instructions as given by umpires.

Teams

a. Teams WILL NOT be allowed to add a player or modify their roster after the start of their first game.

b. Within a single division, a player can register and play on ONE TEAM only. A team playing with a player not registered on their submitted roster shall forfeit the game and the score shall be 3-0, or the actual score whichever favors the opposing team. Players can however play in multiple divisions. However, the organizers are not responsible for any conflicting scheduling between divisions.

c. All players must wear matching-colored shirts and socks during their game. If there is a color conflict with two team jerseys as identified by the game umpire or requested by the team captains, the team listed second on the schedule will wear the colored pinnies as supplied by the Technical Desk.

d. All games will begin on time as indicated on the tournament master schedule and signaled by the Technical Desk. If a team is not ready to play within 5 minutes of the scheduled start time or has less than 8 players for Mixed/Social and 4 players for Women & Masters on the field, that team will forfeit the game. The score of the forfeited game will be 3-0. If neither team is ready to play after 5 minutes of start time, the score will be recorded as 0-0 for both teams.

Team/Player Conduct

a. The tournament organizers ask that all players and supporters conduct themselves professionally and respectfully on and off the field. Team managers are responsible for the conduct of their players at all times during the tournament. It is requested that everyone extend the utmost courtesy and respect to other players and umpires. Aggressive, dangerous, and disrespectful behavior by any player or supporter will not be tolerated. The umpire and Tournament Committee members reserve the right to suspend or eject any player, team, or supporter(s) from the tournament and facility. Any player who is sent off the field (Red Card) will have his name and the circumstances recorded by the umpire. The violating player will not be allowed to play in their current and the next game. The player must leave the field without delay and must not be in the line of sight of the field unless injured. Upon the recommendation of the umpire and based on the severity of the infraction, the Tournament Committee will determine the player’s eligibility for further participation in the tournament. Any team using a disqualified player will forfeit the game. A player having received a Red Card will not be allowed to participate in any penalty strokes or shoot-out to break a tie (4(d7) and 9).

b. Possession and consumption of any alcoholic products or narcotics are strictly prohibited at the facility during the tournament. Players shall not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during a game. Violating this rule will result in the player’s automatic suspension from the tournament.

Standings

a. Pool matches will result in 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 for a loss or forfeit. Teams will also accrue negative points associated with warning cards issued to players by the umpire. -1 point for a green card, -2 points for yellow, and -5 points for red. These warning card points will only be used for the tie-break rule (d)6 below.

b. Umpires will record goals scored and player suspension on the scorecards provided by the Technical Desk. At the end of each game, both team captains must sign the scorecard, which will be returned to the Technical Deck for tabulation.

c. Any team that does not play their scheduled pool game will automatically be disqualified from advancing to the next round of play regardless of the total points accumulated.

d. Pool standings will be determined based on:

1. Most points earned by each team (negative warning points are not used here).
2. If still tied, then goals scored minus goals scored against
3. If still tied, then the team with the most goals scored.
4. If still tied, then the team with the least goals against.
5. If still tied, then the negative warning card points will be used and deducted from the team’s total earned points (Example: a team has earned a total of 7 points from pool matches but also has -3 negative points from warning cards (1 green, 2 yellow) which result in a total of 4 points).
6. If still tied, rule #8 below will take effect unless both teams agree to a coin toss
7. In a situation where all other tie-break conditions have been exhausted, the following procedure will be used to break a tie:

a. Five nominated players from each team will have an attempt each on the opponent’s goalkeeper (or kicking back) for a penalty stroke.
b. If a player receives a Red Card during the penalty strokes, that player will no longer take part in taking a penalty stroke and his/her team will use only the remaining 4 original players to take the penalty strokes.
c. Sudden death penalty strokes will follow if they are still tied.

8. For the semi-final and final game results that end in a tie, a shoot-out will take place to determine the winner. The following procedures will apply:

a. A coin toss will give a team the choice to attack or defend.
b. Five identified players from each team shall go one-on-one alternately against the goalkeeper from the opposing team. Players can be sent to take a shoot-out at the discretion of the team.
c. The shoot-out will begin within two minutes after the end of the match. No lineup is required to be submitted to the umpires.
d. The team awarded the highest number of goals shall be the winner.
e. Once the shoot-out procedure is decisive, the game shall be complete, and no more one-on-one attempts need to be taken.
f. Taking the shoot-out:

i. The goalkeeper/defender starts on or behind the goal line between the posts.
ii. The ball is placed on the nearest 23m line opposite the center of the goal.
iii. The attacker stands outside the 23m line near the ball.
iv. The umpire blows the whistle to signal the start of the shoot-out. The attacker and the goalkeeper may then move accordingly.
v. The shoot-out is completed under the following conditions:
vi. Eight seconds has elapsed.
vii. The attacker scores a goal.
viii. The attacker commits an offense.
ix. The goalkeeper commits an unintentional offense. (The shoot-out is re-taken.).

Should a team/manager decide to contest a decision or file a protest regarding any issues with a game, the team captain shall give notice in writing within 30 minutes following the end of a game along with a monetary deposit of $100 cash. The protest will then be reviewed by the Tournament Committee and the matter will be decided promptly. If the protest goes in favor of the team, then the deposit will be refunded, otherwise, it will be kept by the Tournament Committee. The decision of the Tournament Committee is final.

Additional Rules and Considerations:

• If players are playing in multiple divisions, it will be at the players discretion. The tournament committee will make a ‘best effort’ in scheduling but takes no responsibility on game conflicts or back-to-back games!
• Please note that there may be critical conflicts on Sunday during the play-offs. If there are any conflicts, the Tournament Committee will not be able to handle any change requests!
• Final team rosters must be submitted by January 15, 2025. No changes will be allowed after this. Teams playing with any player outside of their roster stand to be disqualified.
• Volunteer umpires MUST report to the Technical Desk prior to their allotted games. Failure to do so will result in ONE point deducted from their team.
• Mixed Division requires a minimum of 4 women on the field at all times. If a woman is unavailable, then the team will be a player short.
• Masters Division
  There will be no hitting in the Masters Division.
  If there is no goalie – one kicking back must be clearly identified to the Umpire before starting the game!
  Kicking backs can only be changed at half time.
• WOMEN and MASTERS
  Short Corners – 3 plus goalie in the cage

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to change or modify any component of the tournament rules as it deems necessary. In addition, the Tournament Committee will use its discursion and common sense to address any situation or condition not covered in this document to ensure maximum enjoyment for the players while ensuring safety for all.

Indemnification

All participants – teams, coaches, umpires, and all others associated – agree to indemnify the organizers and/or property owners of any and all liability on behalf of the individual registering as well as their team members and guests. Attendance and participation is at your own risk.

Grand Canyon Field Hockey Tournament Committee
https://phoenixhockeyclub.org