August 7–9, 2026 · Starfire Sports Complex · Tukwila, WA
Official rules for Club América La Copa Washington 2026. All teams, coaches, and players are expected to be familiar with these rules prior to the tournament.
| Rule | U9–U10 (7v7) | U11–U12 (9v9) | U13–U19 (11v11) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Size | 7v7 | 9v9 | 11v11 |
| Ball Size | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Max Roster (Dressed) | 14 | 16 | 18 / 22 max |
| Game Length | 25 min per half | 25 min per half | 30 min per half |
| Finals Length | 25 min per half | 25 min per half | 30 min per half |
| Offside | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Games Guaranteed | 3 group + finals | 3 group + finals | 3 group + finals |
All teams check in online by the designated day. You are not required to come to tournament headquarters before your first game.
Club América La Copa staff will report scores when possible. In some situations, score reporting responsibility falls to the winning team, or the home team in the event of a draw.
The away team changes jerseys in the event of a color clash. Game balls will be provided by the tournament.
A maximum of 3 points may be awarded per game: 3 points for a win, 1 for a tie, 0 for a loss. A forfeit is scored as a 1-0 win with 3 points awarded.
Every team plays 3 group stage matches. Standings are determined using Points Per Game (Total Points Earned ÷ Matches Played). Matches not played cannot be assumed as wins, losses, or ties.
The two teams ranked highest in group standings by PPG advance directly to the Championship Final. There are no semifinal matches, and advancement is determined strictly by standings regardless of original group or bracket assignment — it is possible for both advancing teams to come from the same group.
In the event of a 3-way tie, tiebreakers are applied starting at #2 until one team advances, then restarted at #1 for the remaining two teams.
If tied at the end of regulation, a Golden Goal period of one 5-minute period follows. If either team scores, the game ends immediately. If still tied after the 5-minute period, the game moves to kicks from the spot — each team selects 5 players who were on the field at the end of the game, alternating kicks. If still tied after 5 kicks, teams alternate one at a time until a winner is determined. All eligible players must kick before any player repeats. Goalies may be changed after any shot.
Champions and Finalists both receive tournament medals at the conclusion of the Championship Game. All teams proceed to the awards area in the Pavilion.
Qualified officials will officiate each game. 11v11 games are officiated by a central referee and 2 assistant referees, though availability of qualified referees may necessitate fewer linesmen on occasion.
U12 players and older may head the ball intentionally. If a player plays "up" an age division, they follow the rules of that age group.
The opposing team must be behind the build-out line for goal kicks. A build-out/offside line is used, positioned equidistant between the penalty area and the halfway line. The keeper cannot drop-kick or punt the ball. There is no stoppage time for injuries.
No build-out line is used. The offside rule applies with the center line used as the offside line. The keeper can punt the ball. There is no stoppage time for injuries.
There is no stoppage time for injuries.
Substitutions can be made at any stoppage with the consent of the official, including free kicks, corners, and opposition stoppages such as the other team's throw-in. Unlimited re-entries are allowed.
Every attempt will be made to play all scheduled games. At the first visible sign of lightning, all play stops and players/spectators move to a safe location. Game clocks continue running for in-progress games. Play resumes 30 minutes after the last visible lightning strike. Personal safety is the number one priority and supersedes any game situation — no appeals will be allowed.
A team that does not show with the minimum number of players results in a 0-3 forfeit loss. A 15-minute grace period applies if a team shows up to the wrong field. A team fully responsible for terminating a game due to poor sportsmanship will forfeit. Playing with more players than the maximum roster size without written confirmation results in a forfeit.
Two yellow cards in a game equal an ejection; an ejected player may not be replaced and is suspended for the next scheduled game. An ejected coach may not participate in the next scheduled game. Assault or abuse by players, coaches, or supporters results in immediate suspension for the balance of the event.
Each team must have a coach or administrator with a valid coaching pass present at all scheduled matches. If no coach is present, the match is forfeited 3-0. A maximum of 3 coaches are allowed on the sideline.
Field Marshals are present at all fields and have the authority to remove unruly or uncivil spectators or coaches from the field perimeter or complex. Alcohol consumption is not permitted on premises.
No protests will be considered. No refunds will be issued after a team has been accepted into the event.
⚽ USSSA Sanctioned Event · Club América La Copa Washington 2026