Rules & Policies

The 2026 Westside Invitational is sanctioned by the New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) and follows FIFA, USSF, and NYSWYSA guidelines. All head coaches must sign and submit the Rules Acknowledgement Form at team registration. Download the complete official rules below.

Game Format at a Glance

U8-U10: 7v7, rosters up to 14, two 25-minute halves, size 4 ball

U11-U12: 9v9, rosters up to 18, two 30-minute halves, size 4 ball

U13-U14: 11v11, rosters up to 22, two 30-minute halves, size 5 ball

U15-U19: 11v11, rosters up to 22, two 35-minute halves, size 5 ball

No overtime in pool play -- games can end in a tie. Championship ties are decided by FIFA penalty kicks. Standings are not kept for U8, U9, and U10 divisions; all players in those age groups receive participation awards.

Registration & Roster Requirements

Every player must present a valid USSF, state, or national player pass with photo and signature at registration. Rosters may include up to three (3) guest players. Once registered, rosters cannot be changed. No player may register or play for more than one team in the tournament. Teams must be properly registered before their first game or all games will be forfeited until registration is complete.

Standings & Points

Win = 3 points, Tie = 1 point, Loss = 0 points, Shutout = 1 bonus point (0-0 ties do not count as a shutout). A red card or coach ejection results in minus 1 point. Tiebreakers are applied in order: head-to-head result, goals against, most wins, goal differential per win (max +3), most shutouts, and finally FIFA penalty kicks. The top two teams in each division typically advance to a championship match. Awards are presented to division champions and runners-up.

For the complete official rules, including substitution policy, red/yellow card procedures, forfeits, inclement weather policy, field conduct, equipment requirements, and protest procedures, please download the full tournament rules document below.

Questions? Contact Tournament Director Tony Cafarelli at tournament@hiltonheat.com.