Bay Area Surf Cup Rules
Best of the Bay | Labor Day Weekend
Age Groups: August 1 – July 31 Birth Year Cycle
The Bay Area Surf Cup is designed to provide a competitive, organized, and professional tournament experience for teams U8–U19. Please review the basic rules below before attending.
Age Groups
| Age Group | Date of Birth Range | Format |
|---|---|---|
| U8 | Aug 1, 2018 – July 31, 2019 | 7v7 |
| U9 | Aug 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018 | 7v7 |
| U10 | Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017 | 7v7 |
| U11 | Aug 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016 | 9v9 |
| U12 | Aug 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015 | 9v9 |
| U13 | Aug 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014 | 11v11 |
| U14 | Aug 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013 | 11v11 |
| U15 | Aug 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012 | 11v11 |
| U16 | Aug 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 | 11v11 |
| U17 | Aug 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010 | 11v11 |
| U19 | Aug 1, 2007 – July 31, 2009 | 11v11 |
Game Lengths
| Format | Age Groups | Game Length |
|---|---|---|
| 7v7 | U8–U10 | 50 minutes |
| 9v9 | U11–U12 | 60 minutes |
| 11v11 | U13–U19 | 70 minutes |
All games will use a running clock. No added time will be given unless decided by tournament officials.
Roster Sizes
| Format | Max Roster |
|---|---|
| 7v7 | 13 players |
| 9v9 | 16 players |
| 11v11 | 22 players |
All players listed on the official roster may dress and play.
Player Cards & Check-In
Teams must check in before their first game.
Teams must provide valid player cards and medical release forms.
MLS teams may use their official Kitman roster.
No player card or approved roster means the player cannot participate.
Roster Rules
Rosters are frozen before the team’s first game. Players may not be added after the first game begins.
Players may only play for one team during the tournament.
Guest players are allowed, but must be included within the maximum roster size.
Tournament Points
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| Win | 3 points |
| Tie | 1 point |
| Loss | 0 points |
Tiebreakers
If teams are tied after group play, advancement will be decided in this order:
- Head-to-head result
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Goals allowed
- Most wins
- Penalty kick shootout
Playoff Games
Group games may end in a tie.
Semifinal and final games tied after regulation will go directly to penalty kicks. No overtime will be played.
Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions are allowed with referee approval.
Sidelines & Conduct
Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their players, staff, and spectators.
Spectators must remain on the opposite side of the field from the team benches.
Abusive language, poor sideline behavior, or referee abuse will not be tolerated.
Cards & Suspensions
A player or coach receiving a red card will miss the next game.
Serious offenses may result in additional suspension or removal from the tournament.
A player receiving two yellow cards in one game will receive a red card.
Forfeits
Teams must be ready to play at the scheduled kickoff time.
A team not ready within 5 minutes may forfeit the game.
Forfeits will be recorded as a 1–0 loss.
Home & Away Teams
The home team is listed first on the schedule and should wear light jerseys.
The away team is listed second and should wear dark jerseys.
If there is a color conflict, the away team must change.
Weather & Schedule Changes
Tournament officials may adjust, shorten, move, or cancel games due to weather or field conditions.
A game is considered official once one half has been completed.
Final Notes
Referee decisions are final.
No protests will be accepted.
The Tournament Director has final authority on all tournament matters.