Two young soccer players compete for the ball on a grassy field during a match on a sunny day.

As of May 25th, 2025

Tournament rules

NDC 2025 logo with blue stylized letters and the year 2025 underneath.

1. Application & Registration

Application Deadline:

  • All team applications must be submitted by August 12, 2025.

  • Card on file will be charge upon team acceptance

 

  • Teams not accepted will not be charged.

  • Late applications will be placed on a waitlist and considered only if a spot becomes available.

Withdrawals:

  • Teams withdrawing before August 18, 2025, will receive a refund minus a $150 processing fee and merchant fees.

  • Teams withdrawing after August 18, 2025, are not entitled to a refund.

2. Team Check-In & Match Preparation

Online Check-In:

  • All teams must complete online check-in one week prior to the tournament.

  • Only players listed on the verified roster will be allowed to participate.

Match Preparation & Game Cards:

  • All matches will have a 5-minute grace period. A team must have at least 7 players to avoid a forfeit.

  • The home team is listed first on the schedule, chooses field side, and must change jerseys in case of a color conflict (as determined by the referee).

  • Teams and spectators must be on opposite sides of the field.

  • Game cards will be provided by the tournament.

3. Rosters & Player Eligibility

  • Roster Limits:

  • Guest Players:
    Must be properly credentialed and listed on the online roster before check-in.

4. Flight Determination

  • Flights within each division will be selected by the Tournament Committee.

  • Flight preferences may be submitted but are not guaranteed.

5. Rules of Play

Governing Rules:
All matches follow FIFA Laws of the Game, modified by USYSA and US Club Soccer.

Venue:
All matches will be played at SilverLakes Park.

Game Format:

Age GroupFormatHalvesBall Size2019–20167v725 mins#42015–20149v930 mins#42013–201211v1135 mins#5U15–U1911v1140 mins#5

Halftime:

  • 5 minutes

6. Match Conduct & Regulations

Substitutions:

  • Allowed at any stoppage, with referee approval.

Equipment:

  • Shin guards and cleats required.

  • Participation with hard casts at referee discretion.

Player/Coach Discipline:

  • Red card (or double yellow): Suspended for current and next match.

  • Violent conduct: Suspended for entire tournament and reported to the State Association.

Team/Spectator Conduct:

  • Coaches are responsible for team and spectator behavior.

  • Misconduct may result in disqualification with no refund.

  • Spectators must stay 2 yards from the sideline at all times.

7. Match Results & Scoring

Points System:

  • Win: 3 points

  • Tie: 1 point

  • Loss: 0 points

  • Forfeit: 1-0 win for opposing team

Tiebreakers (in order):

  1. Head-to-head

  2. Total points

  3. Goal differential

  4. Goals against

  5. Goals scored

  6. Total wins

  7. Most shutouts

  8. Coin flip

Playoff Format for 12-Team Brackets:

  • 3 groups of 4 teams.

  • Group winners + 1 wildcard advance to semifinals.

  • Matchups will adjust if the wildcard is from the same group as another advancing team.

8. Team Designations

Home Team:

  • First listed on schedule.

  • Wears white/light-colored jersey.

  • Chooses sideline and direction.

  • Supplies ball if the official ball is unavailable.

Visiting Team:

  • Second listed.

  • Wears dark-colored jersey.

  • Must change if there is a color conflict.

  • Takes opening kickoff.

9. Game Administration

Score Corrections:

  • Must be agreed upon by both coaches and the Field Marshal.

  • Referee confirmation and Tournament Director approval required.

Red Card Corrections:

  • Only if referee confirms error and Tournament Director approves.

Game Check-In:

  • Check in at HQ Tent near Field House and Field 16 before the first match.

  • Team gifts and roster confirmation handled here.

10. Weather, Cancellations, & Refunds

Inclement Weather:

  • Matches at or past halftime will stand.

  • Matches with less than 20 minutes played may be canceled or rescheduled.

  • Matches may be shortened or relocated.

Tournament Cancellation:

  • Partial refunds issued based on final approved budgets.

  • SilverLakes and Legends FC are not responsible for participant expenses due to cancellation.

Final Authority:

  • The Tournament Director reserves the right to make final decisions on all matters.

  • All participants agree to the SilverLakes Registration Agreement by registering.