Surf Invitational 2026 rules - Always Rising.Always Surf.

Outdoor Rules

Age Group	U8–U10	U11–U12	U13–U19
Field Size	7v7	9v9	11v11
Ball Size	4	4	5
Roster Size (Max Dressed)	14 Max	16 Max	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
Minimum Games	3 games	3 games	3 games

Team Check-In

All teams check in online by the designated day. You are not required to come to tournament headquarters before your first game.

Reporting Scores

Western WA Surf 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.

Jersey Change & Game Ball

The away team changes jerseys in the event of a color clash. The home team provides the game ball.

Scoring Format — Group Play

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.

Points Per Game (PPG)

Due to varying group sizes, teams may play a different number of matches during group play. Standings are determined using Points Per Game (Total Points Earned ÷ Matches Played) to ensure fair comparison across all teams. Matches not played cannot be assumed as wins, losses, or ties.

Advancement to Championship Final

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.

Tiebreakers — Group Standings

Head-to-head competition
Highest goal differential (limit of 6 per game)
Most wins
Most goals for (limit of 6 per game)
Fewest goals against (limit of 6 per game)
Most shutouts
Penalty kick shoot-out (5 players per team; sudden victory if still tied)

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.

Championship Games & Penalty Kicks

If tied at the end of regulation, a Golden Goal period of two 2.5-minute halves follows. If either team scores, the game ends immediately. If still tied, 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 (first kicker determined by coin flip). 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.

Tournament Awards

Champions and Finalists both receive tournament medals at the conclusion of the Championship Game. All teams proceed to the awards area in the Pavilion.

Rosters

11v11 age groups (U13 and up): no more than 22 players on roster, 18 dressed per game
Teams allowed 5 guest players (must be on roster)
No roster changes permitted after a team roster has been approved at tournament registration
Players may only be listed on one roster per event

Officiating

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.

Heading Rules

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.

7v7 Guidelines (U8–U10)

The opposing team must be behind the build-out line for goal kicks. A build-out line / offside line is used, positioned equidistant between the penalty area and the halfway line. At 7v7, the focus is on development and multiple touches with minimal stoppages, rather than coaches and teams focusing on the offside trap. The keeper cannot drop-kick or punt the ball. There is no stoppage time for injuries.

9v9 Guidelines (U11–U12)

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.

11v11 Guidelines (U13–U19)

There is no stoppage time for injuries.

Substitutions

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. There is no stoppage time for injuries.

Weather & Lightning Policy

Every attempt will be made to play all scheduled games. At the sole discretion of the event director/committee, some games may be declared a 0-0 tie and not made up.

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. If time runs out at or past halftime when play was stopped, the result at that point stands. If 5 minutes or less remain in the first half with a 2+ goal differential, the game is declared final. Play resumes 30 minutes after the last visible lightning strike, with the nearest-scheduled game resuming first. Personal safety is the number one priority and supersedes any game situation — no appeals will be allowed.

Team Withdrawals & Forfeits

A team that does not show with the minimum number of players results in a 0-3 forfeit loss. If a team shows up to the wrong field, a 15-minute grace period applies to reach the minimum of 7 players before the game becomes a forfeit. A team fully responsible for terminating a game due to poor sportsmanship will forfeit, incurring a 0-3 loss. Playing with more players than the maximum roster size without written confirmation from the event committee results in a forfeit.

Player Safety

Soft splints or casts allowed if the referee determines they pose no danger
Braces, joints, or prosthetics allowed if deemed safe by the referee
Sport spectacles/plastic prescription frames allowed; glass, metal, or sharp-edged eyewear is barred
Soft foam headgear allowed if deemed safe by the referee

If a referee determines a player is wearing a prohibited item, the player must remove it or will not be allowed to return to the match.

Player Deportment & Discipline

Shirts must be tucked in and shin guards covered by socks. Cards and conduct issues are recorded and reported to event directors. Two yellow cards in a game equal an ejection (red card); 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.

Coach Presence

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. If a coach is sent off, the team must replace them with another valid-pass coach/administrator from the same club within a 5-minute grace period.

Field Marshals & Conduct

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.

Protests & Refunds

No protests will be considered. No refunds will be issued after a team has been accepted into the event.

Indoor Rules —

U8–U12 | E90 Complex, Tukwila

Section 1: Format & Game Structure

1.1 Team Format

All matches are played 7v7 including one goalkeeper. Maximum roster size is 12 players. A minimum of 5 players is required to start a match. If a team drops below 4 players during a match, the game will be recorded as a forfeit unless the team chooses to continue play.

1.2 Game Length

All matches are 25 minutes in length. Games are played with a continuous running clock. There is no halftime. There is no routine stoppage time. The referee may add up to 5 minutes to the end of a match due to injury delays if deemed necessary.

1.3 Game Schedule

Game times are listed on the official tournament schedule at westernwasurf.com/surf-invitational-2026. Teams must be ready at their assigned field at least 10 minutes prior to kickoff.

1.4 Tournament Format

Each team is guaranteed three group stage games. Following group play, the top two teams in each division will advance to the championship final based on division standings. Advancement structure may vary by division depending on the number of registered teams.

Section 2: Field & Equipment

2.1 Field Specifications

All matches are played on indoor turf fields. Field dimensions are approximately 90 feet by 45 feet. Goals are Mod-size goals.

2.2 Footwear

Indoor shoes are recommended. Turf shoes and molded cleats are permitted. Metal studs are prohibited. Players wearing illegal footwear will not be allowed to participate until corrected.

2.3 Game Ball

U7–U8, U9–U10, and U11–U12 divisions use a Size 4 ball. Game balls will be provided by tournament staff.

2.4 Player Equipment

Shin guards are mandatory. Players without shin guards will not be permitted to play. No jewelry is allowed during matches.

2.5 Team Uniforms

Teams are encouraged to wear similar colors when possible, although uniforms are not required. In the event of a color conflict, pinnies will be provided.

Section 3: Substitutions

3.1 Substitution Rules

Substitutions are unlimited. Substitutions may occur at any time during the match. Substitutions are on the fly and do not require a stoppage in play. Teams may substitute during opponent possession.

3.2 Substitution Procedure

The exiting player must completely leave the field before the entering player steps onto the field. Failure to follow proper substitution procedure may result in a free kick awarded to the opposing team.

3.3 Goalkeeper Changes

Goalkeeper substitutions are permitted at any time without a stoppage.

Section 4: Game Start & Restarts

4.1 Kickoff

The ball may move in any direction on kickoff. A goal may be scored directly from kickoff. Opponents must give 3 yards of space until the ball is in play.

4.2 In Bounds and Out of Bounds

Side boards are considered in play. If the ball contacts the perimeter netting, play is stopped. The ball will be placed on the ground within 1 yard of the wall at the point of contact to restart play. Opponents must give 3 yards of space on all restarts. There are no throw-ins.

4.3 Corner Kicks

Corner kicks must be taken within 3 yards of the corner of the field. Opponents must give 3 yards of space. Goals may be scored directly from a corner kick.

4.4 Free Kicks

All free kicks are taken from the spot of the foul unless otherwise specified. Opponents must give 3 yards of space. Free kicks are direct unless otherwise indicated.

4.5 Goal Kicks

Goal kicks may be taken from any point inside the goal box. Goal kicks are indirect. Opponents must give 3 yards of space.

4.6 Offside and Build Out

There is no offside rule. There are no build-out lines.

Section 5: Fouls & Discipline

5.1 Laws of the Game

Standard FIFA Laws of the Game apply except where modified by tournament rules.

5.2 Physical Play

Slide tackling is permitted. Legal shoulder-to-shoulder challenges are allowed. Contact that directs or forces a player into the boards is considered dangerous play. Boarding — pushing, charging, or forceful contact that causes an opponent to be directed into the boards — is strictly prohibited. Boarding results in an automatic yellow card. The referee may upgrade the offense to a red card depending on severity.

5.3 Goalkeeper Contact

Legal goalkeeper challenges are allowed. Excessive or reckless contact will be penalized at the referee's discretion.

5.4 Ball Clearance Over Netting

Any player who kicks the ball over the perimeter netting will receive a yellow card. Repeated violations may result in further disciplinary action.

5.5 Yellow Cards

A player receiving a yellow card must leave the field for 2 minutes. The team does not play short. After 2 minutes the player may return. Two yellow cards in the same match equal a red card. There is no accumulation suspension for yellow cards across multiple matches.

5.6 Red Cards

A player receiving a red card is immediately ejected. The team plays down one player for the remainder of the game. The player is automatically suspended for the next match. Severe offenses may result in additional suspension.

5.7 Coach and Bench Discipline

Coaches are subject to the same standards of conduct as players. A coach receiving a red card will be removed from the facility for the remainder of the match.

5.8 Zero Tolerance

Referee abuse will not be tolerated. Any player, coach, or spectator engaging in referee abuse may be removed from the facility immediately.

5.9 Hand Ball

A hand ball offense results in an indirect free kick.

5.10 Penalty Kicks

A penalty kick is awarded for fouls committed inside the goal box. Penalty kicks are direct kicks taken from 6 yards from the goal line, centered on goal. All other players must remain behind the ball and outside the goal box until the kick is taken.

Section 6: Scoring & Standings

6.1 Points System

Win equals 3 points. Draw equals 1 point. Loss equals 0 points.

6.2 Tiebreakers

If teams are tied in points after group play, standings will be determined in the following order:

Head-to-head competition
Highest goal differential (limit of 6 per game)
Most wins
Most goals for (limit of 6 per game)
Fewest goals against (limit of 6 per game)
Most shutouts
Penalty kick shoot-out (5 players per team; sudden victory if still tied)