Rules for the 2026 MASC Mid-American Soccer Classic
TOURNAMENT STAFF: Scott Burley, Director; Brandon Robson; Director; Brandon Ramey; Asst Director/Treasurer; Darrell Rice, Asst Director
Questions: masc@foscsoccer.com
Headquarters, Tournament & Field Location:
Fairfield Optimist Club
194 Joe Nuxhall Way,
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
Fees
- 5v5 (U8): $350
- 7v7 (U9 -U10): $725
- 9v9 (U10-U12): $750
- 11v11 (U12-U14): $800
- 11v11 (U15-U19): $825
TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:
Registration for the MASC will be through GotSport only. Registration materials and payments must be submitted no more than 5 days after the application process is closed and/or your team has been accepted to the tournament, whichever is later. Registrations must be submitted by March 6th, 2026.
Please login to your GotSoccer account to upload your registration materials using the directions below:
1. Log into your gotsoccer.com team account.
2. Click on registered tournaments (Mid American Soccer Classic).
3. Click on the “documents” tab (far right of screen).
4. Upload the list of items below:
- Copy of Roster (validated by state association)
- Copy of Guest Player Roster
- Copy of Travel Permit (required for all teams outside of OSYSA)
- Copy of Players, Guest Players and Coaches Cards
- Copy of Coach Concussion Certificates (required for all teams outside of OSYSA)
- Liability Release/Lindsay Law/Infectious Disease Form (signed by every parent and coach)
Please note: There is no onsite check-in however everything listed above MUST be accessible at EVERY game and only certified staff is permitted on player’s sidelines.
Late Withdrawal Policy: If a team withdraws from the Tournament after final brackets are posted, no refunds will be given.
In April 2013, the Return to Play law was passed in Ohio, requiring all youth coaches to complete a concussion training course. All coaches participating in an Ohio sanctioned tournament must complete this course and provide a copy of their certification of completion to the tournament. If your coach does not currently have a certificate of completion for a concussion training course, he/she can find a free online course through NFHS.
Lindsay’s Law, Ohio Revised Code 3313.5310, 3707.58, and 3707.59 went into effect on August 1, 2017. In accordance with this law, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Cardiology and other stakeholders jointly developed guidelines and other relevant materials to inform and educate students and youth athletes participating in or desiring to participate in athletic activity, their parents, and their coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest.
Parents/Guardians
Coaches
We will NOT check medical authorization forms but it is strongly encouraged that each team has in its possession a medical authorization form for each player on its roster.
MAILING ADDRESS: 119 Laurel Oak Dr., Hamilton, OH 45013
HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
This event is a “Stay to Play” event. All teams attending this event that need rooms must stay at one of the tournament approved hotels and book through Stay, Play, Made Simple. Additionally, any team traveling over 100 miles to the tournament is require to book through Stay, Play, Made simple and maintain a minimum of seven (7) reservations for the event for 7v7 teams, nine (9) registrations for 9v9, and eleven (11) for 11v11 teams.
TEAM SELECTION
The tournament committee reserves the right to accept or reject any team application. If the committee is unable to assemble a competitive bracket in your age division, you will be contacted to discuss your options. Full refunds will be given to teams withdrawing before the application deadline date. No team shall be deemed accepted unless written notification has been sent from the tournament committee. Teams are required to acknowledge acceptance of their place in the tournament within three days of notification. Teams not acknowledging their acceptance may be replaced. Bracketing will not begin until all teams have submitted their acceptance.
Teams are selected using the following criteria – 2025 champion/finalist; level of competition; geographic diversity; favored club; incomplete information; prior year participant; date of application/paid.
TRAVEL PERMITS OUTSIDE OF OHIO SOUTH:
Travel Permit: Teams from outside Ohio South are required to provide an approved travel permit from their respective state association.
This includes both Kentucky and Indiana teams participating in Cincinnati area league play.
For Kentucky teams, go to the KYSA website click on Administrative and E-Travel
For Indiana teams, got to the Indiana Soccer website and click on Services-Forms
For all other teams, please check with you respective state association.
FOREIGN TEAMS For a team coming from a CONCACAF nation:
1. Players must present passports at registration or, if from a nation that the United States does not require a passport, proof of entry into the United States that is required by the United States.
2. Teams are required to have and present player picture identification cards.
3. Teams must have a completed form from its Provincial or National Association approving the teams participation in the tournament.
PLAYER AGE AND ELIGIBILITY:
AGE RESTRICTIONS: Player Age and Eligibility (Boys and Girls teams in separate divisions)
u-19 born on or after 1-1-2007; u-18 born on or after 1-1-2008; u-17 born on or after 1-1-2009; u-16 born on or after 1-1-2010; u-15 born on or after 1-1-2011; u-14 born on or after 1-1-2012; u-13 born on or after 1-1-2013; u-12 born on or after 1-1-2014; u-11 born on or after 1-1-2015; u-10 born on or after 1-1-2016; u-09 born on or after 1-1-2017; u-08 born between 1-1-2018 & 12-31-2019;
Age Format Time/Half Time/Half
u08 5v5 25 min prelim; 25 min & final 10 player roster;
u08 *7v7* 25 min prelim; 25 min final 14 player roster;
u09 7v7 25 min prelim; 25 min final 14 player roster;
u10 7v7 25 min prelim; 25 min final 14 player roster;
u10-u12 9v9 30 min prelim; 30 min final 18 player roster;
u12-u14 11v11 30 min prelim; 30 min final 22 players;
u15-u16 11v11 35 min prelim; 35 min final 22 players;
u17-u19 11v11 35 min prelim; 35 min final 22 players;
Note: u18-u19 teams will most likely be combined into one division.
NOTE: The Tournament reserves the right to consolidate age groups and assign teams to different levels, i.e., Gold, Red, White, or Black. For example u18-u19 teams may be merged, etc.
Top division is the GOLD (1st) level and if needed Silver (2nd) level, Bronze (3rd), Red (4th) level. Limited number of lower level divisions will be established as needed in various divisions.
Guest Players:
There is no Limit to the number of guest players a team may bring, provided they do not exceed the roster maximum for their age group and have required paperwork/documents for each guest player.
Guest Players must be listed on a state-approved Guest Player Form and that form must be uploaded with team registration documents in Gotsport.
Players may play on two different teams, provided ALL of the following requirements are met:
- Teams are in two different age groups
- The player is age-eligible for both age groups
- The player is listed on the GotSports roster for both teams prior to check-in
TEAMS/COACHES
The first team listed in the tournament schedule on the website is the home team.
A maximum of 3 coaches, which may include a State issued Director of Coaches (DOC) pass, will be honored, and are permitted on the coaches’ side of the field.
All coaches must carry with them an approved Concussion Certificate throughout the tournament and must submit a second copy as part of the Registration material as required by the tournament and it is highly suggested that coaches also bring medical release forms in case of injury.
All coaches will remain within 20 yards of the center-line on their half of the field, and both team’s spectators will be on the opposite side of the field. Field marshals will communicate which side is the coach’s side if questions arise.
Spectators are not permitted behind the end line and specifically the goals.
PLAYER EQUIPMENT
1. Shin guards are mandatory and must be of appropriate size and must be covered by a sock.
2. In the event of a color conflict, the home team (first team listed on schedule) will change uniform color.
3. Hard and soft casts are permitted with the approval by the game referee if they deem that the cast is properly wrapped.
4. Piercings must be removed from any location on players’ body prior to any match.
LAWS OF THE GAME:
All matches must be played in accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game in effect on January 1st of the year the tournament is held, except as specifically modified for youth play by USSF and US Youth Soccer with certain Amendments as follows:
7 V 7 RULES:
Build Out Line:
a. Build out line should be equidistant between the penalty area line and halfway line
b. Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed).
c. After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal
d. The opposing team must also move behind the build out line during a goal kick until the ball is put into play.
e. If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the punt or drop
kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement
occurred.
f. The build out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can be called. Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line
and the build out line.
a. Substitution
1. must be at the midfield touchline. Unlimited substitutions for all age groups will be allowed with the consent of the referee
2. Before a throw-in in your favor. The team in possession of the ball for a throw-in may substitute. If the team in possession of the ball for a throw-in substitutes players, the opposing team may substitute any number of players at the same time.
3. Before a goal-kick.
4. After a score by either team.
5. At half time.
6. After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play.
7. After a caution, one for one by both teams, if the cautioned player is substituted.
b. Match Lengths
Preliminary Games will consist of two halves of equal length. See the chart above for game lengths for preliminary and final games for all divisions. No overtime periods in preliminary games.
Final Games will consist of two halves of equal length.
The Tournament Director(s) reserve the right to adjust game length for conditions beyond their control. See Weather/Reschedule section below.
c. Game Clock will not be stopped because of injury to any player, except if deemed necessary by the referee. Due to the time allowed for the completion of all games, the clock should run continuously.
d. It is the intent of the MASC to provide a three-person referee system for all tournament matches; however, if deemed necessary, matches may be conducted with club linesmen.
e. A coach may coach more than one team during the tournament.
g. Each half shall end when, in the opinion of the referee, the assigned time has been completed.
EJECTIONS
Any player or coach ejected from a game will be ineligible to participate in the team’s next scheduled match. Substitutions are not permitted for ejected players. Participants ejected for fighting may be subject to ejection to further tournament participation. Multiple game suspensions may be imposed at the tournament director’s discretion for egregious conduct. Coaches ejected from a game must leave the field completely and not return until the team from which he was ejected completes it’s next game.
NOTE a coach may not coach another team until the suspension has been served and the coach’s pass has been reclaimed from Tournament Headquarters. Coaches are responsible for reclaiming cards at headquarters once a suspension has been served.
FIFA & USSF Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA with the exception that an indirect kick is awarded to the opposing team at the center spot on the halfway line if a goalkeeper punts or drop-kicks the ball in the air from his/her penalty area into the opponent’s penalty area.
SPECIFIC LAWS of the GAME
1. No overtime will be played during preliminary games.
2. Red cards will be administered as per FIFA laws of the game.
3. A player or coach sent off for a second caution will not be allowed to participate for the remainder of that game and their next game.
4. Unserved Red cards and game report will be forwarded to their appropriate State or National organizations.
Free kicks
The opposing team must be at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play. If a free kick is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team. If the ball is within eight (8) yards of the goal line when a free kick is awarded, the opposing team may stand on the goal line.
TOURNAMENT AND MATCH SCHEDULES
All teams are guaranteed a minimum of 3 matches weather permitting. In a two-bracket division the top team in each bracket will play each other in the final round. Five team divisions will play 4 games with the champion and finalist determined by total points (see explanation in Standings section). No team will be scheduled to play more than two (2) games per day.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
The MASC is a rain or shine tournament**. Plan to play in inclement weather. Tournament will play in normal rain conditions, coaches and their teams must appear at the respective field, ready to play as scheduled. Failure to appear will result in forfeiture of the match.
In the case of threatening weather, headquarters will signal game suspension by one long blast from the horn. Participants should then immediately seek shelter in a car. The minimum wait for a delay will be 30 minutes. Three short blasts from the horn will indicate it is safe to resume play. In the case of extended delays, coaches must check with the Field Marshal or headquarters for game status. UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Matches that have been played to half time will be declared as final. Disposition of games that have not reached half time will be declared a tie and the score will be recorded as a 0-0 tie. Remaining matches for that day may be subject to shortening of game time. The Referee may suspend a game due to any condition he/she deems dangerous.
**RAIN OR SHINE – the tournament may make the decision that extreme weather conditions (i.e. high winds, tornados, snow, freezing rain or any other dangerous weather that would put players or in danger, to be determined by the tournament committee) may cancel games and the tournament may alter the above listed inclement weather procedures to make sure every team has an equal/fair opportunity to advance. If extended heavy rain makes the fields unsafe for play, games will be delayed, or called depending on the time left in the game, until safe play can resume.
Games must be played within their assigned time slot. If a delay happens before halftime, but play can be resumed to finish the half before the next game on the same field is scheduled to start, that half will be resumed and the score at halftime recorded as final. If a game is delayed before or after halftime, but can be played in its entirety before the next game is scheduled to begin on that same field, the game will be played until completion with the final score recorded in the standings. In the event a game enters a delay after halftime and there will not be enough time before the next scheduled game on the same field, the game will be called final and the score at the time of the stoppage will be recorded as final.
CANCELLATION POLICY/REFUND POLICY
The Tournament Directors reserve the right to restructure the tournament format as necessary. This includes, but is not limited to relocating or rescheduling any match; changing the duration of any match; and canceling any preliminary match or part of a match.
New for 2025/2026: Teams now have the option to purchase Event Cancellation Team
Coverage by VI Coverage powered by Vertical Insure when registering in GotSport. This optional coverage adds a layer of protection for your non refundable registration fee.
For teams that purchase Event Cancellation Insurance here is how it works:
Full Refund for Pre-Tournament Cancellations:
● If the event is canceled before the tournament starts due to weather conditions, your
insured team will receive 100% of the non-refundable registration fee back. No questions asked.
Pro-Rated Refund for Mid-Tournament Cancellations:
● In the event that the tournament is forced to cancel after it has started due to weather
conditions, the insured team will receive a refund based on the number of games
guaranteed versus the number of games played. This ensures you only pay for the
games you’ve played and not a penny more.
Affordable Protection at Just 10% of the Entry Fee. Adding Event Cancellation Team
Coverage to your registration is a smart choice for safeguarding against the unexpected.
Don’t let the possibility of weather-related cancellations disrupt your team’s plans or financial commitments.
Event Cancellation Insurance can be purchased up to 15 days prior to the start of the
event.
Entry Fee Example:
● Team Registration fee is $800
● Insurance will cost $80 (10%)
Event Fully Cancelled due to weather:
Your team receives a $900 refund from VI Coverage powered by Vertical Insure
Event Cancelled due to weather, and you only received 2 games:
Your team receives a $300 refund from VI Coverage powered by Vertical Insure
For teams that DO NOT purchase Event Cancellation Insurance, here is the weather
cancellation refund policy:
In the event that inclement weather forces the cancellation of all or part of the
tournament, teams will receive a partial refund or credit in the amount of a percentage of their paid entry fee. This credit is to be used in future full-priced MASC Tournament Applications (within one year), and will be given in the following increments:
● No games played = 50% fees returned
● One game played = 50% fees returned
● Two games played = 25% credit
Once your team is accepted and preliminary brackets are posted, no refunds will be distributed for teams withdrawing from the MASC.
STANDINGS AND TIE BREAK PROCEDURES – PRELIMINARY ROUND
In the preliminary round each victory will be awarded 3 points and each tie awarded 1 point. No points are awarded for a loss. In the event of a tie (equal number of points) in group standings, the following procedure will be used to determine a winner:
a. Winner of the game between 2 tied teams (skip this step if more than 2 teams tied).
b. Highest cumulative goal spread (goals scored minus goals allowed) with a maximum of 4-goal spread per game.
c. Fewest total goals allowed.
d. Most goals for (Up to 4 a game)
e. Most Shut outs
f. Penalty Kicks per FIFA rules “Procedures to Determine the Winner of a Match – Kicks from the Penalty Mark.” The Tournament Director will determine a field and start time.
TIE-BREAK – FINAL ROUND
If, after the completion of the regulation time of two halves, a winner has still not been determined the game will go directly to penalty kicks per FIFA rules.
If two teams, before kickoff of their final prelim game, are guaranteed to go to the finals regardless of that game’s result, and both agree to forego the finals game in the previously scheduled timeslot, the preliminary game may be played as a final. If the game is tied at the end of the regulation period, the game will go directly to penalty kicks per FIFA rules.
SEMI-FINALS
For each bracket with a semi-final round, the semifinals will be played under the same timing rules as preliminary games. In the event of a tie, the game will move directly to Penalty Kicks, following FIFA rules, until a winner in decided.
FAILURE TO SHOW – FORFEITS
A minimum of seven players constitutes a team in the eleven-player bracket. A minimum of six players constitutes a team in the nine-player bracket. A minimum of four players constitutes a team in the seven-player bracket. A five-minute grace period will be extended beyond the scheduled kickoff time before a forfeit will be declared. However, this grace period takes away from the duration of the match. If the minimum number of players is present, the match will not be delayed. In no case will a team that has forfeited a game be declared a division winner. The score of a forfeited game shall be 2-0, unless the game has commenced and the non-forfeiting team has greater than a 2-0 lead at the time of stoppage in which case the game score will stand. Failure to complete a match or a team leaving the field during play may constitute a forfeit. The Tournament Directors reserve the right to decide on all matters concerning a forfeit.
MATCH AND SCORE REPORTING
Upon completion of each match it is the responsibility of each coach to verify the score and sign the official score card in the presence of the match official. Scorecards will be given to the Field Marshal who will be responsible for reporting the score to headquarters.
Scores and standings will be posted at headquarters at the venue where matches are being played. A master standing sheet will be posted at tournament headquarters. Scores will be entered on the tournament website as timely as possible. It is recommended that coaches check standings to see if their team will advance to the finals prior to leaving the complex.
Field Marshals will report ejections to headquarters immediately. The match official will submit a written report on all red cards/ejections of players, coaches or spectators upon completion of the match. The tournament committee will file reports of red cards/ejections to the appropriate organization upon completion of the tournament.
PROTEST AND DISPUTES
Any protest must be presented in writing to Tournament Headquarters within one (1) hour of the completion of the game and must be accompanied with a $100.00 cash bond that will be returned only if the protest is upheld. A Protest Committee appointed by the Director will consider all protests. Referee judgment cannot be considered as a basis of protest.
Disputes over non-referee decisions (i.e. player eligibility issues or tournament rules) will be presented to the Venue Director. Decisions made by the Director may not be appealed.
AWARDS
All u08 through u19 (we may have to consolidate some divisions due to the lack of teams, i.e. U18-19 may be merged) will receive first and second place team and individual awards will be awarded in each Division winner and runner-up after the final game at the Finals site.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP
All participants, players, coaches, referees, and spectators will be expected to maintain high standards of conduct during the tournament. All spectators must be on the opposite side of the field from the teams. Coaches will remain in their respective areas (in their half of the field 5-20 yards from the half line and away from the touch line. There shall be no dissent with the referees. Questioning a referee is considered dissent. Coaches are responsible for the actions of his/her spectators before, during and after the match, specifically verbal abuse of the referee. Abuse of the referees will not be tolerated. Violation of this policy may result in forfeiture of the game and/or expulsion from play. Any player, coach or spectator ejected from a match will be ineligible to participate in the team’s next match. Suspended players may be allowed on the bench while serving their suspension but shall not be in uniform. No substitution will be permitted for an ejected player during the remainder of the current match. Anyone fighting (including spectators) may be subject to ejection from all tournament games. Passes held at the end of the tournament will be returned with report directly to the respective State or National Association.
Appropriate behavior is also expected while in the hotels and the Tournament Directors reserve the right to proceed with sanctions against teams that cause significant problems.
GENERAL
Under no circumstances whatsoever will the Tournament Committee, OSYSA, the Optimist Club or the Fairfield Optimist Soccer Club be responsible for any expenses (including tournament entry fee) incurred by any team. This includes a situation where the Tournament or any match is canceled in whole or part. The Tournament Directors’ interpretation of the rules shall be final. The Tournament Directors reserve the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the MASC.
Pets are not allowed at the Optimist Soccer Complex.
GotSport Schedule Support
Please let the tournament committee know via a GotSport support ticket using the account used to register for the event if any of the following have appeared on your schedule:
- A direct coaching conflict within this event for coaches who coach multiple teams (up to 2 teams. For those coaching 3 team we encourage you to have an assistant coach).
- A major scheduling mistake (A team playing two games at the same time or back to back games.)
Other requests that can’t be honored as there are too many of these
- Personal reasons(Family events, wedding, etc).
- Non-event specific coaching conflicts not related to this event (another team you are coaching is playing elsewhere).
Emailing a conflict to any other email but the GotSport support ticket will not be honored.
All Support tickets must be made before schedules become final.
MASC 