• 
  Each group will play a single round-robin format.
• Each team will play every other team in its group once.
• Each team will play five group-stage matches.
• The top five teams from each group will advance to the Gold Championship knockout rounds.
• The sixth-place team from each group will move down to the Silver Championship knockout rounds.
• Elite Flight teams are guaranteed a minimum of 6 games.
  
  

Premier Flight Group Stage
All teams not in the Elite Flight will be in the Premier Flight.  Premier Flight matchups will be determined by the ECNL.

• 
  Each team in the Premier Flight will play four matches. Teams will not play every other Premier Flight team.
• The top 12 teams in the Premier Flight standings will qualify for the Gold Championship knockout rounds.
• After the Gold Championship teams are selected, the next-best 28 Premier Flight teams will qualify for the Silver Championship knockout rounds.
• Premier Flight teams that do not qualify for either the Gold or Silver Championship knockout field will be guaranteed two consolation matches.
• Premier Flight teams are guaranteed a minimum of 6 games.  Based on knockout results, teams will play 1 to 2 consolation games.
  
  

Gold Championship Knockout Rounds
The Gold Championship knockout field will consist of 32 teams:

• 
  20 teams advancing from the Elite Flight 
• 12 teams moving up from the Premier Flight
  
  

Once all 32 teams have qualified, the teams will be re-seeded based on their group-stage results.  The qualifying teams will compete in a single-elimination bracket. The winner of each match will advance until the Gold Championship champion is determined.  The Gold Championship bracket will be set by the ECNL.
Silver Championship Knockout Rounds
The Silver Championship knockout field will consist of 32 teams:

• 
  Four sixth-place teams from the Elite Flight
• 28 teams from the Premier Flight 
  
  

Once all 32 teams have qualified, the teams will be re-seeded based on their group-stage results. The qualifying teams will compete in a single-elimination bracket. The winner of each match will advance until the Silver Championship champion is determined.  The Silver Championship bracket will be set by the ECNL.
Consolation Matches
Every Premier Flight team that does not qualify for the Gold or Silver Championship will be guaranteed two consolation matches.
Consolation matchups will be assigned by the ECNL.


1.7 Knockout Round matches

1.7.1  A match that ends in a draw is decided by kicks from the penalty mark, in accordance with the FIFA Laws.


1.7.2  All players, whether starters and/or substitutes, are allowed to take part in the penalty shoot-out, provided they are listed on the registration sheet.



1.8  Disqualification or Sanction

1.8.1  If a team is disqualified or withdraws during the group stage, all of that team’s results are changed to 0-3 in favour of the opponent.


1.8.2  If a team is disqualified or withdraws during the knockout matches, the opposing team advances in the competition.


2. AGE  CATEGORIES
 
Categories in the competition, by gender, year of birth and playing format:

 (U12 Boys) - Players born on and between August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015

 (U11 Boys) - Players born on and between August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016

3.  PLAYER ELIGIBILITY AND SUBSTITUTION

3.1  In all categories, the maximum number of players per team is: 7v7 — 16 players.


3.2  All players must be able to prove their age with the US Club Card and/or passport, showing a photograph and date of birth.

3.2.1 Domestic teams must provide valid, approved US Club Soccer passcards. International teams must provide valid passports displaying each player’s photograph and date of birth.

3.3  All players must wear the same shirt number throughout the tournament unless approved by the ECNL.  If players change numbers between matches, the coach or team leader should update this information before the match starts in the IberCoach App.


3.4  Teams may use all players registered in the system for the competition.


3.5 Rolling Substitutions


3.5.1 Unlimited rolling substitutions are permitted. A player who has been substituted may return to the match.
3.5.2 A rolling substitution may be completed while the ball is in play without stopping the match, but only after the referee has acknowledged and authorized the substitution.
3.5.3 All rolling substitutions must take place at the halfway line on the team’s side of the field or within the designated substitution area.


3.5.4 The substitute must remain off the field until:


a) The referee has acknowledged the substitution; and
b) The player being replaced has completely left the field.
The substitute may then enter the field from the same substitution area.
3.5.5 A team may not have more than the permitted number of players on the field at any time during the substitution process.
3.5.6 Goalkeeper substitutions may be made only during a stoppage in play and after the referee has been informed. The replacement goalkeeper must wear a jersey that distinguishes them from both teams and the referee.
3.5.7 A player or substitute who enters or leaves the field improperly, enters before receiving the referee’s authorization, or causes the team to have too many players on the field may be cautioned. The referee may also award an indirect free kick in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
3.5.8 Rolling substitutions must not interfere with play or be used to gain an unfair advantage. The referee may stop play, delay or deny a substitution, or take disciplinary action when appropriate.


3.6  Athletes are restricted to competing solely with their registered team and are prohibited from playing with multiple teams in the competition. In cases involving player injury or other critical situations, the ECNL retains the authority to approve special participation permits.


3.7  Teams who use ineligible players may be excluded from the tournament, forfeit any or all games, or be sanctioned as determined by the ECNL.


3.8 Rosters are frozen prior to the first match.  Players may not be added to a team after the first match, absent written approval by the ECNL for uncontrollable and unique circumstances.

3.9 A team must have at least five eligible players, including a goalkeeper, to start and continue a match. If a team cannot field the required minimum, the match will be declared a forfeit.



4.  PLAYING TIME

4.1  In 7v7 categories, all matches are 2 (two) halves of 20 (twenty) minutes.
 
4.2  There is no stoppage at half-time. Teams change ends upon the referee's whistle and the second half begins immediately upon the referee’s whistle.


4.3  All matches will kick off punctually, in accordance with the published schedule, and may start before the teams are on field if the teams delay.


5.  MATCH DETAILS AND SHEET


5.1  Match Sheet.  In every match it is mandatory to check the online match sheet with the pitch director before kick-off.


5.1.1  All players registered for the competition must appear on the match sheet.


5.1.2  If a player does not appear on the match sheet, they may not be used. In this case, the team leader must contact the competition's administrative services to resolve the matter.


5.1.3  Any player or official not on the match sheet may not enter the technical area.


5.1.4  The match sheet is always active with the previous match's information. If an update is needed, the team leader must make the changes in the IberCoach App before the next match.


5.1.5  Team leaders must confirm the squad list numbers in the IberStaff App before kick-off, to avoid errors in the match data.


5.1.6  Even if there has been no change to the shirt numbers, the team leader must always validate the match in the IberCoach app 45 minutes before kick-off, or the match may not start on time.


5.1.7  All players on the team list are considered to have taken part in the match.


5.1.8  Random checks of squad and participant lists will be carried out.

5.1.9 Home and away team designations will be determined by the tournament organizers and identified on the official match schedule.

5.1.10 Spectators must remain on the opposite side of the field from the team benches and on the half of the field directly across from their respective team. The halfway line will serve as the dividing point between each team’s spectators.



5.2 — Player kit


5.2.1  Shirt numbers are mandatory.


5.2.1.1  If a player has no number on their shirt, they must add one manually with tape, or they will not be allowed to play.


5.2.2  The player’s shirt number on the match sheet must match the shirt numbers.


5.2.3  Two players from the same team may not wear the same number in a match.


5.2.4  The number each player has on the team sheet must be the same as the shirt number.


5.2.5  If a player changes their shirt number from the previous match, this must be updated on the online match sheet with the pitch staff before kick-off.


5.2.6  If teams wear the same kit colour, the home team must change.   

5.2.7  Shin pads are compulsory in all matches.

5.2.8 No hard casts are permitted. Soft casts are permitted with the permission of the referee.

5.3 — Before and after the match



5.3.1  All teams must be ready on the pitch no later than 15 minutes before kick-off, with valid documents for age checks if requested.


5.3.2  Immediately after each match, each team leader or coach must validate the online match sheet with their PIN, available in the MyTeam Info area on the website.

5.3.3 Match scores will be reported through the IberCoach App. At the conclusion of each match, a designated team leader or coach from each team must review and confirm the final score.


5.4 — Match balls

5.4.1 Match balls will be provided by the tournament.  For 7v7, all matches use size 4.


5.4.2  The organization will provide official match balls, but teams should also bring their own balls.


6.  ACCREDITATION, MATCH SHEET AND AGE CHECKS

6.1 — Player registration


6.1.1  The team leader will gain access to the My Team Info area from the ECNL or IberCup, allowing them to register their players in the system in advance.


6.1.2  Mandatory information when registering a player includes: full name, date of birth, identification number, photograph, position and attached identity document.

6.1.2.1 Domestic teams will upload approved US Club passcards.  International teams will upload passports

6.1.3  When attaching documents, teams must have the player's photograph uploaded to the profile, allowing the document to be checked against the photo on the website.


6.1.4  Once all documentation has been received, players are accredited online.


6.1.5  If the team leader does not complete accreditation according to the steps indicated, the player will not be allowed to take part.

6.2 — Online accreditation


6.2.1  Online accreditation can only begin once all registration steps are complete with the proper documentation (identification, photograph, scanned documents).


6.2.2  The process is validated through the list of players registered on the website, with the photo registered in the system and the documentation attached in MyTeamInfo.


6.2.3  All players must be fully accredited no later than seven days before the start of the tournament. If a team’s online accreditation is incomplete after this deadline, the team will receive a two-point deduction from its group-stage standings. This deduction applies even if it results in the team having a negative point total.

6.2.4  Any player who, at the date of online accreditation, has not yet uploaded a photo to the system will not have valid accreditation and may not take part.


6.2.5  Players not verified at online accreditation will not be allowed to take part, even if they present an identity document on match day.


6.2.6  For players to be officially registered and accredited, all payments must be made by the teams.


6.2.7  Valid documents:


6.2.7.1  Host-country teams: A US Club Soccer-sanctioned player pass is required. Player passes sanctioned by any other organization will not be accepted.


6.2.7.2  Foreign teams: only a passport will be accepted (a legal document from a government institution, laminated).  This card must contain the full name, photograph, identification number and date of birth.

6.2.8  At check-in, the organization will request insurance documentation, which must cover participants until the end of the tournament. If it is not provided, the team may not take part.

6.3 — Accreditation

6.3.1 Before each match, team officials will be notified through the IberCup App of all player-verification requirements that must be completed. All players must be verified through the app before participating in the event.
 
6.3.1.1 Coaches and team officials must have each participant’s US Club Soccer player card or passport readily accessible throughout the event in case tournament officials need to verify the participant’s online credentials.

For teams from the United States:
a. The players must present picture identification cards issued by the Federation’s Organization Member (US Club).
b. Teams must provide proof of approval of the team’s participation from the Federation (US Club).
c. Teams from outside the State Association where the tournament is located must provide proof of permission to travel.
6.3.1.2 International teams must provide approval letters from foreign federations granting permission to travel

6.3.2  In-person roster checks will be required prior to each match.


6.3.3  The team leader and/or coach are the only authorised individuals to complete in-person accreditation on the field, prior to the match.

6.3.4  If team leaders do not complete the accreditation, players/teams will not be allowed to play the first match.


6.3.5  If a team does not complete in-person accreditation (registration of athletes and document checks), the organization reserves the right not to allow it to advance to the play-off stage.

6.4 — Age checks.  Age checks may be done by the ECNL at any time. 

7. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED


8.  7V7 SOCCER RULES

8.1 — Competition format.  All categories play with 7 players on the pitch (one goalkeeper and six outfield players).

8.2 — Offside rule.  The offside rule applies in 7v7, with an offside line on each half even with the top of the penalty box.

8.3 — Goal kick. 

8.3.1 The goal kick must be taken from the ground; the ball may be placed at any point on the line marking the goal area.


8.3.2  Play resumes the moment the ball is kicked and clearly moves (it does not need to leave the goal area).


8.3.3  Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is kicked.


8.3.4  Team-mates may be inside the goal area at the moment of the kick.


8.3.5  If the opposing team enters the penalty area before the ball is touched, the kick is retaken.

8.4 — Other rules



8.4.1  A goal may be scored directly from a kick-off.

8.4.2  All throw-ins are taken with the hands and all corners are taken with the foot.


8.4.3  The ball may not be passed back to the goalkeeper for them to pick up with their hands.


8.4.4  In addition to the points above, all other rules as determined by the head referee apply.

8.4.5 Under U.S. Soccer’s youth heading guidelines, deliberate heading of the ball is NOT permitted in the U11 age group.  Contact with the head will result in an indirect free kick for the other team.  Heading of the ball IS permitted in the U12 age group.


9.  PITCHES

9.1  All pitches are natural or artificial grass.

9.2  At any point in the tournament, if play is suspended or cancelled due to poor weather conditions, matches may be decided by kicks from the penalty mark or a coin toss.  The ECNL International IberCup committee will determine the best plan of action.

10.  MATCH SCHEDULE


10.1  The ECNL has the right to change groups, times and pitches at any time, before and during the competition.


10.2  In the event of changes, team leaders will be promptly informed, but it is the teams' responsibility to check on the website, 2 hours before kick-off, where the match will take place.


11.  REFEREES


11.1  All matches will be officiated by U.S. Soccer Federation-certified referees.

11.2  Unless otherwise provided, all 7v7 matches will have 1 referee.


11.3  For the semi-finals and finals of the Gold Championship and Silver Championship, the ECNL International IberCup may, where possible, provide one assistant in addition to the referee.

11.4 Referees will confirm the score, cautions and ejections with the field marshal, at the completion of each game.


12.  CARDS, SANCTIONS AND PROTESTS


12.1  No protests, disputes or appeals of any match decisions may be made. 

12.1.1 Decisions by referees may not be appealed.  Decisions by the ECNL International IberCup Tournament Committee regarding a protest or dispute are final and may not be appealed


12.2  When possible, red cards should not be given to players.  If the referee deems a player committed serious foul play, the referee may require the coach to remove the player from the game. 

12.3  Yellow cards may be given by the referee.  Yellow cards are not accumulated.


13. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED



14.  FAILURE TO APPEAR; MISCELLANEOUS

14.1 Every team must play all of its scheduled matches. A team that does not play a match will forfeit the match and receive a 3–0 loss. A forfeiture will not automatically disqualify a team from advancing to the knockout rounds. The team will remain eligible to advance if it otherwise qualifies based on the tournament standings and applicable tiebreakers.
The ECNL will make the final decision on forfeits.
14.2 The league reserves the right to alter, eliminate or change these rules, match schedules, or competition arrangements at any time when necessary for the proper operation of the competition.

15.  GUEST PLAYERS

15.1  Each team may have guest players, provided they are duly registered through their National and State Association, Federation or other affiliated organization.  There is no restriction on the number of guest players.

15.2  Players may not play for more than one team in the tournament.


15.3  It is the player's responsibility to register with a club as a Guest Player.


15.4  The tournament does not have a system to manage this process individually.

15.5 For American teams, all guest players must have a completed US Club Soccer Player Loan Form



16.  PERMITS TO TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITION


16.1  All foreign teams must ask their soccer federations to send a letter of authorization to the IberCup (info@ibercup.com) in order to take part in the tournament.

17. TEAM AND SPECTATOR CONDUCT

17.1 Players, coaches, team officials, and spectators must conduct themselves respectfully and follow all tournament, facility, and field rules. Each team is responsible for the conduct of its members and spectators.
17.2 Alcohol, smoking, vaping, illegal drugs, weapons, unauthorized animals, fighting, threats, discriminatory behavior, verbal abuse, and entering the field without permission are prohibited.
17.3 Tournament officials may warn, remove, suspend, or expel any individual or team for misconduct. Serious or repeated violations may result in match forfeiture, removal from the tournament, or ineligibility for future tournaments.


17.4 Ejections and Suspensions


17.4.1 Any player, coach, or team official ejected from a match will be suspended for at least the team’s next tournament match. The tournament committee will decide the extent of the suspension and may impose additional discipline depending on the seriousness of the offense.


During a suspension:


Players may sit with the team only with tournament approval and may not be in uniform or participate in match activities.
Coaches and team officials may not be in the technical area or communicate with the team. If permitted to remain at the venue, they must stay on the spectators’ side of the field.
Tournament-issued credentials may be held until the suspension is served. Passports and other government-issued identification will not be retained.


17.5 Failure to comply with a suspension may result in additional discipline, including match forfeiture or expulsion from the tournament. Tournament committee disciplinary decisions are final.
17.6 For United States teams, the tournament committee will report disciplinary action taken or required to the team’s applicable U.S. Soccer Federation Organization Member.
17.7 For international teams, disciplinary action taken or required will be reported to US Soccer and the team’s respective national federation.

18. REFUND POLICY


18.1 If the Tournament Committee determines that the event must be canceled before its commencement, each domestic participating team will receive a full refund of all tournament registration fees paid.