Nike Soccer Showcase – an event that ignites the flames of competition and camaraderie among players, coaches, and fans alike. As the world’s most celebrated sporting brand, Nike has always been synonymous with innovation and excellence. Through the Nike Soccer Showcase, this legacy is reimagined on the soccer pitch, where emerging talents from around the world converge to showcase their prowess, forge new connections, and create indelible memories. 

2023 NIKE Spotlight in Oklahoma

  • Dates: July 29th & 30th, 2023;
  • Categories: Men’s and Women’s teams, ages 15U-19U;
  • Name: Case Community RiverCity Parks Soccer Arena;
  • Location: 2500 S RiverCity Parks Road, Sand Springs, OK 74063;
  • Just a brief 7-minute journey from the heart of Downtown Tulsa.

Oklahoma Nike College Showcase: Game Guidelines

General Principles

The Oklahoma Nike College Showcase follows FIFA’s “Laws of the Game,” with some noted exceptions provided here. Teams must comply with the US Club Soccer’s policies and can face their disciplinary measures.

Attire and Equipment

Team players should wear matching jerseys, barring the goalkeeper who should wear a distinct color, different from both teams and the Field Referee. Player jersey numbers should be consistent with the college brochure roster.

Home teams should dress in “light” uniforms; away teams in “dark.” Players must avoid wearing hazardous items, like rings, earrings, casts, etc. Exceptions exist for casts padded with foam and wrapped in bandage, with a doctor’s written permission.

For safety, players with open wounds must immediately exit the field. They can reenter once wounds are treated and there’s no blood on uniforms. Teams are responsible for providing a suitable ball for the match.

Match Dynamics

Games consist of 2X40 minute halves. Hydration breaks are flexible: one per half or three per game during extreme heat. Should a referee terminate a game without any team’s fault, it’s deemed complete if the first half concluded.

The clock will run without breaks. Exceptions include player injuries needing medical attention or designated water breaks due to extreme conditions.

In unpredictable weather, the Tournament Director has the flexibility to alter game rules. Games might be shortened or canceled. If lightning is detected, games will pause and only resume 15 minutes post the last strike.

Forfeiture

Teams unprepared to play within 5 minutes of the scheduled time will forfeit. To maintain the spirit of the event, teams can lend players to an opponent with fewer players.

Teams leaving the field prematurely will forfeit and might face potential disqualification. The Tournament Director can declare forfeits for games with ineligible players. Protests against ineligible players should be presented in writing with a $100 fee within 30 minutes post-game.

Substitutions

Substitutions are limitless, made during any stoppage with referee’s consent, such as throw-ins, goal kicks, after goals, injuries, halftime, or after a yellow card.

Scoring Mechanism

Group games can conclude in a tie. For playoffs, tied games will extend to two “golden goal” overtime halves. If still unresolved, FIFA penalty kicks will decide the victor.

Group play scores: Victory (3 points), Tie (1 point), Loss (0 points). Forfeited games result in a 0-4 loss for the forfeiting team, pending committee review.

Tiebreakers

For teams tied in points post-preliminary rounds, the order of tiebreakers is: Head-to-head competition, goal differential, most goals scored, fewest goals conceded, least red cards/ejections, and penalty kicks.

Suspensions

Emphasizing amicable competition, players or officials might face ejection due to serious misconduct. Ejected individuals can’t participate in the subsequent tournament match. Severe offenses may lead to extended suspensions.

Referee Conduct

  • Any form of verbal abuse towards referees, players, or spectators is unacceptable;
  • Referee decisions are conclusive;
  • Protests against decisions are not entertained;
  • Post-match, referees must provide detailed scorecards at the Tournament Headquarters.

Decisions and Appeals

  • Referee decisions are binding;
  • Protests are disallowed;
  • The Tournament Director or Site Coordinator possesses the ultimate decision-making authority;
  • Their decisions are final, without room for further appeals.

Tournament Queries

Direct all inquiries to the Tournament Director/Site Coordinator or, during the event, to a Tournament Committee member via field marshals.

man playing ball

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nike Soccer Showcase stands as a testament to the unparalleled fusion of athleticism, innovation, and passion within the world of soccer. This event not only brings together some of the most promising talents in the sport but also serves as a platform where players can display their skills, dedication, and determination to a global audience. With its emphasis on excellence, camaraderie, and pushing the boundaries of performance, the Nike Soccer Showcase embodies the spirit of competition and the pursuit of greatness.