Held in Howard County, MD, the spectacular Bob Lucido Fields at Covenant Park stand as the main venue. Allowing participation across skill levels, the event welcomes Boys and Girls aged U8-U15. Sporting a Championship format, the top two teams in each bracket secure honors. Bracket count adjusts per age group, aligning with tournament entries.
Two Days of Soccer Excitement!
Get ready for the SAC Columbus Day Tournament, an exciting event set to take place on October 7-8, 2023. The tournament will unfold across various field locations in Howard County, providing an ideal backdrop for the soccer action. The competition is open to Boys and Girls in age groups ranging from U8 to U15, ensuring a diverse and spirited participation that promises thrilling matches and memorable moments on the field.
Fields
| ATHOLTON HS | Direction |
| BLANDAIR | Direction |
| CEDAR LANE | Direction |
| CENTENNIAL HS | Direction |
| COVENANT PARK | Direction |
| GLENELG HS | Direction |
| HAMMOND HS | Direction |
| HOWARD HS | Direction |
| LONG REACH HS | Direction |
| MARRIOTTS RIDGE HS | Direction |
| MT. HEBRON HS | Direction |
| OAKLAND MILLS HS | Direction |
| RESERVOIR HS | Direction |
| RIVER HILL HS | Direction |
| ROCKBURN PARK | Direction |
| TROY PARK | Direction |
| WESTERN REGIONAL | Direction |
| WILDE LAKE HS | Direction |
Rules
Laws of the Game:
- Matches follow FIFA laws of the game, with modifications stated;
- Decisions by the Tournament Director are final; no protests allowed.
Concussion Policy:
- Athletes showing concussion symptoms are removed from play;
- Athletes can return after assessment by a physician with written clearance.
Updates:
- Heading Rule (U11 and younger): Deliberate header leads to indirect free kick, inadvertent header to dropped ball;
- 7v7 Build Out Line (U9 and U10): Opposing team behind line until ball is in play, no punting allowed;
- Offsides: Build-out line defines offside areas.
General Prohibitions:
- Alcohol, smoking, pets, and noisemakers are prohibited.
Team Acceptance/Check-in Procedures:
- Teams need approval; incomplete applications are rejected;
- Payment required before due date for acceptance;
- Required paperwork and forms for accepted teams.
Tournament Headquarters Information:
- Online registration; credentials may be checked if requested.
Player Equipment:
- Uniform requirements, no jewelry, shin guards mandatory.
Substitutions:
- Unlimited substitutions with referee’s permission.
Player/Coach/Spectator Behavior:
- Ejected player doesn’t participate in next match;
- Ejection for fighting results in no participation in any remaining matches.
Home/Team Field Positions:
- Home team changes jerseys if conflict, players on one side
- Referees:
- Club linesman used in case of Assistant Referee shortage.
- Ball/Play/Half Time:
- Ball sizes, halftime durations for different age groups.
Venues of the Game
| Advancement in Tournament Play | Division-specific rules for advancing to semi-finals, finals, or consolation matches. |
| Tie Games | Different tiebreaker methods for standings and wildcard selection. |
| Forfeits | Team not present within 10 minutes results in forfeit. |
| Inclement Weather | Teams must be present regardless of weather; only Tournament Director can cancel or postpone. |
| Disclaimer | Tournament Committee not responsible for expenses due to cancellations or adverse conditions. |
| Team Contact Information | Teams must provide contact information for communication during the tournament. |
| Important Notes | Teams must have necessary documents and follow rules for fair play and sportsmanship. |
Conclusion
The SAC Columbus Day Tournament 2023 promises an exciting and fair competition adhering to FIFA laws of the game. With strict concussion policies, player equipment guidelines, and advancement rules, the tournament ensures safety and fair play.