By participating in the League, you agree to the rules outlined below.
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​SECTION I - ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITIES OF THE TOURNAMENT
SECTION III - TOURNAMENT FORMAT
​SECTION VI - CENTRAL AND ASSISTANT REFEREES
SECTION VII - ECONOMIC REGULATIONS​
SECTION VIII - CLAIMS AND TECHNICAL & DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
SECTION IX - OFFENSES AND SANCTIONS
SECTION X - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
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The following regulations are issued for the SUMMER LEAGUE in its 2025 edition.
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For the proper interpretation of these Regulations, the following definitions are established:​
"REFEREE": The referee is the authority on the field of play, and their decisions are final. The referee will make disciplinary decisions during the match, and these must be accepted without protest or discussion. This is without prejudice to the jurisdiction of the disciplinary authorities (Disciplinary Committee).​
"DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE": This is a disciplinary authority of the SUMMER LEAGUE 2025, which will decide, in the first instance, any dispute arising within the context of the League, in accordance with these Tournament Regulations.
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"TECHNICAL STAFF": This refers to the support and assistance personnel of the clubs, consisting of those registered as such.​
"DELEGATE": This is the person who represents the Team. For teams constituted as legal entities, this may be their Legal Representative or an authorized representative. For teams formed by an association of individuals without legal status, it may be any Player or member of the Technical Staff.​
"REGISTRATION FEE": This is the financial amount that a Team must pay to participate in the Tournament. The Registration Fee grants one (1) slot or Participation Right in the Tournament, regardless of any alliances formed between Teams.​
"PARTICIPATION RIGHT": A Team that meets the registration requirements, fulfills all financial obligations, and pays the Registration Fee by the established deadlines, will be granted one (1) slot or Participation Right in the SUMMER LEAGUE 2025.​
"TEAM": This refers to the group of individuals registered jointly to participate in the SUMMER LEAGUE 2025.
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"PLAYER": This refers to any individual formally registered on the roster of a Team participating in the SUMMER LEAGUE 2025.​
"ORGANIZER": This refers to RETAS TORONTO INC, a corporation established under Canadian law, identified with #16401881. It will be responsible, along with the individuals and legal entities with whom it decides to form a legal relationship, for the development of the SUMMER LEAGUE 2025. It is the highest authority of the Tournament.​
"REGULATIONS": This refers to the present document, which sets forth the guidelines for the development of the SUMMER LEAGUE 2025. It is binding for the Organizer, Players, Technical Staff, Delegates, and each Team.​
"TOURNAMENT": This refers to the SUMMER LEAGUE 2025, which includes the Qualification Phase, the Final Phases, and all matches to be played.
SECTION I - ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITIES OF THE TOURNAMENT
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Article 1. The Organizer shall hold a football competition called SUMMER LEAGUE 2025, in the men's category, open to any Team that meets the registration requirements and pays the Registration Fee. By registering and paying the Registration Fee, the Teams agree to respect, comply with, and enforce the Rules, Terms and Conditions, Disciplinary Code, and, in general, all provisions issued by the Organizer.
Article 2. The supreme authority of the Tournament is exercised by the Organizer, who shall have the following responsibilities:
a. To exclusively represent the Tournament in an official capacity.
b. To control and approve the registration of each Team participating in the Tournament in order to authorize its participation.
c. To approve the scheduling of matches.
d. To confirm and approve the competition and qualification format.
e. To appoint the members of the Disciplinary Committee.
f. To regulate the competition system and determine the venue of the Tournament for each of its phases.
g. To provide technical and administrative support for the proper development of the Tournament.
h. To manage the administration of the Tournament.
i. To appoint the personnel deemed necessary for the successful operation of the Tournament.
j. To carry out any other functions inherent to their role.
SOLE PARAGRAPH. The Organizer of the Tournament reserves the right to suspend and/or revoke the Right to Participate, at any stage of the Tournament, for any Team that engages in conduct in violation of the Rules, the Disciplinary Code, the Terms and Conditions, and/or any other document or provision issued by the Organizer.
Article 3. The decisions made by the Organizer are binding on the Team as a whole, as well as on each individual Player, the Coaching Staff, team delegates, and, in general, any natural or legal person associated with the Tournament.
Article 4. The Disciplinary Committee shall have, among others, the following functions:
a. To hear, in the first instance, any breach of the provisions established in these Rules and/or in any other document or regulation issued by the Organizer.
b. To impose the sanctions established in these Rules, in the Disciplinary Code, and/or in any other document or regulation issued by the Organizer.
c. To sanction disciplinary offenses, whether individual or collective, committed by Team members, delegates, the Coaching Staff, and other personnel assigned to the Tournament.
d. To carry out any other functions inherent to its role, as well as those ordered by the Organizer.
Article 5. The Disciplinary Committee shall be appointed by the Organizer.
SECTION II - REGISTRATION
Article 6. Any Team may participate in the Tournament if it meets the following requirements:
a. Has completed the registration within the deadline set by the Organizer. This date may be modified at the Organizer's discretion, with changes to be communicated to the public in a timely manner.
b. Provides the required documentation specified in the registration form, which includes, but is not limited to:
i. Identity document of each Player.
ii. Certification of affiliation with the General System of Social Security in Health through a Health Promotion Entity (EPS) for each Player, Delegate, and member of the Technical Staff. Alternatively, documents proving coverage through complementary health plans, insurance policies, or private health care providers may be submitted.
iii. Minors who are registered as part of a Team must submit a document certifying parental or legal guardian authorization for their participation in the Tournament.
iv. Statement from each Player individually agreeing to abide by the Regulations, the Terms and Conditions, the Disciplinary Code, and/or any other document or provision issued by the Organizer.
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c. Fully complete the registration process and pay the Registration Fee.​
FIRST PARAGRAPH: In the event that medical attention is required and the Player’s Health Promotion Entity (EPS) or any certified medical service does not cover the cost, the Player and/or the Team shall be responsible for such expenses.
Under no circumstances will the Organizer or the Organizer’s affiliates be held liable for such expenses or assume any responsibility related to such events.​
SECOND PARAGRAPH: If, after being admitted into the Tournament, and either before or during its development, a Team fails to meet any of the requirements set forth in the Regulations, Terms and Conditions, the Disciplinary Code, and/or any other document or provision issued by the Organizer, the Organizer may, at its discretion, suspend and/or cancel the Team's Participation Right in the Tournament. The same applies to the expulsion of Players from the Tournament.​
THIRD PARAGRAPH: The registration and payment of the Registration Fee grants each Team one (1) slot or Participation Right in the Tournament.​
FOURTH PARAGRAPH: If two or more Teams decide to form an alliance, such an action shall not grant more than one (1) joint Participation Right. The alliance will be considered as a single Team for registration purposes.
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If the alliance between Teams is dissolved, the involved Teams must internally determine which of them will retain the Participation Right in the Tournament. If the Teams do not reach an agreement within a reasonable time, and considering the pro competitione principle, it will be the responsibility of the Tournament Organizer to make the final decision.
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Article 7. The registration process shall take place as follows:
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a. The Team must register using the form that will be sent digitally to each of its Delegates.
b. The Organizer will evaluate the submitted documentation to decide whether the Team is eligible to participate in the Tournament.
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FIRST PARAGRAPH: The Team, Delegate, Player, and/or member of the Technical Staff assume full responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided in the registration form, as well as for the legality of the documents submitted by each Player.​
SECOND PARAGRAPH: The dates set forth in this article may be modified at the discretion of the Organizer, in which case each Team will be informed in a timely manner so that they may take the necessary actions to ensure their participation in the Tournament.
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Article 8. Each Team must register a minimum of eighteen (18) Players and may register up to a maximum of thirty (30) Players. Teams may also register members of the Technical Staff at their discretion, but no more than five (5) staff members may remain on the field.
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Additionally, each Team must appoint one (1) Delegate who will serve as its representative.​
FIRST PARAGRAPH: On the field of play, only a maximum of twenty-one (21) field Players and a maximum of three (3) support staff members may be present.​
SECOND PARAGRAPH: If a Team wishes to appoint a Player-Coach, that individual must be registered as a Player and not as a member of the Technical Staff.​
Article 9. The registration must be signed by each Player and the Team Delegate.
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Article 10. Players officially registered with one Team may not play for another Team at any phase of the Tournament.​
SOLE PARAGRAPH: Likewise, any Player who has been expelled from the Tournament may not participate with another Team during the same Tournament, in any of its phases, nor in any future edition of the Tournament, nor in any other tournament created and organized by the Organizer.
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Article 11. If a Team does not meet the minimum number of Players required to play a match, the match will be declared a forfeit (w.o.) in favor of the opposing team.
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SOLE PARAGRAPH: If a Team refuses to participate in or continue a match, it will be immediately expelled from the Tournament and the forfeit sanction will be applied. Furthermore, the Team will not be allowed to participate in the current Tournament, in any of its phases, nor in any future edition of the Tournament, nor in any other tournament created and organized by the Organizer.​
Article 12. Neither the Organizer nor its affiliates shall be criminally and/or civilly liable for any injuries or accidents a Player may suffer during the Tournament, whether on or off the field. Players acknowledge that they participate entirely at their own risk.
SECTION III - TOURNAMENT FORMAT
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Article 13. The Tournament is composed of two (2) phases (Qualifying and Final), which shall be conducted and governed in accordance with the provisions set forth in these Rules.
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Article 14. The Qualifying Phase of the Tournament shall, in turn, be divided into two (2) stages, as follows:
Group Stage: The matches of the Qualifying Phase of the Tournament, in its first stage, will be played in a system of sixteen (16) matches in one group consisting of twelve (12) Teams, which will compete in a round-robin format. The top eight (8) teams will advance to the Final Stage of the GOLD LEAGUE, and the remaining teams will advance to the final stage of the RELEGATION LEAGUE.
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Final Stage: This will be played under a home-and-away elimination system, with TWO matches, consisting of the Quarterfinals, Semifinal, and the Final, which will be a single-match event. The Quarterfinals will be played between the eight (8) teams that qualify from the Group Stage. In case of a tie, the match will be decided by penalty shootouts.
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Bracket A: (Bracket 1 vs. Bracket 8).
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Bracket B: (Bracket 2 vs. Bracket 7).
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Bracket C: (Bracket 3 vs. Bracket 6).
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Bracket D: (Bracket 4 vs. Bracket 5).​
Article 15. The Final Stage will be a single 90-minute match. In the event of a draw, each team will have 5 penalty kicks.
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FIRST PARAGRAPH. In matches of the Final Stage, in the event of a tie after the regular playing time, the winner will be determined by penalty shootouts in accordance with the FIFA Regulations.
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SECOND PARAGRAPH. The designation of the groups in the Group Stage, as well as the determination of the two (2) matches for the Semifinal, will be done through a draw conducted by the Organizer. The draw for the initial phase groups will take place once the registration of the twelve (12) teams is complete.
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Article 16. The withdrawal of a Team whose registration has been accepted before the start of the Group Stage will result in the forfeiture of one hundred percent (100%) of the Registration Fee, as well as the forfeiture of the Right to Participate and eligibility for registration in the following year's competition. The Team may be replaced at the Organizer's discretion.
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Article 17. The voluntary or sanctioned withdrawal of a Team after the start of the Tournament will result in the forfeiture of one hundred percent (100%) of the Registration Fee, as well as the forfeiture of the Right to Participate and eligibility for registration in the following year's competition. The points in dispute, and a score of three (3) goals to zero (0), will be awarded to the Team's subsequent opponents after the withdrawal, according to the match schedule, which will not be valid for fulfilling disciplinary sanctions imposed on a Player or member of the Coaching Staff.​
Article 18. Matches will be played at the venues designated by the Organizer. Only in cases of force majeure, duly proven, will the Organizer consider venue changes.​
Article 19. In the event that a match already underway needs to be definitively suspended due to force majeure, the following provisions will apply:​
a. The match will resume from the minute at which it was interrupted and with the score that was recorded at the time of the interruption.
b. The match will resume with the same Players on the field and the same substitutes available as were present at the time of the suspension.
c. No substitutes may be added to the list of registered Players.
d. Teams may only make the number of substitutions they were entitled to at the time of suspension.
e. Players who had been sent off prior to the suspension may not be replaced.
f. Disciplinary sanctions imposed before the suspension will remain in effect for the remainder of the match.
g. The match will resume with the same action that was taking place at the time of suspension (e.g., free kick, throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, penalty kick, etc.). If the match was suspended with the ball in play, it will resume with a dropped ball at the spot where play was stopped.
h. The Organizer will decide the restart time, date, and venue of the resumed match.
i. The teams will maintain their field positions; however, if the match is resumed at a different venue, the Referee will conduct a coin toss.
j. The match will resume, if possible, under the direction of the same Refereeing team or Referee; however, the Organizer may appoint a different one if necessary, without giving rise to any claims from the Teams.
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Article 20. If a match is permanently suspended due to force majeure at the seventieth (70th) minute or later, the Referee shall consider the match concluded with the score at the time of suspension.
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Article 21. For the purposes of match suspension, the following shall be considered force majeure:
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a. Poor condition of the playing field due to weather factors that make it impossible or dangerous to use.
b. Insufficient natural or artificial lighting.
c. Invasion of the playing field by the public.
d. Other factors, at the reasonable discretion of the Referee.
SECTION IV - GAME RULES
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Article 22. The rules of play for the Tournament are those established by the International Football Association Board – IFAB.
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Article 23. The designation of the playing fields and match schedules will be determined by the Organizer.
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Article 24. All Teams must report to the assigned match venue at least one (1) hour prior to the scheduled start of the match.​
Article 25. Teams must be on the field, in compliance with regulations and ready to compete, at least fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled start time.​
Article 26. If ten (10) minutes have passed after the scheduled time for the start or continuation of a match and one of the Teams has not shown up, the Referee will record the fact in the match report, leave the field, and inform the Organizer.​
Unless fully demonstrated force majeure circumstances are presented to the Organizer, the absent Team will be automatically expelled from the Tournament. The corresponding sanction for forfeiture or withdrawal will be applied, and no goals will be credited to any Player.
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Article 27. If neither of the Teams shows up to the field of play, both shall be automatically expelled from the Tournament. Additionally, they may not participate in the current Tournament, in any of its phases, in any future editions of the Tournament, nor in any other tournament created and organized by the Organizer.​
Article 28. A match may not start with fewer than seven (7) Players on each Team. If, during the course of the match, this number is reduced for any reason, the Referee will terminate the match, and the reduced Team will lose with a score of 3-0, unless the score at the time of termination is greater.
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Article 29. If the minimum of seven (7) Players is reduced on both teams, both will be declared losers with a score of 3-0, regardless of the score at the time of the reduction.
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Article 30. Matches will last eighty (90) minutes, divided into two (2) halves of forty-five (45) minutes each, with a fifteen (15) minute break in between.​
Article 31. Individuals not listed on the Team roster are not allowed to attend the bench or remain on the playing field without the Organizer's consent.
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Article 32. During the course of a match, each Team may make unlimited substitutions. A substituted Player may re-enter the same match, except for penalty shootouts.
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Article 33. Only substitute Players (11 Players) and accredited members of the Coaching Staff (3 members) may remain in the technical area of each Team, if applicable.​
Article 34. Based on the results of the matches, the following points will be awarded:​
a. Three (3) points for a win.
b. One (1) point for a draw.
c. Zero (0) points for a loss.​
Article 35. Ties on points in the Group Stage groups, regardless of the stage of the Tournament, will be resolved by strictly applying the following factors in order:​
a. Winner of the match played between the two (2) tied Teams. If they did not play against each other, the tiebreaker will be determined starting from point b.
b. Best Fair Play Spirit score.
c. Goal difference in all Group Stage matches (goals scored minus goals conceded).
d. Greater number of goals scored in all Group Stage matches.
e. Greater number of goals scored in the Group Stage matches between the Teams in question.
f. A draw conducted by the Organizer.​
Article 36. The Fair Play Spirit scores will be as follows:
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Yellow Card: - Ten (-10) points.
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Red Card: - Twenty (-20) points.
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Expulsion of a delegate, assistant, or coach: - Fifty (-50) points.
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Expulsion for physical assault on any player, referee, coach, or league member: – One hundred (-100) points.
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Expulsion for verbal assault: - Twenty (-20) points.
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Sanction for delaying the start of the match: - Twenty (-20) points.
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Expulsion from the championship due to excessive negative points: When a team reaches one thousand (1,000) negative points in the Fair Play table, it is automatically eliminated from the championship.​
Article 37. Sanctions for violations imposed through yellow and red cards will be subject to the following rules:
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a. When a Player is sent off the field for receiving two (2) yellow cards in the same match, they will be suspended for the next match following the date of the sanction.
b. When a Player is sent off the field with a direct red card, they will be suspended for the following two (2) matches.
However, based on the referee’s report, the Disciplinary Committee may extend the sanction as deemed appropriate.
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SOLE PARAGRAPH ONE. The sanctions described herein will be enforced regardless of the Tournament phase in which they are imposed and will not be forgiven between the Group Phase and the Final Phase.
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SOLE PARAGRAPH TWO. Players or support personnel serving suspensions may not be present on the substitute benches or on the field of play.
SECTION V - UNIFORMS
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Article 38. Each Team shall use a uniform whose colors must be communicated to the Organizer on the day the final Player roster is submitted.​
FIRST PARAGRAPH. Teams are required to be properly uniformed, with numbered jerseys, shorts, and socks of the same color.​
SECOND PARAGRAPH. If both competing Teams have uniforms with colors that may cause confusion during the match, the Organizer will provide rental uniforms, and the Referee will conduct a draw to determine which Team must wear them.​
Article 39. Players' jerseys must have a visible number printed on the back. Numbers made with adhesive tape, medical tape, or similar materials are not allowed.​
Article 40. No Player may participate with a jersey number different from the one assigned in the registration list submitted to the Organizer. This number must match the one listed on the official match sheet, which is submitted approximately thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the match. The number may not be changed during the course of the match. Only one (1) Player per Team may use a given jersey number in any match.
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Article 41. Failure to comply with the rules set forth in the previous articles will result in the offending Team losing the match with a score of 3-0, and/or the loss of the Right to Participate, depending on the severity of the infraction and at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.
​SECTION VI - CENTRAL AND ASSISTANT REFEREES
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Article 42. The Referee is the highest authority on the field of play. Their decisions regarding technical refereeing matters and the outcome of the match are final.​
SOLE PARAGRAPH. The events described in the referee's report are presumed to be true. However, it is always possible to present evidence to the contrary.​
Article 43. Central and assistant Referees will be appointed by the Organizer. No Referee may refuse to officiate a match or act as assistant referee or fourth official if they have been duly designated for those roles. In the event of an impediment or valid reason for exemption, the Organizer may replace the Referee after verifying the circumstances.
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Article 44. Referees cannot be challenged by participating Teams. Exceptionally, if a Team presents evidence of possible incompetence or bias on the part of a Referee, the Organizer may, at its sole discretion, consider the proposed challenge.
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Article 45. Complaints regarding Referee conduct must be submitted in writing within a maximum of twenty-four (24) hours after the match in question. The complaint must be accompanied by documentary evidence and signed by the Team delegate. These complaints will be decided, in the first instance, by the Disciplinary Committee, which will primarily rely on video footage of the match recorded by the Organizer.
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Article 46. The Organizer will provide the Referee with match sheets and reports for each match. The Referee’s signature will initially validate everything recorded on these documents, and must always include:​
a. The full names of the Players and the Technical Staff participating for each Team, along with jersey numbers and identification numbers.
b. Names of the Teams competing, the field and kick-off time, any delays or waiting periods, goal scorers, cautions, expulsions, substitutions made, and any other events the Referee deems relevant to record.
c. Names of the Referees.
d. A clear and concise report of the match details and incidents, describing the behavior of individual Players, Teams, and the Public, as well as any other relevant information that may assist in applying sanctions, including the conduct and actions of the Technical Staff.​
Article 47. The match sheet must be submitted by the Referee to the Organizer once the match has ended, or in case of suspension, at the time of suspension.
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SOLE PARAGRAPH. If the Referee becomes ill or is injured in a way that prevents them from starting or continuing the match, the order of succession will follow, beginning with Assistant Referee One.
SECTION VII - ECONOMIC REGULATIONS​
Article 48. Each Team must pay the full amount of $2,500 as Registration Fees to the Organizer, in accordance with the procedure described in this Regulation.
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Article 49. Each weekend, the delegate of each team shall be responsible for paying the amount of $300, which includes the cost of the field and refereeing. Payment must be made before the start of the match. The game will not begin until both teams have fully covered the required amount.​
SOLE PARAGRAPH. Participating Teams assume responsibility for the conduct of each of their Players and members of their Technical Staff.​
Article 50. The monetary prizes that a team earns for any of the tournament competitions will be awarded in cash on the same day as the defined award ceremony date.​
Article 51. Economic penalties for disciplinary cards are as follows:
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Yellow cards: $15
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Red cards: $30
SECTION VIII - CLAIMS AND TECHNICAL & DISCIPLINARY MEASURES​
Article 52. All matters related to claims and/or disciplinary violations that arise during the Tournament shall be governed by the provisions of the Disciplinary Code.​
Article 53. A claim is understood as a formal request that seeks to nullify a match or change a decision regarding the awarding of points that differs from the result recorded by the Referee on the official match sheet.
This does not exclude the authority of the Disciplinary Committee to independently review and investigate incidents that occur during the Tournament.​
Article 54. Claims regarding technical errors or judgment calls made by the Referee will not be accepted.​
Article 55. Once the champion and other positions on the standings table have been officially declared, no claims will be accepted. Likewise, no claims will be accepted outside of the timeframes established by the Disciplinary Code and/or this Regulation.​
Article 56. The Disciplinary Committee is responsible for sanctioning individual or collective disciplinary offenses committed by members of the participating Teams, Referees, and, in general, any personnel registered and affiliated with the Tournament.
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Article 57. Only the team delegate may perform official representative functions during matches.​
Article 58. The accreditation issued by the Organizer shall be the valid document for identifying players, coaches, delegates, and support staff during the games.​
PARAGRAPH ONE. Failure to present accreditation disqualifies the athlete or support staff from participating in the match, and prevents technical staff or assistants from being in the technical area. In any case, no athlete or assistant may remain in the technical zone without having presented their accreditation.​
PARAGRAPH TWO. In case of loss of the accreditation, a duplicate may be requested from the Organizer upon payment of a fee of $10.
SECTION IX - OFFENSES AND SANCTIONS
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Article 59. Violations of the rules of the game and/or this Regulation shall be sanctioned according to the Disciplinary Code and this Regulation.​
Article 60. For the enforcement of a sanction, only officially scheduled and effectively played matches, as well as those officially won due to opponent forfeiture or withdrawal (W.O), will be counted, including all phases of the same Tournament.​
Article 61. The Disciplinary Committee and/or Disciplinary Commission, acting on their own initiative if deemed appropriate, may make decisions they consider necessary for the proper conduct of the Tournament, based on the principle of pro competitione.
SECTION X - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
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Article 62. Participating Teams are fully obligated to respect and comply with the Organizer's advertising requirements.
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Article 63. Any administrative or technical matters not expressly regulated in this Regulation shall be resolved at the Organizer’s sole discretion.