2003-'04 Metro D. C. - Virginia State Championships

First Round - home team listed first

A. Team Name
B. League
C. Primary Team Contact (name, address, phone numbers, e-mail, fax, etc.)
D. Secondary Team Contact (name, address, phone numbers, e-mail, fax, etc.)
E. Team colors (home & away)
F. Indicate State Cup, Challenge Cup, or Veterans Cup
G. $425.00 entry fee. Make checks out to "MDCVSA".
H. Signature of team captain / manager acknowledging priority of State Championship games over local league games.

Derek McCown
MDCVSA State Championships
P. O. Box 2020
Richmond, VA 23218-2020

A. To enter the tournaments, a deposit of $425.00 must be received. This deposit will cover your referees fees for the Elite Eight weekend in Richmond (to include your preliminary Finals game), as well as your potential opponents should your team not show for the Finals weekend. It is regrettable that this was needed to be done, but the referees are booked and paid for well ahead of time, and the shortfalls were covered by the tournament sponsor when teams didn't show or left early. Upon sucessful completion of the Finals weekend in Richmond, each team will receive money back from their $425.00 deposit; referee fees are $70.00 per team per game, so the difference in the number of games a team plays (x $70.00) and $425.00 will be the refund amount.

Because of the following teams having been no-shows for the Finals in previous years, or have failed to pay their fees, they will need to submit the following deposits before their entries can be processed:


1. Old Dominion FC (NVSL) - $605.00
2. St. Ides (NVSL) - $605.00
3. El Salvador de Maryland (VISL) - $485.00


B. For preliminary round games (pre-Elite Eight), only referee fees must be paid by the teams. If a team is eliminated before the Elite Eight, then their entire $425.00 deposit will be refunded.

A. Each team must submit a player pool of 22 players by May 17, 2004. These players must be registered with the MDCVSA for the 2003-'04 year. MDCVSA Registrar Sloane Bailey is the final authority on each player's eligibility. Once this player pool is submitted, it is final for duration of the championships. Teams are encouraged to include more than one goalkeeper on the squad, and to submit a full roster to guard against injuries.

B. Rosters (i.e. player pool list) must be sent to:


1. Derek McCown
MDCVSA State Championships
P. O. Box 2020
Richmond, VA 23218-2020

2. statecup@mdcvsa.org


The players name, pass ID #, and birthdate must be submitted.

C. For the Elite Eight matches at Dorey Park & Bryan Park, the Referee Site Coordinator will be in possesion of all rosters during the tournament. He will be responsible for distributing the rosters to the referees before each game.

D. For all preliminary rounds, the Tournament Director will send copies of both of the official game rosters to each of the team captains (most likely e-mailed in Adobe PDF). The referees are responsible for mailing the rosters back to the Tournament Director. There will be mailing instructions printed on the rosters. All Challenge Cup & Veterans Cup players should bring either a drivers license, passport, or military ID to prove their age. It is the opposing captain's right to check the ages of the opposition before or after the game. The penalty for having an illegal player is a forfeit..

A. Players wishing to participate in the State Championships must be registered with the MDCVSA Registrar as of May 17, 2004. All corresponding fees must have already been paid to the MDCVSA Treasurer.

B. Players must present a valid pass, currently validated, from a MDCVSA member league that is in good standing.

C. Players are eligible for only one team, and only one tournament. Players may not compete in each of the State, Challenge, & Veterans Cups, nor may they transfer to another team after the competition has begun.

D. "Valid Pass" is defined as an official USSF Player Pass. No homemade passes or drivers licenses!

E. AGE REQUIREMENTS


1. State Cup: all properly MDCVSA registered players may play in this tournament. It is open to all teams whose leagues are in good standing with the MDCVSA.

2. Challenge Cup: the Challenge Cup is designed for the "over 30" player. For the purposes of this tournament, a player is considered "over 30" is if he/she achieves his/her thirtieth (30th) birthday in year 2004 (i.e. is born on or before December 31, 1974). In addition, to keep from breaking up legitimate teams, two players on the roster may be "over 25" (i.e. is born on or before December 31, 1979). All teams must be from leagues that are in good standing with the MDCVSA.

3. Veterans Cup: the Veterans Cup is designed for the "over 40" player. For the purposes of this tournament, a player is considered "over 40" is if he/she achieves his/her fortieth (40th) birthday in year 2004 (i.e. is born on or before December 31, 1964). In addition, to keep from breaking up legitimate teams, two players on the roster may be "over 35" (i.e. is born on or before December 31, 1969). All teams must be from leagues that are in good standing with the MDCVSA.

A. Games will consist of two 45-minute halves.

B. Depending upon weather conditions, the referee's discretion, and the agreement of both team captains, a short water break may be given midway through the half.

C. Ties will be settled in the following manner for the semifinals & finals:


1. Two 15-minute sudden death overtimes.
2. Penalty Kicks.


All games tied at the end of regulation in the round robin (gorup play) phase will stand as ties.

D. Teams will need to be dressed and have their passes checked TEN MINUTES before the start of each game. Teams not in compliance are subject to forfeiture of their match.

E. There will be unlimited substitutions. "Unlimited subsitutions", for the purposes of the 2003-'04 MDCVSA State, Challenge, & Veterans Cups, not only means that all 22 players on your roster may play each game, but also that they may re-enter the game after coming off.

F. Other than these exceptions, all FIFA Rules apply.

G. Longstanding MDCVSA policy states that State, Challenge, & Veterans Cup matches take precedence over individual league games. If teams are not willing or able to interrupt their member league schedules to play in the MDCVSA State & Challenge Cups, they are encouraged not to enter!

A. Disciplinary Actions

1. Classifications

a. Yellow Card Offenses

(i) Ungentlemanly Conduct / Unsporting Behavior: two points.
(ii) Dissent: defined as consistent argumentative reaction to the authority of the referee and his linesmen; two points.
(iii) Retaliation: defined as tackling or attacking a player with little or no intention of playing the ball in a manner consistent with the rules of the game; three points.

b. Red Card Offenses

(i) General: defined as excessive profanity or abusive (physical or verbal) behavior that the referee judges as unfit and the player is forced from the game; five points
(ii) Violent Fouls: defined as retaliation or uncontrolled fouls with the intent to deliberately injure a player through tackling or reckless play; eight points.
(iii) Striking: defined as hitting or kicking a player or the attempts to do so during or after the game; fifteen points.

2. A team is responsible for the behavior of its fans. Failure of the team to control its fans may result in severe fines for the team.
3. Any team wishing to file an appeal the actions taken by the Disciplinary Committee of the MDCVSA must do so within five days after receiving official notification from them. After five days the findings become final.
4. For further disciplinary penalties see Fine Code.


B. The Fine Code for the 2003-'04 MDCVSA State, Challenge, & Veterans Cups for accumulated points is as follows:
1. Five Points: one-game suspension.
2. Ten Points
a. If accumulated over the course of the tournament (i.e. more than one game), an additional one-game suspension is imposed for the game immediately following the one in which the player reaches the ten-point plateau. However, if the five-point and ten-point plateaus are reached in the same game, an automatic two-game suspension is imposed (e.g. a player coming into a game with four points, and committing an eight-point foul).
b. If accumulated in one game, an automatic two-game suspension is imposed.

3. Fifteen Points: length of suspension to be decided by the MDCVSA Executive Committee.

A. First Round - May 2004
1. Pairings will be done by random draw. Allowances may be made to prevent teams from the same league meeting in this round in the spirit of promoting teams from different regions playing each other. As well, the top teams from last year's competition may be seeded to prevent, for example, a rematch of the previous year's championship in the round of 16. The first team drawn in each pairing shall be deemed the "home" team. We ask that the team captains confer to agree on a suitable time that month to play the game. The responsibities of the "home" team are as follows:
a. Supply field. Field must be lined, and the goals must have nets.
b. Supply referees. The visiting team is responsible for bringing their share of the referee fees to the game. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit.
c. Supply alternate uniforms. If there is a conflict in uniform colors, the home team must change.
d. Supply game balls. If the visiting team has a better ball, however, and both teams agree, then use that one!
e. Report the final score. It should be e-mailed to statecup@mdcvsa.org.


2. There will be only enough teams drawn in this round to reduce the field to 8. If 8 or fewer teams enter either of the competitions, this drawing will not be necessary.

3. The drawing for the State, Challenge, & Veterans Cup First Round will be announced by e-mail; as of Monday, May 3 entries are still being processed.

4. First Round matches must be completed on or by June 4, 2004. If the two teams are unable to decide on a mutually acceptable game date, time, & site, the Tournament Director will assign one.

5. Longstanding MDCVSA policy states that State & Challenge Cup matches take precedence over individual league games. If teams are not willing or able to interrupt their member league schedules to play in the MDCVSA State & Challenge Cups, they are encouraged not to enter!


B. Elite Eight - June 5-6, June 11-13, 2004
1. Once the field is pared to eight teams, they will be split into two four-team groups. These groups will be divided by random draw, with some consideration given to past performance in the State Championships, to include forfeits.

2. The drawing for the State, Challenge, & Veterans Cup Elite Eight will be Monday, May 24, 2004, 6:30 PM. It will be held at Bandito's Burrito Lounge, 2905 Patterson Avenue, in Richmond.

3. Once the the teams are split into two four-team groups, they will play a round-robin within their group:
a. Game #1 of the round robin will be played at the site of the "home" team on the weekend of June 5-6, 2004. Games will be arranged within the round robin in such a manner that minimizes interregional travel. The home team needs to have the referees contact the tournament director to receive official rosters.

b. Game #2 of the round robin will be played at Dorey Park on Friday, June 11, 2004 at 6:15 & 8:15. Scheduling allowances will be made so that teams traveling the furthest will be given 8:15 PM games when possible.

c. Game #3 of the round robin will played either at 9:00 AM (Challenge Cup) or 11:00 AM (State Cup) on Saturday, June 12, 2004 at Bryan Park.


4. After the round robin session is complete, the top two teams in each group will advance. The following criteria will be used to determine standings:
a. Points (3 points for a win, 1 for a tie).
b. Head-to-Head.
c. Goal Differential.
d. Goals Scored.
e. Coin Flip by the Referee Site Coordinator.


5. Semifinalists will be paired in a #1 v. #2 fashion (i.e. Group A #1 v. Group B #2; Group B #1 v. Group A #2). Challenge Cup Semifinals will be at 3:00 PM, Saturday, June 12; State Cup Semifinals will be at 5:00 PM, Saturday, June 12.

6. Challenge Cup Finals will be at 10:00 AM, Sunday, June 13. State Cup Finals will be 12:00 PM, Sunday, June 13.

7. Since this is only the second year of the Veterans Cup, the specific itenirary will be formulated after all entries are received.

A. Bryan Park Soccer Complex - Bryan Park is located in the near northwest side of Richmond where I-64 West and I-95 North diverge. The main entrance to the park is located on Hermitage Rd. where it crosses I-95.


1. From the Fan: Travel north on Boulevard (VA 161) across Broad Street and past The Diamond. At Westwood Ave. the Boulevard changes names to Hermitage Rd. Follow Hermitage Rd. north past Laburnum Ave. (A.P. Hill Statue) and the Scottish Rite Temple. As soon as you cross over I-95, the entrance is to your left.
2. From the West End: Take I-64 E. Follow I-64 E to I-95 N to Washington. Take the first exit (½ mile, exit 80 - Hermitage Rd. / Lakeside Ave.). Follow the signs to Hermitage Rd. Take a right and cross over I-95. As soon as you cross over I-95, the entrance is to your left.
3. From the Southside: Take Powhite north across the James River to I-195 N. Take I-195 N to I-95 N toward Washington. Take exit 80 (Hermitage Rd. / Lakeside Ave.). Follow the signs to Hermitage Rd. Take a right and cross over I-95. As soon as you cross over I-95, the entrance is to your left.
4. From the East End: Take I-64 W to where I-64 W and I-95N converge, continue on I-64W/I-95N To I-95 North to Washington. Take the first exit (½ mile, exit 80 - Hermitage Rd. / Lakeside Ave.). Follow the signs to Hermitage Rd. Take a right and cross over I-95. As soon as you cross over I-95, the entrance is to your left.
5. From the North: Take I-95 S toward Richmond. Use exit 82 (Chamberlayne Ave. / US 301) and continue south on Chamberlayne Ave. Follow Chamberlayne across Azalea Ave. to the next light, Westbrook Ave. Take a right on Westbrook Ave. Follow Westbrook until it dead ends into Hermitage Rd. Take a right on Hermitage Rd. and cross over I-95. As soon as you cross over I-95, the entrance is to your left.


B. Dorey Park - Dorey Park is located in eastern Henrico County, south of I-64 near the Richmond International Airport.


1. From the North: I-95 S toward Richmond. Take I-295 toward Colonial Heights / Norfolk. Follow I-295 for approximately 13 miles. Exit at I-64 and take I-64 W toward Richmond. When on I-64 W, take exit 195 / Laburnum Ave. Take a left off of the exit, heading south on Laburnum Avenue. Follow Laburnum Ave. south through US 60 (Williamsburg Road). Continue on Laburnum, past the Kraft / Nabisco plant to Darbytown Rd. Turn left, continuing on Darbytown past Strath Road; the park will be on your right.
2. From the West: take I-64 E through Richmond. Take exit 195 / Laburnum Ave. Take a right off of the exit, heading south on Laburnum Avenue. Follow Laburnum Ave. south through US 60 (Williamsburg Road). Continue on Laburnum, past the Kraft / Nabisco plant to Darbytown Rd. Turn left, continuing on Darbytown past Strath Road; the park will be on your right.
3. From the East: take I-64 W toward Richmond. Take exit 195 / Laburnum Ave. Take a left off of the exit, heading south on Laburnum Avenue. Follow Laburnum Ave. south through US 60 (Williamsburg Road). Continue on Laburnum, past the Kraft / Nabisco plant to Darbytown Rd. Turn left, continuing on Darbytown past Strath Road; the park will be on your right.


C. Bryan Park Annex / Henderson Middle School - Henderson Middle School is located in north Richmond, approximately one mile from the Bryan Park Soccer Complex. it will be the sight of two games on Saturday, June 14.


1. From the Fan: Travel north on Boulevard (rt. 161) across Broad Street and past The Diamond. At Westwood Ave. the Boulevard changes names to Hermitage Rd. Follow Hermitage Rd. north past Laburnum Ave. (A.P. Hill Statue) and the Scottish Rite Temple. Just before you cross I-95, you will come to a traffic light at Westbrook Avenue. Take a right onto Westbrook, go through your next two lights (Brook Road and Chamberlayne Avenue), and the road will dead end at the field.
2. From the West End: Take I-64 E. Follow I-64 E to I-95 N to Washington. Take the first exit (½ mile, exit 80 - Hermitage Rd. / Lakeside Ave.). Bear left onto Westbrook Avenue. Take a left onto Westbrook, go through your next two lights (Brook Road and Chamberlayne Avenue), and the road will dead end at the field.
3. From the Southside: Take Powhite north across the James River to I-195 N. Take I-195 N to I-95 N toward Washington. Take exit 80 (Hermitage Rd. / Lakeside Ave.). Bear left onto Westbrook Avenue. Take a left onto Westbrook, go through your next two lights (Brook Road and Chamberlayne Avenue), and the road will dead end at the field.
4. From the East End: Take I-64 W to where I-64 W and I-95N converge, continue on I-64W/I-95N To I-95 North to Washington. Take the first exit (½ mile, exit 80 - Hermitage Rd. / Lakeside Ave.). Bear left onto Westbrook Avenue. Take a left onto Westbrook, go through your next two lights (Brook Road and Chamberlayne Avenue), and the road will dead end at the field.
5. From the North: Take I-95 S toward Richmond. Use exit 82 (Chamberlayne Ave. / rt. 301) and continue south on Chamberlayne Ave. Follow Chamberlayne across Azalea Ave. to the next light, Westbrook Ave. Take a left on Westbrook Ave. Follow Westbrook until it dead ends into the field one block later.


C. Hotels


1. The 2003-'04 MDCVSA State & Challenge Cup Hotel Coordinator is Alison L. Carlton, with Marriott Hotels. She has access to more than a dozen hotels in the Richmond area, many of which are close to the highways that exit at Bryan Park.

2. She can be reached at C (804) 349-6906 / W (804) 355-4075 / Fax (804) 355-4076 or alison.carlton@marriott.com.