Varsity Soccer

• First Practice - January 19th, 2004
• First Contest - February 9th, 2004
• End of Season - May 8th, 2004
• Contests Allowed - 20 - Includes only regular season contests per school.
• Tournaments Allowed - 2

Jr. High/Middle School Soccer

• First Practice - January 19th, 2004
• First Contest - February 9th, 2004
• End of Season - April 24th, 2004
• Contests Allowed - 14 - Includes only regular season contests per school.
• Tournaments Allowed - 2

Note: A team's season begins the day of its first contest and ends when the team is eliminated in the state championship program.

AHSAA Soccer - Spring 2004 Book

AHSAA Coaches' Soccer Committee
(Listed By Districts)

(1) Paul Stroud, Fairhope. (2) Anthony Childers, Dothan. (3) Dann Cleveland, Trinity. (4) Greg Ojendyk, Central-Phenix City. (5) Rick Grammer, Vestavia Hills. (6) Bradley Hopkins, Southside-Gadsden. (7) Bob Seely, Bradshaw. (8) George Cavender, Butler.

The Championship Program
 

1. The soccer program provides for competition for boys and girls in three divisions - 1A-2A-3A-4A, 5A and 6A
    
2. Each high school is permitted to play a maximum of 20 regular season games and participate in two tournaments prior to the state tournament. One of the allowable tournaments must be held with no loss of school time. Other than the two allowable tournaments, a third tournament with no loss of school time may be scheduled with each game played counting as a regular season game.
   
   Each junior high or middle school is permitted to play a maximum of 14 regular season games and participate in two tournaments. One of the allowable tourna­ments must be held with no loss of school time. Other than the two allowable tournaments, a third tournament with no loss of school time may be scheduled with each game played counting as a regular season game.
   
   A tournament is defined as an organized sport competition that finally results in determining a champion. In soccer, tournaments using elimination and round­robin formats may be sanctioned. Tournaments must involve three or more teams and are usually played at one site.
   Each school may play regular season games until sub-state play begins provided the games fall within the maximum number allowed.
    
3. All participants must be eligible under AHSAA rules. Each team is limited to a maximum of 22 players. Any complaint regarding the eligibility of any student must be made to the State Office.
    
4. In order to qualify for the championship program, each school must play all other schools in its section two regular season games prior to April 22. Section games take precedence over all other games. All section, sub-state and state tournament games must be completed and a winner determined.
    
5. The winner and runner-up of each section will advance to the first of two rounds of sub-state play in its division.
    
6. All regular season and playoff games will be played under National Federation rules, including the following:
    
   1. All high school varsity games shall be played in two equal halves of 40 minutes (Rule 7-1-1). All competition below the varsity level shall be played in two equal halves of 35 minutes.
       
   2. The home school should furnish a competent timer and scorer at all contests and may secure a registered official to serve as timer or scorer. The home school timer shall be the official timer. However, by mutual agreement of the coaches, the official time may be kept by the head referee.
       
   3. At least two ball holders shall be provided by the home team. Ball holders are under the direct supervision of the officials. A caution will be administered against the home team if the contest is delayed due to incompetent ball holders.
       
   4. If a game is halted when the officials consider the weather or ground conditions unfit for play, the officials shall resume play as soon as possible. If play cannot be resumed within 30 minutes, the officials may declare the game ended or suspended according to the rules (Rule 7-1-3). If a suspended game is to be completed, play shall be resumed from the point of suspension.
       
   5. In a tie game where a winner must be determined, the Tournament Progres­sion procedures Nos. 2-4 in the 2003-04 Soccer Rules Book will be in effect with one modification in No. 2: Two five-minute sudden victory overtime periods will be the only overtime periods used. (This format change has been approved by the National Federation.)
       
   6. If non-section and non-varsity games are tied, they may be resolved only by the mutual consent of the participating coaches prior to the start of the games. The overtime procedure noted in (e) above will be used. (Non-section and non-varsity games include those involving junior varsity, B-team, junior high and middle school teams.)
       
   7. A 10-goal differential will be used in all regular season, section, sub-state and state tournament games. A game shall be ended anytime after the end of the first half when one team has gained the 10-goal differential.
       
7. PLAYER CONDUCT RULE
   The penalties for red card violations fall under this rule.
    
   Red Card Violations
    
   1. Any player who receives a red card will receive a warning or reprimand from the AHSAA.
       
   2. Any player who receives a second red card will be ineligible for the next game his/her school plays.
       
   3. Any player who receives a third red card will be ineligible for the remainder of that season.
      
      Note: A yellow or yellow-red card violation does not apply to the Player Conduct Rule.
       
8. It is recommended that schools use three AHSAA-registered officials (a referee and two assistant referees) for each game. If necessary, two officials may be used for a game. The schedule of maximum officials' fees for regular season games (includes section games) and mileage is as follows:
    
   1. High School Varsity - $40 per referee per game
      $30 per assistant referee per game
       
   2. Junior Varsity - $35 per referee per game
      $25 per assistant referee per game
       
   3. Grades 7-9 - $30 per head referee per game
      $20 per assistant referee per game
       
   4. Mileage - 32 cents per mile both ways (all levels).
      Mileage of 10 or less miles does not apply.
       
   5. The schedule of maximum officials' fees for sub-state and state tournament games is as follows:
      
      High School Varsity - $45 per referee per game
      $35 per assistant referee per game
       
       
9. Dates for AHSAA State Soccer playoffs in all divisions are as follows:
    
   • AHSAA High School Soccer Sections must determine which schools are soccer section winners and runners-up prior to April 22nd, 2004.
   • AHSAA High School Soccer - First Sub-State Round of Playoffs is April 27th, 2004
   • AHSAA High School Soccer - Second Sub-State Round of Playoffs is May 1st, 2004.
   • AHSAA Soccer Championship - May 7th and 8th, 2004 - John Hunt Soccer Complex in Huntsville, AL

Section Playoffs

DATES: Each section in both divisions must determine its winner prior to April 22.

COORDINATOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES: The designated coordinator of each section must have an organizational meeting of all participating section schools before Feb. 9 to finalize details of section play, including scheduling and establishing a procedure for making up or completing rained-out or suspended games. Section games take precedence over all other games.

FORMAT: Each team in the section must play each section opponent two regular season games (one at each school's site) prior to April 22 in order to qualify for the state playoff. The winner and runner-up teams, based on the won-loss percentage against qualified section opponents, will represent the section in the first sub-state round.
If a team plays another team in its section more than twice, only the first regular season game at each site will count in determining section winning percentage.
Wilson balls must be used in all section games.

TIE-BREAKING FACTORS
 
If there is a percentage tie by two or more teams for the section championship, apply the following tie-breaking factors in the order listed, beginning with (a) or (h) as determined by the number of teams in the tie. If a certain tie-breaking factor does not apply to the tie being resolved, apply the next factor in the order listed.
(NOTE: One goal is added to the winning team’s score in an overtime game.)
 
 
Two-Team Tie

1. Head to head play in the two regular season section games.
2. Goal differential in the two regular season section games (up to a 3-goal differential per game)
3. Goal differential against all section opponents during regular season games (up to 3-goal differential per game)
4. Least number of goals given up in the two regular season section games.
5. Least number of goals given up against all section opponents during regular season games.
6. Goal differential against the No. 3 section team in the two regular season section games (up to 3-goal differential per game). If the teams remain tied, use the same goal differential against the other section teams, in order of finish, 4th, 5th, etc.
7. By drawing out of a hat.
    

More Than Three Teams Tie

8. Highest percentage against all other tied teams during regular season section play. If one of the teams does not have a higher percentage against all the other tied teams during the regular season section play, the tie cannot be resolved by this
   factor. Then, the next factor will be applied to all the teams involved in the tie.
9. Goal differential against all other tied teams in the regular season section games (up to a 3-goal differential per game). If two teams tie under this factor ahead of all other teams involved in the tie, the champion will be determined by applying the two-team factors for these two teams, beginning with (a).
   If more than two teams remained tied under this factor, the champion cannot be determined by this factor. Then the next factor will be applied to all teams involved in the tie.
10. Goal differential against all section opponents during regular season section games (up to 3-goal differential per game). If two teams tie under this factor ahead of all other teams involved in the tie, the champion will be determined by applying the two-team factors for these two teams, beginning with (a).
    If more than two teams remained tied under this factor, the champion cannot be determined by this factor. Then the next factor will be applied to all teams involved in the tie.
11. Least number of goals given up against all other tied teams during regular season section games. If two teams tie under this factor ahead of all other teams involved in the tie, the champion will be determined by applying the two-team factors for these two teams, beginning with (a). If more than two teams remained tied under this factor, the champion cannot be determined by this factor. Then the next factor will be applied to all teams involved in the tie.
12. Least number of goals given up against all section opponents during regular season section games. If two teams tie under this factor ahead of all other teams involved in the tie, the champion will be determined by applying the two-team factors for these two teams, beginning with (a).
    If more than two teams remained tied under this factor, the champion cannot be determined by this factor. Then the next factor will be applied to all teams involved in the tie.
13. Goal differential against the No. 3 section team in the regular season section games (up to 3-goal differential per game). If the teams remain tied, use the same goal differential against the other section teams, in order of finish, 4th, 5th, etc.
    If more than two teams remained tied under this factor, the champion cannot be determined by this factor. Then the next factor will be applied to all teams involved in the tie.
14. By drawing out of a hat.

WINNING, RUNNER-UP COACHES' RESPONSIBILITY:

       The coach of each section winner and runner-up team must fax the section qualifiers for sub-state play along with the time of first round sub-state games to the State Office (334-387­0075) by 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 22.

       Also, coaches of teams advancing to sub-state play must immediately mail a team roster (Form 50 with number, name and grade) to the state tournament director for possible use in the state tournament program.

Sub-State Playoff

First Round

DATE: April 27th

SITES: Section winners will provide the playing facility.

GAME DIRECTOR: Host school principal

FORMAT: Single elimination with section winners hosting section runners-up according to pre-drawn pairings for each class.

PAIRINGS:

• Game 1 - Section 2 runner-up vs. Section 1 winner
• Game 2 - Section 1 runner-up vs. Section 2 winner
• Game 3 - Section 4 runner-up vs. Section 3 winner
• Game 4 - Section 3 runner-up vs. Section 4 winner
• Game 5 - Section 6 runner-up vs. Section 5 winner
• Game 6 - Section 5 runner-up vs. Section 6 winner
• Game 7 - Section 8 runner-up vs. Section 7 winner
• Game 8 - Section 7 runner-up vs. Section 8 winner

OFFICIALS: Officials (referee and two assistant referees per game) will be secured by the host school, which will be responsible for paying the fees at the site.

BALL: Wilson

ADMISSION: $5 per person
 
GAME DIRECTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Each director will submit the necessary game financial report to the State Office and send a copy to the visiting school. A form for this purpose will be furnished by the State Office.

The following financial report must be filed immediately after the sub-state game is completed.
 

1. Expenses will be paid from gate receipts, to the extent available, in the following order:
    
   1. Taxes (state and local), if applicable
       
   2. Officials - $45 per referee, $35 per assistant referee
      Mileage - 32 cents per mile both ways
       
2. Net receipts after expenses will be divided as follows:
    
   1. 2/3 of net receipts to participating teams
      (not to exceed 1 /3 of net receipts)
       
      1. Team travel (not to exceed 30 cents per mile both ways)
          
      2. Balance divided equally among schools according to the number
         of games played in the tournament.
          
   2. 1/3 of net receipts to AHSAA 
       

WINNING COACHES' RESPONSIBILITY:

Coaches of first round sub-state winners must fax their scores, second round game times, opponents and sites to the State Office (334-387-0075) on Wednesday, April 28, by 10:30 a.m.

Also, the coach of each first round sub-state winner must immediately mail a roster (Form 50 with number, name and grade) and a team picture to the state tournament director for possible use in the state tournament program.

 

Second Round

 
DATE: May 1

SITES: The team that traveled in the first round will be the home team in the second round game and provide the playing facility. If both teams traveled or neither team traveled, the winner of Games 3, 4, 7, and 8 will be the home team for the second round.

GAME DIRECTOR: Host school principal

FORMAT: Single elimination according to pre-drawn pairings for each class.

PAIRINGS:

• Game A - Game 1 winner vs. Game 3 winner
• Game B - Game 2 winner vs. Game 4 winner
• Game C - Game 5 winner vs. Game 7 winner
• Game D - Game 6 winner vs. Game 8 winner

OFFICIALS: Officials (referee and two assistant referees per game) will be secured by the host school, which will be responsible for paying the fees at the site.

BALL: Wilson

ADMISSION: $5 per person
 
GAME DIRECTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES:

Each director will submit the necessary game financial report to the State Office and send a copy to the visiting school. A form for this purpose will be furnished by the State Office.
The financial report must be filed immediately after the sub-state game is completed.

1. Expenses will be paid from gate receipts, to the extent available, in the following order:
   1. (1) Taxes (state and local), if applicable
   2. (2) Officials - $45 per head referee
      $35 per assistant referee
      Mileage - 32 cents per mile both ways
   3. Municipal facility, if necessary (not to exceed regular season charges)
2. Net receipts after expenses will be divided as follows:
   1. (1) 2/3 of net receipts to participating teams
      1. Team travel (not to exceed 30 cents per mile both ways)
      2. Balance divided equally among participating schools.
   2. 1/3 of net receipts to AHSAA
       

WINNING COACHES' RESPONSIBILITY:

Coaches of second round sub­state winners must FAX their scores to (1) the state tournament director (256-427­5223) immediately after the game and (2) the State Office (334-378-0075) on Monday, May 3rd, by 10:30 a.m. 
 

State Tournament

 
DATE: May 7-8

SITE: Huntsville Soccer Complex

DIRECTOR: Ralph Stone, 308 Fountain Circle, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-427-5230. Fax: 256-427-5223 E-mail: Ralph.stone@hsvcity.com 

FORMAT: Each second round sub-state winner will be placed in a four-team bracket for a single elimination tournament in each division.

SCHEDULE: Semi-finals on Friday, finals on Saturday.

ADMISSION: $6.00 per day (all tickets)

AWARDS:

(a) Trophies to champion and runner-up teams in each division.

(b) Plaque to Most Valuable Player in each division.
 

1. Game balls (Wilson) will be furnished at the state tournament site.
    
2. Officials will be assigned by the State Office. Three officials (a referee and two assistant referees) will be used for each game. The schedule of officials' fees and mileage is found in the AHSAA Officials Guide. Assignment of officials during the tournament will be coordinated by the tournament director and/or an officials' coordinator.
    
3. The host facility will handle and receive proceeds from concessions.
    
4. Travel expenses for participating teams will be supplemented as funds are available after all tournament expenses are paid.
    
5. A financial report will be filed with the State Office by the tournament director.
    
   1. Expenses will be paid from gate receipts, to the extent available, in the following order:
       
      1. Taxes (state and local if applicable)
          
      2. Officials - $45 per head referee per contest
         $35 per assistant referee per contest
         Mileage - 32 cents per mile both ways
          
      3. Trophies
          
   2. Net receipts after expenses will be divided as follows:
       
      1. 2/3 of balance to participating teams
          
         1. Team travel (not to exceed 30 cents per mile both ways)
             
         2. Balance divided equally among schools according to the number of games played in the tournament
             
      2. 1/3 of balance to AHSAA
          

State Tournament Brackets

State Tournament brackets are pre-drawn with pairings rotated each year. Second round sub-state winners are placed in their designated places on the State Tournament brackets. The designated home team for each game is the team on the bottom of the bracket.

ALL DIVISIONS

May 7-8

Game D Winner vs. Game A Winner - Field 1

Game C Winner vs. Game B Winner - Field 2

GAME TIMES

Created: 12/20/99
Last Updated: 05/04/04

Since February 24, 1999
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  Web Administrator    Ken Gamble