OFFICIAL Rules & Regulations

Introduction

Last updated: January 31, 2024

Revisions may and will be managed by Brothers Of The Sun LLC, dba BTS Athletics.

Risk Management 

BTS Athletics will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex or national origin.

The intent of BTS Athletics events is to have fun with safety in mind. Poor behavior such as violence will not be tolerated.

Interpretation and Definitions

Interpretation

The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Disclaimer:

• Company (referred to as either "the Company", "We", "Us" or "Our" in this Disclaimer) refers to Brothers Of The Sun, LLC, dba BTS Athletics, P.O. Box 237, West Haverstraw, NY 10993.

• Entrance Fees refer to payments made by You as part of the Registration to enter Our Promotions.

• Promotions refer to tournaments, events, or other activities offered through the Service.

• Registration refers to the process by which You provide certain information on the Website to participate in Our Promotions offered through the Service.

• Service refers to the Website.

• Website refers to BTS Athletics, accessible from https://www.btsathleticsny.com/

• You means the individual accessing the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable.

Soccer Tournament

Registration

You are required to complete a single Registration for Your team. The Registration will include policies You have to read and agree for Your team to participate in Our Promotion (such as terms and conditions, disclaimers, waivers, etc.). Failure to agree any policy may result in Us denying Your Registration. You will receive a confirmation email at the email address You used upon completing Your Registration.

The Registration requires information to be entered such as first name, last name, phone number, etc. All players must be minimum age of eighteen (18) to participate. A player may participate on or after the day of their eighteenth (18th) birthday. Players younger than eighteen (18) are not eligible to participate. Proof of age may be required from each player at the start of the Promotion (such as a driver’s license, etc.). The form of identification must show their current valid and unexpired picture identification acceptable to Us. Any team or player determined by Us to have a falsified aged player will be dismissed from the Promotion.

A player may not play for multiple teams. All players must play for only one team, that team being whichever one they registered to prior to their first match for the duration of the Promotion.

We reserve the right to cancel or terminate any Registration at any time.

We will determine which teams are eligible to participate in Our Promotion, whether a team makes the final cut to be in the Promotion is Our sole discretion. We will consider the content and completeness of the Registration from each team and other criteria We deem important.

Entrance Fees

Our Registration includes Entrance Fees that You must fulfill to participate in Our Promotions. A deposit is due upon Registration which payment methods and price may vary. Deposits may or may not be refundable. The full 100% Entrance Fee must be paid either at time of Registration or up to the Promotion deadline. Any Entrance Fee received after the deadline may not be accepted and We reserve the right to cancel Your Registration.

• For Our Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, and Return and Refund Policy regarding Our Entrance Fees, please visit this page on Our website: https://www.btsathleticsny.com/policies.

Roster

Teams may have a roster that carries up to the number of players the Registration permits. We will use the Registration to verify the roster prior to the start of the first game. A teams roster can be changed up to the start of the first game. Any changes made to a teams roster before hand including but not limited to player changes or roster changes are required to be told to Us to verify eligibility prior to the start of the teams first game. All rosters are final at the start of the team's first game after which no changes or substitutions to rosters will be made.

The Registration may ask for the jersey size of all players. Entering this information does not guarantee that jerseys would be provided. However, in the scenario that jerseys are provided, We require this information to place the order which will be based on the roster at that time. Therefore, it is recommended that all initial rosters be completed by the Promotion deadline. Rosters can still be updated after that point, until the start of the first game, but the jersey sizes cannot be changed.

For Our Return and Refund Policy regarding the uniforms please visit this page on Our website: https://www.btsathleticsny.com/policies.

Captains

One (1) captain per team. The captain will act as the leader and mediator of their team on the field. If no coaches accompany the team, the captain is also responsible for the behavior of their players on the sideline.

Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to handle the ball anywhere within their goal box. Goalkeepers can use their hands to pick the ball up if a teammate plays the ball back to them without using their feet. Goalkeepers must use their feet for goal kicks. Goalkeepers cannot throw the ball into the opposition's goal. If this happens, the opposing goalkeeper will be granted possession of the ball and no goal will be granted.

Coaches

Three (3) coaches maximum per team. All coaches are responsible for their own and their team behavior. The coaches can accompany their team on the sideline during a match. No coaches behind the goal lines. 

Coaches may not cross beyond the mid-line and should remain in proximity to their team’s sideline area. Coaches must be on the roster and have a signed waiver.

A coach may be sent off for failing to control their team.

Referees

The referee is responsible for control of the game. The referee shall be the sole judge on the field of play and their decisions are final.

In the event that a referee does not appear or should the referee become incapacitated from any cause that will prevent them from continuing officiating and both teams are present, a mutually agreed 3rd party referee may be used.

Team Uniform and Equipment

All players must wear the same colors during the event to distinguish themselves from other teams. Numbers or names on uniforms are not required. We may have pennies available, but captains or coaches should carry a set of pennies of different color than their jersey in the scenario that a change of uniform is required due to the opposing team's uniform color.

All players must wear the same colors during the event to distinguish themselves from other teams.

It is at the discretion of the referee to play the game as is. However, should it be determined by the referee that one of the teams needs to change uniforms due to both teams having the same or similar color, the home team must change their colors if the away team's colors are the same or similar.

All players must wear shin guards. Any player without shin guards will not be allowed to play. A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to them or another player (such as any kind of jewelry including piercings, earrings, necklace, watches, etc.). The referee can prohibit a player from playing on the field if the referee deems the player as dangerous to themselves or another player on the field. Once the player is cleared by the referee, the player may rejoin the match.

The Promotion may require all Registered teams to check in prior to their first match to ensure all players are eligible and both uniform and equipment are approved. An event stamp may be used as a form of approved verification.

In all games, We will provide size 5 game balls.

If any registered player is wearing an orthopedic cast of any kind, the player is not permitted to play. However, if the player is wearing a soft brace, a written approval from a doctor is required allowing them to play and a final safety judgment is required from Us to clear them for play prior to the first match. The referee has the final judgement at each game during the event for players wearing soft braces.

Field, Goals and Goal Boxes

Field dimensions may vary depending on the location of the Promotion.

When possible, teams must be set up on opposite sides of the field.

Goals, goal boxes, and center circle dimensions may vary depending on the location of the Promotion.

Game Duration

The game duration and halves will vary depending on the Promotion.

A team, at the discretion of the referee and Us, will be forfeited at game time if they are not present. Teams are responsible for waiting until the end of the event or have been knocked out; rules vary by Promotion.

There are no timeouts.

The Start of Play

The team mentioned first in a game scoreboard or versus is the home team.

The away team will start with the ball and the home team chooses a side to defend. In the scenario of conflict, at the discretion of the referee and Us, the captain will partake in the coin toss before kick off to determine which goal the team will be attacking in the first half.

Kick-off

Each team must remain in their half of the field and the defending players must be at least 5 yards from the ball when kicked off. Kick-offs are considered as indirect kicks.

After halftime, teams will change sides and the ball will be kicked off by the opposite team to that which started the game.

Throw In

The ball shall be thrown in from the sideline when the ball has gone out of play. Throw-ins are considered as indirect. The team that did not touch the ball last will conduct the throw in.

Dead Ball

A dead ball is considered when the ball is not in play. Defending players must stand at least ten (10) feet away from the ball during a dead ball situation.

Live Ball

The ball is considered live or in play when it is kicked and moved.

Goal Kick

Goal kicks must be taken from within the goal box by any player on the team.

Free Kick

Free kicks are considered direct kicks. Free kicks have a six (6) second rule which is initiated the moment the referee blows the whistle to perform the free kick. If the team performing the free kick does not play the dead ball within six (6) seconds, the other team will gain possession of the ball at the same spot.

The team is allowed to perform a fast free kick as long as the ball is not moving or rolling, indicating to all that it is a dead ball. Once the player asks the referee for the defending player or wall to move back or does not take the fast free kick, the play is halted, and the ball must remain a dead ball until the referee has blown the whistle to initiate the six (6) second rule.

The defending team is allowed to set up a wall. The wall must be at least ten (10) feet away from the ball since it is considered a dead ball.

Corner Kick

Corner kicks are considered direct kicks. When the ball fully crosses the goal line, and it is last touched by a player of the defensive team, a corner kick is awarded to the offensive team. The ball must be placed within three (3) feet of the corner flag. A goal may be scored directly off a corner kick.

Slide Tackle

There will be no slide tackling. Your safety is Our objective.

Handball

Touching the ball with Your hands up to, but not including, Your shoulder is considered a handball. Goalies are exempt from this rule. 

If a defender commits a handball in the goal box, a penalty is awarded to the offensive team. If an offensive player commits a handball in the defending team goal box, a free kick is awarded to the defending team. If a handball is committed anywhere outside the goal box by either team, a free kick is awarded to the opposing team.

Penalties

Penalties are awarded by the referee if, in the opinion of the referee, a scoring opportunity was nullified by the infraction. If the defender OR the ball is in the goal box and contact is made with the offensive player (and not the ball), a penalty is awarded. The location of the direct kick taken may vary depending on the location of the Promotion. The referee will use their best judgment of where the ball should be kicked from, considering the goal and goal box dimensions. In most cases, the direct kick should be taken at the dot in the middle of the goal box. Players should remain behind and outside the goal box line. Penalty kicks are not live balls. Once the ball is kicked, it is considered a live ball again.

Substitutions

Players may be substituted and re-substituted as frequently as desired. Substitutions can be made only when the referee has acknowledged, stopped the ball play, and signaled for the substitution to occur. The player must stand on the sideline of center field and wait for the referee to signal the substitution. The player being substituted must exit the field prior to the new player entering the field. If, at any time, a play is stopped because of an injury, that injured player may be substituted. 

If a player arrives late, as long as the player is on the roster and checks in with Us to verify eligibility to play, the player may then join the team on the sideline.

Cards

Yellow and red cards will be enforced. Cards may be issued for misconduct and accumulating too many cards can result in player suspensions.

A player receiving a yellow card will be given a 2 minute in-game suspension. The player must step off the field and cannot be substituted.

A player receiving a second yellow card will be given a one (1) game suspension including the game the player is actively playing. A direct red card will be given a two (2) game suspension including the game the player is actively playing. However, if the card is a result of an act of violence (such as fighting), the player will be suspended for the remainder of the Promotion. 

Ejections

Referees have the right to eject any player or coach from the game for misconduct, continual disobedience, or as a result of an incident that warrants sending the player or coach off the field. That player or coach must leave the field area. No communication from the ejected player or coach may be made with the team for the remainder of the match. The team may continue playing with the remaining players and coaches on their team. The ejected player may be replaced by an eligible rostered player on the team. We will determine if the ejected player or coach may continue to participate or not.

Offside

This rule may vary depending on the Promotion. In some cases, there will be no offside rule.

Scoring Goals

After a goal, the team scored upon will kick off.

For a goal to be awarded during a kick-off, the ball must first be kicked completely off the halfway line, into the offensive half of the field. If the entire ball is not completely within the offensive half of the field when last touched, no goal will be awarded.

Standings

Games will be scored as follow: 

• 3 points for a win

• 1 point for a tie

• 0 points for a loss

Ties in standings between teams will be broken by:

1. head to head results between tied teams

2. goal difference

3. most goals scored

4. least goals allowed

5. coin flip

A forfeit will be entered as a score of 3-0.

Overtime

Rules for overtime will vary depending on the Promotion. In most cases, no overtime will be played and points will be awarded per the Standing rules.

In the scenario that overtime is played, the following may occur:

1. Golden Goal - Games that end in a tie should play the golden goal rule with a maximum length of three (3) minutes. Captains will participate in a coin toss to decide the kick-off direction. The first team to score in overtime is the winner. If no team has scored, the winner shall be decided by shootout.

2. Shootout - Captains will participate in a coin toss to decide who starts the kicking round. Teams will alternate kickers for five (5) rounds based on this order. After each player has taken their initial kick, the team with the most goals wins.

3. Sudden Death Penalties - If after the shootout score remains tied, then the game continues the shootout into a sudden death where teams will alternative kickers in single rounds until there is a clear winner.

Forfeits

Any team not present for the Promotion up to the start of their first scheduled game shall be considered as having forfeited the game. All Promotions are STAY TO PLAY and teams are required to be present until they have been eliminated from the Promotion.

Any team that forfeits two (2) consecutive games will be removed from the Promotion. Subsequent forfeits will be dealt with Us.

Any team found to have played with an ineligible player (such as not a Registered player on the team roster, red carded player, etc.) or violating any Registration policies shall have their games subject to forfeiture and not eligible for any further matches for the Promotion unless specifically authorized by Us.

Any team that walks off the field in any game without completing the game, or stops playing the game, or does not want to resume playing the game when instructed by the referee, shall be considered as forfeiting the game. Furthermore, the team shall be automatically removed from the Promotion.

Any player or team who received any form of compensation apart from the team award, in exchange for appearing and/or playing in Our Promotion, whether such compensation is direct or indirect compensation or in the form of sponsorship or otherwise, must inform Us of such agreement. Failure to inform Us of any outside compensation may result in such player and/or team's disqualification from the Promotion.

Abandonment

If at any time the event is to be abandoned for any other non-weather-related reasons, We will determine the outcome of the Promotion and whether or not it should be rescheduled, along with any fines and/or fees.

Hydration Breaks

When the heat index is between 80 and 88 degrees, a hydration break may be given if requested by both teams prior to the match.

When the heat index is 89 degrees or higher, a hydration break will be given at the midpoint of each half. This hydration break will abide to the following:

• The break will be given during the normal stoppage of play.

• The water break will not exceed three (3) minutes and be no shorter than one (1) minute.

• Game duration will not be extended to accommodate the water breaks.

• Players must remain on the field of play.

• The referee must be notified if players substitute during this break.

• When the referee signals the players that game will resume, players must return to their positions on the field.

Health Or Other Reasons

If at any time a player feels he or she is unable to participate in Our Promotion for health or other reasons, players may elect to drop out and not continue his/her participation in Our Promotion, so long as such player gives reasonable advance notice to his/her team and Us. If, at any time, a player fails to appear for any game and/or event in connection with Our Promotion and the failure to appear is unexcused and unapproved by the team or Us, he/she will be disqualified. If a player is injured during competition and is unable to continue playing, his or her team will not be able to replace the player, but if such team goes on to win the awards, the injured player will have the right to share in such award, subject to any separate agreement among such team’s players.

Protests

There will be no protests after the completion of the game. We shall decide all protest, claims, charges and cases of misconduct. Our decision shall be binding until We reverse its rulings. All protests must be communicated in writing to Us within three (3) days of the incident to the following email address: btsathelticsny@gmail.com or fill out the form in the contact page. Copies of any evidence pertaining to the issue on hand should be submitted with the incident report for review.

Gambling

Each player is prohibited from gambling and from associating with those who gamble in connection with Our Promotion. If a player is found to be involved with gambling in association or in connection with Our Promotion, including having taken any form of consideration, whether directly or indirectly from those who gamble in connection with Our Promotion, that player shall be disqualified from Our Promotion and shall be banned for life from competing in Our Promotion in future years. Upon discovery of a player's involvement or association with gambling in connection with Our Promotion, We may notify all appropriate law enforcement authorities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, local police departments and all offices of prosecution who retain jurisdiction over the illegal activities.

Awards

All awards will be determined by Us and may vary at each Promotion. Cash and trophies are not always guaranteed at every Promotion unless it specifies one or both as awards. Distribution of awards for teams other than first place may vary. In some cases, only the first place team will receive an award.

Any winner who fails to claim or utilize the prize will forfeit the prize. We reserve the right, in its sole discretion, not to award the unclaimed prizes. 

Taxes

The winning team are solely responsible for determining and paying any and all federal, state and local taxes (including any sales taxes) and other fees that may be associated with participation and the winning of Our Promotions. Any person winning over $600 in prizes during any one-year period will receive an IRS Form 1099 at the end of the calendar year, and a copy of such a form will be filed with the IRS.

Conduct Review

We will review the conduct of all teams that participated in Our Promotions to determine if they performed in accordance with the rules and regulations, and to accepted behavior. If, in the opinion of Us, a team fails to play up to these expectations, the team may be reprimanded, placed on probation or refused to participate in future Promotions of Ours.

Sportsmanship

All teams and spectators are expected to act in the nature of good sportsmanship at all times. Abuse of the referees and Us will not be tolerated. Spectators are prohibited from entering the field of play at any time during the match. All must comply with the policies upheld by facilities where the events are hosted. Any instance of such conduct will disqualify the responsible team from the Promotion. 

Zero Tolerance

This applies to all attending, participating, spectating, or within the vicinity of where the Promotion is hosted. Abusive language, violent conduct, fighting, and other actions are deemed detrimental to the game and will not be tolerated. We will not tolerate actions that may be construed as negative, hostile or sarcastic. No team shall offer dissent to any call made by the referee at any time. In the opinion of the referee, if an offense occurs, that individual (player, coach, spectator, etc.) will be asked to leave, and We will be involved to handle the matter on hand, and in the case someone is asked to leave the premises no refund will be given.

Photography And Filming

By entering the premises of Our Promotion, You are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur.

Your entry and presence on the Promotion premises constitutes Your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of Your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with Us and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news, and advertising.

You agree to release and forever discharge Us and its affiliates, successors and assigns, officers, employees, representatives, partners, agents, and anyone claiming through them, in their individual and/or corporate capacities, from any and all claims, liabilities, obligations, promises, agreements, disputes, demands, damages, and causes of action of any nature or kind, known or unknown, which we, and anyone claiming on behalf of Us, may have or claim to have against Us in connection with this release.

By entering the Promotion premises, You waive and release any claims You may have related to any photograph, video, or other digital or recorded media ("Photos") taken or to be taken at the event in any and all of its publications, including print or web-based publications, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video, or audio recording of You, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement, or for any fees for use of such recorded media.

By entering the Promotion premises, you authorize Us to copy, edit, enhance, crop, or otherwise alter any Photo for use in their publications. You waive any rights for approval or inspection of any Photos.

You understand that all photography, filming, and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. You understand that all Photos are the property of Ours and will not be returned to You. You understand that You are not entitled to any compensation or royalties with respect to the use of the Photos.

If You do not agree with the foregoing, have concerns, or wish to be exempted from this disclaimer, please do not enter the Promotion premises without contacting Us beforehand. If You have any questions, issues, or concerns, please reach out to Us by filling out the form on the contact page.

Fantasy Premier League Challenge

Rules & Registration

Players will be Registering to play Our fantasy premier league challenge using the official fantasy premier league website by visiting https://fantasy.premierleague.com and completing Our Registration by visiting this page on Our website: https://www.btsathleticsny.com/registration. Follow the official fantasy premier league registration and how to play to establish your account and set up a team. Once We received your Entry Fee, We will provide You with Our Invitational Classic League code to join the challenge!

Registration deadlines to join Our challenge vary each season. Deadline date and time is shared on Our website and on Our Registration.

Multiple teams are allowed by an individual. Each team requires an Entry Fee to join Our challenge. Only one team per individual is eligible for a prize. Highest team in the standings will earn its prize. The remaining teams from the same individual will not be eligible.

In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined by the highest point total of the final game week of the season after bonuses are applied by the official fantasy premier league website.

Prizes

• First (1st) place winner: A personalized short sleeve fan jersey of the club or country team of their choice with the option to customize both name and number. No badges will be included. Jerseys availability and orders are placed from https://www.soccer.com/. 

• Second (2nd) place winner: A soccer ball (regular or club style) worth no more than twenty dollars.

• Third (3rd) place winner: A free entry to Our next season Fantasy Premier League Challenge. 

Return And Refund Policy

For our Return and Refund Policy, visit this page on our website: https://www.btsathleticsny.com/policies.

Disclaimer

The information contained on the Service is for general information purposes only. We assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service. In no event shall We be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. We reserve the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on the Service at any time without prior notice. We do not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components.

The Service may contain links to external websites that are not provided or maintained by or in any way affiliated with Us. Please note that We do not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information on these external websites.

The information given by the Service is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Even if We take every precaution to ensure that the content of the Service is both current and accurate, errors can occur. Plus, given the changing nature of laws, rules and regulations, there may be delays, omissions or inaccuracies in the information contained on the Service. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.

The information on the Service is provided with the understanding that We are not herein engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice and services. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional accounting, tax, legal or other competent advisers. In no event shall We or Our suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with your access or use or inability to access or use the Service.

Contact Us

If You have any questions, You can contact Us:

By email: btsathleticsny@gmail.com

By visiting this page on Our website: https://www.btsathleticsny.com/contact