Open registration for second annual PCYSA 3-on-3 tournament begins

The Putnam County Youth Soccer Association will host its second annual 3-on-3 soccer tournaments Nov. 4 and 5 at the Big Walnut Sports Park.

Players aged 14-29 (Rising Moon) will play Nov. 4, while players aged 8-13 and 30-plus (Flying Pumpkins) will play Nov. 5.

The 3-on-3 tournament is a fast-paced game played on a smaller field with no keepers. There will be two six-minute halves, with some modified rules such as not touching balls that enter the goal box and no slide-tackles. Full rules can be viewed at www.pcysa.com.

Three players organize to form a team within an age bracket. The brackets are (age as of Oct. 25, 2011):

Friday

14-16 -- 4:15-6:30 p.m.

17-21 -- 4:15-6:30 p.m.

22-29 -- 4:15-6:30 p.m.

Saturday

8-10 -- 1:15-4:30 p.m. ('group games': no knockout tournament)

11-13 -- 1:15-4:30 p.m.

30-plus -- 1:15-4:30 p.m.

Each age bracket has a limit of eight teams and each team is guaranteed at least four games. Except for age 8-10 each age bracket will have teams placed into 'groups,' like the World Cup; after the group phase, the top teams in each group will advance to the knockout round until we have a winner. In the knockout phase, a sudden death 'golden goal' will determine the victor of any tied match.

All age brackets are open to gender; there are no restrictions. Players may 'play up' one age division (except in 30+).

The cost of the event is $18 per player and includes a tournament T-shirt. All proceeds will go to the PCYSAA and its efforts to improve its operation and the sports park facility. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place teams in each division.

Players will need to bring shin-guards and shoes or cleats and it's suggested they bring dark and light colored shirts to designate teams.

Registration is open and will close on Oct. 24 or once all the brackets are full. Players can sign-up at pcysa.com or by visiting the concession stand at the Big Walnut Sports Park during the Saturday morning recreational league game, which run from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information, contact tournament director Char Coffman at charc@tds.net or 366-2558.