Jump to Section:
- SECTION 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION
- SECTION 2. NATIONAL TIER – INTRODUCTION
- SECTION 3. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – TEAM APPLICATION
- SECTION 4. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – TEAM ROSTERS
- SECTION 5. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – EVENT SCHEDULING AND MATCH MANAGEMENT
- SECTION 6. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – NATIONAL LEAGUE P.R.O. & USYS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
- SECTION 7. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – RULES OF PLAY
- SECTION 8. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – SEND OFFS, DISCIPLINE, AND PROTESTS
- SECTION 9. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – STANDINGS/RESULTS
as of October 25, 2023
SECTION 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.01 US Youth Soccer National League Administration
The US Youth Soccer National League is a program of, and administered by, US Youth Soccer (USYS) in accordance with the USYS Leagues Policy.
1.02 General
These USYS National League Rules shall include the rules for the National Tier of competition, known as the National League Conference Playoffs, and the Conference Tier of competition, known as the National League Conferences.
The National League Management Group has final authority in all matters related to the National League not specifically provided for by the USYS Leagues Policy, or National League Rules.
NOTE: These National League Conference Playoff Rules apply to only the national tier of competition. The NL Conference Tier of competition rules can be found in a separate set of rules entitled the National League Conference Rules.
SECTION 2. NATIONAL TIER – INTRODUCTION
2.01 USYS National League Conference Playoffs and National League P.R.O. Administration
The National Tier of the USYS National League is a program of, and administered by, USYS in accordance with the USYS Leagues Policy. This tier includes the National League Conference Playoffs (Playoff).
2.02 Rules
Participation in the Playoff is governed by the rules adopted by US Youth Soccer (USYS), the United States Soccer Federation (US Soccer), and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) except where modified by those rules and these Playoff rules. These Playoff rules may be revised by the National League Management Group on a seasonal year basis and other times as may be necessary or appropriate.
2.03 Matters Not Provided For
The National League Management Group has final authority in all matters related to the Playoff not specifically provided for by the USYS Leagues Policy or Playoff Rules.
2.04 Conference Playoff Operating Procedures
The Playoff Operating Procedures, as established by the NL Commissioner for each event or match that are approved by the National League Management Group, shall be considered a part of these Rules.
2.05 National League P.R.O. Rules
The NL P.R.O. Rules, as established by the NL Commissioner for each event or match that are approved by the National League Management Group, shall be considered a part of these national tier rules.
SECTION 3. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – TEAM APPLICATION
3.01 Team and Player Eligibility
Any team properly registered for the current seasonal soccer year with USYS or USYS State Association may apply for entry into the Playoff. All players on a team must be properly registered with USYS or USYS member State Association.
To be eligible for a Conference Playoff qualification slot into NL P.R.O., teams must compete in the Playoff during the same seasonal year.
3.02 Playoff Automatic Qualifiers
All automatic qualifiers for the current season Playoff event are determined by the final team standings from the previous season of the National League Conferences or Elite 64 Regional League. Specific Playoff qualifying criteria is established by the NL Management Group each season. Any Playoff slot not filled by an automatic qualifier will become an open slot, to be filled via an application process.
3.03 Open Slot Application Process
Team applications to participate in the Playoff are to be submitted in a manner and form as determined by the NL Commissioner on a seasonal year basis.
3.04 Open Slot Application Deadlines
All applications for participation in the Playoff must be received by the deadline established by the NL Commissioner.
3.05 Registration
Team registrations, applicable to both automatic qualifiers and open slot selections, for the Playoff are to be submitted in a manner and form as determined by the NL Commissioner on a seasonal year basis.
3.06 Acceptance of Teams
The National League Management Group shall determine the final acceptance of all teams into the Playoff. Teams accepted into the Playoff (Event #1) are not automatically accepted into NL P.R.O. (Event #2). Teams must qualify for NL P.R.O. through the Playoff event.
3.07 Acceptance of Leagues Policy, Playoff Rules, Decisions and Fees
Any team registering to play in the Playoff agrees to accept, abide by, and comply with all policies, rules, fines and decisions of the National League and further agrees to pay all fees and fines that are due for participation by the applicable deadlines.
3.08 Fees and Other Expenses
Each team playing in the Playoff will pay the fees established by USYS. The Playoff event is not responsible for expenses incurred by teams through travel, housing, coaching, uniforms, and other related team operating costs. All entry fees are non-refundable subject to these rules.
3.9 Final Authority
The NL Commissioner, after consultation with the National League Management Group, shall have the final authority and right to refuse admittance to any team based upon the team’s prior performance in a Conference or other competitions. These factors include but are not limited to failure to play Conference, Showcase, Playoff or P.R.O. matches as scheduled; failure to comply with Conference, Showcase, Playoff or P.R.O. rules; failure to pay Conference referees; and/or failure to pay assessed Conference, Showcase, Playoff or P.R.O. fees or fines on time.
3.10 Contact Information and Communication
All teams in the Playoff shall have contact information on file with National League, including, but not limited to:
- the Team Administrator’s Name, Phone Numbers and valid e-mail address;
- the Team Coach’s Name, Phone Numbers and valid e-mail address; and
- the Club’s Technical Director’s (Director of Coaching) Name, Phone Numbers and valid e-mail address.
E–mail will be the primary means of communication within the Playoff. It is the responsibility of each team to ensure that accurate contact information is on file with the Playoff.
3.11 State Association Team and Player Registration
All players and teams must be properly registered and meet the requirements of a USYS or USYS Member State Association.
3.12 Club Mergers Affecting Pre-Qualified Slot
In situations where there is a mutual desire to merge or consolidate entire organizations/clubs, National League may review and determine whether such teams resulting in the merger or consolidations should retain their automatic qualifying position. In such situations, the NL Commissioner may request additional information in regard to this matter including but not limited to the rationale for the merger/consolidation, a guarantee on the number of returning Playoff level players for the coming season and any other matter that National League deems pertinent in the review of this matter.
SECTION 4. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – TEAM ROSTERS
4.01 Team Event Rosters
Teams must file with the Playoff, in a process outlined in the Playoff Operating Procedures, an event roster. The Playoff event roster may include both primary and club pass players but must include a minimum of nine (9) players who are listed on the team’s National League Conference or Elite 64 Regional League roster. At all times during the Playoff event, a team must have on its event roster a minimum of 9 players who are listed on their Conference or Elite 64 Regional League roster. All players, both primary and club pass, must be properly registered with their USYS or respective USYS Member State Association.
4.02 Player Eligibility
All players must be current US Youth Soccer members and have member passes that have been approved by USYS or their respective USYS Member State Association. During a Playoff event, a player may be listed on one event roster in a gender age group. Players listed on an event roster may also be listed as a club pass player on another Playoff event roster within the same US Youth Soccer affiliated club as approved by the team’s State Association, in accordance with the Playoff Operating Procedures. A player that is rostered to a team outside of the event but within the same US Youth Soccer affiliated club as approved by the team’s State Association, may also be listed as a club pass player on team(s) within the same US Youth Soccer affiliated club.
4.03 Maximum Event Roster Size and Pool of Players
The maximum number of players on a Playoff event roster shall be thirty (30), however only eighteen (18) of those players are eligible to compete in a particular event match. Such pool of players may include club pass players, as well as any players that may have been added to the event roster prior to the Playoff event. Procedures for submitting approved event rosters are within the Playoff Operating Procedures.
Once a player is on a Playoff roster, such player is frozen on such team’s pool of thirty (30) players for the remainder of the event.
4.04 Player Limitations
A player may play for only one Playoff team during any single day. Once a player is on the event roster of a team in a gender age group and such team has played one match in event competition, such player may not appear on another team’s event roster in such gender age group during the remainder of the event.
In situations where a club may have multiple teams participating in the Playoff, a player or players may be listed on multiple team event rosters in different age groups, but at no time may a player play for more than one team on the same day, and not play on more than one team in the same gender age group. Under no circumstances may a player be listed on multiple team event rosters if such teams are from different clubs.
During an event, a Goalkeeper may be listed on up to two (2) team match day team lineups per day from the same club, with the written consent by NL Commissioner/Event Manager. A Goalkeeper may not play on more than one team in the same gender age group at the event and is subject to the same standards as club pass players.
4.05 Team Match Day Team Line Ups
The Playoff Operating Procedures shall outline the procedures for creating and using Team Match Day Line Ups for each event match.
4.06 Member Passes Presented to Referee
Valid US Youth Soccer member passes (physical or electronic) for the current seasonal year shall be presented to the referee for the match in accordance with the Playoff Operating Procedures.
4.07 Playing of Ineligible Player
A team that plays an ineligible player may be subject to disciplinary action which could include, but not be limited to: (a) forfeiture of the match; and (b) suspension of the team’s coach from Playoff or NL P.R.O. competition. Additional disciplinary action could include (a) expulsion of the team from the Playoff or NL P.R.O.; and/or (b) any further action(s) as determined by the NL Commissioner.
4.08 Additional Player Information
The National League at its discretion may require participating teams to provide additional information on players for use in promoting the National League and/or its teams and players. Teams are required to submit information as requested in procedures established by the National League.
SECTION 5. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – EVENT SCHEDULING AND MATCH MANAGEMENT
5.01 Structure
The Playoff Operating Procedures shall outline the gender age groups to be offered during a seasonal year, the number of teams and sub-divisions within each group of competition, and the format of the competition within each event.
5.02 Number of Games
Each team will be scheduled to play a minimum of three (3) games at a Playoff event.
5.03 Event Management
The NL Commissioner may designate an Event Manager to oversee and have authority over the operation of assigned matches.
5.04 Match Schedule and Rest Periods
It is the intent of the National League to play only one (1) match per day; however, when circumstances dictate, no more than two (2) matches a day may be scheduled. Every effort will be made to provide a minimum of three (3) hours rest between matches.
5.05 Referee Jurisdiction
Once the referee has jurisdiction of a match, the match may be stopped, suspended, or terminated as provided in the “IFAB Laws of the Game.”
5.06 Lodging Requirement – Permission to Host/Travel
To ensure the quality of service provided at the Playoff event, Anthony Travel has been appointed the Official Housing Provider for the Playoff event. Teams located 100+ miles beyond the USYS designated field location of the event are required to book their hotel accommodations through Anthony Travel. Teams competing at the event are required to secure a minimum of six (6) rooms per team per night or pay a buyout that allows a team to book lodging outside of Anthony Travel. Any teams that do not comply with the National League housing requirements are at risk of penalty.
For the purpose of Playoff competition, Permission to Host/Travel Forms are not required.
5.07 Match Management Procedures
The NL Commissioner, in consultation with the NL Management Group, has the authority to make the final decision on all aspects related to a match outside of the jurisdiction of the referees.
5.08 Additional Match Management Procedures
On an emergency basis, the NL Commissioner/Event Manager may impose additional Match Management Procedures. These additional procedures shall be limited to those items that are necessary, in the sole opinion of the NL Commissioner, in order for a match to be played.
5.09 Responsibility of Teams
The officials of a team at a match are responsible for the behavior, conduct and control of team players, support staff, supporters including but not limited to family and friends, and team management staff. Failure to abide by this rule may result in Disciplinary Action as determined by the NL Commissioner.
5.10 Inclement Weather and Unplayable Field Conditions Prior to Match
The NL Commissioner/Event Manager is responsible for notifying the teams as soon as possible if games on scheduled fields are unable to be played due to field closings or inclement weather.
5.11 Four Person System
Matches should be officiated by the four-person FIFA/USSF Referee System, but some may be officiated by a three-person FIFA/USSF Referee System. In the event the assigned officials fail to appear, an attempt to secure certified officials should be made to officiate the match. In the event certified USSF officials are not available, the Referee may appoint Club Assistant Referees. Club Assistant Referees shall be limited to decisions only on touchlines and possession as specified by FIFA/USSF Referee Guidelines.
5.12 Match Officials / Referee Assignor
Match officials will be assigned under the authority of the National League by a certified USSF Referee Assignor, designated by USYS.
5.13 Payment of Referees
Referee and Assistant Referees are paid for event matches in a process determined by USYS.
5.14 Filing of Referee Match Report
The filing of the Referee Match Report shall follow the procedures as outlined by USYS.
SECTION 6. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – NATIONAL LEAGUE P.R.O. & USYS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
6.01 Qualification to National League P.R.O. & USYS National Championships
On an annual basis, the NL Management Group shall determine the structure of the 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 19U Playoff and determine the format by which teams earn qualification into National League P.R.O. (NL P.R.O.) The NL Management Group shall also determine the format and structure of NL P.R.O. to qualify up to twelve (12) positions in the USYS National Championships designated for 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 19U National League teams. Such a process will be outlined in the Playoff and NL P.R.O. Operating Procedures.
A team that achieves a qualification slot from NL P.R.O. into the USYS National Championships is expected to honor the commitment to participate in the National Championships competition. Failure to field a team in such National competition may result in fines as determined by the NL Commissioner.
To be eligible for qualification into the USYS National Championships from NL P.R.O., a team must have participated in their State Association’s State Cup competition within the same seasonal year. Teams may apply for a State Cup participation waiver (with their State Association) in accordance with the National Championship Series (NCS) Policy.
SECTION 7. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – RULES OF PLAY
7.01 Applicable Rules and Laws of the Game
Matches will be played under the applicable rules of USYS. Teams are responsible for obtaining and abiding by the IFAB Laws of the Game as they govern play subject to the modifications noted in these rules.
7.02 Official Match
If less than one half is completed and the match is terminated because of weather or other unplayable conditions, the entire match should be replayed, subject to review by the NL Commissioner. If the first full half of a match is played, and the second half of the match is not played or not completed because of weather or unplayable field conditions, the match is official, and the final score will be the score at the time the match is terminated.
7.03 Substitutions
- Matches in the 14U age group, unlimited substitution will be allowed.
- Matches in the 15U, 16U, 17U, and 19U age groups will operate under the FIFA-7 players “per half” substitution system. Once replaced, players cannot re-enter the game during that half of play.
- Unlimited vs Limited substitution policies shall be aligned with the National Championship Series Policy and shall be outlined in the Playoff Operating Procedures.
- Substitutions may be made at any stoppage of play with the approval of the referee.
- Reentry shall be at a normal substitution point (with approval of the referee) or at any point during the game if the referee signals for the player’s reentry.
- During a match is that is part of a Playoff event using neutral Health Care Professionals (HCP) or neutral Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC) to monitor the fields, if a player is suspected of suffering a head injury, such player may be substituted for evaluation. The substitution for the evaluation of a concussion/head injury will not count towards the team’s total allowed substitutions in a half. However, the team must have at least one substitution available to implement this temporary substitution.
1) If the player is deemed by the neutral HCP or neutral ATC to not have been diagnosed as having a possible concussion, the player may re-enter the game at any stoppage of play and must replace the original substitute. This head injury evaluation substitution will not count as a used substitution in the half. Furthermore, the temporary substitute will be able to re-enter the game in that half at a later time.
2) If the player is not cleared to return to play by the HCP or ATC, the replacement player will no longer be considered a temporary substitute and the team will be charged a substitution.
3) Any discipline issued to the temporary substitute will count for the remainder of the game.
7.04 Match Length
Age Group | Length of Each Half | Halftime* |
17U and 19U | 45 minutes | 10 minutes |
15U and 16U | 40 minutes | 10 minutes |
14U | 35 minutes | 10 minutes |
*Halftime – subject to change
7.05 Field Size
Fields for all age groups must meet the U.S. Soccer/FIFA requirements for field size.
7.06 Anchored Goals
The coaches and match referee should inspect the integrity of the goals to ensure they are secure and suitable for play.
7.07 Team Uniforms
Each player (except a goalkeeper) shall have a number on the player’s jersey. The number shall be affixed to the back of the jersey and be clearly visible. Each player on a team should wear a number different from the number of every other player on the team. Numbered jerseys on goalkeepers are optional.
All teams are required to attend each match with two (2) sets of jerseys and socks for all its players; one set of light-colored jerseys and socks, and a second set of dark colored jerseys and socks. It is expected that the first team listed on the match schedule is to wear light/white color jerseys and socks. If, in the opinion of the referee, there is a conflict in uniform color, the team listed second on the event schedule should change its jerseys and socks. The NL Commissioner/Event Manager shall have the option to assign jersey colors to teams for matches, should such procedure be deemed appropriate.
7.08 Uniform Logos and Patches
Teams playing in the Playoff are permitted to have the following limited items on their game uniforms:
- USYS logo or directly related USYS logoed patches
- Their individual club and/or team logo and team sponsor logo
- USYS partner logos
- Manufacturer of uniform logo
- Name and number of player
No other patches or logos are permitted unless written permission is granted by USYS. All patches or logos not permitted must either be covered up or removed.
7.09 Coaching from Sidelines
Limited coaching is permitted only from one touch line from the team’s respective technical area (if marked) or from the centerline to no more than five (5) yards from the end of the team bench closest to the goal line (if no technical area is marked). Team bench persons may not enter the field without permission from the referee. Only one coach per team may stand and give instruction at a time.
7.10 Team Bench Area and Supervision
No more than four (4) team bench persons (being only team coaches, team administrators, team medical staff, and team video personnel) shall be permitted at the team bench area during a match. Any team video personnel on the team sideline must have proper credentials issued by their State Association. Players listed on the match lineup card are permitted at the team bench area during a match. A suspended team bench person is not permitted at the Team Bench Area. A coach, manager or team official must always supervise their team at the Team Bench Area. Coaches, managers and team officials are required to provide the Referee with a pass, as provided by USYS or their USYS Member State Association, certifying that the coach, manager or team official is currently rostered with the team/club.
7.11 Team Coaches – Coaching Education Requirement
On an annual basis, the NL Management Group shall determine the minimum levels of coaching education needed by each coach in order to supervise a team in the National League competition. Minimum levels of coaching education shall be outlined in the Playoff Operating Procedures. Coaching education levels from U.S. Soccer, United Soccer Coaches and foreign national associations may be considered in meeting such standards.
7.12 Forfeit Due to Failure to Appear for Match
Failure to appear for a scheduled match will result in a forfeit. A team must be present and ready to play (7-player minimum) within ten (10) minutes of scheduled match time unless otherwise approved by the NL Commissioner/Event Manager.
SECTION 8. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – SEND OFFS, DISCIPLINE, AND PROTESTS
8.01 Protocol for Send Offs and Dismissals
Any player or team bench personnel dismissed from participating in an event match must leave the field area and retreat to an area designated by the NL Commissioner/Event Manager. All personnel dismissed by the match official are prohibited from communicating with the team for the duration of the game. Communication may include but is not limited to cell phone use, texting, or other means of communication. Violation of this rule may result in further disciplinary action against the individual and/or team. The match officials on site are authorized to prohibit the use of any communication devices at the team bench areas.
8.02 Send Offs and Dismissals – Automatic Suspension
Any player sent off or non-player dismissed will be automatically suspended for the next day of the event competition and for the team’s next event match (suspensions served concurrently). For a second send off or dismissal during a seasonal year and any send off or dismissal thereafter, the player or non- player will automatically be suspended for the next day of event competition and the team’s next two (2) event matches (served concurrently). Any player or non-player sent off or dismissed must comply with the location and communication provisions of Rule 8.01.
All send-offs and dismissals are to be reviewed by the NL Commissioner who, in consultation with the NL Management Group, may determine that an additional suspension shall be assessed.
8.03 Racial / Spitting / Discriminatory Incident – Automatic Suspension
Any official reports from a referee or league/event official involving a racial, spitting, or discriminatory incident will be subject to a minimum suspension as follows: at least a five (5) game suspension for making racist or discriminatory remarks at or about any person; at least a five (5) game suspension for spitting at a person.
All official reports of racial or discriminatory behavior shall be subject to review by the NL Management Group who may impose additional sanctions.
8.04 Playing of a Suspended Player
A team that plays suspended player may be subject to disciplinary action which could include, but not be limited to: (a) forfeiture of the match, and (b) suspension of the team’s coach from the Playoff or NL P.R.O. competition. Additional disciplinary action could include (a) expulsion of the team from the Playoff or NL P.R.O.; and/or (b) any further action(s) not limited to fines as determined by the NL Commissioner.
8.05 Reporting Send Offs to States
The NL Commissioner/Event Manager may distribute information on all send-offs to the respective State Associations.
8.06 Termination of Matches
Referees may terminate matches for lack of crowd control, poor team behavior or other unsportsmanlike circumstances. Each coach is responsible for the behavior and conduct of his/her players. Upon request by the Referees, coaches are responsible for assisting in the control of parents, fans, and spectators. The Referee will immediately report the termination of any match to the NL Commissioner/Event Manager. The NL Commission/Event Manager shall ascertain the facts and determine appropriate disciplinary action. The NL Management Group shall determine any additional sanctioning.
8.07 Suspensions Incurred at Last Event Match
If a player or non-player is sent off or dismissed during the last match of the Playoff, and such team has qualified for the NL P.R.O. event, the suspension shall be served at NL P.R.O. If a player or non-player is sent off or dismissed during the last match of NL P.R.O., the suspension shall be served at the team’s next National League match. The NL Commissioner has the right to impose additional sanctions regarding any matters arising from participation in the Playoff or NL P.R.O. event as the result of the sending off or dismissal.
8.08 Match Manipulation
Match manipulation is when a team or teams fail to compete in the spirit of the competition or are involved in the manipulation of a game result. Reports of suspected match manipulation must be extensively substantiated in writing and be filed in writing with the NL Commissioner/Event Manager no later than two (2) hours following the completion of the match in question. Reports of suspected match manipulation in a Referee Report may be filed with the NL Commissioner/Event Manager in accordance with the Playoff Operating Procedures. The NL Commissioner/Event Manager will investigate and adjudicate all allegations of match manipulation and will impose appropriate sanctions.
Verified instances of match manipulation shall be subject to sanctioning at the discretion of the NL Commissioner. Such sanctions against the team and club found guilty of match manipulation may include but may not be limited to: (1) a minimum $10,000 fine; (2) forfeiture of matches; (3) suspension of the team coach(es) and club Director of Coaching; and/or (4) suspension from National League.
8.09 Violation of Rules or Operating Procedures
Any violation of the rules herein or Operating Procedures not specifically addressed in these rules will be subject to disciplinary action by the NL Commissioner.
8.10 Protests and Appeals
Protests and Appeals procedures for all other matters can be found in the Playoff Operating Procedures.
SECTION 9. CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS – STANDINGS/RESULTS
9.01 Match Points
The standings of teams within a competition format will be based upon the number of points earned from each match. Teams earn points as follows: 3 points for a win; 1 point for a tie; and no points for a loss.
9.02 Forfeits
A forfeited match will be scored as a 1-0 win for the opponent. In addition, a team that forfeits one or more matches may be subject to further sanctioning including but not limited to a fine, becoming ineligible to advance to NL P.R.O., or being suspended from the National League. The NL Commissioner/Event Manager, after consultation with the NL Management Group, shall determine any additional sanctioning.
The NL Commissioner, with consultation of the NL Management Group, will review forfeitures on a case-by-case basis. If it is determined that, based on the circumstances surrounding a team’s forfeiture of a match, dropping that team from the Playoffs will best maintain the integrity of the competition, that action may be taken. Should a team be dropped, all scores for that team in the event schedule shall be recorded as a 1-0 win for the opponent.
9.03 Uneven Number of Matches
If the teams in a competitions format do not play the same number of matches due to unforeseen circumstances, excluding matches that teams forfeit, the NL Commissioner/Event Manager shall determine the final standings utilizing average points per game and any tie-breaking procedures of Rule 9.04.
9.04 Tiebreakers
The following tiebreaker criteria apply to the competitions within the Conference Playoffs.
Tiebreakers—Two Teams are Tied
If two teams are tied on the basis of points earned, the team’s placement will be determined in accordance with the following sequential criteria:
- Winner of head-to-head competition
- Winner of most games (all games)
- Best Goal spread (goals scored minus goals against) in all games
- Fewest goals allowed
- Coin Toss
Tiebreakers—Three Teams That Are Tied
If three teams are tied on the basis of points earned, the final rankings will be determined in accordance with the following sequential criteria. If a criterion creates a situation where the three-way tie is completely broken, then that determines the final order of finish between those three teams. If a criterion separates just one team, then the two teams that are still tied based on that criterion will resort to the two-team tiebreaker to determine the order of finish between those two teams.
- Points earned in head-to-head competition among the teams
- Winner of most games (all games)
- Best Goal spread (goals scored minus goals against) in games among the tied teams
- Best Goal spread (goals scored minus goals against) in all games
- Fewest goals allowed in games among the tied teams
- Fewest goals allowed in all game.
- Drawing of lots
Tiebreakers—Four Teams That Are Tied
If four teams are tied on the basis of points earned, the final rankings will be determined in accordance with the following sequential criteria. If a criterion creates a situation where the four-way tie is completely broken, then that determines the final order of finish between those four teams. If a criterion breaks a portion of the tied teams, then the tiebreaker shall move to the tiebreaker that coincides with the number of teams that remain tied.
- Points earned in head-to-head competition among the tied teams
- Winner of most games (all games)
- Best Goal spread (goals scored minus goals against) in games among the tied teams
- Best Goal spread (goals scored minus goals against) in all games
- Fewest goals allowed in games among the tied teams
- Fewest goals allowed in all games
- Drawing of lots
Tiebreakers—Not Covered
For any situation not covered within these rules, the NL Commissioner will also determine any tie-breaking procedures that may need to be applied.