Rapids Classic | 9U-19U | AUG ’23

2023 Rapids Classic Rewind

The 2023 Rapids Classic was the go-to destination for top teams across the front range and western United States. With 621 teams joining us for 6 different states, the 2023 Rapids Classic is now the LARGEST tournament in the state of Colorado for the second year running!

4 Days, 5 Facilities, 62 Fields | 621 Teams From 6 States | 10,000+ Players | 1,025 Games Played | 4,621 Goals Scored | 92 Trophies Awarded

It was an incredible weekend filled with goals, smiles, and lots of memories that will last a lifetime. We appreciate every one of the 10,000+ coaches, parents, and fans for their commitment to supporting our incredible athletes in their soccer journey at our event!

Pre-Registration Details

Teams should register and play according to the 2023 Fall season. We will follow US Soccer’s Age Group Guidelines based on birth year. Elite Divisions will comprise the highest level of teams registered. You should register your team for placement according to the below hierarchy: 

• ELITE Division – ECNL, ECRL, E64, DPL, GAL, or Equivalent Elite Leagues
• GOLD Division – CSA Champions League Teams P1-P3
• SILVER Division – CSA Centennial Elite, Platinum, & stronger Gold teams
• BRONZE Division – Centennial Silver, Bronze, and Recreational teams

The placement of teams is dependent on the composition of applicants in each age group. The suggested hierarchy above is a perfect-case scenario. Some divisions may be structured differently. For example, if there are no teams from CSA P1 or P2 that apply, then the Gold Divisions would be composed of CSA P3 & CSA Elite teams. 

Early Bird Registration, Registration Deadline, & Waitlists:

• Early Bird Pricing will end on July 13th, 2023.
  • A $100 Late Registration Fee will apply after 11:59 PM on July 13th, 2023.

• The FINAL Registration Deadline will be at 5:00 PM on July 20th, 2023.
  • Teams waitlisted will be notified no later than July 20th, 2023 of their acceptance into the event.
• Waitlists:
  • If your team is waitlisted, this means that your age group might be filled to capacity. If you are waitlisted, please contact Tournament Staff for clarification on your application status.
  • Click HERE to email our staff!

Acceptance Process:

• Acceptances have begun!
• If your team is traveling for this event, please reach out directly to check the status of your application.
• We can accept teams early who are traveling to allow for ample time to reserve accommodations. 

Payment Process:

• • Payment is NOT processed when you register or when you are accepted.
  • Teams can pay their own fees online through the following steps:
    • Log into GotSport and click on “Team Management”, then “Registrations”.
    • In “Registrations”, click on the team name next to “Rapids Classic – 2023”
    • In the registration pop-up, at the top click on “Billing”.
    • In “Billing”, click on “Pay Now” next to “TOTAL BALANCE”.
  • All payments MUST be completed before August 10th, 2023!
  • Any unpaid fees will be charged to the card on file on August 10th, 2023.

Bracketing, Ranking & Schedule Information

Bracket Structures:

All teams are guaranteed a minimum of three (3) games, weather permitting. The bracket size for each age group will determine group formats. Single-age brackets will be standard, while combined-age brackets may occur based on registration numbers. The tournament organizer will determine brackets.

• 4-team bracket – 3-game round robin with two highest point teams playing in a championship.
• 5-team bracket – 4-game round robin with the highest point team as champion.
• 6-team bracket – Two 3-team groups with cross-bracket group play. Each team will play 3 games, one against each team in the opposite group. The top 2 teams overall will play in a final. 
• 8-team bracket – Two 4-team groups, with the top team in each group playing in the final.

Ranking Process:

• Once registration is closed, teams in each age group are ranked numerically, starting with 1.
• Rankings are based on:

1. The difficulty of your League Schedule (I.e., what division you are in)
2. Most recent League Standings & Records (I.e., how well you did in that league)
3. Future team placement by CSA (I.e., if CSA is moving you up or down)
4. League Goal Differential (I.e., Helps differentiate teams in similar league standing)
5. Questions answered within our Application Process
6. The “Soccer Rankings” App is used as a final cross-reference for team placement based on their team ratings built from sourcing records from over 400 soccer databases.

• Once rankings are complete, teams are seeded in groups based on their ranking in a “Snake” placement order.
  • 6-Team Group Example: Group A = 1, 4, & 5  |  Group B = 2, 3, & 6
  • 8-Team Group Example: Group A = 1, 4, 5, & 8  |  Group B = 2, 3, 6, & 7
• This is the standard ranking procedure for top youth sports tournaments across the country.

Schedule Information:

• Schedules will be released to teams on August 3rd, 2023.
• Teams will have 24 hours to review schedules and request changes, all changes are subject to staff authorization, and no guarantees can be made.
• If you have any special requests, please reach out early before July 20th and let us know! We will do our best to accommodate, but can not make any guarantees.
• Example:  “Our team is driving from Vail, please do not schedule us later than 5 PM and earlier than 9 AM”

Expected Locations for Teams:

• 11v11 – SOME at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park (Grass), Some @ Broomfield Commons (Turf) & Some at ASP (Turf/Grass)
• 9v9 – MOST at Gates South Complex (Grass), a FEW at DSGP (Grass) & Some at Aurora Sports Park (Turf & East Pods)
• 7v7 – MOST at Gates North Complex (Grass), Some at ASP East (Grass)

Projected Times of Games:

• Thursday, August 17th, 2023:
  • 7v7 – No Games
  • 9v9 – Some local teams will  play between 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM
  • 11v11 – Some local teams will play between 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM
• Friday, August 18th, 2023:
  • 7v7 – Some teams MAY play from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (Includes further in-state teams from FC, CR, CS)
  • 9v9 – Some teams MAY play from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (Includes further in-state teams from FC, CR, CS)
  • 11v11 – Some teams MAY play from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (Includes further in-state teams from FC, CR, CS)
• Saturday, August 19th, 2023:
  • All ages, all day from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
  • All games will finish before 6:30 PM to allow for teams to attend Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC’s match at 7:00 PM!
• Sunday, August 20th, 2023:
  • All ages, all day from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Teams Traveling From Out of State or Far Distances:

• Thursday & Friday should used as travel days to arrive in Denver, Colorado.
• If you plan to travel on Friday, please plan to arrive in Denver BEFORE 3:00 PM on Friday, 8/18/2023.
• Teams traveling far distances WILL NOT have games on Thursday.
• Friday games after 5:30 PM ARE a possibility for ALL teams.
• ALL TEAMS staying in hotels must use Traveling Team services to assist their stay in Colorado. Contact info can be found in the “Lodging” tab above.

Check-In & Roster Approval

*ALL COACHES & STAFF MUST BE PUT INTO THE GOTSPORT ROSTER SYSTEM FOR CONFLICT SCHEDULING!* If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us directly via email!

Documentation Needed for Roster Verification:

You will need to upload documents into GotSport for verification:

• Event Roster: Build roster in GotSport’s Roster Builder. (CLICK FOR VIDEO TUTORIAL)
• Player ID Cards PDF (If your team is NOT USYS or if your roster does NOT have pictures)
  • All non-USYS teams must submit player ID cards with their roster. 
  • All teams whose roster does NOT have pictures must submit Player ID cards as a PDF.
• Medical Forms PDF
  • All non-CRYSC teams must submit medical forms!
  • CRYSC teams DO NOT need to upload forms, as we have yours on file.
  • Click HERE – Medical Forms | USYS
• Guest Player Form PDF (*If needed*) 
  • Must have all info on the form filled out, including CYS number. 
  • If player is non-USYS, you must attach a Player ID card image.
  • Click HERE – GUEST PLAYER FORMS

Please contact your club if you have trouble locating these forms in your respective system!

Documentation Uploading & Approval Process:

1. Complete your tournament registration first!
2. Upload Your PDF Documents into your GotSport Registration.
   • Includes: Medical forms, Player ID cards (if needed), and Guest Player forms (if needed).
   • Click HERE to watch – “How to Upload Your PDFs After Registering”
3. Build your Event Roster for your team in GotSport’s Roster Builder.
   • All teams must build their roster within the GotSport Roster Builder located within your team’s tournament registration. 
   • You can add and subtract players, coaches, etc., through this system. 
   • Click HERE to watch – “How to Build Your Team Roster in GotSport”
4. Wait For An Email Notifying You That Your Roster is Approved.
   • Once you have built your roster, Tournament Staff will compare your uploaded PDF roster to the roster built within GotSport to confirm player eligibility.
   • Rosters were reviewed for:
     • Player Pictures for each player
     • Birthdates align with your team’s age group birth year. 
     • Roster sizes are under the indicated maximum roster size. 
       • 9U-10U = Max of 12 players
       • 11U-12U = Max of 16 players
       • 13U-19U = Max of 19 players
   • If their roster DID NOT have pictures, they would bring player ID cards for verification. 
   • Once verified, it will be given an “Official Stamp of Approval” and emailed to your team’s coach, manager, and other staff listed.
   • When you get a “Roster is Approved” email, you are ready! 
5. Prepare your players for a fun weekend!
   • Before your first match, you must check in at the “Check-In Tent” at your facility, where you will play your first game.
   • Teams will NOT need to print ANY rosters for the event! 
   • You will need to show proof of access to all forms via electronic access (PDF)
     • Save PDF files to your phone! (Google Drive, Apple Files Drive, Etc.)

Roster Approval Timeline:

• Your roster must be built & PDFs must be uploaded NO LATER than August 2nd, 2023.

Roster Checks Before Games:

• Referees WILL check the rosters printed on the Game Cards before each match. 
• Referees WILL perform a safety/equipment check-in.
• Referees WILL NOT collect any documents from teams. 
• Referees will inquire with tournament staff if there are any questions regarding player eligibility.

The On-Site Team Check-In Process

Check-In Requirements:

At Check-In, you will need to show electronic documentation proof of:

1. Approved Roster (PDF)
2. Player ID Cards (PDF) (*If your rosters did NOT have pictures on it*)
3. Medical Forms (PDF)
4. Guest player forms (PDF)

Check-In Process:

• ONE team representative MUST check in 1 hour prior to their first game’s start time.
• The team representative (Coach or Manager) will verbally agree to the roster agreement when you check in, confirming your roster is age-eligible, and any discrepancies in the roster throughout the event will be subject to immediate removal from the event without refund.
• They will sign their name and provide a contact phone number for their team. 

Check-In Expectations:

In no event will a player be allowed to participate who has not been certified by the Rapids Tournament Staff Credentials Committee. Once play has started in the first scheduled game, no players may be added to the roster for the remainder of the tournament.

Tournament officials approve all team rosters and eligible players. Proof of team check-in with the tournament will be visible on the team’s tournament roster.  Referees will review individual player credentials prior to each game. Referees will perform a safety/equipment check-in.  Referees will inquire with tournament staff if there are any questions regarding player eligibility.

Weather, Extreme Conditions, & Cancellations

The Tournament Leadership staff is committed to providing exceptional experiences for our participants. Weather is never in our control, but how we plan, prepare, and react to anything that comes our way is under our control. We stand united to provide clear communication, best-case-scenario solutions, and do everything in our power to play all games at every event we host. Regardless of the weather, all teams are expected to arrive at their fields on time unless otherwise indicated by the Tournament Director. 

Most Important Weather-Related Information:

1. Where To Find Weather-Related Updates
   1. Posts Online: Weather updates will be posted online in real-time in 2 locations:
      • Location 1: The GotSport Schedule Page (Event Alert @ Top of Page)
      • Location 2: The Tournament Website (Event Alert @ Top of Page)
      • These will be updated within 15 minutes from when a delay starts.
   2. Announcements On-Site: Event Staff will make on-site announcements:
      • Facility Speaker System: Some facilities have Speakers that will be used.
      • Bull Horns: Event Staff will also have multiple bull horns & make
        announcements while driving on golf carts through parking lots.
      • Announcements will be made in real-time as updates come across.
2. Games Past Halftime are Called FINAL after 60 minutes of Dealys
   • If a delay exceeds 60 minutes, any games in progress will be called final at their time of stoppage if a game has reached halftime or is in the second half.
3. Weather-Related Refund Policy:
   • 80% refund – The event is canceled entirely due to weather or any other external forces.
   • 60% refund – If only 1 game is played of the 3 guaranteed games.
   • 30% refund – If only 2 games are played of the 3 guaranteed games.
4. Weather-Monitoring Software:
   • State-of-the-art radar software (WX Sentry) is used to make weather-based decisions.
   • The software can read storm speed/direction, strength/size, and any lightning strikes that may be within a 30-mile radius, 15-mile radius, and 10-mile radius.
   • Only WxSentry will be used to make weather-related decisions.

We are partnered with Traveling Teams!

TRAVELING TEAMS is pleased to partner with Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club to provide trusted hospitality services for the Colorado Rapids Tournament Series. For over 20 years, TRAVELING TEAMS has proudly served youth sports as the nation’s leading event housing partner. *ALL TEAMS IN NEED OF HOSPITALITY BOOKINGS MUST USE TRAVELING TEAM SERVICES* 

Travel Expectations for Traveling Teams:

• Thursday & Friday should be used as travel days to arrive in Denver, Colorado.
• If you plan to travel on Friday, please plan to arrive in Denver BEFORE 3:00 PM.
• Teams traveling far distances WILL NOT have games on Thursday.
• Friday games after 5:30 PM ARE a possibility for ALL teams.
• ALL TEAMS staying in hotels must use Traveling Team services to assist their stay in Colorado. Contact info can be found in the “Lodging” tab above.

Benefits of Booking Through Traveling Teams

• Competitive hotel rates with price ranges that can satisfy all participants and families alike.
• All members of a team will remain together in close proximity to the venue.
• We seek to provide hotels that cater to teams, including complimentary breakfast and other amenities.
• A dedicated Team Travel Coordinator, as well as a full-service call center, is provided to handle all of your booking necessities.
• Ability to work with hotels in unfortunate event cancellation situations due to weather.

For questions, please reach out to our good friend Michael McGill at Traveling Teams through the contact information below:

Corey – Customer Service Representative

• Tel (800) 430-1159
• [email protected]

Kaitlyn Brown – Account Manager

• Tel (866) 468-3268 ext. 8188
• [email protected]

Rapids Classic Referee Information

Want a “better” referee? Sign up for classes, study hard, and YOU can be the change our community craves!

**Under NO circumstances are spectators, coaches, or players allowed to verbally or physically abuse referees. This shortage does have a direct correlation to the poor treatment of youth soccer referees across the US. Any unacceptable behavior will result in your removal from our facilities.**

Do You Want To Referee At the Rapids Classic?

Please email our assignor, Deanna, at [email protected]

CSA Referee Administration

• Esse Baharmast – Director of Referees
• Deanna Duncan-Allen – Director of Game Assignment/Referee Registration

Colorado Referee Committee:

• Esse Baharmast Interim State Referee Administrator / State Youth Referee Administrator
• Scott McCaslin, State Director of Referee Development
• Younes Marrakchi, State Director of Assignment

Referee Disciplinary Committee:

• Megan McCain
• Chair #2 – TBD
• Chair #3 – TBD
• [email protected]

REGISTER & START YOUR U.S. SOCCER CERTIFICATION TODAY!

The 2023 Registration Year is closing 06/15/2023

 Questions? Please email [email protected]

We are in the transition from the 2022-23 to the 2023-24 learning years, so there are no classes available for brand-new candidates.

Colorado plans to begin new course registrations after June 20, 2023, and coursework will be available after July 5, 2023

To be placed on a notification list, click this link

Download these PDFs as a reference to understand the online coursework:

Instructions for Referee Candidates under age 18

Instructions for Referee Candidates age 18 and over

Have problems with your course? Check out this FAQ:

https://ussoccerfederation.force.com/lcsupport/s/article/Progress-Saving-Issue

GotSport launched its new software in 2021 and, over the past 2 years, has made a number of new upgrades to its system that make the registration experience simple and smooth. If you need assistance with GotSport, please see the helpful tutorial videos we have made below, or go to the GotSport Support link and search for help articles!

Helpful Tutorial Videos (Clickable Links):

1. How Do I Register? *Step By Step Instructions* | 2022 Rapids Classic
2. How to Upload PDF Documents After Registration | 2023 Edition
3. How To Build Your GotSport Roster | 2023 Edition
4. How to Add Coaches to A Roster | 2022 Rapids Classic
5. Assigning A Role For Coaches In Your Tournament Roster in GotSport
6. How to Upload a Birth Certificate

In the button above, you will find articles that can assist you with…

1. Building Your Roster

2. Adding Guest/Club Pass Players

3. How to Upload Documents

4. How to Update Your Profile

 

…Any many, many more of your easily-answered questions! You are just a few clicks away from the help you need! 

 

If you still need assistance, please feel free to choose between the options below:

1. Submit a Support Request on GotSport by clicking the BLUE “SUPPORT” Button on the GotSport website.

2. Contact us directly through email by CLICKING HERE!