Bridger Classic Soccer Tournament
REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 5th
Tournament design
Double Elimination Tournament
The Bridger Classic is a double elimination tournament. This design guarantees each participating team a minimum of two games, providing ample opportunity for redemption and a pathway to the championship game, even after a loss.
Guaranteed Two Games
One of the key reasons the Bridger Classic Tournament is a double elimination system is so that each team will play at least two games. We understand the cost and effort it takes to travel with a squad and with teams visiting from multiple states, we wanted to make sure each team has a chance to showcase their skills and compete against two different opponents. In the initial rounds, teams face off against one another, with winners advancing to the next round and losers moving to the consolation bracket. This ensures that every team has a chance to continue competing, regardless of their performance in the first round.
Consolation Bracket Redemption
In a double elimination tournament, losing a game doesn't mean elimination from the competition. Instead, teams who suffer a loss in the championship bracket are given a second chance to progress through the consolation bracket. This secondary bracket allows teams to compete against other teams who have a loss for a chance to re-enter the championship bracket and ultimately contend for the title. It adds an element of redemption and resilience to the tournament, as teams have the opportunity to bounce back from early setbacks and potentially reach the championship game.
Championship Determination and Penalty Kicks
As the tournament progresses and teams battle their way through the brackets, the goal is to reach the championship game. However, due to constraints such as time and field availability, we are unable to have a second championship game, should the consolation bracket winner beat the undefeated team in the championship game (Game 14 in the bracket). If a team makes its way out of the consolation bracket and wins the Championship game, the second game (Game 15) will be decided by penalty kicks. The reason for Game 15 to be decided by penalty kicks is due to time constraints, field availability, and the biggest reason being that the tournament is a double elimination, meaning that each team needs to lose at least twice to be eliminated. Penalty kicks provide a swift and decisive method for determining the tournament's winner, especially when time is limited. This thrilling conclusion adds an extra layer of intensity to the competition, as teams must showcase their skills under pressure to
secure victory.
Prepare for Multiple Matches
With the Bridger Classic being a double elimination system combined with constraints such as time and field availability, there will be two teams that could potentially compete in three different matches during the first day of the tournament. Every effort has been made to ensure that matches will not be back-to-back. In future years, we hope to avoid any team playing three matches in a single day.
The Bridger Classic is a double elimination tournament. This design guarantees each participating team a minimum of two games, providing ample opportunity for redemption and a pathway to the championship game, even after a loss.
Guaranteed Two Games
One of the key reasons the Bridger Classic Tournament is a double elimination system is so that each team will play at least two games. We understand the cost and effort it takes to travel with a squad and with teams visiting from multiple states, we wanted to make sure each team has a chance to showcase their skills and compete against two different opponents. In the initial rounds, teams face off against one another, with winners advancing to the next round and losers moving to the consolation bracket. This ensures that every team has a chance to continue competing, regardless of their performance in the first round.
Consolation Bracket Redemption
In a double elimination tournament, losing a game doesn't mean elimination from the competition. Instead, teams who suffer a loss in the championship bracket are given a second chance to progress through the consolation bracket. This secondary bracket allows teams to compete against other teams who have a loss for a chance to re-enter the championship bracket and ultimately contend for the title. It adds an element of redemption and resilience to the tournament, as teams have the opportunity to bounce back from early setbacks and potentially reach the championship game.
Championship Determination and Penalty Kicks
As the tournament progresses and teams battle their way through the brackets, the goal is to reach the championship game. However, due to constraints such as time and field availability, we are unable to have a second championship game, should the consolation bracket winner beat the undefeated team in the championship game (Game 14 in the bracket). If a team makes its way out of the consolation bracket and wins the Championship game, the second game (Game 15) will be decided by penalty kicks. The reason for Game 15 to be decided by penalty kicks is due to time constraints, field availability, and the biggest reason being that the tournament is a double elimination, meaning that each team needs to lose at least twice to be eliminated. Penalty kicks provide a swift and decisive method for determining the tournament's winner, especially when time is limited. This thrilling conclusion adds an extra layer of intensity to the competition, as teams must showcase their skills under pressure to
secure victory.
Prepare for Multiple Matches
With the Bridger Classic being a double elimination system combined with constraints such as time and field availability, there will be two teams that could potentially compete in three different matches during the first day of the tournament. Every effort has been made to ensure that matches will not be back-to-back. In future years, we hope to avoid any team playing three matches in a single day.
Awards and trophies
Montana State University Women’s Soccer Club strives to make the Bridger
Classic, a premier event in the Northwest Region of the NIRSA Soccer League, where we hope competition meets camaraderie, and where excellence is celebrated in its purest form.
What sets the Bridger Classic apart from the rest? It's not just about the game on the field; it's about the recognition, the acknowledgment of outstanding
performances. At the heart of this lies the tournament's five unique trophies, awarded to players and teams in recognition for excellence in varying categories.
1. Traveling Trophy:
Upon winning the Bridger Classic Soccer Tournament, the triumphant team will be awarded the Champion's Traveling Trophy, bearing the name of the winning squad alongside the current year in an engraved plate along the base. The victorious team will have the opportunity to bring home this trophy, which, as the ultimate prize, symbolizes not only victory but also the spirit of competition and sportsmanship that defines our tournament.
We hope you will join us again next year for the second year of the Bridger Classic Tournament, and potentially defend your title, but if you are unable to make it, we will work with you to mail the trophy back to Bozeman for the next Bridger Classic Champion.
2. Coaches Award:
The Coaches Award recognizes a player who embodies leadership, positivity and sportsmanship, both on and off the pitch. Voted on by all participating coaches, this accolade is a testament to the impact a single player can have on their team, inspiring others through their actions and attitude.
Importantly, coaches are barred from voting for their own players, ensuring fairness and impartiality in the selection process.
3. MVP Award:
The MVP Award celebrates the player whose leadership, ambition, and unwavering determination propelled their team to greatness. Whether it's through skillful playmaking, strategic vision, or sheer resilience, the MVP stands as a testament to the indispensable role of exceptional individuals in the realm of team sports.
4. Offensive Award:
The Offensive Award honors the player whose contributions to their team's attack were nothing short of pivotal. Whether through scoring goals, providing crucial assists, or dictating the pace of play, this award recognizes the driving force behind every successful offensive strategy.
5. Defensive Award:
Defense wins championships. The Defensive Award pays homage to the unsung heroes who stand firm in the face of adversity, thwarting opponent attacks with unwavering determination. From crucial tackles to strategic interceptions, the recipient of this award embodies the spirit of resilience and tenacity, serving as a guardian of their team's success.
Presentation of Awards
The Bridger Classic celebrates on and off-field excellence through our unique trophies, each a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of success. We hope that no matter what place you end up in the tournament, that you will stay for the award and trophy ceremony that will immediately follow the conclusion of the Championship game.
Each award, except for the Traveling Trophy, is available to be
awarded to any player, regardless of team standing. Therefore, someone from your
squad may have earned an award and we hope you will be there to celebrate your
team’s accomplishments but also those who have earned these individual awards.
Classic, a premier event in the Northwest Region of the NIRSA Soccer League, where we hope competition meets camaraderie, and where excellence is celebrated in its purest form.
What sets the Bridger Classic apart from the rest? It's not just about the game on the field; it's about the recognition, the acknowledgment of outstanding
performances. At the heart of this lies the tournament's five unique trophies, awarded to players and teams in recognition for excellence in varying categories.
1. Traveling Trophy:
Upon winning the Bridger Classic Soccer Tournament, the triumphant team will be awarded the Champion's Traveling Trophy, bearing the name of the winning squad alongside the current year in an engraved plate along the base. The victorious team will have the opportunity to bring home this trophy, which, as the ultimate prize, symbolizes not only victory but also the spirit of competition and sportsmanship that defines our tournament.
We hope you will join us again next year for the second year of the Bridger Classic Tournament, and potentially defend your title, but if you are unable to make it, we will work with you to mail the trophy back to Bozeman for the next Bridger Classic Champion.
2. Coaches Award:
The Coaches Award recognizes a player who embodies leadership, positivity and sportsmanship, both on and off the pitch. Voted on by all participating coaches, this accolade is a testament to the impact a single player can have on their team, inspiring others through their actions and attitude.
Importantly, coaches are barred from voting for their own players, ensuring fairness and impartiality in the selection process.
3. MVP Award:
The MVP Award celebrates the player whose leadership, ambition, and unwavering determination propelled their team to greatness. Whether it's through skillful playmaking, strategic vision, or sheer resilience, the MVP stands as a testament to the indispensable role of exceptional individuals in the realm of team sports.
4. Offensive Award:
The Offensive Award honors the player whose contributions to their team's attack were nothing short of pivotal. Whether through scoring goals, providing crucial assists, or dictating the pace of play, this award recognizes the driving force behind every successful offensive strategy.
5. Defensive Award:
Defense wins championships. The Defensive Award pays homage to the unsung heroes who stand firm in the face of adversity, thwarting opponent attacks with unwavering determination. From crucial tackles to strategic interceptions, the recipient of this award embodies the spirit of resilience and tenacity, serving as a guardian of their team's success.
Presentation of Awards
The Bridger Classic celebrates on and off-field excellence through our unique trophies, each a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of success. We hope that no matter what place you end up in the tournament, that you will stay for the award and trophy ceremony that will immediately follow the conclusion of the Championship game.
Each award, except for the Traveling Trophy, is available to be
awarded to any player, regardless of team standing. Therefore, someone from your
squad may have earned an award and we hope you will be there to celebrate your
team’s accomplishments but also those who have earned these individual awards.
Rules
The Bridger Classic adheres to all soccer rules as outlined by the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), which follow the general laws of the game outlined by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), with certain exceptions. However, our tournament places a particular emphasis on the authority of the match referee in making final decisions during gameplay. While the NIRSA rules provide the framework for fair and consistent play, the referee's judgment prevails in determining outcomes, ensuring that the integrity and spirit of the game are upheld. This approach underscores the importance of officiating in maintaining a level playing field and resolving disputes effectively within the context of competitive soccer.
Follow this link for all rules and regulations as outlined by FIFA:
FIFA Guidelines
Follow this link for all rules and regulations as outlined by FIFA:
FIFA Guidelines
IMPORTANT LOCATIONS
Fields
Matches of the Bridger Classic Tournament will held between two locations nestled in the the heart of Bozeman, both with accommodating atmospheres built to support travelling teams and tournament activities. Games will be held at one of the two following locations (follow the links for directions):
Bozeman High School
205 N 11th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715
Dobbie Lambert Intramural Fields
West Lincoln St, Bozeman, MT 59715
Matches of the Bridger Classic Tournament will held between two locations nestled in the the heart of Bozeman, both with accommodating atmospheres built to support travelling teams and tournament activities. Games will be held at one of the two following locations (follow the links for directions):
Bozeman High School
205 N 11th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715
Dobbie Lambert Intramural Fields
West Lincoln St, Bozeman, MT 59715
Photography
The Montana State University Women’s Soccer Club is excited to share that three professional photographers have agreed to volunteer their time and services to take exceptional photos to document the Bridger Classic tournament.
These photographers will provide 5 photos at no cost to each team that will be sent a couple of weeks after the tournament.
If your team or individuals would like to purchase different or additional photos, they will provide links for you to do so.
Photography Waiver
At the check-in desk on Saturday, April 21st, every member of your team must
complete the photography waiver allowing photographers to take photos during your matches. If any player does not wish their photos to be taken, we will not have a photographer attend a match that they are playing in.
These photographers will provide 5 photos at no cost to each team that will be sent a couple of weeks after the tournament.
If your team or individuals would like to purchase different or additional photos, they will provide links for you to do so.
Photography Waiver
At the check-in desk on Saturday, April 21st, every member of your team must
complete the photography waiver allowing photographers to take photos during your matches. If any player does not wish their photos to be taken, we will not have a photographer attend a match that they are playing in.
Registration
REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Payment:
For registration into the Bridger Classic Soccer Tournament, all teams will be required to forward a payment to Montana State Women's Club Soccer to assist in tournament and amenity costs. Payment details are as follows:
Each team will be required to pay $600 through one of the following modes:
- Check made out to "Women's Club Soccer at MSU" mailed to the following address:
751 S Grant St, P.O. Box 37 , Bozeman, MT 59715
- Venmo: Ella-Kortbawi
ALL TEAMS ARE REQUIRED TO FILL OUT THE FORM LINKED BELOW FOR PAYMENT CONFIRMATION:
Payment Confirmation Form
ALL participants will be required to sign the following Photography and Release Waiver. NO photographs will be taken of participants who fail to submit this waiver. Signed waivers can either be physically brought to the tournament or scanned and emailed to the clubs email address:
[email protected]
Photography Consent and Release Waiver
Any questions or concerns about registration can be sent to the email listed above.
Payment:
For registration into the Bridger Classic Soccer Tournament, all teams will be required to forward a payment to Montana State Women's Club Soccer to assist in tournament and amenity costs. Payment details are as follows:
Each team will be required to pay $600 through one of the following modes:
- Check made out to "Women's Club Soccer at MSU" mailed to the following address:
751 S Grant St, P.O. Box 37 , Bozeman, MT 59715
- Venmo: Ella-Kortbawi
ALL TEAMS ARE REQUIRED TO FILL OUT THE FORM LINKED BELOW FOR PAYMENT CONFIRMATION:
Payment Confirmation Form
ALL participants will be required to sign the following Photography and Release Waiver. NO photographs will be taken of participants who fail to submit this waiver. Signed waivers can either be physically brought to the tournament or scanned and emailed to the clubs email address:
[email protected]
Photography Consent and Release Waiver
Any questions or concerns about registration can be sent to the email listed above.