Rules & Schedule
Modified FIFA rules designed for safety, intelligent play, and longevity
Game Format
Teams of 6 + 1 goalie on the field at all times.
Games are 50 minutes long. After 25 minutes the game is stopped for halftime. There will be a 2–3 minute break between halves to switch ends.
The referee will not add any additional time for injuries and/or any other stoppage of play.
All players must leave the field ASAP after each game so the next teams have a few minutes before the start of the next game.
All FIFA rules apply except as indicated in these tournament-specific modifications.
Safety Rules
No heading of the ball. This is to provide additional safety to all players.
No slide tackles or play on the ground. An indirect free kick will be awarded. This is to provide additional safety to all players.
The Goal Area is a 6-metre radius. Goalies are NOT permitted to leave the goal area at any time. ALL players are NOT permitted to enter the goal area at any time. If a player's foot and/or body enters the 6m radius, it is an indirect free kick to the defending team. If the goalie comes out, it is an indirect free kick at least 3 metres from the goal area semi-circle.
No jewelry or watches allowed. Players must wear shin guards for their protection.
Game Play
No offside rule.
Goals cannot be scored directly from the kickoff or goal kicks.
All fouls are indirect free kicks, except penalty shots. Defending players must be 3 metres away from the retake.
Penalty shots are 7 metres from the goal.
Kick-ins replace throw-ins. When the ball goes out of the touchline, the ball is placed behind the line for a kick in. Defenders must be 3 metres away from the attacker.
Substitutions can be made at any time. The player must be off the field before a replacement player can come on.
Discipline & Cards
Yellow card = 5-minute sit-out. This player may be replaced on the field. The referee will signal the player when the 5 minutes are up.
Two yellow cards in round robin play = tournament ejection. Yellow cards are reset after round robin play.
Red card = immediate tournament ejection. This player will NOT be replaced for the remainder of the game in which the card was received.
Zero tolerance for referee abuse. Please respect all referee decisions — without them we wouldn't be able to host this event.
All game disputes will be handled by 2 Tournament Officials, the Head Referee, and the match Referee.
Standings & Tiebreakers
Match outcomes: 3 points for a Win, 1 point for a Draw, 0 points for a Loss.
Tiebreakers: If tied in standings after round robin, goals for, then goals against will determine advancement. If still tied, a shoot-out at the large nets.
Other Important Info
All players must complete the Player Profile form and submit the $50 tournament fee to play.
Teams are expected to provide their own game balls.
Bring an extra white shirt and black shirt. Every effort will be made to avoid jersey colour conflicts.
Smoking, vaping, and alcohol are strictly prohibited around the soccer facilities including the parking lot area (City of Stratford direction).
No food or drink options at the field. Bring your own water and snacks.
Tournament Schedule
Schedule Coming Soon
The tournament schedule will be provided to all Team Representatives
approximately one week before the tournament.
Expected release: ~May 2, 2026
All games must begin on time. It is the responsibility of all participants
to be onsite and ready to play at their posted time and field.