The following rules and information apply to all teams participating in the 2026 Wizards Rose Festival & Tournament hosted by the Welland Soccer Club.

All teams, coaches, players, and spectators are expected to review and follow these tournament rules throughout the event weekend.

Tournament Headquarters

Tournament headquarters will be located at the Youngs Sportsplex and will handle:

• Team check-in
• Tournament questions
• Discipline matters
• Schedule updates
• Protest submissions
• Lost & found

Team Registration & Check-In

Required Documentation

Teams must provide the following prior to the tournament:

• Official team roster
• Approved travel permit (if required by district)
• Player identification / proof of registration where applicable
• Temporary Eligibility Permits (TEPs) for guest players
• Signed Tournament Code of Conduct

Guest Players

Teams may use a maximum of three (3) guest players in accordance with Ontario Soccer rules and district approval requirements.

Tournament Format

Festival Divisions (U8–U11)

• Festival-style play only
• No standings will be kept
• No scores will be officially recorded
• Emphasis will be placed on development, participation, and sportsmanship

Tournament Divisions (U12–U15)

• Round robin play followed by playoff/final matches where applicable
• Teams receive:
  • 3 points for a win
  • 1 point for a tie
  • 0 points for a loss

Tie-Breaking Procedure

If teams are tied in standings, the following criteria will be used:

1. Most points
2. Head-to-head result
3. Goal differential
4. Fewest goals against
5. Most goals scored
6. Penalty kicks (if required)

Match Duration

U8–U11 Festival Divisions

• Two (2) x 20-minute halves
• 5-minute halftime

U12–U15 Tournament Divisions

Round Robin Matches

• Two (2) x 25-minute halves
• 5-minute halftime

Semi-Finals & Finals

• Two (2) x 25-minute halves
• 5-minute halftime
• Tied playoff games proceed directly to penalty kicks in accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game

Team & Player Rules

Number of Players

U8–U9

• 5v5 including goalkeeper
• Maximum 12 dressed players

U10–U11

• 7v7 including goalkeeper
• Maximum 14 dressed players

U12–U13

• 9v9 including goalkeeper
• Maximum 16 dressed players

U14–U15

• 11v11 including goalkeeper
• Maximum 20 dressed players

Substitutions

Unlimited substitutions are permitted at the referee’s discretion during approved stoppages of play.

Equipment Requirements

All players must wear:

• Numbered jersey
• Shin guards
• Soccer footwear
• Appropriate team uniform

Players may not wear jewelry or equipment deemed dangerous by the referee.

Goalkeepers must wear colours clearly distinguishable from both teams and match officials.

Home Team Responsibilities

The first team listed on the schedule will be considered the home team and must:

• Supply the game ball
• Change jerseys if colour conflicts arise (at referee discretion)

Ball Sizes

• U8–U13: Size 4
• U14–U15: Size 5

Retreat Line Rule (U8–U13)

Ontario Soccer retreat line rules will be enforced in applicable divisions.

When the goalkeeper gains possession of the ball or during goal kicks:

• Opposing players must retreat behind the designated retreat line
• Play resumes once the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper
• Teams are encouraged to promote development and possession-based play

Offside Rules

• No offside rule for U8–U11 divisions
• Offside rules are in effect for U12–U15 divisions

Discipline & Misconduct

The referee’s decision is final in all match-related matters.

Yellow Cards

• Two (2) yellow cards accumulated during the tournament may result in suspension for the next match.

Red Cards

• A player or team official receiving a red card will automatically be suspended from the next match at minimum.
• Serious misconduct may result in removal from the tournament.

Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their players, bench personnel, and spectators.

Tournament officials reserve the right to remove any participant or spectator displaying abusive, threatening, discriminatory, or unsportsmanlike behavior.

Spectator & Bench Areas

• Team benches must remain within designated technical areas
• Spectators must remain on the opposite side of the field from team benches unless otherwise directed
• Spectators may not enter the field of play

Sideline coaching or abusive behavior from spectators will not be tolerated.

Failure to Show

Teams must be prepared to play at their scheduled match time.

A team unable to field the minimum required number of players within 10 minutes of scheduled kickoff may forfeit the match.

Tournament officials reserve the right to remove teams from the tournament for repeated no-shows or misconduct.

Weather Policy

The safety of players, coaches, officials, and spectators is the top priority.

In the event of severe weather or lightning:

• Matches may be delayed, shortened, suspended, or cancelled
• Tournament officials reserve the right to modify schedules as necessary
• All decisions regarding weather-related delays are final

Please refer to the tournament Severe Weather & Lightning Policy page for additional details.

Protests

Only protests regarding player eligibility or rule interpretation will be considered.

• A written protest must be submitted to Tournament Headquarters within one (1) hour of the completion of the match
• A $100 protest fee must accompany the submission
• If the protest is upheld, the fee will be refunded
• Decisions by the Tournament Committee are final

Judgment calls made by referees cannot be protested.

Referees

All matches will be officiated by certified referees.

Referee abuse of any kind will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the tournament grounds and reporting to Ontario Soccer and/or the applicable district association.

Fair Play Commitment

The Welland Soccer Club expects all participants to contribute to a respectful, safe, and positive soccer environment.

Players, coaches, parents, and spectators are reminded:

• Respect officials and opponents
• Support fair play and sportsmanship
• Encourage players positively
• Avoid abusive language or behavior
• Remember that youth sports are for player development and enjoyment

Tournament Authority

The Welland Soccer Club Tournament Committee reserves the right to interpret and enforce all tournament rules and make decisions on matters not specifically covered within this document.

All Tournament Committee decisions are final.