2024 ITC Winter Classic Soccer Tournament

Rules

FIFAs Laws of the Game will be used as the basis of
all rules with the following modifications:

Players and Rosters

• All players must be registered and on the
  roster prior to playing.
• A full team is 6 (5+GK).  A forfeit
  occurs when a team cannot field the minimum roster needed (6).
• Teams may have up to twelve (12) registered
  players on the roster. 
• No additions to team rosters after Dec 15. 

 

Field of Play 

– The field of play is artificial grass.

Dimensions

– 25M X 50M

Retreat Line – New in 2024

The retreat line will be marked by cones placed just outside the touch lines at 1/3 the length of the field.

– Opposing players must wait to pursue until the ball is touched by teammate of the kicker

Encroachment of Retreat Line

– If the opposing team encroaches across the retreat line, the referee will stop play and allow a re-take of the goal kick.

– If multiple offences occur, referee will award an indirect free kick at the retreat (1/3) line.

The Ball

Ball sizes will reflect regular game play. Game balls will be provided by the ITC and no outside balls will be permitted for use in game play.

Substitutions

Substitutions are “on the fly” – no need to ask the referee for a stoppage.

Unlimited substitutions throughout the game.

Player leaving the field must be completely off the pitch prior to the player coming on.

Substitutions will take place at the players area/bench only.

Game Duration

• Pool play:
• 2– 15-minute halves with running time.
• Half time will be 3 minutes including a side switch.
• Games tied at the end of regulation will end in the tie- each team will receive 1 point.
• Championship rounds:
• 2- 15-minute halves with running time.
• Half time will be 3 minutes including a side switch.
• If game is tied at the end of regulation, penalty shots will determine the winner. Initial round – 3 shots alternating. If tied after 3, alternating shots until a winner is determined. 
  

Game timeslots will be tight, so we will be asking for cooperation from all teams to move smoothly through the day.

When your game is finished, please exit the field asap to allow the next games teams to enter and get their game going on time.  

Teams must be ready to enter the field at the conclusion of the game prior. Teams unable to start on time will forfeit or, with agreement from opponent to play a shortened game, will start the short game with a 2-0 deficit. Game time will be determined by tournament lead and referee to ensure following game timeslot is not delayed.

Winning team coach/contact and referees are responsible to report score upon completion of each match. Scores will be recorded on site after each match in order to keep all participants updated. If there is a score dispute, referees recording will be used.

**Referees will track and report scores. In the event of a dispute, the tournament director will discuss the situation CALMLY with coaches only. If an agreement between BOTH coaches cannot be reached, referee score report will stand.

Scores & Mercy Rule

• Max goals difference in a game is +5 goals

Players Equipment

Team Jerseys

         Teams must wear the same-coloured jersey as their teammates.

Footwear

          Indoor turf shoes, running shoes or molded cleats can be worn. ABSOLUTELY NO hard or metal cleats allowed.

Shin Pads

• Mandatory shin pads (concealed by socks or pants)
• Players not wearing shin pads must leave field immediately.

Braces & Casts

• Sport-specific (light weight, smooth, soft exterior, plastic) and (bubble) wrapped (metal and plaster) braces &
  casts are acceptable if they provide sufficient cushion and
  safety to other players.
• Aggressive, sloppy and/or dangerous play while wearing a brace or cast is not acceptable. Players wearing a brace or cast assume all liability to the safety of themselves and all other participants as a result of their choice.

Jewellery

• Necklaces, bracelets, and chains must be removed.
• Removal of all piercing and body jewellery is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all players. Referees will not turn away players with taped piercings and body jewellery, however, if a player wishes to play with jewellery (however concealed) they assume all responsibility and liability to the safety of themselves and all other participants as a result of their choice.

Glasses

• Active Sports Eyewear with a head strap is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for players who require corrective eyewear. Referees will not turn away players who do not have Active Sports Eyewear, however, if a player wishes to play with glasses, they must have a head strap and they assume all responsibility and liability to the safety of themselves and all other participants as a result of their eyewear choice.

Clothing

• Head coverings may be worn although
  it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED the fabric of such be elastic
  and tight fitting so as not to become a strangulation and/or tripping hazard. Players wearing head coverings during play assume all responsibility and liability to the safety of themselves and all other participants as a result of their clothing choice. Referees will not turn away players who wear head coverings.
• Shorts, track pants and/or tights are the preferred clothing while playing soccer, however, player’s may choose to wear alternate/additional clothing during play as long as the team jersey is clearly identifiable as to which team they belong and have their number clearly visible on their back. 

 

Ball out of Play

• Ball is out of play when it has completely crossed the line on the ground or in the air.
• Ball is out of play when it touches the roof.
• Game is restarted at the point the ball crossed the line or point below where it touched the roof with an indirect free kick for the non-offending team.
• If a ball touches the roof or dome above the goal area, the game is restarted with an indirect free kick outside the box if the ball came off a defending player. If the ball was last touched by an attacking player, a goal kick is awarded.

 

Ball in Play

• Kick-in is the only method of restarting play. NO THROW INS. 
• Ball must be returned to play from the nearest point to where it left the field.
• Ball must be stationary when it is put back into play.
• Opposing players must be at least three (3) meters from the stationary ball.
• All kicks from the sideline are indirect. A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-in. A goal kick is awarded if the ball enters the goal directly from a kick-in. Ball must be touched by another player on the field (offense or defence) prior to crossing the goal line to count as a goal.
• All free kicks awarded due to a player foul will be considered direct.

 

Penalty Kick

• Penalty kick will be awarded at 9 meters from the goal line and without obstruction of the opposing team.
• All players must be three (10) meters back from the ball. Designated space will be noted by referee.
• Goalkeeper must have both feet on the goal line at the time the ball is kicked.

 

Sliding & Slide Tackles

Slide tackles are not permitted.

Only in a sliding attempt to play a ball or keep it in bounds is
permitted. Any attempt to contact an opposing player. If an opponent is close to the ball and the slide will interfere with his/her playing of the ball, or potentially make contact, the slide is not allowed, and an indirect free kick will be awarded. If the slide tackle is deemed a potentially dangerous play by the referee a penalty kick (if in attacking zone) or yellow card (2-minute penalty) will be in place.

First slide tackle = Referee warning

Second sliding tackle = 2-minute penalty yellow card

Third slide tackle = Red Card offence.

Offside

No offside rule.

Penalties & Discipline

YELLOW CARDS

• Yellow cards will be shown when necessary.
  Although we realize this is a tournament and we encourage competition, aggressive and dangerous play will not be allowed. A direct free kick will be awarded to the non-offending team.

SIN BIN Yellow Card

If a player receives a yellow card for dissent by word or action directed towards the referee, the player will receive the yellow card AND be directed off the field to the “Sin-Bin” for 2 minutes. The referee will indicate a penalty dismissal by directing the offending player to the players bench and holding up 2 fingers to indicate 2-minute penalty.

• If a goalkeeper receives the penalty dismissal, the team may select another on-field player to serve the time.
• The offending team must play short for 2 minutes.

RED CARDS

• Offending player must leave the field and facility immediately.
• The offending team will remain short a player for the remainder of the game.
• Tournament Red Cards are an automatic removal from tournament.
• Two dangerous play (2) Yellows = Red

Forfeit games

• Any forfeit games are recorded as 3-0

Tie Breakers

Pool play

• Games will be played on strict timelines. If the score is tied at the end of time the tie score will stand and both teams will be awarded 1 point.

Championship Round

• Best of three (3) penalty kicks to determine a game winner using any player on the roster
• If required, alternating kicks using all players before any one player kicks twice

Rankings

1. Total points (win-3, tie-1, loss-0)
2. Head-to-Head
3. Goal differential
4. Defensive Goals allowed

**In the event of further tiebreakers needed, the tournament committee will implement as necessary.

Any changes to these rules will be communicated with all teams prior to the start of the tournament.