Tournament Rules (2023)
Eligibility –
All participating teams must be currently registered with their provincial association. All teams outside the jurisdiction of Soccer Nova Scotia must have an authorized travel permit form from their governing body and supply proof if requested. Participating teams are required to complete and submit by the stated deadlines, the team roster as provided.
The tournament committee and Soccer Nova Scotia not be liable for any injury to any participants in the tournament on or off its fields. All teams outside of the jurisdiction of Soccer Nova Scotia must carry and supply proof of injury and liability insurance while participating in the tournament if requested.
A player may be registered only on one team for the tournament. However players can play for more than one team as long as they are being called up not across and follow all other Soccer Nova Scotia Guide and CSA lines in regards to times allow to play in a 24 hour period. (Exemption for PEI Provincial teams on player movement is allowed as play up only. This is due to the nature that there team come to finalize their winter programs and organize teams for summer play). Players have to be registered for the lower age team but can play unlimited up.
Roster –
Team roster will be limited to 27 players. All players must be registered with SNS or comparable governing body. Proof of age must be available upon request. Teams playing games within the tournament and league games such as NSSL must adhere to league rules.
Weather –
During the round robin series as a result of deteriorating weather conditions, the tournament committee reserves the right to shorten the length of any game in an effort to ensure that all games are played. Further, if necessary, the committee may cancel any game which does not have a bearing on the final standings of any group, as a result of theses adverse weather conditions.
Should a game in progress be terminated due to weather conditions after the first half of play has been completed, the game shall be considered complete and the score at the termination shall stand.
Allt Memorial Soccer cannot be held responsible for inability to complete games due to weather. We reserve the right to adjust the schedule as required.
Forfeits –
For 11 aside if a team is unable to field seven (7) players at the start time and 5 for 7/9 aside the game shall be forfeited unless the offending team is able to present an explanation that the tournament committee accepts as reasonable for its late arrival. Teams are expected to check in with the field marshal 15 minutes prior to the game.
If a team forfeits its last game of the round robin series, all games played by that team in the tournament shall be eliminated and all of their opponents will receive a 1-0 victory and three (3) points, regardless of the actual games scores. The actions of the offending team shall be reported to their club, district and provincial associations for inappropriate action.
Standings – For U13 AA and above Teams are randomly seeded due to the early nature of the season. U8, U9, U10, U11, U12 and U13A do not keep standings.
The round robin standings shall be determined by utilizing the following criteria: Points will be awarded: WIN – 3 TIE – 1 Loss – 0
If, at the end of round robin play series there is a tie, the higher placed team will be identified according to the following criteria an order:
i. The winner of the game between the two teams.
ii. The team with the highest goal differential
iii. The team with the most goals for. (Limited to 9 goals per game)
iv. The team with the least goals against.
v. If all the above criteria does not result in a clear placement, a coin toss completed by the committee will be done and teams notified on placement. This is due only to field time and the limited hours given to use the field indoors and outdoors and does not allow for the length of time it takes for penalty kicks.
Playoff games will be played as follows for U13AA and above only:
vi. In a division of 4 teams
1. Championship medal 1 vs 2
2. Bronze medal 3 vs 4
vii. In a division of 5 teams (1 division)
1. Championship medal 1 vs 2
2. Bronze medal awarded by point to 3
ix. In a division of 6 or more teams (2 divisions)
1. Championship game- winners of crossover games as outlined in the round robin schedule
2. Bronze medal game- Losers of crossover games as outline in the round robin schedule.
Playoff games will be played as follows:
In a division of 4 teams
Championship medal 1 vs 2
Bronze medal 3 vs 4
In a division of 5 teams ( 1 division)
Championship medal 1 vs 2
Bronze medal awarded by point to 3
It is the responsibility of the coach/manager of each team to check their team’s
Standings with the Field Marshal/ Tournament Chair to determine their placement on the cross over and or medal rounds.
Conduct of tournament –
The referee’s decision in matters concerning the application of the rules of the game and the decision of the tournament committee regarding conduct of the tournament shall be final.
Protest –
No protest shall be entertained unless accompanied by a $300.00 certified cheque made out to the Sheila and Stephenie Alt Memorial Soccer Tournament. Decisions of the tournament committee on matters of contention shall be final.
Substations –
Unlimited. (Unless game is being used as NSSL league game then league rules apply)
Player Equipment –
It is the responsibility of all teams to bring their primary uniforms and alternate strip or pennies. In the event of a conflict of jersey colour, the away team will be required to change (second team on the schedule). The keeper jersey shall be distinct from those of her teammates, the opposing team and the referee. All players must wear shoes and shin pads which conform to the requirements of FIFA LAW IV. SHIN PADS ARE MANDATORY!
Referee’s –
The tournament shall provide Soccer Nova Scotia registered referees- 1 referee and 2 assistant referees for all games and will attempt to work with local referee associations in assignment to referees to games. U8,U9 leaders only and U10,U11,U12C will only have singe referee (No Assistant’s)
Duration of the games-
a. U17/U18 – 2 halves of 40 minutes d. U12 and U13C–2 halves of 25 minutes
b. U15 – 2 halves of 35 minutes e. U11 - 2 halves of 25 minutes
c. U13AA – 2 halves of 30 minutes f. U10 - 2 halves of 25 minutes
d. U13A – 2 halves of 25 minutes g. U8/U9 - 2 halves of 25 minutes
Retreat lines –
As per SNS retreat lines apply to all from U10 thru to U13A/C.
Ball Size
Note ball size for U10 is Size (4) and for U12 and U13 either Size (4) or light size (5)
All other use FIFA size as per guide lines.
Cautions / Ejections
Caution: If a player or a team official receives two (2) cautions during a game there will be a one game suspension beyond the game in which they receive the cards.
Ejection: If a player of team official is ejected from a game, an automatic one (1) game suspension will be invoked against the offending individual. The suspension will be in effect during that team’s next scheduled game. The tournament committee reserves the right to impose a longer suspension if deemed necessary.
All incidents’ of cautions and ejections will be accompanied by a written report sent to the appropriate club, district and provincial association. In the event of verbal or physical abuse to referee in accordance with Soccer Nova Scotia policies there will an automatic suspension from the tournament and a report will be sent to the Soccer Nova Scotia Discipline committee for review.
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U11/ U12 Skills Center Rules for Play
Law 1-The Field of Play: Length: 55 m Width: 36 m
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than fifteen (15) centimetres wide. The field of play is divided into halves, marked by a centre line and by a centre spot that is located at the midpoint of the centre line. A circle with a radius of nine (9) metres may, but not mandatory, be marked around it.
Goal Area: None
The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, eleven (11) metres from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of eleven (11) metres and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area. Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made nine (9) meters from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them.
Flag posts: Conform to FIFA if used.
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA if marked.
Goal Posts: Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line and measure 3.66 metres x 1.83 metres (12 feet wide and 6.5 feet high).
Law 2-The Ball: The ball must conform to FIFA standards and must conform to the FIFA inflation specifications. Size four (4) or light size (5)
Law 3- The Number of Players:
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than seven (7) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start, or continue, if either team consists of fewer than five (5) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. All players shall play equal playing time.
Substitutions: At any stoppage, substitutions are unlimited and must be done with the officials’ permission.
Law 4- The Players Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. The goalkeeper should wear a colour that distinguishes him/her from both teams. Shin guards are mandatory and must be worn under the socks. Jewellery is not permitted.
Law 5- The Referee: One referee as per Soccer NS regulations. The referee’s role is to keep players safe and to ensure that the game is played under the “fair play” code. (Duties conform to FIFA)
Law 6- The Assistant Referee: None
Law 7- The Duration of the Match: The match will be divided into two (2) halves of 25 minutes. There shall be a half-time interval of 1-5 minutes.
Law 8- The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least nine (9) metres from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9- The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10-The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11-Offside: Not applicable.
Law 12-Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA.
Law 13-Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents are at least nine (9) metres from the ball. An indirect kick awarded to the attacking team that occurs inside the penalty area shall be taken from the outside edge of the penalty area in line where the offense took place.
Law 14-The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that the penalty mark is marked at nine (9) metres from the goal line. All players except the player taking the kick must be nine (9) metres from the ball.
Law 15-The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA.
Law 16-The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA except that it shall be taken from anywhere within the penalty area. Opponents must remain at least nine (9) metres away from the ball until it is in play.
Law 17-The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least nine (9) metres away from the ball until it is in play.
Soccer Nova Scotia
Official, U11 Skills center and U12 A, B & C Playing Rules
The SNS age specific modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game
Law 1-The Field of Play
Length: 70-75 m Width: 50-55 m
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than fifteen (15) centimetres wide. The field of play is divided into halves, marked by a centre line and by a centre spot that is located at the midpoint of the centre line. A circle with a radius of nine (9) metres may, but not mandatory, be marked around it.
NB: All fields must be properly marked.
Goal Area: None
The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, eleven (11) metres from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of eleven (11) metres and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area. Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made nine (9) meters from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them.
Flag posts: Conform to FIFA if used.
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA if marked.
Goal Posts: Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line and measure 5.486 x 1.83 metres (12 feet wide and 6.5 feet high).
Law 2-The Ball: The ball must conform to FIFA standards and must conform to the FIFA inflation specifications. Size four (4)or light size (5)
Law 3- The Number of Players:
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than seven (7) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper for U11 and nine (9) aside for U12for U11. A match may not start, or continue, if either team consists of fewer than six players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. All players shall play equal playing time.
Substitutions: At any stoppage, substitutions are unlimited and must be done with the officials’ permission.
Law 4- The Players Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. The goalkeeper should wear a colour that distinguishes him/her from both teams. Shin guards are mandatory and must be worn under the socks. Jewellery is not permitted.
Law 5- The Referee: One referee as per Soccer NS regulations. The referee’s role is to keep players safe and to ensure that the game is played under the “fair play” code. (Duties conform to FIFA)
Law 6- No Assistant Referee: No assistant referees as per Soccer NS regulations for, U11 skill center or U12C where Law 11 is enforced. (Duties conform to FIFA).
Law 7- The Duration of the Match: U12A&B - The match will be divided into two (2) halves of twenty five (25) minutes each. There shall be a half-time interval of five (1-5) minutes depending on field time.
Law 8- The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least nine (9) metres from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9- The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10-The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11-Offside: In effect where applicable. See Law 6.
Law 12-Fouls and Misconduct:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the center spot on the halfway line if a goalkeeper punts or drop-kicks the ball in the air from his/her penalty area into the opponents penalty area. Cautionary and expulsion cards are used.
Law 13-Free Kicks:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents are at least nine (9) metres from the ball. An indirect kick awarded to the attacking team that occurs inside the penalty area shall be taken from the outside edge of the penalty area in line where the offense took place.
Law 14-The Penalty Kick:
Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that the penalty mark is marked at nine (9) metres from the goal line. All players except the player taking the kick must be nine (9) metres from the ball.
Law 15-The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA.
Law 16-The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA except that it shall be taken from anywhere within the penalty area. Opponents must remain at least nine (9) metres away from the ball until it is in play.
Law 17-The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least nine (9) metres away from the ball until it is in play.
REMEMBER THE FIRST RULE OF THE TOURNAMENT- HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE GAME!
Best of luck and hope for good weather
See you on the pitch and Tournament Committee