Coppa Giovanni Soccer Tournament Soccer Rules & Regulations
July 10-13 (Strathclair Park - 639 Black Road - Sault Ste. Marie, ON)

RULES AND REGULATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT
“THIS IS AN UNSANCTIONED TOURNAMENT”

Rules of Play - Rules of play shall be FIFA Laws of the Game. All decisions concerning pairing, schedules, etc. are solely at the discretion of the tournament committee.

When applying to take part in the Coppa Giovanni, each squad must:
1.0 Complete the registration form found on the www.coppagiovanni.com website, in which each team shall identify itself by providing its Club name, age and gender classification.
1.1 All teams should have but are not mandatory, proof of accident/injury/illness medical insurance to the Coppa Giovanni Tournament not later than seven days prior to the first day of
the tournament.
1.2 The Coppa Giovanni Committee will not be liable for injuries to any participant on or off the fields during the tournament.
1.3 All teams must have handed in 7 days prior to the start of the Coppa Giovanni Tournament a copy of their official team roster. This should be presented at registration and kept available by the team at every game during the tournament. Failure to meet this requirement could result indismissal from the event and forfeit of the team entry fee.
1.4 No team will be considered officially registered until their entry fee payment, in full, hasbeen received. Any team that withdraws from the festival after the registration deadline will not be entitled to a refund of their entry fee.
1.5 Team registration will take place Saturday morning of the tournament at the Strathclair Parklocated at 1000-1050 Trans-Canada Hwy, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 4K4. A team official must
register the team no later than one hour before their first game. Players are not required to be present at registration. A copy of the team's official Team Roster validated by the team's
governing body (for presentation and inspection only)
2.0 Team Roster
Based on the lack of teams entered into the Coppa Giovanni, the committee has decided to move up teams and merge divisions based on team availability vs the potential removal of the division.
All teams were notified and an agreement was made. Dual roster was made for emergency depth and to allow players to play that were the cut off point.
a) Team rosters from the 2025-2026 seasonal year will be accepted for the tournament.
b) Team roster will not be accepted with a total number of players above the following;
i. 7v7 (12 players)
ii. 9v9 (15 players)
iii. 11v11 (20 players)
c) Players will receive a wrist band upon check in. They must wear this wrist band for the duration of the tournament to be eligible to play. If a player loses their wrist band, they must provide all registration documents to receive a replacement.
Roster Freeze: Rosters are locked at check-in before the first game. No new players may be added during the tournament. No call up players from other teams not registered will be accepted.
Dual-Rostering: A player may be rostered on two teams within the same overall team if they are in different age divisions, or if split across an "A" and "B" team in the same division.
Primary Team Rule: Dual-rostered players must designate a "Primary Team." If there is a scheduling conflict the dual rostered players must play on the primary team they are rostered on.
Roster must be available at each game the team plays.
2.2 The age groups and their corresponding birth dates for the tournament are as follows:
AGE DIVISION (SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON TEAMS ENTERED)
Coed Boys & Girls U9 (2020 - 2017) U10 Boys (2017 - 2016)

U12 Boys (2016 - 2014) U15 Boys (2013 2011) - Due to lack of teams

U11 Girls (2016 - 2015) U13 Girls (2014 - 2013)

3.0 UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER

3.1 The Coppa Giovanni Committee and referee reserves the right to shorten the length of any game and/or revise the schedule of games in an effort to ensure that all games are played.
Further, if necessary due to inclement weather, the Coppa Giovanni Committee may cancel any game.
3.2 The Coppa Giovanni Tournament Committee, will NOT be responsible for any expenses incurred by teams, players or parents, in the event of cancellation of the tournament in whole or in part.

4.0 Game Abandonment
A team which is unable to field players based on their division ten minutes of the official start time will force abandonment of the game unless the team can provide the Coppa Giovanni Committee with a satisfactory reason for the lateness. There will be no refund of entry fees due to abandoned games.

5.0 Home Team
The team listed first on the schedule shall be considered the home team. The home team shall provide a suitable substitute game ball for each home game. If there is a colour clash with team jerseys it will be the home team's responsibility to change colours. Each team should have two sets of jerseys in anticipation of possible colour clashes.
Tournament Tie-Breaker Rules
If two or more teams are tied in total standings points (3 for a win, 1 for a tie, 0 for a loss) at the end of the group stage, the following criteria will be applied sequentially to determine who advances:
1. Head-to-Head Result
The team that won the game between the tied teams drops into the higher seed.
● Note: If three or more teams are tied, this step is skipped unless one team beats all other
tied teams.
2. Goal Differential (Plus/Minus)
The team with the highest net goal differential advances.
● Calculation: Goals For (Scored) minus Goals Against (Conceded).
● The "Blowout Cap" Rule: To encourage sportsmanship, a maximum differential of +4 or -4 goals per game will be counted. For example, if a game ends 8–1, it is recorded mathematically as a 5–1 game (+4 differential) for the winning team.
3. Total Goals Scored
The team that scored the most total goals during group play advances.
● Note: The same blowout cap applies here. A team can only get credit for a maximum of 4 goals above whatever their opponent scored in a single match.
4. Fewest Goals Allowed
The team that conceded the fewest total goals throughout the group stage advances. This rewards the best defensive performance.
5. Penalty Shootout (Kicks from the Penalty Mark)
If teams remain completely tied after steps 1 through 4, a penalty shootout will take place.
● Each team selects 5 players from their roster to take kicks.
● If still tied after 5 kicks, it moves to sudden-death penalty kicks until a winner is decided.
● Coin Toss Option: If both coaches agree and field time is severely limited, a coin toss supervised by the Tournament Director may replace the shootout.

Example Scenario Breakdown
Imagine Team A and Team B both finish group play with 6 standings points.
● Step 1: They tied each other 1–1. (Still tied)
● Step 2 (Differential): Team A won their other games 4–0 and lost 0–1 (+3 net). Team B won 6–0 (caps at +4) and lost 1–2 (+3 net). (Still tied at +3)
● Step 3 (Goals Scored): Team A scored 5 total capped goals. Team B scored 6 total capped goals.
● Winner: Team B advances because they scored more total goals.
U7 - U8 - U9 - Coed Group Division
● Game Format: 7 v 7 (including a goalkeeper)
● Minimum Player Start: You must have a minimum of 5 players on the field to start thematch.
● Ball Size: Size 4
● Match Durations: Maximum of 60 minutes total (usually two 30-minute halves)
● Offsides: No offsides in play
● Substitutions: Unlimited
a) Players must be present at the mid line prior to the ball going out of bounds to be eligible to enter the game.
b) The referee has the authority to refuse any substitution.
c) Either team can substitute on any goal kick, at the half, or after a goal has been scored.
d) A team can substitute on their throw-in. They may also substitute players on the opponents throw-in only if their opponent is substituting as well.
e) In the event of an injury, a player(s) may be substituted for the injured player(s) withthe opponent receiving the same number of player substitutions at that time.
● Retreat Line: Yes, opponents must retreat to designated lines when the goalkeeper hasthe ball or during a goal kick to allow the defending team to build play from the back.
● Heading Restrictions: No headers will be allowed.
● (Throw-ins): Traditional throw-ins are used with both feet on the ground. Ref may award a second chance for throw in.
● ABSOLUTELY NO SLIDE TACKLES
U10 - U11 - U12 - U13/U15 Age Group Division(s)
● Game Format: (U10 - U11) 9 v 9 (including a goalkeeper)
● Minimum Player Start: You must have a minimum of 7 players on the field to start the match. If a team drops below 7 players due to red cards or injuries, the match may be abandoned or forfeited decided by the referee.
● Game Format: (U12-U15) 11v11 (including a goalkeeper)
● Minimum Player Start: You must have a minimum of 7 players on the field to start the match. If a team drops below 7 players due to red cards or injuries, the match may be abandoned or forfeited decided by the referee.
● Ball Size: Size 5
● Match Durations: Maximum of 60 minutes total (usually two 30-minute halves)
● Offsides: Yes
● Substitutions: Unlimited
● Substitutions: Unlimited
a) Players must be present at the mid line prior to the ball going out of bounds to beeligible to enter the game.
b) The referee has the authority to refuse any substitution.
c) Either team can substitute on any goal kick, at the half, or after a goal has been scored.
d) A team can substitute on their throw-in. They may also substitute players on the opponents throw-in only if their opponent is substituting as well.
e) In the event of an injury, a player(s) may be substituted for the injured player(s) with the opponent receiving the same number of player substitutions at that time.
● Retreat Line: No
● Heading Restrictions: None
● Corner Kicks: In play
● (Throw-ins): Traditional throw-ins are used with both feet on the ground. Ref may award a second chance for throw in.
● ABSOLUTELY NO SLIDE TACKLES

6.0 Spectator/Team/Coach Positioning: Coaches must stay within the technical area that extends one yard either side of the team bench and one yard from the sideline. Coaching outside of this area will not be permitted. Only team officials are allowed in this area. Team officials are reminded that they are not allowed on the field of play without the referee’s permission. A MAXIMUM of four team officials are permitted on the bench (Coaches, trainers, etc). Parents and other fans are not allowed in this area and must remain on the spectators side, off the field.
This rule will be strictly enforced. No exceptions. Spectators must always remain at least two metres back from the touchline.

7.0 Discipline:
If a player receives a red card, he/she will be ejected and automatically suspended for the next game. A red card for violent conduct will result in a three-game suspension. If a player receives
two yellow cards during the same game, he/she will be ejected and suspended for the next game.
If a team official is asked to leave the field of play, he/she will automatically receive a next game suspension.

8.0 Spectators
a) Coaches are responsible for the spectators that accompany his or her team.
b) Spectators will occupy the side of the field opposite of the side in which the teams are located.
c) No artificial noisemakers of any kind are permitted. The Tournament Director has the final
decision in case of any discrepancies.
d) If it becomes evident that the spectator(s) become unruly and cannot be controlled, the field sidelines will be cleared of all spectators. If spectators refuse to leave the field of play, the game will be suspended and perhaps forfeited upon an investigation by the Tournament Director.
e) If a game must be replayed because of a spectators behavior, no spectators will be permitted at the game site of the replayed game.
f) A coach and/or team may be assessed a fine as a result of unacceptable spectator behavior or referee abuse.
g) The Tournament Director reserves the right to remove any spectator from the fields or facility whose behavior is deemed inappropriate and/or whose presence imposes a threat to any participant of the tournament.
Any team official, parent or spectator of a team who is ejected from the field for unruly or abusive behaviour will automatically be ejected from the remainder of the tournament.

9.0 Equipment
Shin pads and proper uniform attire are mandatory. ‘Hard’ casts, even if wrapped, are not permitted. Referees have final determination over issues involving potentially ‘unsafe’ equipment (eyeglasses, ‘soft’ casts, etc.).

10.0 Game Sheets
Both teams must submit their completed game sheets to the referee prior to kick-off. Players' uniform numbers must correspond to numbers/names on the game sheet.

11.0 Concussion Policy
It is not mandatory to have the Heads-Up Concussion certificate because it’s an unsanctioned tournament. However, it is important to have an understanding and or protocol in place in case of an injury or emergency.

12.0 Awards
First and Second place medals will be awarded in each division.

13.0 Medical Insurance
Not mandatory but may be of interest.

14.0 Unmanned Aircraft System (Drones)
a. The use of non-approved unmanned aircraft systems (e.g. drones) is strictly prohibited at any/all tournament games.
b. The use of unmanned aircraft systems may be approved by the tournament for a specified promotional activity given that the request is submitted in writing to the tournament in advance.
c. Any person in violation of this policy shall be immediately removed from the field, facility and/or event.

15.0 General
There is no alcohol, tobacco, pets or firearms of any type allowed on the tournament grounds.
This includes all playing fields, and all venues. Where applicable, local rules and regulations apply (including local school rules). Lost and stolen items are the sole responsibility of the individual and the tournament will not be liable.

16.0 Notice of Amendments
The Coppa Giovanni Committee reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the tournament, format and any unforeseeable circumstance at any time.