Substitutions and Playing Time
Unlimited substitutions shall be allowed
Substitutions shall be allowed at stoppages under the control of the referee.
Players are encouraged to take equal turns in all field positions, including goalkeeper positions, during a single game.

COLOURS: The HOME team shall change jerseys or wear pinnies if the colours are deemed too similar by the referee.

GAME DURATION: 40 min, no halftime. The game clock is running time, and it does not stop for injuries; no time will be added for stoppages.

GAME START: Instead of a traditional coin toss, “Rock-Paper-Scissors” between two opposing players will determine which team is awarded the *initial kick-off. *All games start immediately at the scheduled time. If a team is not present at the scheduled kick-off time, the opposing team is permitted to start the game at the referee’s signal, and they may score up to a maximum of three (3) goals. The ball must be returned to the center after each goal is scored.

OFFSIDE: BC Soccer Small-sided games offside rules in effect

PENALTY KICKS: These are in effect for U11-U13. Direct free-kick offences committed by defenders inside their penalty area will result in a penalty kick being awarded to the attacking team.

REFUND POLICY: Refunds will be provided up to Feb 1st, subject to a $150 administration fee. Refunds are not provided after Feb 1st.

TEAM/PLAYER ELIGIBILITY: As a BC Soccer-sanctioned tournament, entry into the Tournament is open to teams properly affiliated with BC Soccer. “Tournament Teams” are not permitted.

Only properly registered players in good standing shall be permitted to participate in the tournament.

GUEST PLAYERS: Teams may use a “pick-up”/guest player (e.g., a player who does not regularly play on your team) so long as the following criteria are met:

• A player is not on the roster of another team participating in the tournament. A player can only play on one team in the tournament.
• Players must be from the same or lower division. Players cannot “play down”.
• If a team is from BC and the player is not registered with BC Soccer, the team must apply for a BC Soccer Short-Term Event Player Permit for the player a minimum of 5 business days before the tournament date (Feb 13th, 2026).
• Teams participating in the Festival wishing to “pick up” a player registered with another team must obtain written permission from the team and the Youth District, if required, with which the player is registered. This must be submitted to the tournament by February 13th, 2026.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

If weather forces the Festival to be cancelled, teams may choose a credit or partial refund of their entry fee. Credits can be applied to future Festivals or tournaments within one year. Refunds will be issued as follows:

• 100% credit – no games played

• 60% refund – 1 game played

• 30% refund – 2 games played

WIA will make every effort to reschedule games, prioritizing travelling teams. Decisions will be based on player safety and facility rental requirements. WIA is not responsible for any additional costs incurred by travelling teams.