MANITOBA HIGH SCHOOLS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (MHSAA)
Competition Rules
Pre-Game Administration:
Game Cancellations:
1. Cancellation or changes of games made by League Convenors
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Where cancellations are known in advance, the MSA Referee Development Coordinator is
to be informed by an authorized MHSAA representative/Convenors of the cancellation, no
later than 24 hours in advance prior to the scheduled kick off time. For Monday matches
which are to be cancelled, the MSA Referee Development Coordinator must be
contacted by 12:00 pm the previous Friday.
2. Cancellation of Games by Game Officials
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Insufficient players after 15 minutes from scheduled start time
No Shows by either team
Where games are unable to be played due to adverse weather conditions
Where games are unable to be played due to field conditions (such as insufficient line
markings, grass uncut, or too long, etc.)
Minimum Number of Players:
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At least Eight (8) players of each team must take part at the commencement of the game.
Teams will be allowed five (5) minutes to acquire sufficient players to start, due to the
issues with field allocations and time slots.
To continue playing game = a match may not continue if either team consists of fewer
than 7 players (FIFA rule).
Game Sheets:
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It is the responsibility of the school listed on the master schedule as the HOME TEAM to
provide a game sheet. Both teams must completely fill out the game sheet prior to the
start of the match.
Player Cards:
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Each team must produce their team sheet of player cards prior to the start of the match.
In order to participate, each player must have a photo Id player card. No Card, No Play.
Referees will not retain the player card in the case of a dismissal but will report the
dismissal to the Zone Convenor (see below). Should an assault on a match official or a
game having to be abandoned due to extraordinary incidents (violence/brawls), the
referee will retain the entire roster and contact the Zone Convenor concerning the
situation and make arrangements with regard to the team roster.
Game Ball and Field Maintenance:
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The HOME TEAM is responsible for providing at least one suitable match ball. Should a
team fail to have an appropriate ball; the Referee will acquire a match ball from the away
team but mark it on the game sheet to inform the Zone Convenor.
The HOME TEAM must ensure that the field is ready for play including having the
necessary field markings, two goal nets, and corner flags.
Supervision:
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Teams must have a coach on the bench and a staff supervisor present at the field by
kickoff time.
Injuries have to be treated by a person of the same gender.
Match Rules:
Unless otherwise stated, all matches will be played using the FIFA Laws of the Game.
Length of Games:
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All Urban MHSAA Games will start at 4:45 p.m. and must be completed by 6:00 p.m. due
to field time usage limitations. If the referee is present in advance and both teams agree
to start early, the match may commence prior to the scheduled 4:45 p.m. kickoff. If teams
are not ready by the scheduled kickoff time, the referee will reduce the length of each half
to compensate for lost time in order to get the match played.
All Urban MHSAA league matches will consists two 35 minute halves. Rural MHSAA League
matches will consists of two 45 minutes halves.
Playoffs - Extra time will consist of 2 x 7 ½ minutes, to be played in full. If there is no
winner after this period of time, then FIFA Penalty Kicks from the Penalty Mark will take
place until a winner is declared
Urban MHSAA Provincial Championship matches will consists of two 35 minute halves plus
extra time and FIFA Penalty Kicks from the Penalty Mark if needed while Rural MHSAA
Provincial Championship will use a 45 minute half duration.
Changes to established length of games must be agreed upon by the MSA and MHSAA.
Substitutions:
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Unlimited substitution will be permitted in MHSAA Competitions. Substitutions may be
requested at any moment in the match (with the exception of following the end of extra
time) but may only be made at the Referees discretion. A maximum of 3 players at a time
per team will be allowed.
Conflicting Jersey Colours:
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When the referee believes a colour conflict exists the HOME TEAM must change their
jerseys.
Players Equipment & Jewellery:
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A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another
player (including any kind of jewellery).
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All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands,
etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not
acceptable.
Items of jewellery such as medic alert bracelets can be permitted provided they are
covered up as they are worn for medical reasons.
With regard to knee braces, the referees are to inspect the braces to make sure there are
no sharp edges or obvious problems. If they find them dangerous they can prevent a
player from participating if they find the equipment is not safe.
A player may use equipment other than the basic equipment provided that its sole
purpose is to protect him physically and it poses no danger to him or any other player.
Post-Game Administration:
Game Sheets:
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For Zone matches, after the Referee has completed filling out the game sheet, it will be
given to the HOME TEAM who will be responsible for submitting it to their respective
Zone Convenors.
For MHSAA Provincial Championship matches, the completed game sheet will be turned in
to MHSAA representative present at the event.
Cautions and Dismissals:
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Discipline Matters will be handled by each Zone individually or by the MHSAA should they
wish to intervene.
Zones are encouraged to follow the approved MSA Mandatory Minimums when dealing
with discipline issues. The MSA Mandatory Minimums can be found at
http://www.manitobasoccer.ca/member_services/discipline.html.
Referees will submit caution and dismissal reports electronically to these individuals for
matches played in the following zones:
MHSAA Provincial Championships
Greg Jarvis – Email: [email protected]
Zone 1
Denis Ferreira - Email: [email protected]
Zone 2 (SCAC)
Jeff Beaudin - Email: [email protected]
Zone 3 (WWAC)
J. J. Ross - Email: [email protected]
Zone 4 (Rural)
Lorne Warkentine – Email: [email protected]
Zone 12
Brad Scott – Email: [email protected]
Zone 13 (Rural)
Steve Rebizant - Email: [email protected]
Zone 14 (KPAC)
Treva Tilston-Jones – Email: [email protected]