2017 Snakebite Festival Playing Rules
Note: The tournament will be run in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the game and in
accordance with Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) and Eastern Ontario District Soccer
Association (EODSA) published rules for festivals.
1. Team and Player Eligibility
Registration
U8 Teams
Only teams registered with the Eastern Ontario District Soccer Association
are eligible to play in this tournament.
Participating teams are required to complete the team participation form
provided and submit copies at registration and prior to the start of each
game.
U9 and U10
All participating teams MUST be currently registered with the Eastern
Ontario District Soccer Association.
Teams from the province of Québec playing the A or AA level are also
eligible to register. Those teams must submit a proof of insurance as well as
proof of player registration with their Club.
Travel Permits
Participating teams are required to complete the team participation form
provided and submit copies at registration and prior to the start of each
game.
U11 and U12
All participating teams MUST be currently registered with their local district
association. Teams not registered with the EODSA must present an
authorized travel permit from their governing association.
Teams from the province of Québec playing the A or AA level are also
eligible to register. Those teams must submit a proof of insurance as well as
proof of player registration with their Club.
Participating teams are required to complete the team participation form
provided and submit copies at registration and prior to the start of each
game.
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2017 Snakebite Festival Playing Rules
The Snakebite Festival is open to teams for the following age groups:
Age Groups
Under 8 Born on or after January 1, 2009 Boys and Girls Divisions
Under 9 Born on or after January 1, 2008 Boys and Girls Divisions
Under 10 Born on or after January 1, 2007 Boys and Girls Divisions
Under-11 Born on or after January 1, 2006 Boys and Girls Divisions
Under-12 Born on or after January 1, 2005 Boys and Girls Divisions
All players on a team must meet the age and date of birth requirements for
the age group for which the team is registered. Girls will be permitted to
play on Boys’ teams. All players on Girls’ teams must be female. Teams
must provide proof of age for each player upon request. Under no
circumstances will players older than the age group level be allowed to play
in that age group. Teams violating this rule will be expelled from further
Festival play, their entry fee will be forfeited and this violation will be
reported to the team’s home association, which may exercise their authority
to levy additional disciplinary action against the offending team.
Team
Composition
2. Insurance/Liability
The Committee and host club will not be held liable for any injuries to any
participant in the Festival on or off the fields. All teams must carry and supply proof
of personal injury liability insurance while participating in the event.
Injuries
Team
Assignments
3. Pool play
The Tournament organizers will endeavour to balance pools though this
may not always be possible.
4. Roster
U8 teams may register, dress and play a maximum of ten (10) players and a
minimum of five (4) players.
U9 and U10 teams may register, dress and play a maximum of twelve (12)
players and a minimum of six (6) players.
Number of
Players
U11 and U12 teams may register, dress and play a maximum of sixteen (16)
players and a minimum of eight (8) players.
Team officials. At all games, a maximum of four team officials, sanctioned
and approved by the teams governing body will be allowed on the player
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Number of Team
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2017 Snakebite Festival Playing Rules
side of the field (Example: Coach, Assistant Coach and Manager).
Officials
5. Tournament Check-In
Team officials for all teams are required to check-in with the Tournament
Committee at the CUSC Trim Road Clubhouse (2075 Trim Road - Orleans,
Ontario) a minimum of one hour prior to their first scheduled game.
Check-in
Check in times are as follows:
o
Between 5-9 PM (1700-2100 hrs) Friday evening; or
o
Between 7-9 AM (0700-0900 hrs) Saturday or Sunday morning.
Timings
At that time, team officials are to present the following for Tournament Committee
review:
(1)
One (1) copy of the official team roster from their District Soccer
Association or other proof that players listed on the participant forms
are registered with their Club.
(2)
Four (4) participant forms (in lieu of game sheets) signed by the
registered coach or manager (available from the CUSC website).
(3)
For U11 and U12 teams travelling out of district, the Travel Permission
Form was not submitted with the tournament application, it must be
presented at check-in. Failure to provide the permit will result in the
team not being permitted to play.
(4)
Check-in
Documents
For out-of-province teams, a proof of insurance.
Out of town teams that are unable to check in within the prescribed times are
to arrange alternate check in with the Tournament Director.
6. Pre Game Check-in
All teams will arrive at their scheduled field of play no less than 30 minutes
prior to their each game.
First Game
Check-in
At that time the coach or manager will report to the Field Coordinator with
the participation form. This form is ONLY used to record any red or yellow
cards.
7. Weather
Due to the possibility that severe thunderstorms may occur during the
tournament, it is necessary that all attending teams understand the
procedures to be followed.
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Hazardous
Weather
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2017 Snakebite Festival Playing Rules
Only the referee and/or the Tournament Organizing Committee are
authorized to suspend, postpone or cancel a game.
Authority
In the event of conditions that may be hazardous to the players and
spectators, the referee or the Tournament Organizing Committee will
suspend play until conditions permit a safe continuation of the schedule.
Coaches and their teams must present themselves to a tournament official
in the vicinity of their playing field one half hour before scheduled game
time, regardless of weather conditions, or they will forfeit the game.
Weather Related
Check-in
In the event that the game has not begun or was suspended before half time
due to hazardous weather, the Tournament Organizing Committee will
endeavour to reschedule or resume the game at a later time.
Game
Rescheduling
Should a game in progress be terminated due to weather conditions after
the first half of play has been completed.
Game
Termination
after Half Time
9. Forfeits
If a team is unable to field five (4) players (U8), six (6) players (U9 and U10)
or eight (8) players (U11 and U12) ten (10) minutes after starting time, the
opposing team will be reduced to no more than one extra player on the field
to a maximum of four (4) players for U8, seven (7) players for U9 an U10
and a maximum of nine (9) players for U11 and U12.
A team failing to appear, without valid reason, shall be assessed a $100.00
fine which shall be payable to Cumberland United – Unis Soccer Club within
thirty (30) days. In the event the fine is not paid, the appropriate district
association and the Ontario Soccer Association shall be notified of the
team’s performance and appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken.
Failure to appear, without valid reason, may also result in the expulsion of
the team(s) from the remainder of the Festival and for the forfeiture of the
team’s or teams’ entry fee(s). In these instances, the Tournament Discipline
Chair will be the sole judge as to whether the team or teams should be
expelled from the remainder of the Festival.
Forfeits
Fines
Expulsion
10. Scores
No scores will be recorded during the Festival.
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2017 Snakebite Festival Playing Rules
11. Free Kicks
All free kicks for the U8, U9 and U10 divisions are indirect. The FIFA Free
Kick Law (Law 13) is in effect for all other games (U11 and U12).
 U8, U9 and U10 divisions will restart play with a kick-in when the ball
has gone out of play.
 U11 and U12 divisions will restart play with a throw in (FIFA Law 15)
when the ball has gone out of play.
12. Offside
Free Kicks
Offsides
There will be no offside rule enforced at the U8, U9 and U10 levels. The
FIFA offside rule (Law 11) is in effect for all other games (U11 and U12).
13. Substitutions
General
To replace a player by a substitute, the following conditions must be
observed:
(1) the referee is informed before any proposed substitution is made;
(2) a substitute only enters the field of play after the player being replaced
has left the field of play.
(3) all substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referee,
whether called upon to play or not;
(4) Once one team has requested to substitute players, the other team
shall also be permitted to substitute players if desired; and
(5) In the event of an injury, substitution will be allowed for the injured
player only. A player who is bleeding must leave the field for treatment
and will not be allowed to resume playing until after the Referee has
verified that the area of the body (other than the inside of the nose or
mouth) from which the player was bleeding has been properly covered
and that the bleeding has stopped. In the case of a nose-bleed or an
internal mouth injury, it will be sufficient for the Referee to ascertain
that the bleeding has stopped in order for the player to be allowed to
re-enter the game.
Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions shall be allowed at the following times with the
approval of the referee:
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2017 Snakebite Festival Playing Rules
U8:
o On the fly
Substitutions
U8 to U12
U9 to U12:
o At any stoppage at the discretion of the referee
15. Game Reports
A Field Coordinator will ensure that each team has submitted a properly stamped
Participation Form and will hand it to the Referee prior to the commencement of the
game. It is to be signed by the team’s Coach or Manager prior to being submitted.
This becomes the Game Report (to be used for reporting incidents only – Scores
will not be recorded).
The Participation Form will remain with the Referee from the start of the game and
will be returned to the Field Coordinator at the end of the game.
The Referee will indicate all cautions and ejections on the Game Report. The
Referee will also describe and explain all Cautions and Ejections on the
appropriate OSA Caution and Dismissal Forms. The Referee will verify the
correctness of the Participation Form by signing it at the end of the match.
Misconduct reports will be forwarded to EODSA within 48 hours of the completion
of the game.
16. Fields and Position of Teams
The Tournament will use fields in the Orléans area. The Tournament
Schedule including location of fields will be posted prior to the Tournament
by the Organizing Committee at the CUSC website address listed below and
in the Registration package.
Teams (players, coaches and managers) will take up position on the same
side of the field within the marked technical areas. There shall be no more
than a maximum of four team officials permitted on the player side of the
field (Example: Coach, Assistant Coach, Trainer and Manager). Teams shall
restrict their movement within this technical area along the touchline. All
spectators will take up position on the opposite side of the field across from
their respective team. All players, coaches, managers and spectators shall
remain two (2) metres back from the touchline.
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Field
Information
Spectators
Technical Areas
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2017 Snakebite Festival Playing Rules
17. Playing Equipment
Each team should have two sets of different coloured jerseys. In the event
of a conflict of jersey colours, the first team listed on the schedule shall be
required to change. The goaltender’s jersey must be distinct from those of
his team, the opposing team and the referee. All players must wear shoes
which conform to the requirements of FIFA (Law 4). Shin guards are
mandatory.
Jerseys
Ball Size
U8 game shall be played with a size three (3) ball.
U9 to U12 games shall be played with a size four (4) ball.
18. Referee and Assistant Referees
A referee will be assigned for all games. CUSC will provide Fourth
Officials at field locations as warranted by the Tournament Marshal.
U8, U9, U10 and U11
Assistant referees will not be assigned to games at this level and only the
Referee assigned will call the ball in or out of play.
Referee
Assignments
U12
Assistant Referees will be provided for games where possible.
19. Duration and number of games
Festival Teams
o U8 – 3 x 25 minute games –half day
o U9 and U10 – 3 x 30 minute games - one day
o U11 – 3 x 50 minute games – one day
o U12 – 3 x 50 minute games – one day
Game Duration




Under 8 not to exceed 80 minutes per competition day
Under-9 and Under-10 not to exceed 100 minutes per competition day
Under-11 and Under-12 not to exceed 140 minutes per competition day
There will be a minimum of thirty minutes between each game played by
any team
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2017 Snakebite Festival Playing Rules
In all games, each team shall be entitled to a five-minute rest period at half
time. The referee is the only timekeeper of the game.
Half Time
Duration
20. Awards
Mementos will be given to all players following their last game.
Mementos will be given to coaches at time of registration. Coaches or
managers are asked to wait until the end of the final game to distribute the
mementos.
Mementos
21. Conduct of Tournament
Decisions
The referee’s decision in matters concerning the application of the rules of
the game, and the decision of the Tournament Organizing Committee
regarding conduct of the tournament shall be final and with no appeal rights.
Referee
Decisions
Hearings
Hearings will be heard where warranted and all players have the right to
request a hearing by written request within 10 minutes of the completion of
the game. Decisions by hearing can be appealed to the EODSA. All
requests must be accompanied by a $50.00 bond, which will only be
refunded if the player is found not guilty.
Hearings
Protests
All protests must be in writing and submitted to the Tournament
Headquarters (as designated by the Tournament Organizing Committee)
together with a cash fee of $100.00 within one hour of the game to which
the protest relates. No protests on the referee’s decision shall be
entertained, protests are not appeals. Fee will be refunded only where a
protest is upheld.
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Protests
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2017 Snakebite Festival Playing Rules
Discipline
The OSA Published Rules on Discipline at Tournaments will apply.
Discipline for player misconduct will be done by Discipline by Review (and
Discipline by Hearing where necessary or requested).
*Players and Team Officials (Coach, Assistant Coach, Trainer or Manager)
that are dismissed during tournament play shall serve a mandatory
minimum one game suspension immediately following the game in which
the dismissal was issued. *
Game
Suspensions
In cases of “game official assault”, the player, team official, or
administrator alleged to have committed “game official assault” shall
be immediately suspended from all soccer activities and the discipline
shall be handled by an EODSA Discipline Hearing Panel, in accordance
with the OSA Published Rules.
*All Misconduct Reports involving player dismissal will be dealt with by the
Discipline Board in accordance with OSA Published Rules. Further game
suspensions may be issued depending on the ruling of the Board. Where
permitted, requests for hearing will be accepted within 15 minutes of the
completion of the game. In accordance with OSA Published Rules all
decisions made by review are final. All Decisions made by hearing can be
appealed to the EODSA.
Misconduct
Reports
Behaviour
The Tournament Organizing Committee relies upon the coaches and team
officials to set an example of conduct and sportsmanship and to exercise all
the necessary control over their players and associated parents and
spectators.
Control of
Participants
The Tournament Organizing Committee reserves the right to eject ANY
person (player, coach, team official, parent or spectator) exhibiting
inappropriate behaviour from the immediate playing areas.
Tournament
Ejection
22. Tournament Organizing Committee
The Tournament Organizing Committee will be responsible for all matters
pertaining to the organizing and running of this Festival. With respect to any
question relating to the interpretation of these Rules and Procedures (other
than matters that fall exclusively within the coverage of the Tournament
Discipline Chair) or for any matter not specifically addressed by these Rules
and Procedures, the Tournament Organizing Committee will, upon hearing a
representation of no longer than five minutes duration from each of the
teams that is affected by the issue at hand, make a final and binding
decision. There will be no appeals from this decision.
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Rule
Interpretation
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2017 Snakebite Festival Playing Rules
23. Festival Cancellation
The Cumberland United – Unis Soccer Club, the Tournament Organizing
Committee, the Tournament Discipline Committee and the Eastern Ontario
District Soccer Association will not be responsible for any expenses that are
incurred by any team or any person, if the Tournament is cancelled in whole
or in part.
In the event that the tournament is cancelled in its entirety, the Snakebite
Tournament will refund each team’s paid entry fee. Teams that of their own
accord withdraw from the tournament after May 25th will not be granted a
refund.
Incurred
Expenses
Refunds
Unless otherwise indicated within these rules, all FIFA laws
apply.
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