The U8-U11 divisions operate under a Festival Format that focuses on player development, participation, sportsmanship, and creating a fun and positive soccer experience for all athletes.
Unlike the tournament divisions, no standings, playoffs, or championship matches will be held. The emphasis is on learning, teamwork, and enjoying the game while competing in a supportive environment.
Coaches, players, team officials, and spectators are expected to review and follow the festival rules throughout the weekend. For complete details, including game formats, equipment requirements, retreat line procedures, and Ontario Soccer regulations, please refer to the Official 2026 Wizards Rose Festival Rules & Regulations (PDF).
Game Duration
U8-U9
- Game 1: 2 x 15-minute halves
- Game 2: 2 x 15-minute halves
- Game 3: One 20-minute game
U10-U11
- Game 1: 2 x 20-minute halves
- Game 2: 2 x 20-minute halves
- Game 3: One 20-minute game
A match is considered complete once at least half of the scheduled playing time has been played.
Should a match be abandoned, the referee and tournament convenor will determine the final outcome.
Game Ball
The home team is responsible for providing the game ball.
- U8-U9: Size 3 or Size 4
- U10-U11: Size 4
Minimum Players
U8-U9 (5v5)
- Full team: 5 players (4 + goalkeeper)
U10-U11 (7v7)
- Full team: 7 players (6 + goalkeeper)
- Minimum 5 players required to start and continue a match
Teams may be granted a maximum 5-minute grace period to field the required number of players.
Team Bench
Only registered players, coaches, and team managers are permitted on the team bench.
Players who are injured or not in uniform may not occupy the bench area.
A maximum of four (4) registered team officials may be listed on the game sheet and present on the bench.
Player Equipment
All players must wear:
- Shin guards (mandatory)
- Team jersey with a unique number
- Soccer socks
- Appropriate footwear
Additional requirements:
- No jewelry is permitted
- Medical bracelets must be properly secured
- Sports braces must be approved by the referee
- Players requiring corrective eyewear must wear approved sports eyewear with a head strap
- No metal cleats are permitted
If both teams are wearing similar colours, the home team must change jerseys.
Ball Out of Play
The ball is considered out of play when:
- It completely crosses the touchline or goal line
- Play is stopped by the referee for a foul, misconduct, injury, or other reason
Restarts
Kick-Ins
For all U8-U11 divisions:
- Kick-ins replace throw-ins
- The opposing team is awarded the restart
- Kick-ins are indirect
- A goal may not be scored directly from a kick-in
Goal Kicks
A goal kick is awarded when the attacking team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line.
Corner Kicks
A corner kick is awarded when the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line.
Free Kicks
For U8-U11 divisions:
- All free kicks are indirect
- Opponents must remain at least 5 metres away from the ball
- Penalty kicks are the only direct restart
Penalty Kicks
Penalty kicks will be taken:
- 8 metres from goal
- With all players at least 5 metres behind the ball
- With the goalkeeper keeping at least one foot on the goal line until the ball is struck
Offside
There is no offside rule in U8-U11 Festival divisions.
Slide Tackling
Slide tackling is not permitted.
A player may not slide, drop to a knee, or excessively lunge to challenge for the ball when an opponent is nearby.
Goalkeepers are permitted to slide within their goal area provided the challenge is legal and not considered dangerous by the referee.
Retreat Line
When the goalkeeper has possession of the ball following a save or goal kick:
- Opposing players must retreat to the halfway line
- Play resumes once the goalkeeper releases the ball into play
This rule encourages player development and building play from the back.
Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions are permitted.
Substitutions may occur during any stoppage in play with the referee’s approval.
Discipline
The referee may issue cautions (yellow cards) or dismissals (red cards) in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
A player receiving:
- Two cautions in the same match will be dismissed
- A red card will be ejected from the match and suspended for their next game
- A second red card during the tournament will be suspended for the remainder of the festival
Team Responsibilities
Teams are responsible for the conduct of:
- Players
- Coaches
- Team officials
- Spectators
Spectators must remain in designated spectator areas and outside the field of play.
Harassment, intimidation, abuse of officials, or unsportsmanlike behaviour may result in disciplinary action.
Weather Policy
Games will proceed rain or shine.
Matches will only be cancelled, delayed, or suspended if directed by tournament officials or Youngs Sportsplex due to unsafe conditions.
All weather-related decisions made by tournament officials are final.
Referees
All matches will be officiated by Ontario Soccer registered referees.
The referee’s decision regarding the conduct, suspension, or abandonment of a match is final.
Festival Philosophy
The Wizards Rose Festival is intended to provide a positive, fun, and development-focused environment for young players.
Coaches, players, and spectators are encouraged to demonstrate:
- Respect
- Sportsmanship
- Fair play
- Positive encouragement
Let’s work together to create an enjoyable experience for every player participating in the 2026 Wizards Rose Festival.
