The U12-U15 divisions operate under a competitive tournament format, featuring round-robin play followed by advancement and championship matches based on tournament standings and results.
All coaches, players, team officials, and spectators are expected to familiarize themselves with and abide by the tournament rules and regulations throughout the event.
For complete details, including player eligibility, discipline procedures, tie-breaking criteria, and Ontario Soccer policies, please review the Official 2026 Wizards Rose Tournament Rules & Regulations (PDF) before your first match.
Tournament Format
U12-U13
- 9v9 (8 players + goalkeeper)
- Minimum 3 games guaranteed
- Games played over two days
U14-U15
- 11v11 (10 players + goalkeeper)
- Minimum 3 games guaranteed
- Games played over two days
Standings will be maintained throughout the tournament.
Match Duration
U12-U13
- Two 25-minute halves
- 5-minute halftime
U14-U15
- Two 25-minute halves
- 5-minute halftime
A match is considered complete if at least half of the scheduled playing time has been played.
Should a match be abandoned, the referee and tournament convenor will determine the outcome.
Game Ball
The home team is responsible for providing the game ball.
- U12-U13: Size 4
- U14-U15: Size 5
The referee will determine whether the game ball is suitable for play.
Minimum Players
U12-U13 (9v9)
- Full team: 9 players
- Minimum players required: 6
U14-U15 (11v11)
- Full team: 11 players
- Minimum players required: 7
Teams unable to field the minimum number of players may forfeit the match.
Team Bench
Only registered players, coaches, and managers are permitted on the bench.
A maximum of four (4) registered team officials may occupy the bench area and must be listed on the game sheet.
Players who are injured or not in uniform may not occupy the bench area.
Player Equipment
All players must wear:
- Shin guards
- 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 teams are wearing similar colours, the home team must change jerseys.
Restarts & Laws of the Game
Throw-Ins
All U12-U15 divisions use standard FIFA throw-ins.
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
Free kicks are awarded for fouls and misconduct.
Opponents must remain at least 5 metres from the ball during all restarts.
Penalty Kicks
Penalty kicks are taken from the penalty mark.
- All players must remain at least 5 metres behind the ball
- The goalkeeper must keep at least one foot on the goal line until the ball is struck
Offside
The offside law is in effect for all U12-U15 divisions.
Slide Tackling
Slide tackling is permitted in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
A challenge that is reckless, dangerous, or endangers the safety of an opponent may result in disciplinary action.
Goalkeepers may slide within their penalty area provided the challenge is legal.
Retreat Line
U12 Only
Ontario Soccer retreat line rules will apply.
When the goalkeeper gains possession following a save or goal kick, opposing players must retreat to the designated retreat line located approximately one-third of the field from the goal line.
Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions are permitted.
Substitutions may occur at any stoppage in play with the referee’s approval.
Standings
Points System
- Win = 3 points
- Tie = 1 point
- Loss = 0 points
Tie-Breaking Procedure
If teams are tied on points, standings will be determined by:
- Head-to-head result (two-team ties only)
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Most wins
- Penalty kicks
Playoff Matches
If a playoff or championship match is tied at the end of regulation time:
- Each team will take five (5) penalty kicks
- If still tied, sudden death penalty kicks will be used
- Only players on the field at the conclusion of the match may participate
- All eligible players, including goalkeepers, must take a kick before any player may take a second kick
Discipline
The referee may issue cautions (yellow cards) and dismissals (red cards) in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
Automatic Suspensions
- Two cautions in the same match = dismissal
- Red card = suspension from the next match
- Second red card during the tournament = suspension for the remainder of the tournament
Serious misconduct may result in additional sanctions.
Team Responsibilities
Each team is responsible for the conduct of:
- Players
- Coaches
- Team officials
- Spectators
Spectators must remain in designated spectator areas.
Harassment, intimidation, abuse of officials, or unsportsmanlike behaviour may result in disciplinary action against the individual and/or team.
Maximum Players on Game Sheets
- U12-U13: 18 players
- U14-U15: 20 players
Player Eligibility
Teams must:
- Be properly registered for the 2026 outdoor season
- Provide a PowerUp-generated roster approved by their district association
- Provide travel permits if required
- Follow all Ontario Soccer registration and player movement rules
Teams found using ineligible players may forfeit matches and be subject to additional discipline.
Trial Players & Call-Ups
Ontario Soccer rules apply regarding:
- Trial players
- Temporary eligibility permits
- Call-ups
- Player movement
Call-ups from within the same club are permitted in accordance with Ontario Soccer regulations.
Referees
All matches will be officiated by Ontario Soccer registered referees.
The referee’s decision regarding match play, suspension, cancellation, or abandonment of a game is final.
Discipline & Appeals
Discipline matters will be handled in accordance with Ontario Soccer and Sport Discipline Inc. policies.
Protests
- Must be submitted in writing within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the match
- Must be submitted by a team official listed on the game sheet
- Referee judgment calls cannot be protested
All decisions of the Tournament Committee are final.
Weather Policy
Games are played rain or shine.
Matches will only be delayed, suspended, or cancelled when directed by tournament officials or Youngs Sportsplex due to unsafe weather conditions.
All weather-related decisions are final.
Fair Play Commitment
The Wizards Rose Festival & Tournament is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and competitive environment for all participants.
Players, coaches, parents, and spectators are expected to:
- Demonstrate sportsmanship
- Respect opponents and officials
- Encourage positive behaviour
- Represent their club with integrity
Thank you for helping us create a positive tournament experience for everyone involved.
