Grand Prix Rules
Rules and conditions that apply to every Canadian Grand Prix competition
Every team that registers for a Socca Canada tournament agrees to the rules below. Read them carefully before signing your team up — coaches and players are accountable to all of them.
Important — Roster Integrity
Each player may be registered to and play for ONLY ONE team for the entire tournament; switching teams mid-competition is strictly prohibited. Fielding an ineligible or “double-registered” player will result in IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE ENTIRE CLUB, forfeiture of all matches in which the player appeared, and forfeiture of all entry fees paid.
1Tournament Format
- 6v6 (6-a-side) format following ISF (International Socca Federation) rules.
- Two 15-minute halves with a 5-minute break (Canadian Grand Prix format).
- Group stage matches followed by single-elimination knockout rounds.
- Squad size: as specified by tournament (typically 6–15 players).
2Rules of Play
- No offside rule.
- Unlimited “on the fly” substitutions.
- Goalkeeper may be substituted for a fly goalkeeper (must wear designated bib).
- Shin pads are mandatory for all players.
- Metal studs are prohibited — rubber/plastic studs or turf shoes only.
- Match ball: Size 5.
- Goals: 4m x 2m.
- For complete ISF rules, visit our Rules page
3Player Eligibility & Roster Integrity
- All players must be 16 years of age or older.
- Players must be registered on the official team roster before the tournament begins. Rosters are locked at the registration deadline.
- Each player may be registered to and play for ONLY ONE (1) team for the entire duration of the tournament. Playing for a second team — whether on the same day, the same weekend, or later in the competition — is strictly prohibited.
- Switching teams mid-competition (between group stage and knockouts, between matchdays, or at any point after fixtures have begun) is not permitted under any circumstance.
- Fielding an ineligible or “double-registered” player will result in IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE ENTIRE CLUB — not just the affected team — from the current tournament, forfeiture of all matches in which the ineligible player appeared, and forfeiture of all entry fees paid.
- A “club” is defined as any group of teams sharing ownership, management, or registered under a common organization name. Multiple teams from the same club must maintain fully separate rosters with no shared players.
- Repeat violations across tournaments may result in suspension from future Socca Canada events.
- All players must carry government-issued photo ID. The opposing team or the Tournament Director may request ID verification before or during a match.
4Conduct & Discipline
- Unsportsmanlike conduct, violent behaviour, or abuse toward referees or opponents will result in immediate ejection and possible tournament ban.
- Yellow card accumulation: 2 yellow cards = 1-game suspension.
- Red card: immediate ejection + minimum 1-game suspension (may be extended based on severity).
- Any physical contact with a match official will result in a lifetime ban from all Socca Canada competitions.
- Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, staff, and supporters in the technical area.
- The Tournament Director’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
5Registration & Payment
- Registration fees are non-refundable unless the tournament is cancelled by the organizer.
- Teams must have the minimum required players registered to participate.
- All roster changes must be submitted before the tournament registration deadline. No changes will be accepted after fixtures are published.
- By registering, you confirm that all player information provided is accurate. Misrepresentation is grounds for disqualification.
6Liability & Waiver
- All participants play entirely at their own risk.
- Socca Canada, its organizers, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and venue partners are not responsible or liable for any injury, illness, loss, or damage to persons or property occurring before, during, or after the competition, including travel to and from the event.
- To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and waive any and all claims against Socca Canada and its organizers, who cannot be held legally responsible for any such injury, loss, or damage.
- Participants are responsible for their own medical/health insurance.
- The person registering confirms they are authorized to act on behalf of the entire team and accepts these terms on behalf of every player on the roster.
- By signing, you confirm that you and your players have fully read and understood the complete Rules & Regulations of the competition. Signing waives any “I didn’t know” dispute about the rules during the competition.
These rules are subject to update; the version shown here is the one in force for all upcoming competitions.