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
Players may only be registered to one team per tournament and cannot switch teams mid-competition. Fielding an ineligible or “double-registered” player will result in immediate disqualification of the entire club.
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 at their own risk.
- Socca Canada and its organizers are not liable for any injuries sustained during the tournament.
- Participants are responsible for their own medical/health insurance.
- By signing your registration, you acknowledge and accept these terms on behalf of every player on your roster.
These rules are subject to update; the version shown here is the one in force for all upcoming competitions.