CRESTON CUP JAMBOREE U9–U13 RULES
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible teams must be comprised of properly registered youth players affiliated with the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA), or the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). All teams must be in good standing and in compliance with CSA or USSF regulations.
ROSTERS
Players may compete for more than one team during the tournament, but it has to be approved by the organization. Maximum roster size: 18 players. Team rosters with names, jersey numbers, and birthdates must be submitted at check-in. Teams may include two to three overage players when necessary; however, this should be done within reason and with consideration of why those players are participating in a lower age division — such as completing a roster or providing additional playing time due to limited numbers.
PLAYER ID
All players must have picture ID cards. The tournament director or a designate may check IDs at any time.
UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT
- All jerseys must have numbers
- Shin guards are mandatory
- No hard casts or splints permitted
- Knee braces allowed if safe and approved by the referee
- No jewellery
TOURNAMENT FORMAT
- Jamboree format is 9v9
- Minimum of 3 games per team
- 25-minute halves with 5-minute half-time
- Effort made for 2-game breaks, but 1-game break minimum
SCHEDULING
Teams must check in 30 minutes before their first game. Home team changes jerseys if there’s a colour conflict and selects side of field. Matches start on time.
TOURNAMENT SCORING
This is a friendly tournament. Emphasis on fun and fair play.
Team rankings will be determined based on total points accumulated during round-robin play (3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss). If two or more teams are tied on points at the end of group play, the following tiebreakers will be applied in order: (1) head-to-head result between tied teams, (2) goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded), (3) most goals scored, (4) fewest goals conceded, and (5) coin toss or random draw by the tournament organizers. In cases where more than two teams are tied, head-to-head results will only be used if one team has either beaten or lost to all other tied teams; otherwise, goal difference will be the first applied tiebreaker.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Unlimited, generally allowed:
- After goals
- Before own throw-ins
- Before any goal kick
RETREAT LINE
The Retreat Line is used to encourage the development of play out from the back in a controlled and supportive environment. It applies to goal kicks and when the goalkeeper has possession of the ball and is restarting play with their hands.
Procedure: When the goalkeeper has the ball in hand or when a goal kick is awarded, all opposing players must retreat behind the designated Retreat Line. The opposing players must remain behind the Retreat Line until the ball is either: Touched a second time by a teammate of the goalkeeper (i.e., the ball is received and played again) or it crosses the Retreat Line. Only after one of these two conditions is met may opposing players move beyond the Retreat Line and challenge for the ball.
TEAM CONDUCT & BEHAVIOUR
Coaches are responsible for players and spectators. Misconduct may result in forfeits or disqualification. Red/yellow cards reported to home associations.
TOURNAMENT BALLS
- U9–U13 use Size 4
- Only official balls supplied may be used
SIDELINE ZONES
- Spectators opposite team benches
- No spectators behind goals
- Coaches must ensure compliance
All other rules will follow FIFA’s regulations—such as throw-ins, yellow and red cards, free and indirect kicks, etc.
RESPECT AND CONDUCT POLICY
Creston FC expects all players, parents, and coaches to demonstrate respect toward one another, the opposing teams, match officials, and all volunteers. Abusive, aggressive, or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
SEVERE WEATHER POLICY
Immediate Suspension: If lightning is seen or thunder is heard within 30 seconds of the flash, all games and activities must stop immediately. Players, coaches, and officials should seek safe shelter without delay.
30-Minute Rule: Play must remain suspended for at least 30 minutes after the last sight of lightning or sound of thunder.
Resuming Play: Games can resume only once the full 30-minute delay has passed and weather conditions have clearly improved.
Match Completion Guidelines: A match is considered complete if 75% of regulation time has been played, even if the game is ended early due to weather, poor visibility, or other unforeseen conditions.
Incomplete Matches: If a match is halted before reaching the 75% mark, it will typically be considered a draw, unless tournament-specific tiebreaker rules apply.
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Please email register.cvysa@gmail.com
Alternatively, please visit our tent for assistance or clarification during the event.
