Provincial AAAA Soccer Championship

1. FORMAT & RULES

A) FORMAT: for both the girls and boys championship, it will be a 8 team tournament with a championship and consolation play-off.

B) RULES: FIFA Laws of the Game will be in effect. Special playing rules approved by the MHSAA will take precedence over playing rules in the official laws of the game.

Teams arriving late: If a team is fifteen (15) or more minutes late without a valid reason, the game may be forfeited or the team arriving on time may be awarded goal(s). (Up to the discretion of the convenor and/or MHSAA representative)

Game Length: All games will consist of two 35-minute halves. Overtime: Should there be overtime, the overtime will consist of two 7 ½
minute halves. After that, if the teams are still tied, penalty kicks (as per FIFA Rules) will decide the winner. Teams will select five players from those eleven players on the field at the end of the overtime to take the first round of kicks alternately with the opposition. If, after the first round of kicks the score remains tied, then teams will continue alternating the shootout one at a time with those players of the eleven who have not shot. Teams must have an even number of shots to declare a winner. That is, the first team to score does not necessarily win. If the score remains tied after all eleven players have taken kicks, then any of the first five shooters is eligible to take kicks again.

Uniforms: Shin guards are mandatory. Teams must have the same-coloured shirts and matching shorts. Absolutely no multicoloured shorts, knee length shorts or cut off jean shorts. A set of extra uniforms or pinnies (numbered) should also be brought to prevent uniform clashes. Teams with improper uniforms may not be allowed to play. Athletes, team members and coaches will not be allowed to wear headgear during competition (except the goalkeeper). In the case of extreme inclement weather exceptions will be considered at the discretion of the provincial convenor and MHSAA representative.

Athletes, team members and coaches will not be allowed to wear headwear during opening ceremonies, award ceremonies or any special functions. Coaches should be advised that if the uniform rule is not adhered to, they may not be allowed to compete and may be fined up to $200 and be put on probation. (Probation being that; if the school violated the infraction again, the school may be suspended from all MHSAA activities).

Advertising on uniforms must adhere to guidelines as outlined on pages 130-131 of the MHSAA Handbook.

Substitutions: Each team is allowed an unlimited number of substitutes. Substitutions are allowed at any time during the game when there is a definite stoppage in play. The referee must be informed of the intention to enter the game by calling “substitution”. The substitute should remain on the sidelines until the referee waves him/her in. Players coming out of the game may return later.

Players sent off during a game by the referee cannot be replaced. The suspended player cannot return during the game.

Cautions: A player receiving one red or two yellow cards during the tournament will be automatically suspended for the following game. In the case of a red card received during a game, the player will be ejected, and the team will be forced to play short for that game. The player will not be allowed to play in the next game. If a player receives two yellow cards in one game, they will be ejected from the game and the team will be forced to play short for that game. The player will not be allowed to play in the next game. If a player receives two yellow cards during the tournament, they will be suspended from the next game.

Equipment:
Coaches are asked to bring the following equipment to minimize problems:
▪ the team’s own properly marked soccer balls for warm-ups (Size 5)
▪ first aid kits. Each school is responsible for bringing: tape, bandages and other supplies for treating minor injuries. (Do not expect to have
tape provided)

It is expected that all teams attend opening ceremonies and related functions, banquets, etc. Non-attendance may result in fines and/or further sanctions against the school.

2. AWARDS
Medals are to be awarded to the 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place teams (max 20). The winner and finalists will receive the championship banners, while the consolation and third place winners will also receive a plaque. Eleven all-stars and one MVP will be selected. Schools with team rosters that exceed the allotted number of awards would be responsible for the cost of any additional awards required.

3. SUPERVISION
At all MHSAA Provincial Championships, interzone and wildcard games, participants must have a teacher from the school division in attendance as a supervisor, or they will not be allowed to compete. In individual sports where it may be unrealistic for one teacher to accompany one student, the zone may designate teacher/supervisors for athletes. This must be a written request, signed by each principal involved, and approved by the MHSAA, well in advance. The designated teacher/supervisor should have a copy of the letter, with them during the championship. Teachers employed in the school division where they are coaching a team, may be the supervisor for that team. The responsibility rests with the school to ensure that supervisor(s) are fully acquainted with all MHSAA rules, regulations, and consequences. Violation of this rule may result in a fine up to a maximum of $200.

4. INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURE
The MHSAA, in cases of severe weather disruptions, may have to make decisions as to the possible rescheduling of Provincial Championships. MHSAA decisions will be based on Environment Canada Weather reports, the Manitoba Highway reports and weather conditions at the host site.
Information on possible schedule changes will be posted on the host website between 6:30 and 7:00 am on the day of the Championship. Schools will also be emailed any changes. In case of inclement weather, schools should refrain from travelling to Provincial Championships until they receive notification from the MHSAA Assistant Executive Director with instructions and updated scheduling. Schools deciding to travel prior to receiving notification from MHSAA Assistant Executive Director do so at their own risk and will be responsible for their travel and hotel costs, should the event be postponed or changed.

Many schools travel to Provincial Championships on the day prior to the championship beginning. In cases where most schools are already at the host site, the convenor along with MHSAA assistant director will try to modify schedules to accommodate teams that will be arriving later due to weather conditions.