Rules

These rules are adapted from FIFA's "Laws of the Game".

The Hollandia Cup Tournament is approved by Saskatoon Youth Soccer Inc. and sanctioned by the Saskatchewan Soccer Association.

Game formats and rules are intended to comply closely with the Canadian Soccer Association Grassroots Guidelines as published in 2022.

Revised May 1, 2024

Pools

Each team is guaranteed three (3) games
Under 9 and Under 11 pools with more than three (3) teams will follow the structures defined below without the medal rounds as there are no standings kept for Under 9 and Under 11. Age divisions with three (3) teams will play two (2) games against each team within its own pool.
Age divisions with three (3) teams will play one (1) game against each team within its pool. The top team after round-robin will advance to the Final. The remaining two (2) teams will play a semi-final game, with the winner advancing to the Final.
Age divisions with four (4) teams will play one (1) game against each team within its pool. The top two (2) teams after round-robin will advance to the Final.
Age divisions with five (5) teams will play one (1) game against each team within its The top team after round-robin play will be awarded the Gold medal and the second-place team will be awarded the Silver medal.
Age divisions with six (6) teams will be split into two (2) pools of three (3) teams. Each team in Pool A will play each team in Pool The top two (2) teams in each pool after round-robin will play each other in the Semi-Finals, with the winners advancing to the Final.
Age divisions with seven (7) teams will be divided into two (2) pools. Pool A with four (4) teams will play one (1) game against each of the teams in Pool The top team in each pool after round-robin will play each other in the Final.
Age divisions with eight (8) teams will be divided into two (2) pools. Each Pool will play one game against each team within its pool. The top team in Pool A will play the second-place team in Pool B, and the top team in Pool B will play the second-place team in Pool A for the Semi-Finals. The winners will advance to the Final.
Age divisions with greater than eight (8) teams will be divided into separate groups, which will then follow the pool structure outlined above based on the number of players.
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to decide final team placement.

Pool Ranking

All teams are ranked on the following four (4) criteria, in order of importance:
1. Total number of points - Each team receives three (3) points for a win and one (1) for a tie.
2. Previous match results - Winner of the match between two (2) teams tied shall be awarded the higher position.
3. Goal difference - Subtract total goals allowed from total goals scored in calculating goal difference. A maximum difference of five (5) will be allowed for anyone (1) game (i.e. a score of 7-1, difference will be counted as 5). Note: Goal differential will be displayed on the scoreboard and the standings as a five (5) goal differential if applicable regardless of the actual score.
4. Least number of goals against (all goals count).
If two or more teams are still tied under criteria 1 (a-d), the teams must then contact Tournament Headquarters to be assigned a time for penalty kicks to take place to decide the winner.

Overtime Periods

There will be no overtime in round robin pool play.
In playoff competition, two (2) five (5) minute overtime periods will be played.
If the game is still tied at the end of the second overtime period, regular FIFA penalty kicks will be taken to determine the winner.
Golden Goal is in effect. The team scoring first during the overtime session is awarded the win.

Playoff Procedure

It is the responsibility of the team officials to determine if their team advances to the playoffs. Information will be available at Tournament Headquarters and online at https://hollandiacup.ca

Game Format & Procedures

Except as otherwise provided here, the FIFA "Laws of the Game " shall apply to any and all competition.
U9 will play 5v5 including the goalkeeper
1. Field size 36 x 25 m
U11 will play 7v7 including the goalkeeper
1. 48 x 36 m
U13 will play 9v9 including the goalkeeper
1. 75 x 49 m
Under 15-Under 19 premier and division 2 will be 11v11 including the goalkeeper
1. Field size - full field, 91 x 55 m
Under 15-Under 19 division 3 will be 9v9 including the goalkeeper
1. 75 x 49 m
U9 rules
1. 5v5 format with changes on the fly
2. Restarts from the sides - Players Choice: Dribble in or Kick In
3. Coach Leader outside the field - no referees
4. Game time 2x 20 minutes with 5 minutes half time
For U11-U13 teams, goal kicks can be taken from anywhere inside the penalty area.
The first team listed on the schedule is the Home Team.
The Home Team must have an alternate jersey and be prepared to change if, in the opinion of the referee, there is a colour conflict.
Please leave the field clean after each game.
In all games in which a winner must be declared the format will be set forth by the tournament committee (See above).
Guest players:
1. Must be registered with SSA (or equivalent governing soccer body) and play in an equivalent or lower division to what they are registered in their existing league.
2. Must have a completed & signed Hollandia Cup Guest Player Form.
On-field warm-up time will be minimal.
Players receiving a cumulative three (3) yellow cards during the tournament will be suspended for their next match. This cannot be appealed.

5 Up 1 Up Rule

This rule applies in the U9 and U11 games. If a team is leading by 5 goals, the team with the lesser number of goals may introduce an extra out-field player. If the trailing team reduces its deficit to 1 goal, it must revert to an even-sided game.

Rosters

Rosters must be provided before commencement of the tournament.
Teams are eligible to add up to three (3) Guest Players to their rosters. Guest players:
1. Must be registered with the SSA (or equivalent governing soccer entity) and play in an equivalent or lower division than the division the team will be playing in for the tournament.
2. Must have a completed and signed Hollandia Cup Guest Player Form.

Substitutions

Unlimited substitutions shall be allowed at any time during the game, as long as:
1. a maximum of two (2) players are substituted at a time.
2. substitutions occur at the halfway line.
Should a team having too many players on the playing field score a goal, the goal shall be disallowed. The play shall be restarted by an indirect free kick taken from inside the goal area.
Should a player enter or leave the field of play for any other reason not mentioned in FIFA Law 3 the player shall be cautioned and if play is stopped to administer caution play shall be restarted with an indirect free kick awarded to the opposing team in accordance with FIFA Law 13.

Player Equipment

Equipment shall consist of a numbered shirt, shorts, socks, shin pads, and footwear. All players on the same team shall wear the same coloured shirts and shall not have identical numbers. Goalkeepers shall wear colours which are distinguishable from all other players and referees.
Players shall not wear equipment or anything which endangers themselves or other players, including any kind of jewelry.
Any player wearing a hard cast will not be permitted to participate, regardless if it is wrapped. Soft casts are permitted at the referees discretion.

The Referee

A referee shall be appointed to officiate in each game. The referee's authority shall commence as soon as the referee enters the playing facility and shall extend to offences committed when the game is in progress or when the game is over and the referee has left the facility. The referee's decision on points of fact connected with play shall be final. The powers and duties of the referee are as per the FIFA "Laws of the Game".
Appropriate equipment and inappropriate jewelry will be at the discretion of the referee.
If an assistant referee is appointed to the game their duties are to act as a timekeeper and assist the referee to control the game.

Duration of the Match

The duration of the game shall consist of:
1. two (2) twenty (20) minute halves with a three (3) minute break at half time for U9.
2. two (2) twenty-five (25) minute halves with a three (3) minute break at half time for U11-U19
Time shall be extended at the end of each half of play to allow the taking of a penalty kick to be concluded.
In all games in which a winner must be declared the format will be set forth by the Tournament Committee.
If the score is tied at the end of the match where a winner must be declared, two (2) five (5) minute overtime periods will be played with the Golden Goal (team scoring first during the overtime session is awarded the win) in effect during overtime, or kicks from the penalty mark shall be taken. All players of both teams are eligible to take part in the taking of the kicks from the penalty mark (except any players ejected from the game).
The following conditions will apply:
1. Both teams must have the same number of players eligible to participate in kicks from the mark. If one team has more players eligible they must reduce eligible players from their lineup to even number of eligible players on both teams. All players will remain at the centre line except the keeper and kicker taking the penalty kick.
2. The referee will decide on which goal the kicks will take place.
3. The referee will toss a coin with both team captains. The winner of the coin toss shall have the choice whether to kick first or second.
4. Both teams shall take five (5) kicks taken alternatively.
5. Each kick shall be taken by a different player. Not until all eligible players of a team, including the goalkeeper, have taken a kick may a player of the same team take a second kick.
6. Any player who is eligible may change place with the goalkeeper at any time during the taking of the kicks.
7. The taking of the kicks shall be in accordance with Law 13.

Method of Scoring

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball has crossed over the goal line, between the goal posts and under the crossbar.
The referee shall be the sole judge as to whether a goal has been scored.

Off-Side

There will be no offside for Under 9 and Under 11.
The offside line for Under 13 - Under 19 will occur at the centre line.

Penalty Kicks

A penalty kick shall be taken from the penalty-mark.
The goalkeeper must remain on his/her goal line facing the kicker between the goal posts, until the ball is kicked.
The ball must be kicked forward. The player shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves. A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.
Time of play shall be extended at the end of play to allow a penalty kick to be taken.
For any infringement for the above Law, the referee shall allow the kick to be taken:
1. if the infringement is by a player from the attacking team and the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken.
2. if the ball does not enter the goal the referee will stop play and award an indirect free kick to the opposing team at the place where the infringement occurred.
3. if the infringement is by a player from the defending team and the ball enters the goal the goal is allowed.
4. if the infringement is by a player from the defending team and the ball does not enter the goal the kick is retaken.
5. if the infringement is by a member from both teams the kick is retaken.

Field Marshals

Field Marshals will be provided by the tournament committee.
Please remember that coaches and managers are responsible for the behaviour of their players and fans as per the SYSI Field Marshall Program and SSA Code of Conduct and Ethics.

Discipline Rules

The Hollandia Cup Tournament Committee has established a Tournament Discipline Committee.

Discipline guidelines will follow the rules set forth by Saskatoon Youth Soccer.
A one (1) game red card cannot be appealed.
Suspended players or suspended team personnel cannot be on the bench during any games.
Misconduct by players or team officials reported by the referee shall be dealt with by the Tournament Discipline Committee prior to the next game.
Any player or team official ejected from a game or receiving a third caution during the competition may waive the right to a hearing and accept an automatic suspension for one (1) game. If a hearing is requested, the request must be made to the Tournament Headquarters within one (1) hour of the completion of the game.
If the right to a hearing is not waived, or if the Tournament Discipline Committee at their sole discretion shall so decide, the Tournament Discipline Committee shall conduct hearings to deal with misconducts that may be deemed above and beyond that which constitutes a one (1) game suspension.
The Tournament Discipline Committee, if warranted, will send the misconduct of any player, coach, or spectator related to the club to the respective soccer association the individuals are involved in where further discipline may occur.
Discipline Infractions - The Tournament Discipline Committee will follow these guidelines:
1. The Tournament Discipline Committee may take any disciplinary action it sees fit, including suspension from Tournament play. Any suspension shall take effect immediately and shall be from all tournament games.
2. The Tournament Discipline Committee will forward their findings
  and reports to the governing body of the team whose player was subject to discipline.
3. Guidelines for the Hollandia Cup Discipline Committee are as follows:

Name/Description of Misconduct	Fine	Sanction(s)
.1 Player: Serious foul play - including the use of excessive or brute force when challenging for the ball	As per competition regulations	1st - 2 matches 2nd - 5 matches 3rd - 6 months
.2 Player: Violent conduct - including elbowing, punching, kicking, running the goalkeeper, or other acts deemed violent (except when against a match official)	As per competition regulations	1st - 3 matches 2nd - 6 months 3rd - 1 year
.3 Player: Biting or spitting at an opponent or any other person (except when against a match official)	As per competition regulations	All soccer related activity, province wide 1st - 6 matches 2nd - 1 year 3rd - 2 years
.4 Player: Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal - scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (except a goalkeeper within their own penalty area)	As per competition regulations	1 match
.5 Player: Denying a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent whose overall movement is towards the offenders goal by an offence punishable by a free kick	As per competition regulations	1 match
.6 Player: Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures (except when against a match official)	As per competition regulations	1st - 3 matches 2nd - 6 matches 3rd - 1 year
.7 Player: Receiving a second caution (yellow card) in the same match	As per competition regulations	1st - 1 match 3rd - 2 matches 5th - 3 matches
.8 Team Personnel: Delaying the restart of play by the opposing team e.g. holding onto the ball, kicking the ball away, obstructing the movement of a player	As per competition regulations	1 match
.9 Team Personnel: Deliberately leaving the technical area to: show dissent towards, or remonstrate with, a match official; act in a provocative or inflammatory manner	As per competition regulations	1st - 5 matches 2nd - 6 months 3rd - 1 year
.10 Team Personnel: Enter the opposing technical area in an aggressive or confrontational manner	As per competition regulations	1st - 3 matches 2nd - 6 months 3rd - 1 year
.11 Team Personnel: Deliberately throwing/kicking an object onto the field of play	As per competition regulations	1st - 1 match 2nd - 5 matches 3rd - 6 months
.12 Team Personnel: Entering the field of play to: confront a match official (including at half-time and full-time); and interfere with play, an opposing player or a match official	As per competition regulations	1st - 5 matches 2nd - 6 months 3rd - 1 year
.13 Team Personnel: Physical or aggressive behaviour (including spitting or biting) towards an opposing player, substitute, team official, spectator or any other person (e.g. ball boy/girl, security or competition official etc.) (except when against a match official)	As per competition regulations	All soccer related activity, province wide 1st - 8 matches 2nd - 1 year 3rd - 2 years
.14 Team Personnel: Receiving a second caution in the same match	As per competition regulations	1st - 1 match 3rd - 2 matches 5th - 3 matches
.15 Team Personnel: Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures (except when against a match official)	As per competition regulations	1st - 3 matches 2nd - 6 matches 3rd - 1 year
.16 Using unauthorized electronic or communication equipment and/or behaving in an inappropriate manner as the result of using electronic or communication equipment	As per competition regulations	1 match
.17 Violent conduct	As per competition regulations	1st - 5 matches 2nd - 6 months 3rd - 1 year

Offences against Officials, at the discretion of the Tournament Discipline Committee, may be referred to the SSA to deal with, in which case offenders are suspended with immediate effect until the SSA has taken action.
Any player or team official reported for misconduct who elects to have a hearing, or where the Tournament Discipline Committee has called the hearing, shall attend the hearing and may be accompanied by a club representative.
Failure to attend, after notification by the Tournament Staff, shall result in immediate suspension until the player or team official involved requests a further hearing in writing, and appears at that subsequent hearing.
The Tournament Discipline Committee shall hold a hearing into the behavior of any player or team official alleged by the Tournament Staff to have brought the game into disrepute.

Hearings

A Tournament Discipline Hearing Committee shall have no less than three members, one of whom shall act as Chairperson.
The Tournament Discipline Hearing Committee shall satisfy itself that the person charged has had details of the charge.
The person charged or his/her Representative, shall be entitled to make a submission.
At any time, the Chairperson and, through him/her, members of the committee, may ask questions of the witness to clear up any doubts which may exist.
If the charge is found not proven the session will be declared closed.
If the charge is found proved the Committee shall proceed to decide whether any, and if so what, disciplinary action shall be taken.

Protests

No protests will be heard on any judgement calls by the referee. Protests will be allowed on eligibility or other technical matters. All decisions by the referee will be final concerning the outcome of games.
Protests, problems or complaints will be dealt with provided they are in writing and submitted to the Tournament Committee within one (1) hour after the completion of the game.

Saskatchewan Laws

All players eligible to play in the Hollandia Cup Tournament are "minors" in the Province of Saskatchewan. Possession or use of alcohol
by "minors" is illegal. Any report of use of alcoholic beverages by minors or illegal drugs will result in expulsion from the tournament.
Any person who defaces, destroys, steals, or otherwise abuses the facilities of the Hollandia Cup Tournament or any Hollandia property will be expelled from the tournament.

Refund Policy

During the online registration period (Opening date-May 4): no funds are withheld.
After registration closes, no refund will be issued unless the team is not accepted to play in the tournament
If Hollandia cancels the tournament, there will be a full refund.

Weather and Air Quality Policy

In the case of inclement weather or unplayable field conditions, games may be:

rescheduled or relocated (time and location determined by Tournament Director).
shortened - the Tournament Director may reduce the length of halves due to weather conditions before the restart of a match once delayed due to weather; all such matches will be considered official.
ended via "Penalty Kicks" only if safe to do so (time and location determined by Tournament Director). In the preliminary round:
1. each team will take a maximum of five (5) penalty kicks
2. at the end of five (5) kicks, the game will be scored as a 1-0 wind for the team that has scored more penalty kicks, or a 0-0 tie if both teams are tied in scored penalty kicks.
3. In the overall standings, 3 points will be awarded for the win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss.
4. The 1-0 win will be counted for or against to determine the tiebreaker for advancement
  In the event that a winner must be declared, Penalty Kicks will be guided by 10.iv.
cancelled - the Tournament Director has the right to cancel any match. Any game that is not started and is canceled [as opposed to postponed] due to weather or other external conditions, will be recorded as a 0-0 tie. Canceled games will not be rescheduled.

Inclement weather may include:

Lightning or sever weather. In the event of lightning of severe weather, the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) Lightning Safety/Severe Weather policy will be followed. As soon as thunder is heard, the play will stop and teams will be strongly encouraged to get to a safe place. Games will not resume until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder. The CSA guide can be found at https://canadasoccer.com/wp- content/uploads/resources/Referee/EN/Lightning_Policy_EN.pdf?file=pdffilename

Poor air quality. Tournament organizers will monitor local Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) information and follow the guidelines issued by Saskatoon Youth Soccer (https://saskatoonyouthsoccer.ca/article/84777 ). AQHI of 7 or above is considered to be dangerous for strenuous activities. The match official can consider cancelling the game at their discretion if they consider conditions to be dangerous, activating the weather and air quality policy indicated above.