Tournament Rules

Pride on the Pitch Rules

Format

• 8v8 (7 field players + 1 goalkeeper)
• No offsides
• Divisions:
  • Competitive – For experienced players seeking high-level play
  • Recreational – For players looking for casual and inclusive games
  • Women’s Plus – Open to all women, trans, and non-binary players comfortable in this division

Game Duration

• 20-minute matches (two 10-minute halves)
• 2-minute halftime
• Running clock—no stoppage time

Tournament Structure

• Round-Robin Stage: 3 games per team, ties are allowed
• Double-Elimination Bracket: Follows round-robin; tied games go to penalty shootouts

General Rules

• Standard FIFA rules apply unless otherwise noted
• Slide tackles are not permitted (goalkeepers exempt inside their box)
• Substitutions: Unlimited and on-the-fly
• Equipment:
  • Shin guards are required
  • No metal cleats
  • Jewelry must be removed
• Teams must have at least 5 players to begin a game
• Kick-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks are all direct
  • Free kicks are not direct
• 5 yards must be given on all free kicks and kick-ins

Code of Conduct

Pride on the Pitch follows the CMSA Code of Conduct. All players, coaches, and spectators are expected to uphold these standards:

1. Promote the reputation of CMSA and take all possible steps to prevent the organization from being brought into disrepute.
2. Not use foul or abusive language or gestures toward league and game officials, players, managers, or spectators.
3. Not take any action which is likely to intimidate, insult, humiliate, or discriminate against participants, league and game officials, or spectators for any reason, including on the basis of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, disability, age, religious or political belief, ethnic origin, social background, language, or marital status through words or action.
4. Not possess weapons during league play or CMSA-sponsored events.
5. Not participate in league play while intoxicated or unable to participate in a manner that is safe for the participant and      others.  
6. Follow the policies and expectations of all venues at which CMSA sports or events are held.
7. If a player should intentionally or unintentionally cause any significant injury to another player through physical contact,      especially injuries which involve bleeding or require hospitalization, then the players involved in the incident may be removed from play, and      the injury must be reported to the CMSA board of directors.
8. No Board Member, Commissioner, or Committee Member may insert themselves into an athletic event under the authority of their      position except when necessary for player safety, for consistency in the application of the rules of play, or at the request of an official involved in the event. 

Violations may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from the tournament.

Referee Abuse Policy

Pride on the Pitch has zero tolerance for referee abuse of any kind. This includes but is not limited to:

• Yelling at referees
• Aggressive questioning of calls
• Verbal insults or derogatory comments
• Physical intimidation or gestures

Consequences:

• First offense: Yellow card and warning
• Second offense: Red card and ejection
• Severe offenses may result in suspension or tournament expulsion at the discretion of the organizers.

Card Rules

• Yellow Card: Warning plus 5-minute timeout. Two in one match = red card.
• Red Card: Immediate ejection from the match and a 1-game suspension.

Suspension guidelines:

• One yellow card = 5-minute timeout 
• Two yellows or one red in one match = removal from current game plus a 1-game suspension 
• Serious foul play = 3-game suspension
• Abusive language = 3-game suspension
• Violent conduct: Expelled from this year’s tournament
• Use of racist, sexist, or homophobic language: Permanent expulsion from all CMSA Events
• Assaulting a player or official: Permanent expulsion from all CMSA Events and potential legal action

Players who receive more than one red card must leave the premises immediately.

Players or teams disqualified or expelled from the tournament due to disciplinary actions outlined above will forfeit their registration fee and are not eligible for a refund.