Each team may have 7 players on the field including a goalie.
In the open age category, there is no age restriction. For the age 35+ category, all players must be at least 35 years of age anytime in the year 2025 backed by an official document like a driver’s license. Any complaint must be brought to the organizers. Any confrontation is prohibited. (Any team in violation of the age limit will have points deducted and opponent rewarded goals. -3 points and -3 goals in the current game).
Teams may register a max of 13 players before the tournament starts. No unregistered players can play.
Up to 2 players can be ‘non-Bengali’ of Canadian nationality or residency. All 2 can be on the field at any given time. Must be identified before the game. The rest must be of Bengali origin of Canadian nationality or residency. Any violation will be punished (-3 points and -3 goals in the current game).
Games must start on time. A team may start a game with a total of 5 players (instead of 7). However, if a team cannot field at least 5 players on the field within 5 minutes of the game start time, it forfeits the game. If both teams fail to field a team then the game will be dismissed and none of the teams will get any points.
Yellow card penalty: 2 minutes off the field. Do not propagate to the next game.
Rolling Substitution. Outgoing players must go out of the field first. The referee may show a yellow card to the captain when in violation. No limits to substitution.
No sliding tackling or dangerous fouls. For the first offense, if not so serious – a verbal warning; if somewhat serious – a yellow card (discretion of the referee). For a very serious foul or a second offense, red card (discretion of the referee). [A red card means misses remaining of that game (team plays with 1 less player) and the next game]
Zero tolerance for any disrespectful behavior, fighting, and altercation. Players and managers may be suspended for such behavior for the rest of the tournament.
All players are advised to wear shin guards.
No cleats with metal studs.
Players must not wear watches or jewelry inside the field (injury hazard).
Goals: (Referee decision is final)
When the ball goes out from the sides, kick in.
All kicks are indirect (foul, handball etc.)
From corners, direct kick.
The goalie cannot pick a ball when it is back passed to him by foot.
Breaking ties
Group level:
goal difference (all matches)
goals scored (all matches)
Fewest points deducted
Yellow card – 1 point
Two yellow cards (converts to red) – 3 points
1 red card – 4 points
1 red after 1 yellow – 5 points
Less drawn games (all)
If all four teams are still tied, do a draw to determine the top two (from each group)
Semifinals:
Tie-breaker: 3 penalty kicks (from all registered players, don’t have to be present on the field).
If still tied, sudden death penalty kicks.
Final:
Tie-breaker: 3 penalty kicks (from all registered players, don’t have to be present on the field).