Rules & Regulations

Official tournament rules, downloads, and fair play code

DOCUMENTS

Official Downloads

Official Rulebook (Rev. 2)

The complete, authoritative tournament rulebook — eligibility, format, timing, cards, discipline, deposits, appeals, weather, and match-day operations.

PDF Download

QUICK REFERENCE

At a Glance

Match Duration

25 + 5 + 25 = 55 min

Rosters

Open 18 (incl. 2 GK) · 45+ 13

Format

Open 11-a-side · 45+ 7-a-side, half field

Cards

Green 2m · Yellow 5–10m · Red: out

QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked

Who is eligible to play?+

Sikh identity, Ontario residency, a valid non-expired photo ID, admin approval, and registration with one club only.

Can I play for more than one club?+

No — one club for the whole tournament. The only exception is a 45+ goalkeeper (any age or gender), declared before the match.

What are the age rules?+

Open: no age limit. 45+: outfield players 45 or older; goalkeepers any age.

What are the roster sizes?+

Open 18 (incl. 2 GK), 45+ 13 (incl. GK), plus 2 sideline officials.

How long is each match?+

25 + 5 + 25 = 55 minutes, with a 10-minute break after each match.

What is the tournament format?+

Single round robin, then knockouts. Open semis are cross-group (A1 v B2, B1 v A2); in 45+ the top two play the final.

What are the 45+ (Masters) rules?+

7-a-side, half field. Full sweeps only — no hitting, and no raising the ball outside the circle.

What are the card sanctions?+

Green: 2 min. Yellow: 5–10 min. Red: sent off + 1-match ban. Every 3rd yellow = a 1-match ban.

How are standings and ties decided?+

Win 3, draw 1, loss 0. Ties: goal difference, goals for, wins, head-to-head, then a coin flip.

Is there a deposit?+

One $500 club deposit (no player deposit). Fines for cards and no-shows come out of it; the balance is refunded after.

How do protests and appeals work?+

Match-day: declare in writing on the Match Report with a $500 deposit within 30 min. Online: within 48 hrs of the result. An Appeals Committee decides.

What happens in rain or lightning?+

Play continues in rain; it stops for lightning (a 10-minute clock) and unsafe footing. Extra water breaks in heat.

What equipment do I need?+

Numbered team jerseys and shin guards are mandatory; mouth guards recommended. Goalkeepers wear a distinct colour.

Do I need my own insurance?+

Yes — every team and member must arrange their own medical insurance. Organizers accept no liability.

What are the prizes?+

Open: $2,100 / $1,100. 45+: trophies. A medal for every participant, plus MVP and best-player awards.

Fair Play Code

Every participant — player, coach, official, and spectator — is bound by the FIH Code of Conduct. Compete fiercely, but always with respect for the umpires, your opponents, and the game itself.

Team captains and managers are responsible for the conduct of their players and bench. Dissent toward umpires and technical officials is not tolerated. Win with humility, lose with grace.

Fair Play is Non-Negotiable

Wearing the Jersey

Every team jersey carries the name of a Sikh historical figure — Gursikhs remembered for sacrifice, discipline, and dignity. When you pull that jersey on, you carry their name in public. No alcohol, tobacco, or intoxicants while in kit — on the pitch, the sideline, at the venue, or anywhere afterward — and the same standard in conduct, language, and on social media. This is asked of you as a matter of respect.

Play with Dignity