RULES | RETAS TORONTO

“REFEREE”: The referee is the authority on the field of play; their decisions are final. They will make disciplinary decisions during the match, and such decisions must be accepted without protest or discussion. This is without prejudice to the jurisdiction of the disciplinary authorities (Disciplinary Committee).

“DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE”: This is the disciplinary authority of the 2026 WINTER LEAGUE, which will decide, in the first instance, any dispute that arises within this context, in accordance with this Tournament Regulation.

“TECHNICAL STAFF”: The support and assistance personnel of the clubs, composed of those who are registered as such.

“DELEGATE”: The person who assumes representation of the Team. For teams constituted as legal entities, it may be their Legal Representative or an authorized proxy. For teams formed as associations of individuals without legal status, it may be any Player or member of the Technical Staff.

“REGISTRATION FEES”: The monetary amount that a Team must pay in order to participate in the Tournament. The Registration Fees grant only one (1) slot or Participation Right in the Tournament, regardless of any alliances formed between Teams.

“PARTICIPATION RIGHT”: A Team that fulfills the registration requirements, meets all established financial obligations, and pays the Registration Fees within the corresponding deadlines will have one (1) slot or Participation Right in the 2026 WINTER LEAGUE.

“TEAM”: The group of individuals jointly registered to participate in the 2026 WINTER LEAGUE.

“PLAYER”: Any individual who is formally registered on the roster of a Team participating in the 2026 WINTER LEAGUE.

“ORGANIZER”: RETAS TORONTO INC, a company incorporated under Canadian law, identified with #16401881, responsible—along with any individuals or entities with whom it establishes legal agreements—for the development of the 2026 WINTER LEAGUE. It is the highest authority of the Tournament.

“REGULATION”: Refers to this document, which establishes the guidelines for the development of the 2026 WINTER LEAGUE and is binding for the Organizer, Players, Technical Staff, Delegates, and each Team.

“TOURNAMENT”: The 2026 WINTER LEAGUE, composed of its qualifying rounds, final stages, and all scheduled matches.

SECTION I - ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITIES OF THE TOURNAMENT

Article 1. The Organizer will hold a soccer competition called WINTER LEAGUE 2026, in the men’s category, for both 10-a-side and 8-a-side formats. The competition is open to any Team that meets the registration requirements and pays the Registration Fees. By registering and paying the Registration Fees, Teams agree to respect, comply with, and enforce this Regulation, the Terms and Conditions, the Disciplinary Code, and, in general, all provisions issued by the Organizer.

Article 2. The supreme authority of the Tournament shall be exercised by the Organizer, who will have the following duties:

Serve as the sole official representative of the Tournament.
Control and approve the registration of each Team participating in the Tournament to authorize their participation.
Approve the scheduling of matches.
Confirm and approve the competition format and classification system.
Appoint the members of the Disciplinary Committee.
Regulate the competition format and determine the venue(s) for each phase of the Tournament.
Provide technical and administrative support to ensure the proper development of the Tournament.
Oversee the administration of the Tournament.
Appoint any officials deemed necessary for the proper execution of the Tournament.
Carry out any other functions inherent to their role.
The Organizer reserves the right to suspend and/or revoke a Team’s Participation Right at any stage of the Tournament if the Team engages in conduct that violates this Regulation, the Disciplinary Code, the Terms and Conditions, and/or any other document or provision issued by the Organizer.

Article 3. The decisions of the Organizer are binding upon the Team as a whole, each Player individually, as well as the Technical Staff, Delegates, and, in general, any individual or entity associated with the Tournament.

Article 4. The Disciplinary Committee will have, among others, the following functions:

In the first instance, address any breaches of the provisions established in this Regulation and/or in any other document or provision issued by the Organizer.
Impose sanctions as established in this Regulation, the Disciplinary Code, and/or any other document or provision issued by the Organizer.
Sanction disciplinary offenses, whether individual or collective, committed by Team members, Delegates, Technical Staff, or any other personnel affiliated with the Tournament.
Perform any other functions inherent to its role, as well as those assigned by the Organizer.
Decisions made by the Disciplinary Committee may be appealed under Article 57.

Article 5. The Disciplinary Committee shall be appointed by the Organizer.

SECTION II - REGISTRATION

Article 6. Any Team that meets the following requirements may participate in the Tournament:

Have completed registration within the period established by the Organizer. This deadline may be modified at the Organizer’s discretion, and any change will be duly communicated to the public.
Provide the documentation required in the registration form, which includes but is not limited to:
- Identification document for each Player.
- Proof of enrollment in the General Social Security Health System through a Health Promotion Entity for each Player, Delegate, and member of the Technical Staff. Additionally, documents proving coverage through complementary health plans, insurance policies, or prepaid medical services may be accepted.
- In the event that medical attention is required and the Player’s certified medical service does not cover the cost, such expenses shall be the sole responsibility of the Player and/or the Team.
- Under no circumstances shall the Organizer or its partners be liable for these expenses, nor shall they assume any responsibility related to such occurrences.
Minors registered as part of a Team must present a document showing authorization from their parents or legal guardians to participate in the Tournament.
A signed declaration from each Player, individually agreeing to abide by the Regulations, the Terms and Conditions, the Disciplinary Code, and/or any other document or provision issued by the Organizer.
Fully complete the registration process and pay the Registration Fees.
If, after a Team has been admitted—either before or during the Tournament—it fails to comply with any of the requirements of the Regulations, the Terms and Conditions, the Disciplinary Code, and/or any other document or provision issued by the Organizer, the Organizer may, at its discretion, suspend and/or revoke that Team’s Right of Participation in the Tournament. The same applies to the expulsion of Players from the Tournament.
Registration and payment of the Registration Fees grant each Team one (1) slot or Right of Participation in the Tournament.

Article 7. The registration process will be carried out as follows:

The Team must register using the form that will be sent digitally to each of its Delegates.
The Organizer will review the submitted documentation to decide whether to approve the Team’s eligibility to participate in the Tournament.
The Team, Delegate, Player, and/or member of the Technical Staff fully assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided in the registration form, as well as for the authenticity and legality of the documents submitted by each Player.
The dates established in this article may be modified at the discretion of the Organizer, in which case each Team will be duly informed so they can take the necessary steps to ensure their participation in the Tournament.

Article 8. Each Team must register a minimum of TEN (10) Players and may register up to a maximum of thirty (30) Players. Additionally, the Team may choose to register members of the Technical Staff, although no more than five (5) may remain on the field during matches.

Likewise, each Team must appoint one (1) Delegate, who will act as the Team’s representative.

Only a maximum of thirty (30) field Players may be present on the pitch, and the substitute Players with their respective supporters must stay on opposite sides. If the home team is positioned on the right side, the visiting team must be on the opposite side.
If the Team wishes to have a Player-Coach, that person must be registered as a Player and not as a member of the Technical Staff.

New Registrations:

After the tournament has started, each team may register a maximum of five (5) additional players before the start of Matchday 10.
Once Matchday 10 has passed, any unused roster spots will be forfeited, and the team must finish the tournament with the players already registered.
Each new player must complete the registration process, with a fee of $50 per player.

Article 9. The registration form must be signed by each Player and by the Team’s Delegate.

Article 10. Players who are officially registered with a Team may not transfer to any other team.

Likewise, any Player expelled from the Tournament may not participate with another Team during the same Tournament, in any of its stages, nor in any future editions of the Tournament, nor in any other tournament created and organized by the Organizer.

Article 11. If a Team does not have the minimum number of Players required to start a match, the match will be declared a loss by forfeit (W.O.) in favor of the opposing Team (see Article 28).

If a Team refuses to start or continue playing a match that has already begun, the match will be recorded as a 3–0 forfeit loss, and the incident will be reported to the Disciplinary Committee, which may impose additional sanctions, including expulsion from the Tournament or suspension from future tournaments, depending on the seriousness of the conduct.

Article 12. Assumption of Risk and Liability

Players acknowledge and agree that participation in the Tournament involves inherent risks, including but not limited to physical injuries, accidents, or health-related incidents. By participating, Players assume full responsibility for these risks. The Organizer, its partners, affiliates, and representatives shall not be held liable—civilly, criminally, or otherwise—for any injuries, accidents, or damages sustained by Players, whether occurring on or off the field of play. Players participate entirely at their own risk and are strongly encouraged to have appropriate insurance coverage.

SECTION III - TOURNAMENT FORMAT

Article 13. The Tournament consists of two (2) stages (Qualifying Stage and Final Stage), which will be conducted and governed in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation.

Article 14. The Qualifying Stage of the Tournament will, in turn, be divided into two (2) phases, as follows:

Group Stage:

The matches of the Qualifying Stage for the 10-a-side Tournament will be played in a single group of twelve (12) Teams, following a round-robin format of eighteen (18) matches. The top eight (8) Teams will advance to the Final Stage. The top two (2) Teams with the highest points in this stage will receive the “invisible point” until the final. The ‘invisible point’ gives the top two (2) teams in the Qualifying Stage an advantage in case of a draw in any knockout match (except the final). In such cases, the team with the invisible point automatically advances without penalty kicks. If they are eliminated, the invisible point is lost. Last 4 positions will play for the silver cup.

The matches of the Qualifying Stage for the 8-a-side Tournament will be played in a single group of eighteen (18) teams, following a round-robin format of seventeen (17) matches. The top two teams will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while teams ranked from 3rd to 14th will compete to decide the remaining six spots. The last two teams will be eliminated.

Final Stage:

This stage will be played under a single-elimination format, with one-leg matches, consisting of Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and a one-match Final.

The Quarterfinals will be contested by the eight (8) Teams that qualified from the Group Stage. In case of a draw, the winner will be determined by penalty kicks if the teams are not in first or second position

Bracket A: (1st seed vs. 8th seed)
Bracket B: (2nd seed vs. 7th seed)
Bracket C: (3rd seed vs. 6th seed).
Bracket D: (4th seed vs. 5th seed).

Article 15. Matches in the Final Stage will consist of a single 55-minute game. In case of a draw, each Team will take five (5) penalty kicks. The top two (2) Teams from the regular phase that earned the “invisible point” will automatically advance in the event of a tie.

In Final Stage matches, if the score remains tied at the end of regulation time, the winner will be determined by penalty kicks, in accordance with FIFA’s rules.
The matchups for the Final Stage will be set according to the following order: 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, and 4 vs 5.

Article 16. If a Team withdraws after its registration has been accepted but before the start of the Group Stage, it will lose one hundred percent (100%) of the Registration Fee, as well as its Right of Participation and its eligibility to register for the following year’s competition. The Organizer may, at its discretion, replace the withdrawn Team.

Article 17. Withdrawal or Disqualification from the Tournament

The voluntary withdrawal or disqualification of a Team after the start of the Tournament will result in:

The loss of one hundred percent (100%) of the Registration Fees.
The loss of the Team’s Right of Participation in the Tournament.
The ineligibility to register for the following year’s competition.
The award of a 3–0 victory to the opposing Teams that were scheduled to face the withdrawn or disqualified Team, according to the official match calendar.

Matches awarded by forfeit due to withdrawal will not count toward the fulfillment of disciplinary sanctions imposed on Players or members of the Technical Staff.

The Organizer may, at its discretion, replace the withdrawn Team to ensure the continuity of the Tournament.

Article 18. Matches will be played at the venues designated by the Organizer. Only in cases of duly verified force majeure will the Organizer consider venue changes.

Article 19. If a match that has already started must be permanently suspended due to force majeure, the following provisions will apply:

The match will resume from the minute in which it was interrupted and with the score recorded at the time of suspension.
The match will resume with the same Players on the field and the same available substitutes as when the match was suspended.
No new substitutes may be added to the list of registered Players.
Teams may only make the substitutions they were entitled to at the moment the match was suspended.
Players who were sent off before the suspension cannot be replaced.
Sanctions imposed before the suspension remain valid for the rest of the match.
The match will resume by continuing the same play that was occurring at the moment of suspension (e.g., free kick, throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, penalty kick, etc.). If the match was suspended while the ball was in play, it will restart with a dropped ball at the spot where it was stopped.
The Organizer will decide the start time, date, and venue for the resumption of the match.
The teams will maintain their same sides on the field, but if the match resumes at a different venue, the Referee will conduct a coin toss.
The match will resume, if possible, under the direction of the same Referee or referee team; however, the Organizer may appoint another without giving rise to any claim from the Teams.

Article 20. If a match is permanently suspended due to force majeure after the 70% of the match , the Referee will declare the match concluded with the score recorded at the time of suspension.

Article 21. For the purpose of match suspension, the following are considered causes of force majeure:

Poor field conditions due to weather factors that make play impossible or unsafe.
Insufficient natural or artificial lighting.
Pitch invasion by spectators.
Any other factors reasonably determined by the Referee.

SECTION IV - GAME RULES

Article 22. The rules of play for the Tournament are those established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

Article 22-A. Direct and Indirect Free Kicks

All free kicks will be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), except as modified in this Regulation.
In the 10-a-side (10v10) category, all free kicks are indirect. A goal may only be scored if the ball touches another player before entering the goal.
In the 8-a-side (8v8) category, free kicks are direct, and a goal may be scored directly from a free kick without the ball touching another player.
The Referee will indicate an indirect free kick by raising one arm vertically above the head and keeping it raised until the ball touches another player or goes out of play.
Opponents must remain at least five (5) meters from the ball until it is in play. Failure to respect this distance may result in a caution (yellow card).
Any infraction by the defending team inside its own penalty area that would normally result in a direct free kick will result in a penalty kick.
Repeated offenses or unsporting behavior during free kicks will be sanctioned at the Referee’s discretion.

Article 22-B. Kick-Ins, Goal Kicks, and Corner Kicks

Kick-Ins (Side Outs):
- When the ball crosses the touchline (sideline), play will be restarted with a kick-in instead of a throw-in.
- The ball must be placed on the touchline at the point where it left the field.
- All opposing Players must stand at least three (3) meters from the ball until it is in play.
- The Player taking the kick-in may not touch the ball again until it has been touched by another Player.
- A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-in.
Goal Kicks:
- A goal kick may be taken from any point within the goal area.
- The ball is in play once it clearly leaves the penalty area.
- Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
- A goal cannot be scored directly from a goal kick; the ball must touch another Player before entering either goal.
- Goalkeepers may not receive the ball directly from a teammate’s kick-in using their hands.
Corner Kicks:
- A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.
- Opponents must remain at least five (5) meters away from the ball until it is in play.
- The ball must be placed within the corner arc nearest to where it crossed the goal line.

Article 23. The determination of playing fields and match schedules will be carried out by the Organizer.

Article 24. Every Team must arrive at the assigned sports venue for its match at least one (1) hour before kickoff.

Article 25. Teams must be on the field, in proper conditions to compete, at least twenty (20) minutes before the scheduled start time of the match.

Article 26. If, ten (10) minutes after the scheduled time for the start and/or continuation of a match, one of the Teams has not shown up, the Referee will record the incident on the match sheet, leave the field, and report it to the Organizer.

Unless there are duly proven reasons of force majeure presented to the Organizer, the absent Team will be automatically expelled from the Tournament. The sanction for a forfeited match will be applied, and no goals will be credited to any Player.

Article 27. If neither Team shows up to the field, both will be automatically expelled from the Tournament. In addition, they will not be allowed to participate in any remaining phase of the same Tournament, in any future edition of the Tournament, or in any other tournament created and organized by the Organizer.

Article 28. A match cannot start with fewer than six (6) Players per team in the 10-a-side tournament, or fewer than five (5) Players per team in the 8-a-side tournament. If during the match a Team’s number of Players is reduced below these limits for any reason, the Referee will end the match and the Team with insufficient Players will lose by a score of 3–0, unless the actual score at that time is higher.

Article 29. All players must be duly registered in the official tournament database.

Any player who is not registered will not be allowed to participate in the matches.

If an unregistered player takes part in a match, the infringing team will automatically lose the game by a score of 3–0.

Article 30. Each match will have a total duration of fifty-five (55) minutes, divided into two halves of twenty-five (25) minutes each, with a two (2) minute break between halves.

Article 31. Persons not listed on the Team’s official roster are not allowed on the bench or the field of play without the Organizer’s consent.

Article 32. During a match, each Team may make unlimited substitutions. A substituted Player may re-enter the same match, except during the taking of penalty kicks.

Article 33. In the technical area of each Team, only the substitute Players (11 Players) and members of the Technical Staff (3 members) who are accredited, if the team has them, may remain.

Article 34. According to the results of the matches, the following points will be awarded:

Three (3) points for each match won.
One (1) point for each match drawn.
Zero (0) points for each match lost.

Article 35. Ties in points within the groups of the Group Stage, regardless of the stage of the Tournament, will be resolved by strictly applying the following factors in order:

Better Fair Play score.
Goal difference in all group stage matches (goals for minus goals against).
Higher number of goals scored in all group stage matches.
Higher number of goals scored in the group matches between the Teams in question.
Draw conducted by the Organizer.

Article 36. The Fair Play score values will be as follows:

Yellow Card: – Ten (–10) points.
Red Card: – Twenty (–20) points.
Expulsion of a delegate, assistant, or coach: – Fifty (–50) points.
Expulsion for physical aggression against any player, referee, coach, or league member: – One hundred (–100) points.
Racism/discrimination (with proof from referee/convenors/organizer): Two Hundred (-200) points.
Expulsion for verbal aggression: – Twenty (–20) points.
Sanction for delaying the start of the match: – Twenty (–20) points.
Expulsion from the championship due to excessive negative points: when a team reaches – One thousand five hundred (–1,500) points in the Fair Play table, it is automatically eliminated from the championship.

Article 37. The sanctions for infractions imposed through yellow and red cards will be subject to the following rules:

When a Player is sent off the field for receiving two (2) yellow cards in the same match, he will be suspended for the next match following the date of the sanction.
When a Player is sent off the field with a direct red card, he will be suspended for one (1) subsequent match, unless the offense committed is more serious, in which case the sanction will be greater. However, according to the referee’s report, the Disciplinary Committee may extend the sanction if deemed appropriate.
The sanctions described herein will be enforced regardless of the stage of the Tournament in which they are imposed and will not be pardoned between the Group Stage and the Final Stage.
Players or support staff serving suspension dates may not be on the substitute benches or on the playing field. If a suspended player participates in the match, the team will automatically lose, even if it had won, with a result of 3–0 awarded to the opponent.

SECTION V - UNIFORMS

Article 38. Each Team will use a uniform whose colors will be reported to the Organizer on the day the final list of Players is registered.

Teams are required to be properly uniformed: jersey with a number, shorts, and socks of the same color.
If both Teams wear uniforms with colors that could cause confusion during the match, the Organizer will provide rental uniforms, and the Referee will conduct a draw to determine which Team must wear them.

Article 39. Players’ jerseys must have visible numbering printed on the back. Numbers that are typed, taped, or affixed with adhesive tape, bandages, or similar materials are not permitted.

Article 40. No Player may play with a jersey number different from the one assigned on the registration list submitted to the Organizer, and it must match the referee’s sheet recorded before the start of the match, approximately thirty (30) minutes prior to kickoff. The player may not change this number during the match. There cannot be more than one (1) Player with the same jersey number in a match.

Article 41. Failure to comply with the provisions of the previous articles will result in the team losing the match by a score of 3–0 and/or losing the Right of Participation, depending on the seriousness of the infraction and at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.

SECTION VI - CENTRAL AND ASSISTANT REFEREES

Article 42. The Referee is the supreme authority on the field of play. His decisions regarding technical refereeing matters and the result of the match are final.

The events described in the referee's report are presumed to be truthful. However, it is always possible to present evidence to the contrary.

Article 43. Central Referees will be appointed by the Organizer.

Article 44. The Referee cannot be challenged by the participating Teams. Exceptionally, when a Team presents evidence of possible incompetence or bias by a Referee, the Organizer may independently consider the proposed challenge.

Article 45. Complaints regarding the actions of Referees must be submitted in writing within a maximum period of forty-eight (48) hours after the match in question, accompanied by the corresponding documentary evidence and signed by the delegate of the complaining Team.

Such complaints will be decided, in the first instance, by the Disciplinary Committee, which will use as its main decision factor the video recordings of the match taken by the Organizer.

It should be noted that once the match has ended, goals cannot be annulled nor can the result of the match be modified.

Article 46. The Organizer shall provide the Referee with match sheets and a report form for each game. The Referee's signature shall certify, in the first instance, all that is recorded therein, and must include in all cases:

The full names of the Players and Technical Staff who participate for each Team, along with jersey numbers and identification numbers.
Names of the Teams competing, the field and the starting time of the match, any delays or waiting periods, goal scorers, cautions, expulsions, substitutions made, and any other actions during the match that the Referee considers necessary to record.
The names of the Referees.
A clear and concise report detailing the events and circumstances of the match, describing the individual behavior of the Players, the Teams, and the Spectators, as well as any other information useful for deciding on the application of sanctions, including the attitude and actions attributable to the Technical Staff.

Article 47. The match sheet must be delivered by the Referee to the Organizer once the match has ended or if it has been suspended.

If the Referee suffers from an illness or accident that prevents him from starting or continuing the match, the order of succession will be followed, beginning with assistant referee one.

SECTION VII - ECONOMIC REGULATIONS

Article 48. Each Team must pay the full amount of the Registration Fee to the Organizer before the start of the championship, with a maximum deadline of November 7, 2025, in accordance with the procedure described in this Regulation

All payments must be made via the payment methods authorized by the Organizer and accompanied by proof of payment, which must be sent to the Organizer by the Team Delegate.

All Registration Fee payments are non-refundable, except in the event that the Tournament is canceled by the Organizer before its commencement.

Failure to pay the Registration Fee in full by the established deadline will result in the loss of the Team’s Right of Participation, and the Organizer may replace the Team at its discretion.

Article 49. Each weekend, the Delegate of each Team will be responsible for paying the Match Fee, which includes the cost of the field and refereeing. Payment must be made in full before the start of the match.

The match will not begin until both Teams have paid the required amount in full. If a Team fails to pay the Match Fee and leaves the venue, the Team that completed its payment will be awarded the match with a score of 3–0.

All Teams must retain proof of payment for Match Fees.

If a Team repeatedly fails to comply with its financial obligations (two or more occasions), the Organizer may impose disciplinary or administrative sanctions, including the revocation of the Team’s Right of Participation and/or suspension from future tournaments organized by RETAS Toronto Inc.

The participating Teams assume responsibility for the conduct and actions of each of their Players and members of their Technical Staff.

Article 50. Monetary prizes earned by a team in any of the tournament competitions will be awarded on the same day as the scheduled award ceremony and will be delivered either in cash or via bank transfer.

Article 51. Economic System for Card-Related Sanctions

Each yellow card incurs a fine of 15 CAD, and each red card incurs a fine of 30 CAD.
All fines must be paid within 7 calendar days after the tournament match in which the card was received.
Failure to pay the fine by the deadline will result in an additional penalty of 50% of the original fine per week of delay, and the team may be suspended from subsequent matches until payment is received.

SECTION VIII - CLAIMS AND TECHNICAL & DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

Article 52. All matters related to claims and/or disciplinary offenses arising during the development of the Tournament will be governed by the provisions of the Disciplinary Code.

Article 53. A claim is understood as a request seeking the nullification of a match or a decision regarding the awarding of points different from the result recorded by the Referee on the match sheet.

This possibility does not exclude the authority of the Disciplinary Committee to review and investigate, on its own initiative, any actions that occur during the Tournament.

Article 54. Claims will not be accepted for technical failures or errors of judgment by the Referee.

Article 55. Once the champion and final standings of the point table have been declared, no claims will be accepted. Likewise, no claims will be received outside the deadlines established in the Disciplinary Code and/or the Regulations.

Article 56. The Disciplinary Committee has the authority to sanction individual or collective disciplinary offenses committed by members of the participating Teams, Referees, and, in general, all personnel affiliated with or registered for the Tournament.

Affected parties may file an appeal against such sanctions according to Article 57.

Article 57. Appeals

Any Player, Team, or affiliated personnel may submit an appeal against decisions or sanctions issued by the Disciplinary Committee under Articles 4 and 56.
Appeals must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of notification of the decision or sanction.
Appeals must be addressed to the Tournament Organizer or the designated Appeals Committee and include all relevant supporting evidence.
The Appeals Committee will review the submission and issue a decision within 72 hours.
The decision of the Appeals Committee is final and binding.
Submitting an appeal does not automatically suspend the enforcement of the original sanction, except if explicitly granted by the Appeals Committee.

Article 58. All players must be registered in our database, which will be regularly verified by the organization. In the event that any irregularities are detected regarding a player’s registration or participation, the offending team will forfeit the match with a 3–0 loss.

SECTION IX - OFFENSES AND SANCTIONS

Article 59. Violations of the rules of the game and/or the Regulations will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the Disciplinary Code and this Regulation.

Article 60. For the enforcement of a sanction, only officially scheduled and effectively played matches will be counted, including those officially won by default or forfeiture by the opposing team (W.O.), or by the Team during the same Tournament, across all its phases.

Article 61. TThe Disciplinary Committee and/or the Disciplinary Commission, on their own initiative and if deemed appropriate, may take any decisions they consider necessary for the proper and fair development of the Tournament, in accordance with the principle of pro competition.

SECTION X - ETHICS, CONDUCT, AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Article 62. Racism, Discrimination, and Offensive Conduct

The Organizer, Teams, and all Participants firmly reject and condemn any form of racism, discrimination, or hate speech, whether verbal, physical, or written, directed at a Player, Team Official, Match Official, spectator, or any other individual.
Any act, gesture, or expression that offends the dignity of a person or group on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other personal condition or belief will be considered a serious offense.
If a Player, Team Official, or spectator commits such conduct:
- The Referee may immediately stop or suspend the match, and the case will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee.
- The Team involved may face sanctions including forfeiture of the match, loss of points, expulsion from the Tournament, and/or exclusion from future competitions organized by RETAS Toronto Inc.
- The individual offender may be subject to a minimum suspension of three (3) matches, or permanent expulsion in serious cases.
Any Team that tolerates or fails to control discriminatory behavior among its members or spectators will be held jointly responsible and subject to disciplinary action.

The Organizer reserves the right to report incidents of racism or discrimination to the relevant local authorities.

A penalty of -200 points will be applied for confirmed violations.

Sanctions can only be applied with proof from the referee, convenors, or organizer.

Cases will be reviewed immediately, and decisions are final.

Article 63. Ethics (Spectator Conduct)

All spectators are expected to demonstrate respect, fairness, and sportsmanship at all events.
Harassment, verbal abuse, threats, or disruptive behavior directed at players, coaches, officials, or other spectators is strictly prohibited.
Referees, convenors, and organizers may issue warnings, remove individuals from events, or apply sanctions to affiliated teams if violations occur.
Repeat or severe offenses may result in suspension or permanent banning of spectators from league activities.

Article 64. Privacy (Player Data)

The League shall collect, use, and store the personal information of players, coaches, and volunteers solely for purposes directly related to league operations (e.g., registration, team assignment, communication, and event management).

Consent must be obtained prior to the collection, use, or sharing of any personal information.

All personal data shall be securely stored and protected against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or misuse.

Requests for access, correction, or deletion of personal information shall be honored in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection laws.

Article 65. Media (Image Rights)

By registering for the Tournament, Players (and, if applicable, their legal guardians) grant the Organizer permission to capture and use photographs, videos, or recordings taken during league activities for promotional, informational, and archival purposes.

The Organizer agrees to use all media responsibly, respecting the dignity, privacy, and safety of participants.

Participants may withdraw consent in writing at any time; however, previously published materials will remain unaffected.

Unauthorized third-party use of images or recordings without the Organizer’s approval is prohibited and may result in sanctions.

SECTION XI - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Article 66. Advertising Compliance

Participating Teams are fully obligated to respect and comply with the Organizer’s advertising requirements.

Failure to comply may result in sanctions, including but not limited to fines, point deductions, or warnings, as determined by the Organizer.

Article 67. Administrative and Technical Matters

Cases involving administrative or technical matters not expressly regulated in this Regulation shall be resolved at the sole discretion of the Organizer.

Teams or personnel seeking resolution of such matters must submit a formal written request to the Organizer within the timeframe established for such submissions.

SECTION XII - VAR

Article 68. VAR System Usage

The VAR system will only be used during the final stages of the tournament (Playoffs).
Each team captain may request a maximum of two (2) VAR reviews per match. Once both requests are used, no further VAR requests may be made during that game.
Only the team’s Head Coach (Manager) is authorized to formally request a VAR review from the main referee.
VAR reviews may be requested only for the following situations:
1. Goal/no-goal decisions
2. Penalty decisions
3. Direct red card incidents
4. Mistaken identity
The referee retains full discretion to accept or deny any VAR request if deemed inappropriate or untimely.
All VAR requests must be made before the next restart of play.

SECTION XIII - INJURIES AND LOSS OF TIME

Article 69. Injuries During the Match

If a player is injured during a match, they must leave the field of play immediately to receive medical attention off the field. Stretcher bearers or other players may assist if necessary.
A player may only return to the field after the referee is satisfied that proper medical treatment has been provided.
Refusal to Leave: If the player refuses to leave, the referee shall issue a direct red card.
Expulsions: Any player receiving a red card must leave the field of play immediately and without argument.
1. If the player refuses to leave or causes a disturbance after a warning from the referee, the offending team will automatically forfeit the match with a 3–0 loss.
Time lost due to injuries shall be added at the discretion of the referee.

Article 70. Player Safety and Fair Conduct

All players must maintain fair play during injury situations. Deliberate obstruction, aggressive play, or fouls against injured opponents will be sanctioned according to the Disciplinary Code (Articles 4, 56).

This regulation is applied in conjunction with Article 12 (Participation at Own Risk and Liability) to reinforce safety responsibilities.

WINTER LEAGUE 2026

GENERAL REGULATIONS