The duration and format of each match are determined by the division:

• 9U/10U: Two (2) 25-minute halves, 7v7, with a minimum of 5 players.
• 12U: Two (2) 30-minute halves, 9v9, with a minimum of 6 players.
• 14U: Two (2) 35-minute halves, 11v11, with a minimum of 7 players.

Key Difference from Regular Season: Unlike the regular season, substitution time will be added to the end of each half to ensure players receive the full 25, 30, or 35 minutes of actual playing time.

Pre-Match Procedures

• Coin Toss: Prior to the match, the winner of the coin toss chooses which goal to attack in the first half or to take the kick-off.
• Team Placement: The designated Home Team and their spectators will occupy one touchline, while the Away Team and their spectators will be on the opposite touchline.
• Jersey Conflict: If the Referee determines that team jerseys are too similar, the designated home team is required to use pinnies to distinguish their players on the field.

Overtime (Golden Goal)

If the score is tied at the end of regulation play, the match proceeds to two overtime periods:

• 9U/10U: Two (2) 5-minute overtime periods; first goal wins (Golden Goal).
• 12U: Two (2) 6-minute overtime periods; first goal wins (Golden Goal).
• 14U: Two (2) 7-minute overtime periods; first goal wins (Golden Goal).

A coin toss occurs prior to overtime. The winner chooses which goal to attack in the first overtime period or to take the kick-off.

Penalty Shootout

If the score remains tied after both overtime periods, penalties will determine the winner:

• Eligible Players: Only the players who are on the field at the end of the second overtime period are allowed to participate in the penalty shootout.
• Goal/Order Coin Tosses: A coin toss is held to determine which goal to use. A second coin toss determines the order of teams; the winner chooses whether to kick first or second.
• Procedure: Teams must refer to the Area 11L Penalties Procedure document for the official rules: View Area 11L Penalties Procedure (Opens in a new window).

Substitution Rules (Regulation Time)

• Timing: Substitution opportunities will occur approximately midway through each half, at half time, and before each overtime period.
• Minimum Play Time: All players are required to play at least 3 quarters of regulation time unless the roster size prohibits it.
• Sitting Rules: No player may sit twice until all players have sat once.
• Sanctions: Failure to comply with substitution rules may result in sanctions, including but not limited to the team not advancing in the tournament.

Overtime Play Time

During overtime periods, there are no play time restrictions.

Referees and 4th Officials play a key role in managing the specific Champions Cup format:

• Timekeeping: Referees must ensure that substitution time is added to the end of each half to provide the full game duration (25, 30, or 35 minutes).

4th Official Responsibilities

• Monitors substitutions for both teams.
• Assists the Referee with timekeeping, including time to be added due to injuries and substitutions.
• Replaces the Referee or an Assistant Referee if they are unable to continue the match.