Each GK is guaranteed a minimum of 3 games, dependent on the event and number of registrants (and therefore format of the tournament).  For the 2025 Summer GK Wars event, all GKs are guaranteed 3 games within their group.  After that, the top 6 GKs from each age group will move onto the quarterfinals.  The 1st and 2nd place GKs will have  BYE during the quarterfinals while 3rd place will play 6th place & 4th place will play 5th place.  The winner of those games will move onto the semifinals against 1st place & 2nd place.  Winners will move onto the finals.

WIN = 3 points
TIE = 1 point
LOSS = 0 points
FORFEIT WIN = 3 points (with a score of 3-0)
FORFEIT LOSS = 0 points

Points tiebreakers for playoffs/seeding:

1. Total Points
   • (In pools with an odd number of participants, some GKs will play 3 games and some GKs will play 4 games.  Because of this, the first rankings tiebreaker will be "Points Percentage" - Total Points/Games Played x 3 possible points)
2. Head to head result
3. Most points for (in all 3 games)
4. Least points against (in all 3 games)
5. Point differential (in all 3 games)

TIES

• Games during match/pool play CAN end in a tie
• Playoff games (quarters, semis, finals) CANNOT end in a tie
  • In the event of a tie during a playoff game, an overtime period will be played.
    • 2 minutes long, NO sudden death
    • Overtime wins are scored with 1 more goal being given to the winner. (Actual goals scored during overtime will be documented in the notes of that game).
    • If the game is still tied after 3 minutes of overtime, the players will go to a sudden death PK shootout.

As games end, staff will enter scores and you will be able to follow along to see your points and standings within your group online using www.tourny.ca (just search "GK Wars 2025" to find the event).

You can also find your schedule at tourney.ca.  After finding and clicking on our GK Wars event, choose your age group, and then click on your name.  You will see all of your game times and field numbers for all of your pool play games.

After you finish your 3 pool games, make sure to keep checking on the site to see updated standings and to know if you finished in the top 6 of your age group and are moving onto the quarterfinals.  If you are, you can click on "brackets" or "playoffs" to see who, when, and where you will play next.

Please give our staff a couple of minutes after each game time ends to get your scores entered - they should be entered and updated within 5-6 minutes of the end of your game.

• 2014-2015
  • Field is 14 yards wide x 16 yards long
  • Ball is a size 4
  • Goal is 9v9
  • Males & Females will play together, unless we have enough to form two different groups (unlikely)

• 2007-2013
  • Field is 14 yards wide x 18 yards long
  • Ball is size 5
  • Goal is 11v11
  • Males & Females will play together, unless we have enough to form two different groups (unlikely)

• Each field will have 1 referee (coach)
• Each game is controlled by this referee, who has full authority to enforce the rules of the game.
• All match-related decisions are determined by the referee. Those decisions are considered final once the match has ended.
• The referee reserves the right to modify the tournament rules should he/she deem it necessary. These referee will communicate any modifications with any and all affected participants
• The referee reserves the right to stop, suspend, or terminate the game at his/her discretion for any rule infringements, safety precautions, player injuries, or unsportsmanlike conduct from participants or parents.
• All decisions are final, no protests will be accepted.
• All rule modifications may be made at the Tournament Director’s discretion, including but not limited to:
  • Field Size
  • Ball Size
  • Goal Size
  • Game Duration
  • Total number of Matches per GK

• A match consists of 2 halves of 3 minutes each
• GKs will change goals during a 1-minute halftime.
• If tied at the end of the game, GKs will continue to play for an extra 30 seconds.
• After that 30 seconds, if game is still tied, the next point wins.
• We ask that other GKs please help with the event by acting as ball retrievers.

• GK must report to their field 5 minutes before the start of their game time (near the referee) and, when asked, provide their name and age group to the referee.
• GKs switch sides at the half
• The GK that did not start with the ball at the beginning of the match starts with the ball in the 2^nd half
• Participants are not required to wear shin guards

• Only one ball is permitted on the field during match play
• GKs must aim to score goals on the opposite GK/goal via any of the following methods of distribution from their hands or the ground:
  • Throw
  • Volley
  • Drop Kick
  • Stationary Kick
  • Roll and Kick
• GKs must distribute the ball within 6 seconds of taking possession of the ball. Possession means that said GK firmly maintains control of ball by catching it, stopping g it, or receiving it from the sideline (referee).
• In the event that the ball is not distributed within 6 seconds, the designated GK will be called for a delay of game. A delay of game penalty violation results in a change of ball possession.
• 2014-2015 Age groups will have 6 seconds and 6 yards from their goal to try and score
• 2007-2013 Age groups will have 6 seconds and 4 yards from their goal to try and score
• All fields will have a center section (dead zone) that neither GK can go into during game play to shoot or save the ball
• Offside: a GK is offside if he/she enters the opponents half. After infringement he/she loses possession of the ball.  Play resumes with both keepers starting from their own goal line.
• A goal is scored when the entire ball passes over the goal line, between the goal posts, and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement of the laws of the game have been committed prior to the goalkeeper distribution.
• The GK earning the greater number of goals by the end of the match is the winner.

• After a GK makes a save, he/she can attempt to score within the designated shooting area, using any type of distribution within 6 seconds
• If GK1 shoots the ball and it deflects off GK2, the crossbar, or the post (and returns back to GK1’s half) GK1 may strike the rebound ONLY as a one-time shot. Again, this is only if the rebound comes back into your half of the field.
• This one-time shot is allowed ONLY by the initial shooter on the initial rebound.
• Any rebound that goes back into the initial shooter’s goal is NOT counted as a goal. This is played as an out of bounds and is given to the opposing keeper as a restart.

The ball is out of play when:

• It has entirely crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air
• If a GK saves or deflects the ball out of bounds it remains said GK’s ball
• If a GK is scored on, the ball will restart in said GK’s hands to continue play

If weather stops play during a match –

• For the match to count, the match must make it to half time to stand as an official match played
• If a weather-related issue stops the match prior to making it to halftime, the match will be postponed and restarted
• If the match is not able to continue due to weather, the game will not officially count as played

If weather stops the event from completing and a minimum number of 3 games have been played, the event will be considered final.  The winners will be determined by standings.

If less than 3 games have been played, then a partial refund will be given or a transfer of full registration fee to another event will be offered.

• GKs must complete the match to win the match. If an injury prevents a GK from completing the game, that game will be called a forfeit and the opposing GK will be given the win.
• If a player drops out leading up to finals matches (quarterfinals, semifinals, or finals), the next highest ranked player in their bracket will be moved up in the injured player’s position.