TOURNAMENT/TRAVEL GUIDELINES
TOURNAMENTS
Tournaments are an important part of the player and team development experience. They provide opportunities to compete against different opposition, experience new environments, build team culture and create memorable experiences on and off the field.
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Tournament opportunities can range from local events to travel across Canada, the United States and internationally. Teams should select age and stage appropriate events that complement their league schedule, player availability and other important competitions.
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CHOOSING TOURNAMENTS
BCSPL and Skill Centre Teams: Program tournaments are selected by the Program Lead/Director based on the age, stage, competitive level and development objectives of each group.
Participation in every tournament is optional. Players and families may decline participation in any event for any reason without affecting the player's standing within their regular Coastal FC program.
Additional tournaments outside of the program plan must be approved by the Program Lead/Director before registering or making commitments.
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Divisional Rep and Recreational Teams: Teams have the flexibility to select, register and pay for tournaments directly. Events should be appropriate for the team's age and level and fit within the overall team calendar, including league games, Cup competitions and player availability.
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TOURNAMENT APPROVAL
For convenience, Coastal FC maintains a list of pre-approved tournaments (CLICK HERE TO VIEW) that teams can select from throughout the season. These events do not require any additional Club approval. The list is reviewed and updated several times throughout the year and may change without notice.​
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​HOW TOURNAMENTS ARE SELECTED
Tournaments are added to the pre-approved list based on a range of considerations, including the level and quality of competition, player development benefits, tournament organization and safety, travel and cost considerations, scheduling, governing body and insurance requirements, and how the event fits within the overall season.
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Feedback from Coastal FC teams is also an important part of this process. Positive experiences at tournaments help us identify events that may be a good fit for other teams and may be considered for addition to the pre-approved list.
TOURNAMENTS NOT ON THE PRE-APPROVED LIST
Teams are welcome to consider tournaments that are not on the pre-approved list. An event not appearing on the list does not mean that it is unsuitable. It simply means that it has not yet been pre-approved by Coastal FC.
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Teams can submit these events through the tournament approval process. Coastal FC will not unreasonably withhold approval. The process gives the Club visibility into where our teams are participating and allows us to consider any additional safety, insurance, travel or governing body requirements.
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Teams are also encouraged to review BC Soccer's list of sanctioned tournaments when considering additional opportunities.
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BC SOCCER SANCTIONED TOURNAMENTS​
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TRAVEL TOURNAMENTS
Travel tournaments can provide unique competitive, developmental and team building experiences. Teams should select opportunities that provide an appropriate experience for the players, not simply an attractive destination.
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Planning for Travel
Plan Early: Coastal FC recommends planning travel tournaments at least six months in advance whenever possible. This allows sufficient time for approvals, budgeting, travel arrangements and required documentation.
Parent Communication: Parents should understand the tournament plan, estimated costs, travel expectations and timelines before commitments are made. Teams should confirm sufficient player participation and parent support before making non refundable bookings or payments.
Risk Management and Safety: Travel involves additional supervision, safety and risk management considerations. Teams must work with Coastal FC staff to ensure appropriate protocols are in place for the destination, age group and type of travel.
Rules and Approvals: Teams must understand and follow Coastal FC, tournament and applicable BC Soccer, Canada Soccer and other governing body requirements.
Travel Documents and Insurance: Players and families are responsible for ensuring required passports, travel documents, parental consent documents and appropriate medical and travel insurance are in place before travelling.
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GUEST PLAYERS
Guest players can provide roster flexibility while creating additional development opportunities for individual players. Guest players should be age and stage appropriate and their participation must comply with Coastal FC, tournament and applicable governing body requirements.
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PRIORITIZE COASTAL FC PLAYERS
Teams should look within Coastal FC for appropriate guest players before seeking players from another club. Guest playing can provide Coastal FC players with valuable opportunities to experience different teams and competitive environments within the Club.
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Where appropriate, coaches should work with Coastal FC technical staff and the player's regular team staff to identify suitable players.
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USING PLAYERS FROM ANOTHER CLUB
Before inviting or using a player registered with another club, teams must:
1. Receive written permission from the player's registered club and/or team.
2. Confirm the player is eligible under the tournament rules.
3. Complete any required BC Soccer, Canada Soccer or other governing body permits and approvals.
4. Confirm any additional requirements that apply to the specific tournament or jurisdiction.
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Where required, a Short Term Event Player Permit must be submitted a minimum of five business days before the tournament.
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BC SOCCER SHORT TERM EVENT PLAYER PERMIT
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Guest players may only participate once all required permissions and approvals have been received. It is the responsibility of the team staff, player and parent/guardian, as applicable, to ensure these requirements are completed before participation. If the required permissions or approvals are not in place, the player is not authorized by Coastal FC to participate.
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COASTAL FC PLAYERS GUESTING WITH ANOTHER CLUB
Coastal FC supports appropriate guest playing opportunities that complement a player's development and do not conflict with their Coastal FC commitments.
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Players registered with Coastal FC must receive written permission from Coastal FC before committing to or participating with another team or club. Players and families are responsible for ensuring the opportunity meets applicable eligibility, permit, insurance, travel and governing body requirements.
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An invitation from another coach or club does not constitute permission from Coastal FC.
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Participation without written Coastal FC permission is considered unauthorized. In these situations, the player and parent or guardian assume the risks and responsibilities associated with participating, and Coastal FC may not be able to assist with issues related to eligibility, registration, insurance, injury, discipline, travel or other requirements.
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Coastal FC is happy to support appropriate player opportunities. When in doubt, please contact the Club before committing.
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UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Additional approvals are required for teams travelling outside Canada.
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Teams must complete the applicable BC Soccer and Canada Soccer travel applications and receive approval before participating.
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CANADA SOCCER TRAVEL APPLICATION
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Teams are responsible for confirming that the tournament they are attending has the appropriate approval from the applicable soccer governing bodies.
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United States: Minimum 30 days before the first game.
Outside Canada and the United States: Minimum six months before the first game.
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Canada Soccer may charge an additional $100 fee for international or United States applications submitted less than 72 hours before the match.