Legal
Competition Terms
The current CAN-Montréal terms and conditions.
League Terms & Conditions
CAN-Montreal Alliance National Franchise League
PREAMBLE
The CAN-MONTREAL Alliance National Franchise Project ("the League") is committed to providing a secure, professional, and competitive environment for football. Our vision is to become the definitive, most professionally run, and culturally resonant nation-based football league in North America, celebrating African and Diaspora heritage while fostering athletic excellence and community unity in Montreal. By participating in the League as a Franchise Nation, Team Manager, Player, Coach, or affiliated member, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. These terms are designed to protect the integrity of the League, ensure fair play, and promote the community-building values at the heart of our mission. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE TERMS MAY RESULT IN SANCTIONS UP TO AND INCLUDING PERMANENT REMOVAL FROM THE LEAGUE AND FORFEITURE OF FRANCHISE LICENSE.
ARTICLE 1: MISSION, VISION & VALUES
1.1 Our Mission
The CAN-Montreal Alliance is committed to: • Providing a safe, professional, and competitive football environment • Ensuring high standards of organization, visibility, and long-term financial sustainability • Operating through a community-centric ownership structure • Channeling the passion and heritage of African and Diaspora communities through the beautiful game
1.2 Our Vision
To become the most professional, structured, and culturally resonant national football league in North America, celebrating African and Diaspora heritage while fostering athletic excellence and community unity in Montreal.
1.3 Core Values
All participants must embody and uphold the following values: COMMUNITY UNITY: Using football as a unifying tool to bridge generations and sub-communities within the city. EXCELLENCE: Pursuing athletic, sociocultural, and professional excellence in all league activities. RESPECT: Upholding intercultural dialogue, mutual support, and respect among all participants. INTEGRITY: Maintaining the highest ethical standards in all dealings with the League and fellow members. TRANSPARENCY: Operating with honesty and openness in all financial and administrative matters. CULTURAL PRIDE: Proudly representing African and Diaspora heritage while welcoming all who share our values.
ARTICLE 2: FRANCHISE NATION REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Franchise Acquisition
To acquire a Franchise Nation license, applicants must: • Complete the official online Franchise Application • Submit a non-refundable Commitment Deposit • Compile and submit a comprehensive Organizational Bid Packet (PDF) The Organizational Bid Packet must include: • Provisional Roster: The minimum number of players set by the League, with complete contact information • Kit Mock-Up: Professional renderings of proposed Home and Away team kits • Team Ethos Statement: Articulating the team's mission, values, and strategy for community engagement
2.2 Franchise Responsibilities
Each Franchise Nation agrees to: • Maintain high ethical standards at all times • Ensure timely payment of all league fees and obligations • Adhere to all league regulations without exception • Manage player compliance with all eligibility requirements • Uphold the CAN-Montreal Code of Conduct • Actively promote the team within its community • Provide a positive, family-friendly environment at all events • Cooperate fully with League administration and disciplinary committees
2.3 Financial Obligations
Franchise Nations must: • Pay all franchise fees by the specified deadlines • Maintain financial stability throughout the season • Cover all operational costs associated with team management • Remit any league-mandated fines within 14 business days • Understand that unpaid obligations may result in match forfeiture or franchise suspension
ARTICLE 3: PLAYER ELIGIBILITY & RESIDENCY
3.1 Residency Mandate
ALL players named on a Franchise Nation's roster must be legal residents of one of the 82 Municipalities within the Greater Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM) at the time of registration. This requirement ensures our league remains a true representation of the local community and provides opportunities for Montreal-area players.
3.2 Proof of Residency
The CAN-Montreal Alliance reserves the right to request proof of address at any time. Acceptable documents include: • Valid Quebec driver's license • Utility bill (electricity, gas, water) dated within 60 days • Bank statement dated within 60 days • Official government correspondence • Lease agreement or property tax statement Failure to provide proof of residency upon request may result in immediate player suspension.
3.3 Player Registration
All players must be registered with the League before participating in any match • False or misleading registration information will result in sanctions • Player transfers between Franchise Nations are subject to League approval • Each team must maintain the minimum roster of registered players set by the League
ARTICLE 4: CODE OF CONDUCT
4.1 On-Field Conduct
All participants (players, coaches, managers, officials) must: • Respect all match officials and accept their decisions • Refrain from violent conduct, serious foul play, or dangerous behavior • Avoid use of offensive, insulting, or abusive language • Not engage in any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or national origin • Demonstrate sportsmanship in victory and defeat • Refrain from simulation (diving) or time-wasting tactics
4.2 Off-Field Conduct
Participants are expected to: • Represent the League positively at all times, including on social media • Respect League facilities, staff, and equipment • Refrain from public criticism that damages the League's reputation • Report any violations of these terms they witness • Cooperate with any League investigations • Maintain professional relationships with all League stakeholders
4.3 Zero Tolerance Policy
The League maintains ZERO TOLERANCE for: VIOLENCE: Physical assault or threats will result in immediate suspension and potential permanent ban. DISCRIMINATION: Any racist, xenophobic, homophobic, or discriminatory behavior will result in severe sanctions. MATCH-FIXING: Any attempt to influence match outcomes for gambling or other purposes will result in permanent expulsion and potential legal action. CORRUPTION: Bribery of officials or other participants will result in permanent ban. SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Use of performance-enhancing drugs or playing under the influence of alcohol/drugs is prohibited.
ARTICLE 5: DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
5.1 Disciplinary Committee
The CAN-Montreal Alliance maintains a professional Disciplinary Committee responsible for: • Reviewing all reported violations • Conducting investigations as necessary • Imposing sanctions in accordance with these terms • Hearing appeals from sanctioned parties • Maintaining records of all disciplinary actions
5.2 Sanctions
The following sanctions may be imposed, individually or in combination: VERBAL WARNING: For minor first-time offenses WRITTEN WARNING: Documented warning placed in permanent record FINE: Monetary penalty set by the League depending on severity MATCH SUSPENSION: Exclusion from one or more matches SEASON SUSPENSION: Exclusion from remaining season matches POINTS DEDUCTION: Deduction of league points from team standing FRANCHISE PROBATION: Enhanced monitoring and restrictions on franchise operations FRANCHISE SUSPENSION: Temporary suspension of franchise license FRANCHISE REVOCATION: Permanent loss of franchise license and all associated rights
5.3 Loss of Franchise Position
A Franchise Nation will LOSE ITS POSITION in the League if it: • Repeatedly violates the Code of Conduct (3 or more serious violations in a season) • Fails to meet financial obligations for more than 30 days • Fields ineligible players knowingly or repeatedly • Engages in or condones violence, discrimination, or match-fixing • Brings the League into disrepute through public misconduct • Fails to maintain minimum roster requirements • Refuses to cooperate with League investigations • Violates the terms of any probationary period REVOCATION IS FINAL. Revoked franchises forfeit all fees paid and lose all rights to the franchise name, players, and position. The CAN-Montreal Alliance reserves the right to reassign the national representation to a new management group.
5.4 Appeals Process
Sanctioned parties have the right to appeal within 7 days of notification. Appeals must: • Be submitted in writing to the League Secretary • State clearly the grounds for appeal • Include any supporting evidence • Be accompanied by the appeal fee set by the League, if any (refunded if appeal is successful) The Appeals Committee decision is final and binding.
ARTICLE 6: LEAGUE OPERATIONS
6.1 Match Scheduling
The League will publish the official match schedule before season start • Teams are expected to be available for all scheduled matches • Fixture changes require League approval and minimum 7 days notice • Failure to appear for a scheduled match results in automatic 3-0 forfeit and potential fine
6.2 Match Rules
All matches follow FIFA Laws of the Game with indoor modifications as specified • Professional referees are appointed by the League • Team managers must submit lineup sheets 30 minutes before kickoff • Only registered players may participate in league matches • Substitution rules follow indoor football regulations
6.3 Kit Requirements
All team kits must be approved by the CAN-Montreal Alliance • Home and Away kits must be clearly distinguishable • Jersey numbers must be visible and match registered information • Inappropriate imagery or text on kits is prohibited • Teams must have both home and away kits available for each match
ARTICLE 7: COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
7.1 Community Engagement
Each Franchise Nation commits to: • Actively promote the League within their represented community • Organize at least two (2) community events per season • Support youth development initiatives where possible • Participate in League-wide community programs • Serve as positive ambassadors for African and Diaspora culture
7.2 Social Cohesion
The League exists to promote: • Intercultural dialogue between all participating communities • Family-friendly environments at all League events • Mutual respect and support among Franchise Nations • Positive representation of African and Caribbean heritage • Unity through sport while celebrating diversity
7.3 Leadership Development
The League is committed to providing: • Valuable managerial experience to community leaders • Coaching development opportunities • Administrative and organizational skills training • Networking opportunities within the broader football community • Pathways to higher levels of football administration
ARTICLE 8: AMENDMENTS & FINAL PROVISIONS
8.1 Amendment Process
These Terms may be amended by the CAN-Montreal Alliance Board • Franchise Nations will be notified of amendments at least 30 days before implementation • Continued participation after notification constitutes acceptance of amendments • Major amendments affecting franchise rights require consultation with affected parties
8.2 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Quebec, Canada. Any disputes not resolved through the League's internal processes may be submitted to the courts of Quebec.
8.3 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
8.4 Acknowledgment
By participating in the CAN-Montreal Alliance National Franchise League, all parties acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in their entirety. These Terms represent the complete agreement between the CAN-Montreal Alliance and all League participants regarding the matters addressed herein.
ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS
By registering as a Franchise Nation, Team Manager, Player, Coach, or any other affiliated role, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with all Terms and Conditions set forth in this document. You further acknowledge that violation of these terms may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to fines, suspensions, and permanent removal from the League.