Detailed Information

 

GENERAL PLAY, CONDUCT AND DRESS FOR PLAYERS

Primary Objectives

The purpose of the league is to ensure that the players have fun, develop a sense of good sportsmanship and learn the game. The Coach and Assistant Coaches of each team are responsible for the preparations for the game and conduct of play on and off the field during the game. Parents are urged to support the Coaches in their efforts and, of course, to support and encourage the team. If parents or guardians have a question regarding a player or the conduct of the game, they should direct their questions to the Coach.

Playing Time and Conduct

Each player must play at least half (two quarters) of each game. Substitutions should generally be limited to quarters or when a Referee specifically allows them, with agreement between coaches prior to the beginning of the game. Any player who intentionally injures another will be suspended from the League. A player displaying poor sportsmanship should be benched by the Coach for a period or more.

Referees

There should be no disputes with Referees. Please remember that most of the Referees are high school students who volunteer their services and, although every effort is made to ensure that they understand the rules of soccer, they can make mistakes. The decisions of a Referee are final and must be respected by Coaches, players and parents. If it is necessary to question a Referee, it should be done only by the Coaches and only out of earshot of the players and others.

Dress and Equipment

The players must wear shin guards. Referees will send players off without them. Non-metal-studded football boots are strongly recommended, especially given the frequently slippery conditions which can be expected. Warm dress, in removable layers, is usually going to be essential. Layers inevitably wind up left behind. Please try to minimise this, and if an item is neither identifiable as to ownership nor claimed the succeeding week, deliver it to one of the Commissioners.

Fielding a Team

The Regulations establish that a team failing to field 7 players forfeits. All games where each team has 7 or greater players must be played so that each team have an equal number of players. The maximum number of players should be 11, but coaches can agree on occasions to field 12 a side so that everyone plays more. Notwithstanding a forfeit by one team, the Coaches can agree between themselves to proceed with a practice game by sharing players between the teams.

Players’ Safety and Guardianship

In the interests of safety for all children, please ensure that all parents have made arrangements to pick up their children at the completion of the game. In the past, we have had several occasions where parents did not meet their children on a timely basis. Parents should be made aware that Coaches and other League personnel are not to be responsible for custody of the children. In any event, if the child is not met by a parent or guardian the Coach or Division Director should in the first instance see if arrangements can be made to ensure that the child is not left alone in Wormwood Scrubs.

Injuries

The Division Directors will have a medical kit, including ice packs, for minor injuries. We recommend first aid kits as part of your team equipment too for scrapes. Serious injuries must be reported to Bill or Annie Gilbert, and each Coach is responsible for seeing that an injured player is seen safely home or to medical assistance, and that the parents are notified.

Scores and Standings

Home teams are those designated as the first appearing in the schedules for each match, or by agreement. Coaches should advise the Division Director (who will report to the Commissioners) of game results by or before the Monday succeeding play. The Division Directors will compile and periodically distribute standings. Give 3 points. for a win, 1 for a tie, 0 for a loss.