Policies

Practice & Playing Time Policy – While the Greater Des Moines Junior Soccer League states that recreational players are guaranteed 50 percent playing time for U14 and below, and 33 percent playing time for U15 and above, the Carlisle Soccer Club board of directors believes strongly that coaches must have the ability to enforce some rules regarding practice attendance and participation. Enjoying the game of soccer requires regular attendance at training sessions, active, focused and ongoing participation in skills-building drills (individual and group) and the camaraderie that emerges from being an active and motivated member of a team. To participate irregularly by choice or over-scheduling of other activities deprives the individual player of the developmental opportunities and harms the whole team’s ability to enjoy the game.

Therefore, the Carlisle Soccer Club board of directors, has adopted the following policy regarding playing time for recreational teams:

Whereas regular and motivated participation in training sessions impacts the ability to enjoy the game of soccer – as an individual and as a team:

1.) players who do not attend* any practices in the week prior to a game are not guaranteed playing time;

2.) players who do not attend* all practices in the week prior to a game are guaranteed no more than 50 percent playing time for u14 and below teams, and 33 percent playing time for U15 and above teams;

3.) coaches are required to communicate this policy at the beginning of the season so all players understand the requirements;

4.) disciplinary measures are ultimately the coach’s responsibility and are in place to create a fair playing program for all players involved;

5.) tournament playing time is at the discretion of the coach and may be based on a variety of criteria, including practice attendance, effort on the field and team advancement potential.

* Absences from practice may be excused due to illness or other reasons at the coach’s discretion.