TEAM RULES AND GUIDELINES
AGREEMENT
This document represents an agreement between the Premier Soccer Group (hereinafter PSG) parents, players and
coaches. In order to register with the PSG, parents and players must agree to follow the rules and guidelines
presented below.
ATTENDANCE AT PRACTICE
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The success of the team is directly linked to the quality of our practices. In order to improve individually
and as a team, players' attendance at practice/training sessions is mandatory.
If a player is not able to attend a "Mandatory" practice/training session, you are required to call the Coach or
team manager prior to practice to notify the coach that you are not able to attend.
Occasional absences for legitimate reasons are acceptable, provided the coach is notified in advance.
PLAYING TIME
Based on the size of the roster, there is a limited quantity of playing time available during games. Playing time will
be based on the following factors, which are broken down into two categories - controllable and non-controllable.
All Michigan Premier/MYSL rules and regulations will apply for league games. Disciplinary measures will be
noted on game sheets.
Factors in a player’s control:
*Attendance and effort at practice. This is done in order to reward the players who diligently attend practice, are
cooperative in practice and work hard in practice. Players who are less skilled but attend practice and give sincere
effort at the practices will be rewarded with playing time during games at the expense of those who do not attend
"mandatory" practice.
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Fatigue. If a player is sluggish or having an off day, he or she may not get as much time as a player who is
on top of his or her game.
Player's attitude. The better a player's attitude, the better is his or her chance of playing.
Absences. If a certain player is not able to attend the game or is being held out for disciplinary reasons, lineup shuffling may be done in order to compensate. This ultimately may mean that players who are able to
play multiple positions will get more playing time.
Ability. All factors being equal, the greater a player's understanding and vision of the game and the greater
his physical ability, the more playing time he or she can expect.
Premier Soccer Group Agreement, Page 2
NON-CONTROLLABLE FACTORS:
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Positioning: Some positions require a lot more running than other positions. In the 4-4-2 set-up, outside
midfielders do the most running, followed by the interior mid-fielders. Strikers do more running than
defenders. Mid-fielders will be rotated more frequently than strikers. Strikers will be rotated more
frequently than defenders.
The competitiveness of the opposing team. If a player is "overmatched", it is not fair to the player or to the
team to keep him or her in the game. More damage will be done to the player’s confidence by leaving that
player than sitting him/her out. We want our players in situations where they have a good chance of being
successful. "Developing" players will get more time in games that are less competitive. Every player is
important and sufficient playing time in games will be given so that each player can further his/hersoccer
development which will be in the long term benefit of the team.
Coach’s discretion. The coach will always do what he feels is in the best interest of the team as a whole.
Individual players are secondary to the team. Soccer is a team sport. The well being of the team is of
primary importance.
The Gator/Nova policy is to offer equal training not equal playing time. The Director of Coaching has
spoken on this matter many times to the parents, explaining that players develop in training, not in games.
Most of you have witnessed the remarkable development of our players, especially our younger players.
Through our training methods, based on the necessary time needed per the individual player, our goal is to
make sure not one of our players gets into an "overmatched" situation on the field. While playing in
Michigan Premier/MYSL league games, all bylaws apply to playing time respectively.
PLAYER POSITIONING
In general, we believe in rotating positions in order for players to develop a well-rounded game. Over the course of
seasons, not necessarily in every game, your son or daughter may be playing multiple positions. Opportunities will
be given to players to try different positions during the pre-season practices, scrimmages and tournament games.
The position a player plays is determined by several factors including:
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His or her ability to physically and mentally play a position. Some players need to play and learn more than
one position in order to gain confidence.
Level of selflessness. Team play is encouraged. Selfish play is discouraged and may be more harmful to the
team at certain positions than at others.
The needs of the team in a given game or situation. A player may be a gifted striker, but circumstances
dictate that he/she may help the team more by playing elsewhere in a particular game.
PARENT CONDUCT
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At games, parents should not be directing any comments to the referee or to the coaches. The referee has the
authority to give the coach a red card if his conduct, or the conduct of any parent on the team, is unsportsman-like. This may result in a suspension of the coach and perhaps a $1000.00 fine against the team.
*A 24 hour “cooling off” rule will follow every game. If a parent would like to discuss the game
with the coach, the parent must wait 24 hours before doing so.
Premier Soccer Group Agreement, Page 3
*Parents should address the coach in private if they have any concerns, comments or suggestions regarding
anything to do with the team or their child.
PLAYER CONDUCT
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At no time should a player display any disrespect to the coaching staff.
During a game, a Gator/Nova player is never to question a call by a referee. If a Gator/Nova player
displays any disrespect to a referee it will result in a 1 game suspension.
Before a game, during a game, and after a game, a Gator/Nova player will never taunt an opposing team
member. "Trash talking" is not acceptable and will result in a 1 game suspension.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
Expenses for each team vary based on the team’s training, league and tournament schedule. You will be given a
detailed payment schedule. To ensure the smooth operation of the team, please remit your payments to your team
manager by the due date. If you prefer, you can pre-pay your balance at any time.
Agreement
I understand the Team rules, Guidelines and Financial Commitment listed above and agree to comply with them:
Signature of parents: _____________________________
_____________________________
Signature of player:
_____________________________
Team Name:
_____________________________
Signature of Manager ____________________________
Date: ____________________
Signatures must be on file with the Premier Soccer Group and Coaching staff before 1st official practice session of
the season.