Starters/Bench/Pulled players

This page is for all that want to have a better insight to the rules and needs
necessary for our players to know what they need to accomplish to start,
to get better so they won't be pulled as often, and what will get them started
on the bench for the season.  They have the ability, on their own, to change
their future with our team in regards to playing time and starting.  All of the
players have seen, read and agreed to the following rules of conduct and requirements
for the fall season, 2008.  Training, running, agility, conditioning on their own is a requirement
at this age and level and as such, they will be expected to work on themselves for the season
so we aren't having to lose training time to condition them for the games.

 Print if you need, but keep the original and this copy in your bag.  Parents, this was the bulk of the meeting we had as a team on Tuesday, 9/30, and the team is on the same page, is in agreement, and fully aware of what is necessary for the future and our team.  The topics below are not up for discussion or debate during training or on game days and will result in additional time on the sideline.  You are welcome to ask questions on any day we are not training or playing a game and I will answer them for you at such time.  The girls present agreed this was acceptable and appreciated the forthcoming nature of the information and were allowed to discuss it's context and the below is the final result.

Starters
  • Be on time to training and games, shoes laced, jewelry out, shirts tucked in, ready to begin at requested time
  • Focus and work hard during training and before games – keep chatter and personal issues to a minimum
  • Complete pre-training run with team, in sub 15m45s or less without stopping or walking
  • MUST have a good attitude – there will be no more dissent tolerated
  • Read site before training or games and follow directions/requests given

Things that will get you pulled from in-season games or tournaments
  • Lack of Effort during game regardless of soreness, tired, mental
  • Constant loss of 50/50 opportunities, whether in the air or on the ground
  • Consistent poor passing or trapping (see rule #2)
  • Lack of support for your players or lack of movement off of the ball
  • Consistent improper defending during jockey and wall-pass
  • Lack of Knowledge of your position(s)
  • Lack of executing what we train during week
  • Prove you are NOT learning from consistent mistakes or direction being given during game day
  • Outmatched for your position (not your fault… or is it?)
  • When your coach is ready to make a change, in fair sport, so others who work hard and have earned a spot on our team, have a chance to learn from the game (which is the best teacher) given their efforts at training, and their actions compliment the "Starters" section above.  (My decisions to remove a player from the field are mine alone and are not up for discussion or debate on the sideline.  Any such debate or negativity surrounding the decision will result in additional time watching the match from the bench unless there is no other option but to play said player.  It is my job to coach/teach, not to be coached or condescended upon.)

Things that will find you starting on the bench, or during game
  • *Lack of Stamina *Strategic
  • *Lack of agility *Back-up keeper
  • Poor pass/trap/first touch *Injuries
  • *Attitude
  • Lack of effort in training
  • Personal issues, controlled or otherwise
  • Missing any training sessions with or without permission (It is my discretion to start a player or not, given their individual needs and reasons and it is not up for debate!) - any player that is a no-call, no-show for any training or game, automatically will sit the first half of the match regardless of the reason… this is simply unacceptable and inexcusable unless there has been a life threatening emergency to the player or a direct family member. Your second half playing time will then apply to the information above and your history of missing prior training sessions. We committed to a team and we need to support our team. You are expected to be at every session.