Players are expected to come to practices and games and participate in all drills and activities as instructed by the coach. Players are to be respectful of coaches, officials, opponents and teammates. A player’s direct defiance of an official or coach, use of abusive language, or intentional striking of an official, coach, or another player is not allowed. Striking an official or coach will lead to an automatic suspension from the team, probable loss of Mustang membership and possible criminal charges.
Excessive talking and other disruptive behavior during instruction is not acceptable. A coach has the right to remove a player from a practice session or game if behavior problems become serious. The coach should then contact the parents and try to work out a solution.
If a player’s behavior problems continue to where the team functioning is seriously disrupted, the coach should discuss the problem with the Head of Coaches and may request a hearing to have the player removed from the team.
Mustang Soccer League expects two things from each of its players: a positive attitude and a commitment to the game. Although the level of involvement varies among the Division 1, Division 3 & Division 4 teams, the level of commitment should not. Every Mustang player is expected to attend all practices and games as specified for the Division in which he or she plays. Both Division 3 and Division 4 teams have struggled with a diminishing commitment from players in the past few years. To this end, the League has adopted the following policy regarding attendance:
PLAYER ATTENDANCE POLICY
- Attendance and participation at all games and practices is expected by all players. Excluding Division 1, every coach is required to play each child at least one half of every game. See separate guidelines specific to Division 1 on the Mustang website under “Division 1.”
- Unexcused absences from practices may result in a reduction of playing time at games. The following guidelines apply:
- Every player in Division 3 with 100% attendance at practices (2 practices) during the week prior to a game is to play at least 50% of that game. Every Player with 50% attendance at practices (1 unexcused absence) during the week prior to a game is to play at least 25% of that game. Any Division 3 Player with 2 unexcused absences from practice, during the week prior to a game, is not guaranteed playing time during that game.
- Every player in Division 4 with 50% attendance at practices (1 practice) during the week prior to a game is to play at least 50% of that game. Players with less than 50% attendance during the week prior to a game may have their playing time limited to less than 50% of the game, but only in extreme circumstances. Every attempt should be made to give a minimum of 50% playing time to that player. This is recreational soccer, and each player should be instilled with the love of the game and not discouraged for events that are typically out of their control!
- Absences at games and practices will be excused for the following reasons: Player injury, illness, family emergency, or conflict with religious activity. All other absences are considered unexcused.
- Coaches are to notify parents and the player of reduced playing time prior to game day. Try to allow all players to play at least ½ of the game, unless a persistent pattern of unexcused absences develops. Player missing practices as an exception should not be overly penalized. All players should always play in a game they attend.
- Continued unexcused absences from practices and games may be cause for a review of the player’s commitment to soccer by the Division Directors, with the coach, player, and parents.
