PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES

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As a member of the Northfields United Soccer Club, you are responsible for your own performance and conduct. NU expects its players to be honest, reliable, and committed to their individual development and the development of the team. Players are encouraged to communicate openly and freely with coaching staff and their parents about all matters affecting their ability to train or play in games. This includes any injuries, additional commitments, or any other external factors that may affect a player’s performance. At all times, members of NU are expected to maintain a positive team attitude and a personal sense of sportsmanship and fair play.

Players are expected to work on soccer skills outside of regularly scheduled club practices. Youth players need to get the most out of their touches on the ball year-round, whether on a formal or informal basis, in order for them to maximize their development. Specifically, players are expected to practice, in their own time, the skills and techniques learned at training so that they return to the next session able to execute the technique with greater confidence and precision.

Players are expected to be on the field, dressed in the full training uniform (including cleats, shin guards, and drinking water) and ready to train by the scheduled start time for each training session. Players should be well hydrated and should use the bathroom as necessary before the start of practice.

Players are expected to arrive 15-30 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time for each game. Players should be dressed in full uniform and ready to warm up no later than 15 minutes before kick-off. Players should be well hydrated and should use the bathroom as necessary before the start of every game.

Players are expected to play to the best of their ability at all times. Players must compete aggressively but fairly. Players must show respect for the rules of the game, opponents, officials, their teammates, and most importantly, themselves. Players who are not on the field are expected to sit and watch their teammates from the bench. Players are expected to support and encourage their teammates and to refrain from yelling out negative criticism at any time. At no time should a player challenge or criticize the decision of an official.

Players must not object to or question a tactical decision (e.g. a player’s position) by their coach before or during the game. If a player wishes to understand the coach’s decision, the player (or parent) may speak with the coach after the game or at the following practice and not at the game. The coach will always provide an honest explanation about his or her decision-making.

There will be a minimum amount of playing time per half for each player, depending on age group. Players are competing at all times for starting positions and playing time. There are many factors that can affect the amount of playing time for a particular player. Players must earn their positions by coming to practice, training hard, and displaying an attitude of commitment to their individual development.

The Club believes in and teaches players the benefits of mental toughness. Players will develop the ability to manage their emotions and maintain their focus through a variety of conditions outside of their control. Coaches will teach players to overcome adverse conditions such as poor refereeing, name calling, foul language, dirty play, cheating, poor weather, negative behavior by parents or opponents, etc. We expect our players (as well as our coaches and parents) to have the same mental toughness.

Players of the Club are expected to carry themselves with pride, discipline and self-respect both on and off the field. As elite athletes, players are further expected to conduct themselves with dignity and composure at home and at school. Disrespect of adults, including parents and teachers, will not be tolerated. Poor behavior by one player is a bad reflection on teammates and the Club.

Part of the commitment of playing for the Club is a commitment to handling the obligations that a student has in his or her daily life. The Club encourages and promotes academic achievement and recognizes that soccer, without a strong academic foundation, can only get a player so far. Players who wish to play at any collegiate levels must also possess a sound academic record. It is expected that players will do their best in school and will manage their time in order to fulfill their obligations in their primary role as students.