Manual: Playing Time

Every age level (U9-U14):

  1. Every healthy player plays at least 50% of each half of game period — no exceptions.
  2. Over the course of the season, every player should have approximately equal playing time.
  3. Every attempt should be made for players to start either the first or second half of each game.
  4. Generally playing goalkeeper is not a substitute for field playing time, and additional field playing time should be given to non-dedicated players that play goalkeeper.
  5. No player shall play more than one half at GK.

U9/U10 Modifications:

All players should play all positions regularly over the course of the season. This includes GK, except for players with injuries or special situations.

U11/U12 Modification:

While every player should have an opportunity to play every position over the course of the season, players can express an interest in a position (or multiple positions), and the coach may emphasize that position over the course of the season.

Every player should have the opportunity to play GK at least once over the course of the season, except for players with injuries or special situations.

U14 Notes:

For players that express a strong interest in a position, they may play that position primarily over the course of the season. However, every player should have the opportunity to play each position at least once during each season.

While it is preferred to have every player play GK at least once during the season, it may be too difficult to achieve at this level, and is left to the coach’s discretion. If there are not players that wish to play GK each week, then players will rotate through the GK position, excepting players that are clearly unable to play at this level.

Footnotes:

For U12 and U14 MTOC eligible teams competing for playoff spots, this is still a goal and coaches should look for opportunities in one-sided games for the weaker players to get more playing time.

Exceptions would be made for late-arriving players, players that do attend practices, and MTOC eligible teams still in competition for the playoffs.

Only top level U12 teams, and U14 teams should have dedicated goalkeepers, and only with consent of the player and her parent(s).