Safety Policy
Players may not wear ornamental jewelry during practices or games. This includes, but is not limited to bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, beads, barrettes and other hard or sharp items. Newly pierced ears may not be taped; earrings must be removed.
Players may not participate in practices or games with a plaster / fiberglass cast or a hard splint, even if it is padded. Soft orthopedic braces may be permitted but may not have any exposed metal parts or sharp edges.
If a player refuses or is unable to remove a prohibited item upon request by a coach or referee, she will be asked to sit on the sidelines and may not participate in the soccer activity. Parental or medical permission does not supersede this safety policy. There are no exceptions to this rule for the safety of all our players.
The NGS Policy is based on the International Futbol Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game, Law 4.
Medical Devices – Players may wear any essential assistive device – such as prescription glasses, cochlear implant processors, hearing aids, or an insulin pump. The device must be properly secured (for example, taped down, covered, or wrapped). Players are asked to consult a medical professional prior to playing, as all risk is assumed by the participant.
Medical IDs – A medical-alert bracelet or necklace may be worn during soccer activities. It must be securely taped to the body in a way that still allows the safety information to be visible.
ADA Accommodations – Players with a physical disability (such as a prosthetic limb) may obtain league approval to play while wearing their assistive equipment with any necessary accommodation to make the activity safe for all participants. Please contact NGS to discuss the specifics.
Religious Apparel / Wearable Items – There may be items that a player and their family deem necessary to wear, even during soccer activities, for religious or cultural reasons. Players may participate while wearing apparel – such as a hijab – that is mandated by their faith. Apparel must be non-abrasive and fit securely, so as not to interfere with the players’ safety. Other religious articles mandated by a player’s faith may be worn during soccer activities if the item is securely taped to the body, well-padded, and worn under the uniform.
It is the player’s and parent’s responsibility to alert their coach and NGS before the start of the season about any special circumstances.
It is the coach’s responsibility to point the specific equipment out to the referee before the game, so that if there is an issue—such as the assistive device coming off the player during the game—the referee is aware of the need to stop the play to help.
It is the referee’s responsibility to ensure that the players’ equipment and other items are safe. Referees inspect players for dangerous or unauthorized equipment and jewelry before every match. All participants, coaches, and spectators shall respect and support the official’s decision about what is or isn’t allowed. Any dispute of the referee’s authority on this matter will be considered a violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy.
Coming Soon!
Holiday Policies
From time to time, soccer games, practices, and other team events will conflict with religious observances. To best accommodate players who hold a wide range of religious beliefs and to maximize our time on the field, all practices and games will be held as scheduled. Players who will miss a team activity because of a religious holiday should reach out to their coach. A child who cannot attend a practice or game because of a religious holiday will never jeopardize her playing time or position on the team in future games.
If a team will have low attendance at a game due to a religious holiday, we will adjust the schedule and/or combine teams so that players not observing the holiday will still have a chance to play.
If a team will have low attendance at a practice due to a religious holiday, the coach may decide to cancel the activity or coordinate with another NGS team to hold a combined practice.
Juniors and City soccer games, practices, and other team events will conflict with school vacation or public holidays such as Memorial Day. NGS recognizes that all players do not share the same school vacations and many families do not travel for three-day weekends. To maximize our time on the field, all practices and games will be held as scheduled. Players who will miss a team activity because of a school vacation or public holiday should reach out to their coach. A child who cannot attend a practice or game for this reason will never jeopardize her playing time or position on the team in future games.
If a team will have low attendance at a game due to a school vacation or public holiday, we will adjust the schedule and/or combine teams so that players not observing the holiday will still have a chance to play.
If a team will have low attendance at a practice (grades 2 and older) due to a holiday, the coach may decide to cancel the activity or coordinate with another NGS team to hold a combined practice.
From time to time, Travel and Academy soccer games, practices, and other team events will conflict with religious observances. To best accommodate players who hold a wide range of religious beliefs and to maximize our time on the field, all practices and games will be held as scheduled. Players who will miss a team activity because of a religious holiday should reach out to their coach. A child who cannot attend a practice or game because of a religious holiday will never jeopardize her playing time or position on the team in future games.
Teams must make every effort to play games as scheduled. However, a Travel or Academy coach may decide to reschedule the game if there are not enough players available to play a scheduled game that conflicts with the observance of a religious holiday. When rescheduling a game, Travel coaches are required to comply with BAYS Match Rule 8 – Playing the Schedule and Academy coaches are required to comply with NECSL rescheduling rules.
If a Travel or Academy team will have low attendance at a practice due to a holiday, the coach may decide to cancel the activity or coordinate with another NGS team to hold a combined practice.
Travel soccer games, practices, and other team events will conflict with school vacations or public holidays such as Memorial Day. To maximize our time on the field, BAYS still schedule games on those weekends.
For the weekends around school vacation weeks, teams are encouraged to make every effort to hold practice and play games as scheduled.
Columbus Day / Indigenous People’s Day weekend and Memorial Day weekend are popular tournament weekends. For these weekends, a Travel coach may unilaterally decide to reschedule if there are not enough players available to play a scheduled game. When rescheduling a game, travel coaches are required to comply with BAYS Match Rule 8 – Playing the Schedule.
If a Travel team will have low attendance at a practice due to school vacations or public holidays, the coach may decide to cancel the activity or coordinate with another NGS team to hold a combined practice.
Academy games, practices, and other team events will conflict with school vacations or public holidays such as Memorial Day. To maximize our time on the field, NECSL still schedule games on those weekends. In addition, Columbus Day / Indigenous People’s Day weekend and Memorial Day weekend are popular tournament weekends. Academy players are expected to attend at least 75% of all scheduled team activities for the fall, winter, and spring seasons even during school vacations and public holidays. Practices, games, and tournaments are mandatory and should only be missed for special circumstances. Adequate time for rest and recovery between seasons is built into the Academy schedule.
Academy teams will make every effort to hold practice and play games as scheduled. That said, if an Academy team will have low attendance at a regularly scheduled league game due to school vacations or public holidays, the coach may decide to either reschedule the game or borrow players from another age-appropriate Newton Academy team. Academy coaches are required to comply with NECSL rescheduling rules.
If an Academy team will have low attendance at a practice due to school vacations or public holidays, the coach may decide to cancel the activity or coordinate with another Academy team to hold a combined practice.
Weather Policies
The safety of NGS players is important to our coaches and staff. As such, NGS and its official representatives (referees, coaches, etc.) hold the right to postpone or cancel any activity where the organizers feel starting or continuing the session would put the participants at harm.
There are certain weather conditions that will impact practice and game play – even if the fields have not been officially closed by Newton Parks and Recreation:
- Thunder and Lightning
In the event that thunder or lightning is observed in the vicinity of a field, all activity on the field must cease immediately and for at least 30 minutes after the thunder or lightning ends. Coaches and other adults present must ensure that everyone goes to safe shelter in the event of thunder or lightning. DO NOT remain on the field or in other exposed areas. If a building is unavailable, participants should wait inside a vehicle with a solid metal top. Do not stand under or near a tree. - Rain
In most cases, practices and games will be played as scheduled in light rain. If heavy rain creates unsafe field conditions (e.g. mud, slippery grass, and water-saturated areas), activities must be suspended and participants will be directed to safe shelter. - Heat
Playing in extreme heat and humidity can be dangerous. If the heat index is above 105 all play must be suspended. If the forecast is for extreme heat (heat index above 85) NGS may cancel or reschedule activities. If activities have not been canceled and a coach determines that the temperature on the field is unsafe, they may decide to stop play, adjust playing time, or provide additional shade and hydration brakes. (Note: NGS staff / volunteers will not apply sun block to participants.) Lastly, we encourage parents and players use their own judgement on whether it is safe to participate; players will not be penalized. For additional details and recommendations, please refer to the MYSA weather policy, heat index chart, and heat guidelines. - Cold
Cold can be a concern in the fall. Field conditions will be affected by freezing rain or snow. Coaches should consider wind chill as well as ambient temperature when
determining whether to suspend or modify a practice or game. If the temperature is below 35 all play is suspended. Additional layers worn under the player’s uniform are allowed and recommended in temperatures below 45 degrees. However, scarves, hooded sweatshirts and ear muffs are not allowed for safety reasons. Please review the MYSA weather policy for additional details and recommendations.
In the event that play cannot resume because of the aforementioned unsafe weather
conditions, players and/or coaches will reach out to emergency contacts. At least one NGS coach will remain on site until all players have been picked up.
If NGS has to cancel an activity because of unsafe weather conditions we will do our best to reschedule, but it is not always feasible. Refunds will not be issued for weather cancellations. Please review our refund policy for details.
It is strongly recommended that clubs make sure their coaches all have the latest weather apps loaded on their phones. These apps should include instant weather conditions and lightning strike notification.
Conditions in one location may be very different from another, especially the further apart the two locations are. The coaches are responsible for keeping informed of the weather conditions at home, along their route to the game and at the game site. The coaches are also responsible for communications with the opposing coach and their own team in the event of inclement weather. Discussions between the coaches must provide for common sense to prevail.
Severe Storms
Severe storms can produce high winds, heavy rain, hail, lightning, thunder and/or tornados. If a severe storm approaches the playing area, the safety of the players is the number one priority of coaches and referees, and may require that the game be suspended while shelter is sought. In the event the game is suspended, ALL participants MUST clear the field immediately and move into their cars or other permanent shelter.
High winds can create problems by dust and debris being in the air or blowing over objects. Heavy rain can create hazardous field conditions or lead to flash flooding. Hail can cause injury. Lightning and thunder is discussed separately below. Tornados are obvious dangers of any severe storm. Use common sense and seek shelter as appropriate.
Thunder and Lightning
Lightning is the second leading cause of storm-related deaths (flooding is first). Lightning can strike up to 10 miles outside of a thunderstorm, literally a bolt from the blue. The danger from lightning can persist for 20-30 minutes or more after a thunderstorm has passed. The National Weather Service does not issue watches or warnings for lightning by itself. However, the National Weather Service does advise that if you see a lightning bolt and hear the thunder in 30 seconds or less, you seek shelter and wait 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activity.
If a person can hear thunder, or see lightning, the danger already is present. A clear, sunny sky overhead with storm clouds nearby can still be dangerous. Referees and Coaches should adhere to the following:
- If lightning is within five miles, with or without hearing thunder, the game(s) or practice(s) should be suspended and shelter sought. A lightning detector or similar app can identify the distance accurately but may not be available. A rough guideline is to measure the time between the lightning flash and hearing the corresponding thunder. If it is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter. It may not be possible to determine which lightning strike generated which roll of thunder. A simple rule: If you can see it or hear it, clear it!
- Mass Youth Soccer recommends that participants seek immediate shelter in their automobiles or a designated severe weather shelter, if there is one nearby. Smaller, open structures, tents, trees, isolated areas, etc, should be avoided. Cars, with windows rolled up or buses, can provide good shelter. Avoid contact with metal or other conducting materials to the outside surfaces. Do not stay in open, unprotected areas.
- Games should not be restarted for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is seen or roll of thunder is heard.
- Tournaments should inform participating teams of notification and evacuation plans and shelters near the playing sites.
Hot Weather
Heat is a problem when it prevents the body from cooling itself. The hotter the body gets, the more likely it is to increase fatigue levels, develop cramps and increase the possibility of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The hotter and more humid the weather, the faster these problems can develop. Temperatures as low as 65 degrees, with a relative humidity of 100%, can be serious.
- A heat index chart should be given to every coach and referee (www.nws.noaa.gov)
- Games need to be adjusted as the heat index rises:
a. Mandatory water breaks
b. Go to quarters
c. Shorten the games - Provide training to coaches to teach the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Club administrators and tournament officials are responsible for monitoring the heat index (by weather radio, online or the Weather Channel) and keeping the participating teams and game officials informed of the heat index. Coaches are encouraged to also monitor the conditions. The following are recommended when there is a possibility of dangerous high heat index:
- Up to 84° – Normal Play
- 85° – 89° – Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time.
- 90° – 99° – Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time. Each half shortened by five minutes.
- 100° – 104° – Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time. Each half shortened by ten minutes.
- 105°+ – Suspend Play
For further information, please check the NOAA website for additional information in regards to how temperature and humidity combine to make it feel hotter.
Cold Weather
For fall play, cold becomes a factor. Players should be allowed to dress in appropriate clothing. Field conditions will be affected by freezing rain, sleet and snow. The ground may become frozen and be unsafe for play. Temperature means either ambient (still air) or wind chill index. Check weather radio frequently for temperature and weather conditions.
Cold Index Recommendations:
- 46° and higher – No Change
- 45° and lower – Players should wear layers
Allowable Additional Clothing:
-
- Layered beneath uniform – long sleeves, long pants, and additional socks.
- Gloves or mittens
- Stocking caps without straps
- Sweatpants or shirts – In the case of extremely cold weather,
may be worn underneath the uniform, provided the entire team uses the same color sweats. - Jackets may be worn under the uniform so that referees can see the player’s number in the event of a card being issued.
Clothing NOT Allowed:
-
- Hooded sweatshirts (hoods and strings present possibility of being grabbed)
- Earmuffs (headbands OK; plastic or metal part crossing top of head presents potential hazard)
- Scarves (can ause Isadora Duncan Syndrome)
- 40° and lower – Shorten games by 5 min per half
- 35° and lower – Suspend games
Additional recommendations:
- Players on sidelines should remain dressed (if in warm-ups) until they enter the game.
- Players coming off should towel off (if sweaty) and get dressed quickly.
- No one should sit or lie directly on ground. The heat is lost faster to ground than to air. Blankets and chairs are recommended.
- Keep hydrated-avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks.
- Keep an eye on field conditions (wet, icy, etc.). Cold wet conditions can quickly change field from safe footing to slippery.
- Keep an eye on the goalie—usually the player who gets coldest first, as not running or moving like a field player.
- Referees and coaches should discuss weather and fields pre-game.
- Safety and health of the players come first.
In the event of thunder or lightning observed in the vicinity of a field, all activity on the field must cease immediately and for a period of at least 30 minutes after observed thunder or lightning. Coaches and other adults present must ensure that everyone goes to safe shelter in the event of thunder or lightning. DO NOT remain on the field or in other exposed areas.
Lightning is a serious danger. Thus, lightning safety requires a large standoff distance from thunderstorms and a long standoff time after apparent thunderstorm decay. Thunder produced by a lightning strike travels one mile (1.6 km) every five seconds. Thus, counting the number of seconds between the visible “flash” and the audible “bang” and dividing by 5, provides the distance in miles.
The 30-30 Rule
Employ the “30-30 Rule” to know when to seek a safer location. The “30-30 Rule” states that when you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds or less, go immediately to a safer place. If you can’t see the lightning, just hearing the thunder means lightning is likely within striking range. After the storm has apparently dissipated or moved on, wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last thunder before leaving the safer location.
First Strike Advice
The “30-30 Rule” is best suited for existing thunderstorms moving into the area. However, it cannot protect against the first lightning strike. Be alert to changes in sky conditions portending thunderstorm development directly overhead. Larger outdoor activities, with longer evacuation times, may require a longer lead-time than implied by the “30-30 Rule.”
When lightning threatens, go to a safer location. Do not hesitate.
Safe Location
What is a safer location? The safest place commonly available during a lightning storm is a large, fully enclosed, substantially constructed building, e.g. your typical house, school, library, or other public building. Substantial construction also implies the building has wiring and plumbing, which can conduct lightning current safely to ground. However, any metal conductor exposed to the outside must not be touched precisely because it could become a lightning conduit. Once inside, stay away from corded telephones, electrical appliances, lighting fixtures, ham radio microphones, electric sockets and plumbing. Don’t watch lightning from open windows or doorways. Inner rooms are generally preferable from a safety viewpoint.
If you can’t reach a substantial building, an enclosed vehicle with a solid metal roof and metal sides is a reasonable second choice. As with a building, avoid contact with conducting paths going outside. Close the windows, lean away from the door, put your hands in your lap and don’t touch the steering wheel, ignition, gear shifter or radio. Convertibles, cars with fiberglass or plastic shells, and open-framed vehicles are not suitable lightning shelters.
Gender Policy
NGS strives to be welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. Our programs are open to kids who identify as female (including cisgender girls, transgender girls, and nonbinary individuals).
Players in the NGS Travel or Academy programs participate in external leagues (BAYS and NECSL). They may be asked for gender-identity documentation or evidence that shows the stated gender is sincerely held and part of the person’s core identity. Documentation includes, but is not limited to, government-issued documentation or documentation prepared by a health care provider, counselor, or other qualified professional not related to the player.
An exception to our gender rule may be made for kindergarten-aged boys who have a female sibling in the kindergarten program.
NGS respects a young person’s wishes to be called by a chosen name and requests this information during registration. Only your child’s preferred name will be shared with their coach. However, due to limitations imposed by our state governing body’s database and the need to verify each player’s date of birth, players are required to initially register in SportsConnect using the name that matches their legal identity documents (passport or birth certificate).
Participants are asked to provide their preferred pronouns during registration. This information is shared with their coach and uploaded to TeamSnap. Coaches and players are asked to use each participants chosen pronouns. Using the pronouns someone prefers, whether that means she/her, he/him, they/them or something else is a show of respect. Here are some suggestions for being more inclusive about gender pronouns and identity.
How can you show your player and your team that you accept them for who they say they are?
- Share your pronouns when you introduce yourself. (“My name is Coach Rachel and I use she/her pronouns.”) If you start by telling players what your pronouns are, you will make it less awkward for them to do the same. If many people share their pronouns, it creates more of an inclusive environment. Don’t ever force someone to share their pronouns if they don’t want to.
- Try not to use gendered phrases like “Ok guys” or “Come over here girls.”
- Some alternate suggestions: “Ok kids,” “Team Raptors on the end line,” etc.
- If someone has a pronoun different from what you expected:
- Do your best to use it! Write it down. Remind yourself. Practice.
- If you make a mistake, just simply correct yourself: “She – I mean they – attend Countryside.”
How do I use “they” as a singular pronoun? It is grammatically incorrect!
Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. In fact, you already do this. For example – “that person over there – what are they doing? They’re walking on wet paint!” You can find more detail on grammar here: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/grammar/singular-they
This is way harder than I thought.
It is hard. You must retrain your brain and it takes a lot of practice. You can model this for your players by continuing to try, correcting yourself and graciously accepting corrections when you make mistakes.
What if someone else misgenders my player?
Talk to your player away from the group at some point and ask them how they’d like you to respond when someone makes a mistake (because it WILL happen). Some kids will want your help in correcting people, others won’t.
What if my player isn’t really nonbinary and they are just following a trend?
This is not your call. Your job as a coach is to accept your player for who they say they are. Maybe their identity will change over time. Maybe not. It doesn’t matter for the purpose of creating an inclusive team. Accept them for who they say they are.
Thank you for making an effort to help ALL of our players feel comfortable and seen!
