BHYSC Playing Time Guidelines

The following are guidelines towards playing time with a number of factors considered such as age, level and size of roster. Playing time should be reviewed over an entire season and not game to game. Competitive vs non competitive games could increase or decrease a players playing time during the season. Coaches should look to generate opportunities to increase playing opportunities whenever possible/needed, through additional games such as internal practice matches, in house scrimmaging, friendlies and tournaments. 

All 5 v 5 and 7v7 age groups will attempt to have equal playing time among all players.

Starting at 9 v 9 equal playing time between all players is not a requirement.  BHYSC wants to reward players’ hard work, strong effort, good attitude and commitment by offering more playing time to those who display these attributes, regardless of talent.  BHYSC is committed to allowing kids to learn important life lessons through soccer such as: 

• Our actions have consequences
• Effort is valued
• We each play a crucial role within our teams
• We need to respect all of our teammates 
• Working hard beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard

Coaches need to be keenly aware that this policy is not in place in an effort to win more games and this needs to be communicated early and often to the parents and kids on the team. As playing time is up to each individual coach we expect the coaches to meet the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, and we encourage coaches to reach out to our Coaches Committee or Director of Coaching for guidance as situations arise.