Fair Game Time Policy
Club Policy: All players are to be involved in the team, and each member of
the team during the season must be given fair game time. This is a priority
and must be addressed.
Player time on the field (U9 – Senior Men): While the club policy is to
have players on for as equal time as possible, sometimes that it not possible.
There are a number of variables to consider. The Coach has to wait for an
appropriate time of play to interchange a player as the ball must leave the
field of play to effect an interchange, and that then is determined by the
Referee. A Coach may have to weigh up players’ fitness levels and
strengths/weaknesses in the position they may have placed them in.
If an injury occurs, time is taken up to allow the player to recover and it
may not be possible to put them back on straight away, if at all, again
altering the game play. Also, too many interchanges can disrupt players’
concentration. Coaches must work hard at giving all players as equal time as
possible and even giving them a chance in a number of positions through out
the season where appropriate, keeping in mind their preferences and
strengths and the overall strength and performance of the team.
Even when players are on the sideline, they are able to learn from observing
the game. Some players are best suited for long-term play while others are
better spread across the game in shorter bursts. Often this is related to a
player’s fitness level.
It is worth while to keep a track of players’ time off so Coaches can keep a
track of each player’s time. Obviously major injuries and illnesses should be
noted when recording these times.
Player time on the field (U5 – U8): The only difference with this age
group is you don’t need to notify the Referee before making a change, but
obviously it is best done when the ball is out of play.