Impact expects two things from each of its players:  a positive attitude and a commitment to the game. Although the level of involvement varies among the Division I, Division III and Division IV teams, the level of commitment should not. Every Impact player is expected to attend all practices and games as specific for the division in which he or she plays. To that end, the club has adopted the following policy regarding attendance:

Attendance Policy

Attendance and participation at all games and practices is expected by all players. Excluding Division I and III, every Coach is required to play each child at least one half of every game. See Impact PIMs – Playing Time.

• Unexcused absences from practices may result in a reduction of playing time in games.

The following guidelines apply:

• Every Player in Division I and III with 100% attendance at practices during the week prior to a game clears the player to play in the game. Any Division I and III Player with unexcused absences from practice, during the week prior to a game, may have playing time limited during that game.
• Every Player in Division IV with 100% attendance at practices during the week prior to a game is to play at least 50% of that game. Players with less than 100% attendance during the week prior to a game may have playing time limited to less than 50% of the game, but every attempt should be made to give a minimum of 50% playing time to that player. This is recreational soccer, and each player should be instilled with the love of the game and not discouraged for events that are typically out of their control.
• Absences at games and practices will be excused for the following reasons: Player injury, illness, family emergency, occasional school activity or conflict with religious activity. All other absences are considered unexcused.
• Coaches are to notify parents and the Player of reduced playing time prior to game day.
• Continued unexcused absences from practices and games may be cause for review of the Player’s commitment to soccer by the Division Director, Coach/es, Player and parents.

Suspension from Games:

A Coach may suspend a Player for all of a portion of one game for a serious breach of discipline such as serious direct defiance of the Coach/es or intentionally striking another Player. It is mandatory that both the Player and the parents be notified of the reason for the full or partial suspension prior to the day of the game, unless the problem occurs during the game. Game suspensions should occur only rarely. You must be prepared to document your reason for suspending a Player if the parents do not agree with the suspension. Striking a Coach or an Official will lead to an automatic suspension and probable loss of Impact membership.

Player Responsibilities:

Players are expected to come to practices and games and participate in all drills and activities as instructed by the coach. Players are to be respectful of coaches, officials, opponents and teammates. A player’s direct defiance of an official or coach, use of abusive language or intentional striking of an official, coach or another player is not allowed. Striking an official or coach will lead to an automatic suspension from the team, probable loss of Impact membership and possible criminal charges. Excessive talking and other disruptive behavior during instruction in not acceptable and the coach have the right to remove a player from a practice session or game if behavior problems become serious. The coach should then contact the parents and try to work out a solution. If a player’s behavior problems continue to where the team functioning is seriously disrupted, the Coach should discuss the problem with the Division Director and may request a hearing to have the player removed from the team.

Remember the Player Code:

• Play soccer for the fun of it.
• Play by the Rules.
• Never argue with or complain about the referees calls or decisions and never question their honesty.
• Control your temper and most of all; resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
• Concentrate on playing soccer and on affecting the outcome of the game with your best effort. Work equally hard for your team and for yourself.
• Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your teams or your opponent’s.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve skills and feel good.
• Don’t be a showoff and a ball-hog.
• Remember to conduct yourself in a manner befitting someone representing themselves, their family and the Impact club.