Playing Time

Southeast Soccer Club (SSC) firmly believes that all playing time must be earned during practices and games. Coaches consider factors such as attendance, performance, attitude, execution, and health when managing their rosters.

We recognize that managing playing time is one of the most challenging aspects of a coach’s role. Our approach varies across age groups to align with player development:

• Pre-Developmental Ages (U9–U12):
  Coaches strive to ensure playing time is as balanced as possible over the course of the season. If a player receives slightly less playing time in one game, efforts will be made to balance this in future matches, including tournaments.

• Developmental Ages (U13–U14) and Showcase Ages (U15+):
  Playing time is earned. Every player will participate in every game; however, minutes on the field will depend on attendance, performance, attitude, execution, health, and the coach’s assessment of the game’s flow.

• Roster Structure:
  For teams playing 11v11, game-day rosters are capped at 18 players, though full squads may carry up to 23. This mirrors high school and college soccer, where not every player is guaranteed minutes in every match. This structure fosters healthy competition, raises the team’s performance level, and prepares players for higher levels of play.

SSC fully supports coaches in their game-day decisions regarding playing time.

Conflict Policy

Attendance is critical to both individual and team development. Missing SSC events reduces valuable training and competition time, which will influence playing time.

The following guidelines apply when SSC players face conflicts with other teams or sports:

• Lower-Level Conflicts (Middle School, Travel Soccer, or other lower-level sports):
  If an SSC player misses an SSC event to compete at a lower level, their SSC playing time will be impacted. SSC represents a higher level of competition, and families make a greater financial and developmental commitment here than at lower levels.

• Same-Level Conflicts (AAU, equivalent club sports, etc.):
  If an SSC player misses an SSC event to compete for another team or sport at the same level, their SSC playing time will be impacted.

• Higher-Level Conflicts (NEFC MLS NEXT, Regional/National Programs, College Visits):
  If an SSC player misses an SSC event to compete at a higher level, or to attend a college visit with a soccer program, their SSC playing time will not be impacted. SSC fully supports players advancing their abilities and pursuing opportunities beyond our club.

24-Hour Policy

To maintain respectful and constructive communication, SSC enforces a 24-hour rule for parents following games.

• Parent Communication:
  Parents may not approach coaches at the field, nor contact them by call, text, or email until 24 hours after a game. This cooling-off period allows for reflection and gives coaches time to debrief, evaluate the match, and spend personal time with their families.

  • Concerns that remain after 24 hours may be addressed in a calm, respectful manner.

  • Parents who break this policy will be subject to review by the SSC Board of Directors.

• Player Communication:
  Players are encouraged to speak directly with their coaches at any time and are not subject to the 24-hour rule.

Refund Policy

SSC understands that unforeseen circumstances may arise during the season. Refunds will be considered under the following conditions:

• Relocation: Families who relocate outside the area may request a refund, reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• Season-Ending Injury: Players who suffer a season-ending injury may receive a full or partial refund depending on the timing of the injury.

• Voluntary Withdrawal: No refunds will be issued to families who withdraw voluntarily to pursue other sports or join another soccer club within a 50-mile radius of SSC’s home fields.

• Financial Aid Recipients: Players receiving financial aid who withdraw for reasons other than a season-ending injury must repay their full season fees within 30 days of withdrawal.

• Transfers: Players will not be transferred or released until all outstanding fees are paid in full.

Thank you for your commitment to SSC. These policies ensure consistency, fairness, and accountability across our club, allowing us to provide the best possible soccer environment for every player.