Over the last several years the one question that never seems to disappear is the concern from parents and players regarding "playing time". The pre conceived notion that by paying a club fee gives the player and family guaranteed playing time is unrealistic.

What the club can guarantee is the most qualified training staff and player development opportunities within Cincinnati . It is therefore up to the individual, and family, to take advantages of these opportunities and use them to their best interest.

Multi sport athletes are encouraged within the club, especially at the early stages of their development. As our players mature, the demands of soccer become greater, and although we still encourage are athletes to play multiple sports, individual sacrifices and a dedication to the program become a priority to the team and coach. Therefore, it is very important that we understand a players priority when a conflict arises with our training night or game. Attendance at team practice and games is essential. We do however, under the right circumstances allow our multi sport athletes to make up their missed training night with another team. This scenario is not the norm, and requires individual guidance from the club in every case.

At U9 our players are selected Premier and down, creating more competitive teams within the CUSL league and on a level with the other local soccer clubs. The 8v8 game will now see our top 2 or 3 players on the team playing the majority of the game, with the other girls rotating in and out of the game as the coach sees necessary. As our players mature and enter the 11v11 game, time spent on the field will increase, as will the number of players playing the majority of the game. However, all players will see the field, and playing time should not be an issue.

During the early stages of a player's development (U8-U10), time on the field is essential. Therefore, the demands and expectations of the players and family are far less that that of an older player. In order to create the right attitude and environment to maximize learning, certain guidelines and rules need to be in place.

It is no longer good enough to just show up when you want, give a mediocre effort and expect to play at the weekend. We, as coaches and trainers need to demand more from our players and parents. Missing practice or giving a poor effort should all affect the amount of playing time a player receives.

Therefore, I ask that each coach follow this simple rule regarding playing time:

Missed practice (U8-10):
At this age I believe effort, a willingness to learn, (not necessarily improve), should provide a player with the same opportunities as any to play at the weekend. If a player misses practice then the only rule should be that they do not start the game. Rewarding the players that show up for practice is still vital to creating the right learning environment.

Player development at this age is our only goal. Therefore, player rotation/positions within the field are essential to the overall knowledge and understanding of the game. However, constant substitutions and player rotation within the game helps nobody. Players need to have time on the field and learn not only from their success, but from their own mistakes.

Other factors that need to be taken into consideration are squad size, fitness of the players, role playing and the impact an individual has within the game. Some players will always play more than others. However, during this early learning phase, playing time, the success of the individual and keeping the interest of the player and parents is vital.

Missed practice (U11-U18):
"For every missed practice a player will be guaranteed to miss 1/3 of a game".

Education and religion will be the only exceptions to the rule. Conflicts with other sports, and I highly recommend our younger players to participate in all sports, must follow the same rules.

Obviously situations will arise throughout the season regarding players missing practice for reasons other than those stated above. Therefore, I ask that you use your own discretion, but at the same time take into consideration the rest of the playing squad. Your decision however must not be influenced by the importance of the up coming game.

Participation at practice is vital to the success of your team and to the club.

Inevitably all players attend practice, put forth 100% effort and leave knowing they stand the very best chance of starting the game at the weekend. As a coach, your training environment has now been created.

Players arrive early to warm-up, they become focused, and their attitude towards practice is exceptional.

All that remains is your decision as to who starts the game. Given the above scenario it all comes down to the level of skill an individual possess. However, this is not an ideal world; players will not always give 100% therefore making your decisions much easier.

Other factors that need to be taken into consideration are squad size, fitness of the players, role playing and the impact an individual has within the game. As teams reach maturity the more relevant this becomes!

Conclusion:
Analyzing the information above is quite simple. The burden now becomes the players. More responsibility has been placed on the individual. This creates a more controlled working environment from which a player knows they can be rewarded for their efforts. Players will start to demand that their own team mates show up for practice and give 100%, because inevitably, a player's lack of attendance or effort affects the other players around her. Team chemistry begins to blossom.