Playing time is to be divided evenly over the first 3 quarters. Coaches have greater discretion during the 4th quarter, but are encouraged to allow all players the opportunity to close games.. Coaches are encouraged to have all players start a game, and all efforts should be made to not have players sit out an entire quarter. However, players that do not consistently attend practices and games, or exhibit poor attitude/behavior, will not be afforded the minimum playing time per our playing time policies. Further, a poor team commitment may impact player selection the following year.
7th and 8th Grade
In 7th grade we expect each player to play a minimum of 40% of the game and for the 8th grade approximately 1/3 of the game. That said we encourage our coaches to maximize playing time for each player when practical. While this is a competitive travel program and coaches in these grades have a little more discretion in rotating their players, we do not want any player "riding the bench" under any circumstance. Similar to younger ages, coaches are encouraged to allow every player to start and finish a game, and not have players sit out an entire quarter. However, players that do not consistently attend practices and games, or exhibit poor attitude/behavior, will not be afforded the minimum playing time per our playing time policies. Further, a poor team commitment may impact player selection the following year.
Alternates
Alternates attend all practices with their team. They play in games when one of the regular players on the team is absent for an extended period. When Alternates play in a game, they are afforded the same minimum playing time as a regular player. In the case of a team with more than one alternate, Alternates rotate games in which they play. It is the responsibility of the Team Manager to alert an Alternate player when they are invited to play in a game. Alternates are invited to attend all games with their team and sit on the bench if they choose, even if they are not playing; however, they are only eligible to play in that game if the Team Manager has so indicated in advance of the game.
Playoffs
For playoff games, coaches will be allowed more discretion in playing time, including reducing, but not eliminating, minimum playing time requirements.
