Attendance at practices and games is a must for all Internationals players. Players wishing to become better and succeed within the game will attend all practices and games with the
intent and
attitude of wanting to leave a better player. All players are expected to adhere to our
attendance policy for practices and games.
Practices
Practice is arguably the most important element in soccer development. Players must attend practice to develop to their full potential and to be aware of their team’s playing style and objectives. Attendance and commitment are major factors in growth and development, and will impact player placement and playing time.
Absence policy
If a player is unable to attend a practice, the following protocols must be followed:
- Notify the coach of an anticipated absence well in advanced of the practice.
- Notification through email is sufficient if it occurs 48 hours or more prior to the missed practice.
- If more than 48 hours of prior notice is not possible, notification through email AND a phone call is required.
- Players U13 and above: It is the player’s responsibility to notify the coach of an absence, not the parent’s responsibility.
Practice expectations:
- Players are at the field ready for practice no less than 5 minutes before the start time.
- Players are physically prepared - adequately hydrated and properly fueled according to nutritional guidelines distributed by the club; wearing proper attire including club training gear (shorts, shirt, soccer socks), shin guards, soccer shoes appropriate for the playing surface, appropriate cold weather apparel, no makeup or jewelry, water, and a properly inflated soccer ball.
- Are mentally prepared.
Games
We expect players to participate in all scheduled game activities and be properly prepared physically and mentally for the matches.
Absence policy:
If a player is unable to attend a game, the following protocols must be followed:
- Notify the coach AND team manager of absence well in advance of the game so that the proper adjustments to the game approach and player roster can be made.
- Notification through email is sufficient if it occurs 48 hours or more prior to the missed game.
- If advanced (48+ hrs prior to missed game) notice is not possible, notification through email AND a phone call is required.
- Players U13 and above: It is the player’s responsibility to notify the coach and manager of an absence, not the parent’s responsibility.
Game expectations:
It is crucial for the team to be properly warmed up and briefed by the coach prior to the kick-off of the game.
- Players must be at the field no less than 30 minutes prior to kick-off dressed and ready to play. Note: The coach may ask you to be there earlier.
- Players are physically prepared - adequately hydrated and properly fueled according to nutritional guidelines distributed by the club; wearing proper attire including club training gear (shorts, shirt, soccer socks), shin guards, soccer shoes appropriate for the playing surface, appropriate cold weather apparel, no makeup or jewelry, water, and a properly inflated soccer ball.
- Players are mentally prepared. This includes eliminating distractions such as mobile phones. No mobile phones are to be in use by players, or turned on, 30 minutes prior to kickoff, during the game, and 30 minutes after the game.
- We expect players to arrive fresh and ready to impact the game. Sleepovers and other physical activities are to be tempered on game days.
Injured Players
Although we hope they never occur and we do our best to educate our players on the prevention of injuries, injuries are a fact of life in athletic participation. Injured players are expected to attend practices and games whenever possible. Attendance helps the injured player to gain important and valuable information provided by the coaches. Watching the game provides additional information and shows support for the team.