SPORTSMANSHIP
 

Doesn't it seem unfair that a team with seven players would have to compete against a team with eleven players? Shouldn't the team with eleven or more, sit some of its players? The answer is: No. The team whose players all showed up for the game should not be penalized. Can a coach with 11 choose not to play all his players--yes, but only if it doesn't affect our region's "three quarter play" rule. Can a coach lend players to the other team. Yes, BUT at that point it becomes a forfeit and the competitive match is over. We generally do not recommend that coaches go that route.

On the other hand, winning coaches shouldn't let the score get out of hand. There is no reason to beat another team 7-0. It's only fun for the winning team. The losing team's players, coaches and spectators will not appreciate it one bit. Winning coaches sometimes respond with the excuse that they "have pulled their players back." If that isn't working, up the ante. For example, a coach could tell his players that they can only shoot with the non-dominate foot, or only shoot from outside of the penalty area, or pass the ball ten times before shooting (or any combination thereof). If your team has a commanding lead, take the opportunity to work on building skills, not building a crushing lead.

U10 games are 9 V 9, with a minimum of six required players on the field. U12 and above are 11 V 11, with a minimum of seven players. If a team starts the match with the minimum number of players and one of those players has to leave the game, the match would be declared a forfeit. At that point, coaches could agree to lend players to the team that is short and play the rest of the game as a 'friendly match.'

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