323 Youth – Playtime Compliance & Head Coach Accountability Policy

Every athlete in 323 Youth must participate in at least one full 9-minute rotation per half, with the final two minutes of each half designated as “Open Substitution.” This rule applies to every regular-season and playoff game and exists to guarantee a fair, developmental experience for all players. The only valid exceptions are Injury/Illness during the game or Official removal by a referee or league staff member. Any other reason for reduced playtime is considered non-compliance.

1. Why This Policy Exists

323 Youth is built on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to play, improve, and feel part of the team — regardless of skill level or the score of the game. This policy is not about micromanaging coaches — it’s about protecting players and upholding the standard that defines our league’s culture. Head Coaches are trusted with leadership and integrity. With that trust comes accountability.

2. Verification Process

A. Coach Confirmation

After each game, the Head Coach will confirm to the referee or field marshal that: “All players received their required playtime.” This will be marked on the official game card as: Coach Confirmed Playtime Compliance.

B. League Observation & Review

League staff, directors, or field marshals may occasionally observe rotations throughout the season. Their role is not to interfere — only to ensure the standard is being followed and players are visibly participating fairly. If concerns arise, staff will address them privately after the game, never during play.

C. Reports & Follow-Up

If repeated or credible reports suggest that players are not receiving their minimum playtime, the league will review the situation privately with the Head Coach. If verified, the league will apply the appropriate consequence from the progressive scale below.

3. Consequences for Head Coaches

These consequences apply only to the Head Coach, never to players or game outcomes. 323 Youth will not penalize children or teammates for the actions of adults.

Level 1 – Formal Warning & Education: First verified offense or self-admitted mistake. The coach receives a formal written warning and meets briefly with the League Director. The coach must acknowledge how rotations will be managed in future games.

Level 2 – Game Suspension (Coach Only): Second verified offense in the same season. The Head Coach is suspended for the next scheduled game. The team still plays their game as normal — no penalty, forfeit, or disruption to the players.

Level 3 – Removal of Coaching Privileges: Third verified offense in a single season, or a deliberate attempt to manipulate or ignore the playtime rule. The Head Coach is removed from coaching duties for the remainder of the season and becomes ineligible for the next season.

Level 4 – Permanent Ineligibility: Repeated pattern of playtime violations across multiple seasons, or any act of dishonesty such as falsifying compliance. The coach becomes permanently ineligible to coach in 323 Youth.

4. Playoff Enforcement (Coach Accountability Still Applies)

During playoffs, the same 9-minute rotation policy applies — no modifications or leniency. The only valid exceptions remain injury/illness or official ejection. A violation during playoffs automatically triggers a Level 2 suspension (coach-only), regardless of prior history. No playoff games will ever be forfeited due to coach violations. Teams always continue, but the coach may lose the privilege of finishing the season on the sideline.

5. Documentation and Transparency

All confirmed violations will be documented in the league’s internal coach file. Coaches will always have an opportunity to respond or provide context. Disciplinary actions will remain private — communicated only to the coach, not parents or teams. Coaches who complete a full season without issues return to Good Standing automatically.

6. Communication & Prevention

Before each season, the rule will be reviewed in the Coaches Meeting. Coaches will sign a Playtime Commitment Form acknowledging full understanding of the policy. Referees and field marshals will be briefed to help reinforce it respectfully, never confrontationally.

Coach Commitment Form Statement:

“I understand that 323 Youth operates as a development-first league. I commit to ensuring every player receives their minimum playtime each game. I acknowledge that only injury or official ejection qualify as valid exceptions, and I accept full responsibility for maintaining compliance. I understand that failure to do so may result in suspension or removal from coaching duties.”

7. Integrity & Recognition

323 Youth will also recognize coaches who consistently uphold the standard by introducing the 'Coach of the Season Award,' presented each season to one coach per division who demonstrates excellence in fairness, rotation management, and sportsmanship.

8. Summary Table

9. Tone of Enforcement

This policy is not punitive toward players — no team penalties, no forfeits, no loss of standings. The intent is to protect kids, not to punish teams. Every consequence targets the adult decision-maker — the one responsible for modeling fairness, leadership, and integrity.

10. Practice Requirements

To ensure fairness, development, and commitment to the team, all players must attend at least 50% of scheduled team practices in order to be eligible for the Playtime Guarantee (minimum one full 9-minute rotation per half).

The purpose of this requirement is not to punish players, it’s to respect the weekly effort of teammates, help coaches plan rotations effectively, and reinforce that consistent participation is a commitment shared by every athlete and family.

Valid Excused Absences

The following reasons count toward practice attendance:

·         Illness

·         School events

·         Church events

·         Family emergencies

Unexcused absences (no communication/other sport practices) do not count.

Players must attend at least 50% of practices to qualify for the Playtime Guarantee. Players below this threshold will still play in every game but may receive reduced guaranteed minutes (minimum one full 9-minute rotation). Coaches must notify the parent and the league before adjusting playtime. Attendance waiver may be granted for legitimate circumstances.