Shin guards are REQUIRED and players shall not participate in games or training without them.

All players, regardless of ability, attendance, etc, are entitled to play a minimum of 50% of every game. It is the coach's responsibility to ensure that all players get equal opportunities to participate and play.

Mod games played between Nortac teams will be refereed by the coaches. Perhaps "moderated" is a better word. This has worked out very well in our previous six seasons, and disputes between coaches have been extremely rare. If anything, the ability to call fouls whenever they want tends to make most coaches less anxious and there is much less sideline drama than you will find in neighboring soccer programs. With the 2013-2010 age groups, we allow the coaches to be out there on the field among the kids if needed. In addition to guiding the players in regards to when the ball is in and out of play, how to restart the ball, etc, the coach's main duty is the safety of the players. Any coach can call a foul at any time, and coaches should not dispute each other's calls. Whistles are not necessary but can be used. Typically in Mod Soccer, there are not many fouls to call, but fouls should be called for instructional and safety purposes. And while it is important that the kids learn the proper rules of the game, coaches should refrain from nit-picking and being a stickler for minor points of the rules or calling fouls in order to give their group a competitive advantage. The main objective is to keep the game flowing, but in a safe, fun, and fair manner that allows kids to play properly and use their skills.

Any conflicts or issues that cannot be easily resolved should be brought to the attention of the Technical Director or Field Marshall immediately

The most important theme as far as safety goes is the proper use of the arms. Pushing (not ramming) shoulder to shoulder is allowed as long as excessive force is not used, but arms and elbows should be kept down. Coaches should keep an eye on how players use their hands and arms, and grabbing, pushing & shoving with hands, and shirt pulling are all against the rules and should never be tolerated. Players need to learn the proper way to defend & challenge for the ball and "Letting the kids play" does not mean "letting them foul each other". Kicking and tripping players are both fouls and should always be called as well. Aggressive play in itself is not to be discouraged, but reckless/careless play and the use of unnecessary or excessive force against an opponent should be immediately clamped down at these ages. If one of these infractions occurs a foul should be called and the infraction should be explained to the offending player. Players are responsible for the outcomes of their own actions and behaviors, regardless of whether those actions and behaviors were intentional or not. "I was going for the ball" is not an excuse for illegal or violent contact or actions.

Because all age groups have the same uniform color, scrimmage vests will be provided to differentiate the two teams on game day. The "away" team (the team listed second in the schedule) shall wear the scrimmage vests unless the coaches reach a different agreement on their own.