The following guidelines describe a coach's responsibility to ensure fair playing time for U10, U11 and U12 players.

• Colts believes in a fair playing time policy. Coaches are responsible for each player playing a minimum of 50% of the total playing time per game*. In addition, coaches are encouraged to alternate starting players.
• Provided every player played a minimum of 50%, extra play time is acceptable. Allocating extra playing time is a coaching decision. Coaches should allocate extra play time with discretion in light of the competitive environment. In competitive games, a coach may allocate extra play time to more experienced players. If a team is winning, a coach may allocate extra play time to developing players. In both scenarios, all players received a minimum of 50% playing time. Coaches accept the responsibility that their discretion is an important part of individual player development, team performance and level of fun.
• Coaches are encouraged to avoid assigning a starters or special teams. Instead, use the honor of starting a game to reward the kids who exhibit impressive effort, focus and team spirit during practice.
• U12 is a transitional year. For U12 regular season and friendly games, coaches are responsible for each player playing a minimum of 50% of the total playing time per game*. During competitive tournaments and playoffs, playing time may vary and be less than 50% per game. Coaches are responsible for communicating to players and parents when playing time will be less than 50% per game. Communications should occur before the day of the game. During all games, coaches are responsible for playing each player in each half of each game.
• It is understood that coaches do not have a stop watch to time player field time. The expectation is for coaches to adopt and enforce the fair playing time as best they can while maintaining sideline structure. There is no need to embarrass a player by having them play an unfamiliar position to provide fair play time. If a player misses playing time, the coach should attempt to make it up during a future game. Common sense should prevail.
• In the event that a player does not meet the minimum playing time, please communicate the concern to the coach. If a player consistently does not meet the minimum playing time, please contact the Director of Coaching or President of Colts.

* At all age groups, players may receive less playing time for failing to participate in practices and games or for disciplinary reasons.