1. Purpose

This policy ensures transparency, fairness, and clarity around player selection and game time at Knox United Soccer Club (KUSC). It sets out the expectations for players, parents, coaches, and club management, and provides a framework for resolving concerns in a respectful and productive manner.

2. Philosophy

KUSC is a community club committed to player development, participation, and the growth of football — particularly through our female pathway program. We believe that a positive, structured environment benefits every player, regardless of age or ability.

Our player philosophy is segmented by age group, reflecting the different development needs of players as they progress through the club.

3. Under 8 to Under 12 — Participation Focus

Squad Size

Squad numbers should be maintained at the specified team player number (e.g 7 for Under 8) plus a minimum of 2 reserves.

Game Time

Each player will be afforded equal game time where possible. Game time may not be equal in every game, but all players will receive reasonable weekly game time and equal game time across the season. This is subject to training attendance, availability, attitude, and behaviour being equal or reasonable.

Positions

There will be no fixed positions in younger age groups unless there is a specific player and team agreement (e.g. a player who prefers to play goalkeeper). Players are encouraged to experience and learn different positions.

Awards

No individual awards are awarded in Under 8 teams.  Individual awards such as top goal scorer trophies can be awarded in Under 9 to Under 12 age groups - this is a team decision.

4. Under 13 and Above — Performance & Development Focus

From Under 13 onwards, the approach to selection and game time reflects the increased competitive nature of football at these levels, and the club's commitment to developing a strong and sustainable player pathway.

Coach Authority

Squad selection and all playing matters are the sole responsibility of the appointed coach. Decisions are based on merit, training performance, attitude, availability, and the tactical needs of the team.

Parent and Committee Conduct

From Under 13 onwards, parents and committee members are expected to refrain from involving themselves in squad selection or playing matters. Uninvited involvement or pressure regarding selection decisions is not acceptable and will not be tolerated by the club.

Reasonable Equity

As a community club, KUSC maintains a commitment to reasonably equitable game time across the season for all registered players — provided that training attendance, attitude, behaviour, and availability are satisfactory.

Factors That Affect Game Time

A player's game time may be impacted by:

• Attendance at training sessions
• Punctuality and availability on game days
• Attitude and behaviour at training and games
• Performance and development progress
• Tactical and positional requirements of the team

5. Female Pathway

KUSC is actively investing in and strengthening its female football pathway. Selection decisions in female age groups reflect not only current performance but the long-term development of players within that pathway. Parents and players in female teams are encouraged to embrace a development mindset and understand that game time decisions are made with individual and collective growth in mind.

6. Raising Concerns

KUSC encourages open and respectful communication. If a player is experiencing difficulties with game time, training, or any other aspect of their football, the following process applies.

7. Summary of Responsibilities

This policy should be read alongside the KUSC Code of Conduct and is reviewed annually by the club committee.