Program Goal
To produce the most advanced U12 team in Connecticut (and as they grow to the higher age groups) with emphasis on individual and team skills and tactics. 

Attendance 
Mandatory at all times.  Attendance records are being kept and are part of the selection process for next year. Playing time will also be based on attendance in part. Players missing weekly training sessions will sit out the first half. 

Absence 
If a player misses an event, please ask for any handouts that were distributed at the missed session. 

Game Punctuality
It is important to prepare mentally and physically for each match.  If all players are not present 45 minutes prior to roll-off or designated time, we cannot begin match preparation in a cohesive way.  Players arriving late will not start. 

Rain Policy
It never rains on the soccer field unless the fields are closed.  The burden will fall on each player to make the call to the coaches or team manager for cancellations.  Cancellations will be determined not less than two hours prior to training or matches.  If in doubt, call so you will not be counted as absent. 

Rainy Days 
On wet days, players should pack a change of clothing so they can change after training.  If this procedure is followed, team health will be maintained. 

Training Uniforms
Players must wear these to training sessions. 

Positional Play 
For the most part, players will play two positions during the season.  There has to be a balance between team success and personal development. 

Player Uniform and Equipment 
The cost is approximately $260 for two seasons which includes two full uniforms, training jerseys, sleeveless shirts and team bags. 

Playing Up
While there may be doubts about playing older teams and getting pushed around, all Yankee United teams play up to seek out the best competition in the area to maximize training and skills development.  All the top teams play up because it accelerates their learning curve and prepares them for the rigors of regional and national competition. 

Game Uniform
Please bring both uniforms to all matches and tournaments. 

Telephone Chain
It is essential to continue telephone chain calling.  When a person is not home or when a message is left on an answering machine, you must call the next person in line so the chain is not broken.  Recall the absent person when there is no answer or no machine. 

Personal Conduct (All)
There will be no coaching by any parent from the sidelines.  We are very serious about this.  If you must yell, only positive encouragement -  no instruction.  We may lose the game but not our dignity.  The referees are to be respected no matter how bad the call.  Only the coach will talk to the officials.  There will be no taunting and no hostile verbal exchanges with other players, parents, or anyone associated with the sport.  This program teaches social responsibility. 

Website (Incl. Directions)
All activities will be listed on the website including travel directions. If you do not have access, call a family that does. 

ODP
ODP tryouts will be held in the fall.  All Yankee players are required to tryout.  ODP is more important for college admission credentials than high school awards.  Soccer players and other athletes typically fall into a special pool with greater consideration for admission to competitive colleges. 

Playing Time Policy
A lot of factors are taken into consideration on playing time.  These are...

• Attendance
• Punctuality
• 100% Effort
• 100% Cooperation
• Amount of Learning During Training
• Performance During Games
• Injuries
• Team needs

Playing Time in Perspective: We play a 30 game schedule compared to 15-20 games for most teams.  Every player will play more minutes in our program than for most other teams; even those that play less on our team.  Keepers typically play 50% of a game when there are two keepers on a team and do not complain about playing time.  Field players who play 60-90% are sometimes not happy with their playing times.

Competitive Matches:  It is a no-win situation for any coach in balancing individual needs and team needs in connection with playing time. Coaches don't determine who plays in Championship / State Cup / Region I play; the players do. However, only eleven may play in championship or cup matches as team needs take priority over player need.