These Game Day Procedures & Policies apply to LEAGUE MATCHES ONLY.
Referees
- U8–U12: 1-referee system
- Confirm referee assignments with the league prior to the match.
- If assigned referees do not arrive at the field, contact the referee assignor.
Referee No-Show Policy
If a referee does not show:
- Teams may play using a designated referee or parent.
- Both teams must agree to and approve the individual who will referee the match.
- If both teams elect to play the match as a friendly instead, both teams must notify the league prior to kickoff.
- Unless the league has been notified prior to kickoff that the match is being played as a friendly, if the game is played, the result stands.
- If the game is not played due to a referee no-show, the match will be rescheduled and the original home team will travel to the opposing team.
Grace Periods
- Referees: 30 minutes
- Home Team: 15 minutes
- Away Team: 30 minutes
Pre-Match Communication
Prior to game day, teams should:
- Confirm the game date, time and venue with the opponent.
- Update GotSport with all game details.
- Confirm uniform colors with the opponent.
- In the event of a color conflict, the home team must change.
- Confirm the applicable referee fees.
Pre-Match Requirements
Before each match:
- Update the Game Card.
- All secondary and club-pass players must be officially added to the Game Card.
- Handwritten players are not permitted.
- Print the Game Card.
- Bring the following to the match:
- Game Card
- Official roster
- Player passes
- Present the Game Card, roster and passes to the referee before kickoff.
- Provide the referee crew with payment for the match.
Referee Payment
Only referees who are physically present may be paid their portion of the referee fee.
If a member of the assigned referee crew is absent, that referee’s portion of the fee is not paid or divided among the referees who are present.
Post-Match
The game score must be entered following the match.
Scores may be entered using:
- The QR code located on the Game Card, or
- The score-reporting option available through the public schedule page.
Additional Rules
- Heading Policy: No deliberate heading for U11 and younger.
- Build-Out Line: The build-out line must be used for all 7v7 games.
- Substitutions: Unlimited substitutions are permitted.
Weekend On-Call Number
For referee no-shows, field issues or opponent no-shows, please contact:
240-444-7127
📋 Overview
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicability | Applies to all PPP league and tournament events |
| Participants | Players, coaches, parents, and spectators |
| Requirement | Must read, understand, and agree to follow |
| Enforcement | Disciplinary action may include reprimand, suspension, or expulsion |
| Purpose | Promote a positive, safe, fun, and developmental soccer experience |
The Player Pathway Program is committed to fostering an environment that emphasizes sportsmanship, respect, teamwork, and enjoyment. All adults play a key role in modeling proper behavior and supporting youth development.
⚽ Players’ Code of Conduct
Expectations:
- Play by the rules
- Play fairly and show good sportsmanship
- Work hard for yourself and your team
- Cooperate with coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials
- Show respect to opponents at all times
- Be gracious in defeat and dignified in victory
- Congratulate opponents after each game
- Play for fun
🎯 Coaches’ Code of Conduct
Expectations:
- Promote fun, friendships, and skill development
- Treat all participants with respect and dignity
- Provide positive reinforcement and encouragement
- Ensure safe equipment and facilities
- Respect all players regardless of background or ability
- Understand your influence on players and spectators
- Accept referee decisions respectfully
- Act in the best interest of the game and players
👨👩👧 Parents & Spectators Code of Conduct
Expectations:
- Support your child positively and unconditionally
- Remember children play for enjoyment
- Encourage participation, do not force it
- Focus on effort, not just results
- Promote fair play and resolve conflict respectfully
- Do not yell at or ridicule players
- Set a positive example and respect all participants
- Support a safe, abuse-free environment
- Inform coaches of injuries or special conditions
- Ensure players are prepared and on time
- Respect referees, especially youth officials
- Accept results gracefully
- Let coaches coach — avoid sideline instruction
⚖️ Enforcement
| Action | Details |
| Violations | Subject to review by PPP Board of Directors |
| Consequences | Reprimand, suspension, or expulsion from events |
✅ Acknowledgment
By participating in any PPP event as a player, coach, manager, parent, or spectator, you acknowledge that:
- You have read and understand the PPP Code of Conduct
- You agree to abide by all guidelines
- You will promote sportsmanship and respectful behavior