Cornwall FA Guidance: Equal Playing Time in Youth Football

When considering "equal playing time" there are two important things to remember.

Why children play

They play because it is fun – but the fun is in the playing. It is most fun for those who play the most, and not so much fun if a child is denied the opportunity to play in matches.

The coach's purpose

The role of the coach is fundamentally to provide an opportunity for children to have a positive experience. For most players, many of their positive experiences revolve around their playing time. Many of the challenges in the "equal playing time" debate can be lessened by a club or coach philosophy which clearly defines its position and intentions, underpinned by codes of conduct that communicate that philosophy and manage expectations for how players get game time.

Ten reasons equal playing time is the best strategy for player development

1. Maximises long-term player developmentWithout access to playing time, quality coaching or critical game situations (such as playing against special teams or cup semis and finals), players who started late or are temporarily behind their peers physically or mentally are less likely to improve. These same players may actually have more long-term potential if given the same opportunities to develop.
2. Development v winningWhy do some coaches persist in playing their "best" players all the time and ignoring the needs of new or less-skilled players? There is only one answer: they want to win so much that they dare not risk a player who might make a mistake. If a coach is focused on providing equal playing time, they can't be equally focused on the score. That should stay in their peripheral vision while they focus on game and skill development.
3. Fun increases motivationThe number one reason children play sport is to have fun. Enjoying football is the main reason children work hard in practice and spend their free time playing. Not playing isn't fun and can result in children who are less motivated, improve less, and may choose to quit.
4. Social and psychological well-beingWhat is the effect on the self-esteem of a player who starts as a substitute and only plays a couple of minutes each week? As coaches we have a duty to consider the effect our actions have on a child's wider development, and to be accountable for the part we play in it.
5. Builds confidence and resilienceFrom a small child to the world's greatest athlete, those who are confident are confident because they have attempted a skill thousands of times, tried and failed in a supported environment, then tried again and got it right. This is a valuable life lesson, and only exposure to opportunity allows the child to benefit.
6. Enhances teamworkWhen players feel everyone is an important part of the team and is treated fairly, they focus on working together. When teamwork improves, players are more likely to make friends, have fun, and the team has a better chance of success.
7. Players develop at different agesHow do we know which seven, ten or twelve-year-old will be the best player at twenty-one? We have no idea who has the potential to be special. Children who excel now won't necessarily still be a shining star four years on. Rotating positions gives players varied experience, adds to their game understanding, and stops us stereotyping attributes to positions.
8. Improves relationships between coaches and parentsOne of the most common causes of disagreement between coaches and parents is playing time. By providing equal opportunities to play, coaches set the stage for more positive relationships. Parents want to see their child in the game, and a lack of playing time can cause frustration directed at coaches – and at children on the car ride home.
9. Minimises drop-outA high percentage of children who play football stop before they reach fifteen. A recent study found the top five reasons were: lack of playing time; over-emphasis on winning; other activities being more interesting; lack of fun; and coaching or adult behaviours.
10. Minimises fatigueWhen teams fail to rotate players, the top players can be fatigued by the end of a game while the lesser-skilled players are cold, stiff and have less game experience. In the professional game, academy rules under the Elite Player Performance Plan oblige clubs to evidence that all squad members play at least 50% of games – clear recognition of the need to develop players holistically.

A policy some grassroots clubs adopt

Coaches and managers of Under 6 to Under 11 teams ensure that all players receive equal playing time for each and every game. The only exception is where a player is injured or does not want to play.

Coaches and managers of Under 12 to Under 16 teams ensure that all players receive equal playing time across the whole season. These age groups differ because in some games, due to the superiority of the opposition, one or two players may struggle to compete, which could lead to a loss of confidence or a risk of injury. A coach may give some players greater playing time in those games, with the time made up for others against weaker opposition.

What matters most is that whatever policy or philosophy a coach or club adopts, it is clear, transparent and consistent, so that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

Source: Cornwall FA Guidance – Equal Playing Time in Youth Football.