Club Policies


Player Code of Conduct

Club and Personal Behavior 

  • I will play by the rules of soccer and in the spirit of the game. 

  • I will show respect at all times for all coaches, all referees, all players, all spectators and all club officials. 

  • I will control my temper. I will not fight and refrain from using foul or abusive language or inappropriate gestures. 

  • I will be a team player. 

  • I know that winning isn't everything - being a team member, having fun, playing fair, improving my skills, making friends and doing my best are all important. 

  • I understand that, as a player of Pennine FC, I am one of the organization's representatives, and I will always conduct myself in a responsible manner at and outside of Pennine FC activities, and my behavior is not the responsibility of my club, coach, manager, or teammates but the responsibility of myself and of my family. 

  • I will not take part in any form of bullying, either to an opposing player or to a player on my team. Bullying in any form, whether in person, electronically (any form of social media), or other means will not be tolerated. 

  • I will never take part in a practice, game, or team event while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

 

Games and Practices 

  • I recognize that practices and games are equally important. 

  • I will arrive at the field before practices and games according to the standards set by my team coach. 

  • I understand that my behavior at tournaments is a reflection on the club and I am responsible for my behavior and any consequences of my behavior. 

  • If I cannot make a game or practice, I will notify the team Coach at least 48 hours in advance so that arrangements for substitutes can be made. 

  • I will shake the opponents and the referees’ hands after the match. 

  • I will plan to stay 10 minutes after a game to have a team talk. 

  • I will put away all electronic devices (cell phones, video games, etc.) before arrival at my practice, games or team events, and leave them off until I am finished. 

  • I realize that playing time is not always going to be equal despite my coaches attempting to equalize. In fact, some teams (higher level competitive teams) are permitted to use an “earned playing time” system. 

  • I will leave all venues as neat and tidy as I found them, and will remove all refuse from my area. 

  • I will keep my coaching staff aware of any injuries


 Uniform and Equipment 

  • I will take good care of my uniform and wear it only on game days or designated club days. 

  • I will respect and take care of all Pennine FC equipment, facilities, and outside locations Pennine FC utilizes.

  • I will wear the club approved training gear, shin guards, socks and appropriate footwear at all games and practices asked by the staff, and I will line up my bag once I arrive at training and games. 

  • I will wear the appropriate color uniform for matches, while bringing all uniform pieces to every game in the event my team has to switch colors.


Media Policy

Pennine FC engages in various correspondence with parents, players, and members of the community regarding soccer programming including maintaining a website on the internet, publishing a bulletin and or newsletter or brochure, publishing articles in community newsletters or producing videos, etc collectively. Parents or guardians authorize (on waiver) the Club to use, adapt, copy, modify, and post images online and in publications now or in the future as Pennine FC deems appropriate. Parents understand and agree that there will be no compensation provided to parents or players by Pennine FC or by any third party for the images for this authorization and rights granted to the Club by the parents. Parents or players may cancel this authorization at any time by providing written notice to Pennine FC, over email or written letter. In addition, parents may at any time, direct Pennine FC in writing at the same address to remove any image from its website or social media platforms. Within a reasonable time after such direction, Pennine FC will remove the images of the player from its web site and delete them from future publications.


Deposit Policy

Payment of the requested deposit will secure your position on Pennine FC roster for the season.


Payment Policy

Upon paying the deposit you will have an option to sign up for automatic monthly payments. Balances must be current to participate in games and training. If a player is behind two (2) or more payments, an eligibility issue will be created, possibly removing the player from Upperhand’s communications, coaches will be notified and the player cannot participate until the balance is caught up. Full payment will close the ineligibility issue and restore the player to full participation. A $35.00 late fee will be applied to each installment that is more than 30 days past due. 


Refund Policy

Upon accepting an offer to join Pennine FC, it is expected that a player is committing to play for the full session.  Once rosters are set, each team is subject to certain expenses that cannot be recouped should a player later withdraw from the team.  As such, leaving the team can negatively impact the remaining players both financially and competitively. Players and families are expected to give serious consideration to this commitment before accepting an offer.


Once a player has accepted an offer and paid the deposit, there will be no refund issued.  Also if any time the player quits during the season, any money paid shall not be refunded.


Under extenuating circumstances or conditions not directly covered by this policy, the Treasurer, while consulting all necessary parties, will consider refund requests submitted in writing on a case-by-case basis. Any decision made to return a portion of fees paid will not include the initial deposit as that is non-refundable.

The ONLY exceptions to this NO REFUND POLICY are in the instances where:

The player has moved out of the area, beyond a reasonable traveling distance from the home field site


The player is injured in such a manner that he/she is unavailable to play for the entire season and a doctor’s note can be provided


The team does not form, which any money paid, including the deposit, will be refunded.

This policy is in accordance with the Ohio Soccer Handbook for Member Clubs, Associations and Leagues.Refunds: For any refunds given past 24 hours of payment, the CC processing fees are not refunded.


Parent Expectations

Parents are expected to adhere to the following Code of Conduct and to be supportive no matter the game results: 

  • I pledge my support to all participants in Pennine FC activities including my player, his/her team members and coaches. 

  • During games and practice sessions, I will refrain from making negative comments and I will not publicly criticize or discredit any player.

  • I will let the coach perform his/her job and will not interfere by attempting to coach any player (including my own), from the sideline. Should a question arise over coaching decisions, I agree to discuss with the coach my concerns in private at a later period. If I’m dissatisfied with my off-the-field discussion with the coach, I will talk to the Pennine FC Owner/admin. 

  • I will respect referees at all times. Even if I disagree with a call, under no circumstances will I ever confront or harass a referee directly during or after a game. I understand that it is the prerogative of the Coach to speak with referees. Should a referee stop a game to address my comments, I understand that there may be further disciplinary actions taken at the discretion of the Coach and or Owner.

  • I promise to respect opposing teams and their fans. Under no circumstances will I harass, engage or talk to a player from the other team, nor will I engage a parent from the other team in a confrontational manner. 

  • I understand that, as a member of Pennine FC, I represent this organization. I pledge to always show good sportsmanship and conduct myself in a manner of being a high-quality community organization. 

  • I also assume responsibility for encouraging my family members to follow this Code of Conduct without compromise. 

  • I understand that my Pennine FC membership is contingent upon compliance with this Code of Conduct. Should I fail to comply, I may be subject to disciplinary measures at the discretion of the Coach or Owner.


Things for Parents to Remember

Parents should remember that when a player willingly participates in sports, it is for the enjoyment of the player not the parent.  Please encourage your player to compete, adhere to all rules, and resolve all conflicts amicably and without any hostility.  Reminding your player that development in soccer is a marathathon-like process, full of many ups and downs, will assist them in enjoying success and dealing with setbacks.