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 the 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 involved in the “equal playing time” debate can be lessened by the development of a club or
coach philosophy which clearly defines the club/coach philosophical position and intentions and can be
further underpinned by using codes of conduct which communicate club/coach philosophy in terms of
allocation of playing time and can manage expectations for how players get game time.
Here are ten reasons why Cornwall FA considers that equal playing time is the best
strategy for player development.
1) Maximises long term player development
Without access to playing time, quality coaching or experiencing critical game situations (such as playing
against special teams or cup semis/finals), players who started playing late or are temporarily behind their
peers in terms of physical or mental development are less likely to improve. These same players may actually
have more long term potential if provided with the same opportunities to develop.
2) Development v Winning
Why do some coaches persist in playing their “best” players all the time and ignoring the needs of their new
or not-so-skilled players? There is only one answer: they want to win matches so much that they dare not
take a risk with a player who might make a mistake and cost the team a goal. If a coach is focused on
providing equal playing time, they can’t be equally focussed on the score and winning. The coach can have
this in his/her peripheral vision but instead should be more focussed on game/skill development.
3) Fun increases motivation
The number one reason children play sports is to have fun. Enjoying playing football is the main reason
children work hard in practice and spend their free time playing and practicing on his/her own. Not playing
isn’t fun and can result in children who are less motivated to not improve, have less fun and who may choose
to quit.
4) Social/psychological well-being of the players
What is the effect on the self-esteem of a player who starts as a substitute and only plays a couple of
minutes every week? Are they adversely affected by being openly acknowledged as less able in terms of their
social standing amongst their friends and peers? As coaches we have a duty to consider the effect that our
actions have in the child’s development in a wider sense and to be accountable for the part we play in it.
5) Builds confidence and resilience
From a small child to the world’s greatest athlete, those who are confident are confident because they have
attempted a skill or taken thousands of shots, tried and failed many times in a supported environment, then
tried again and got it right. This is a valuable life lesson and only by exposure to opportunity can the child
benefit.
6) Enhances Teamwork
When players feel that everyone is an important part of the team and are treated fairly, they are more likely
to focus on working together. When teamwork improves, players are more likely to make friends, have fun
during training and matches, and the team will have a better chance of experiencing success.
7) Players develop at different ages
How do we know which players aged, 7, 10, or 12, will be the best player aged 21? The reality is we have no
idea who has the potential to be the special player. Children that excel now won’t necessarily still be a
shining star four years from now. All players develop at their own pace. Coaches should allow them to make
mistakes and learn the game, without a dependence on the final score. It also may make sense to rotate
positions so that the players have varied game positional experience which adds to their ever growing game
understanding. It also stops us from stereotyping player attributes to positions e.g. a player is tall so they
might be a centre back or someone who is quick so let’s play him/her in a wide position. This fails to account
for the fact that an early developer might be tall for their age but eventually, at age 21 are not tall
comparatively and are stuck with their formative football experience in a position which does not eventually
suit them.
8) Improve relationships between coaches and parents
One of the most common causes of disagreements between coaches and parents is the subject of playing
time. By providing players with equal opportunities to play, coaches set the stage for more positive
relationships with parents. Parents want to see their child in the game, and when they don’t, it hurts. Lack of
playing time can cause frustration directed at coaches, and children on the car ride home.
9) Minimise drop out
Sadly, a high percentage of children who play football stop playing the game before they get to the age of 15.
A recent study found the top five reasons for the high dropout rate were:
- Lack of playing time
- Overemphasis on winning
- Other activities are more interesting
- Lack of fun
- Coaching/adult behaviours
10) Minimise fatigue
When teams fail to rotate players, the top players potentially could be fatigued by the end of the game and
the lesser skilled players could be cold, stiff and have less game experience.
Interestingly in the professional game academies are governed by rules and regulations of the Elite Player
Performance Plan (EPPP) in which clubs are obliged to evidence that all squad members must play at least
50% of games. This is clear recognition of the need to allow development of players holistically in their own
time. The job of the clubs and the coaches is to provide the developmental platform. In the grassroots game
some clubs have adopted the following policy:
Coaches and Managers of Under 6 to Under 11 teams must 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 for
whatever reason.
Coaches and Managers of Under 12 to Under 16 teams must ensure that all players receive equal playing
time over the entire season. These age groups differ from the younger players 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, worse still, a risk of injury. This may cause the coach to give greater playing time to some
players for these games with the time being made-up for the others against weaker opposition.
What is most important is that whatever policy or philosophy a coach or a club adopts, that it is clear,
transparent and consistent so that all involved understand their roles and responsibilities.
Further information:
Join the England DNA Foundation phase (follow the link below).
http://www.thefa.com/news/2017/12/05/14/28/its-in-the-dna-coaches-praise-england-dna-foundationphase-resource-051217
Further information is available by following the link to a variety of podcasts below:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/liverpool-fa-podcast/id1304637859?mt=2