1. Purpose of the House League Program
The House League program exists to provide a fun, inclusive, and development-focused soccer experience for all players, regardless of skill level or prior experience.
House League is not competitive soccer. The program prioritizes:
- Player enjoyment and development
- Equal opportunity to participate
- Sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork
- A positive experience for players, families, and volunteers
2. Player Conduct & Expectations
All players are expected to:
- Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, convenors, and volunteers with respect
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times
- Follow instructions from coaches and referees
- Refrain from inappropriate language or unsportsmanlike behaviour
Repeated or serious misconduct may result in removal from play and escalation to the House League Director or Discipline Committee.
3. Parent & Spectator Expectations
Parents and spectators play a key role in maintaining a positive environment.
Parents and spectators must:
- Encourage all players in a positive manner
- Respect referees, coaches, convenors, and volunteers
- Avoid coaching from the sidelines
- Refrain from confrontational or disruptive behaviour
Failure to comply may result in warnings, removal from the field area, or further disciplinary action.
4. Field Access & Game-Day Conduct
To ensure player safety and effective game operations:
- Only authorized players, coaches, referees, and convenors are permitted in the field area
- Spectators are not permitted on the field
- Exception: U4–U8 divisions playing on fractional fields may have spectators positioned near the field as directed by convenors
All participants must follow convenor instructions regarding field setup, access, and conduct.
5. Equal Play Policy
The Welland Soccer Club enforces a strict Equal Play Policy in all House League divisions.
This policy means:
- All players must receive approximately equal playing time each game
- Coaches must actively rotate players, including positions
- No player may remain on the field for extended periods at the expense of others
This policy applies without exception, regardless of score, competitiveness, or player ability.
6. Scoring & Game Sheets
To promote balanced development and fair play:
- A maximum of three (3) goals per player per game is enforced
- Once a player reaches the goal limit, they must be rotated to another position or focus on playmaking
Game Sheet Responsibilities
- Coaches must review and sign off on game sheets after each game
- Coaches are responsible for ensuring:
- Final score accuracy
- Correct goal scorer records
- Signed game sheets are considered final unless reviewed by a convenor
7. Coaching Expectations & Screening Requirements
House League coaches are volunteers whose primary responsibility is to support player development and enjoyment.
Coaches are expected to:
- Model respectful behaviour toward players, referees, and opponents
- Follow all House League rules and policies
- Support convenors in maintaining a positive environment
Screening Requirements
- All coaches and assistant coaches 18 years of age or older must have a Vulnerable Sector Police Check
- Police checks must be valid within the past five (5) years
- Coaches without valid screening may not participate on the field
Absences & Replacement Coaches
- Convenors must be notified in advance if a replacement coach will attend a game or practice
- Only approved replacement coaches may assume coaching responsibilities
8. Convenors & Game-Day Authority
House League convenors are responsible for:
- Managing game-day operations
- Enforcing House League rules and policies
- Addressing on-field and sideline issues
Final Authority
- Convenors have the final say on all game-day decisions
- If a coach, parent, or spectator disagrees with a convenor’s decision, they may submit a concern after the game to the House League Director
- On-field disputes, confrontations, or challenges to convenor authority will not be tolerated
9. Team Formation, Select Players & Roster Adjustments
House League teams are formed to create balanced and fair competition, considering:
- Age
- Experience
- Skill level
- Goalkeeper interest (where applicable)
Select Players
- Players identified as Select players are subject to roster adjustments for team balancing purposes
Roster Adjustments
- Roster adjustments may occur once after Week 3 of the session
- Following this adjustment window, teams are finalized for the remainder of the season
- No further roster changes will be made except under exceptional circumstances approved by the House League Director
Coach & Player Assignment Rules
- Coaches may not request specific players, except their own child
- Players may not request specific coaches, except their own parent
- These rules exist to ensure fairness, prevent favoritism, and support balanced teams
10. Friend Requests
To support fairness and roster balance:
- Friend requests must be one-for-one and fully reciprocated
- Requests must be submitted at the time of registration
- Late, unmatched, or informal requests cannot be accommodated
- Friend requests do not override team balancing decisions
- Friend requests do not permit players to select or avoid specific coaches (except their own parent)
11. Player Injuries & Incident Reporting
Player safety is a priority of the Welland Soccer Club.
In the event of a player injury during a game or practice:
- A House League Injury Report must be completed
- The report must be completed by a House League Convenor
- The report must be signed by:
- The player’s coach
- The game referee (when applicable)
Injury Reports Document
- The nature of the injury
- The circumstances under which it occurred
- Immediate actions taken
Completed reports are submitted to the club for record-keeping and follow-up.
12. Referees
Referees are often youth or developing officials.
All participants must:
- Respect referee decisions
- Understand that mistakes are part of development
- Raise concerns through proper club channels, not during games
Abuse of referees will result in disciplinary action.
13. Discipline & Escalation Process
Concerns or issues should follow this process:
- Allow the convenor to manage the issue on game day
- Submit concerns to the House League Director after the game
- Escalation to the Discipline Committee if required
The club reserves the right to take action to protect the integrity of the program.
14. Acknowledgement
By registering in the House League program, all players and parents/guardians acknowledge and agree to comply with:
- These House League Rules & Policies
- The Welland Soccer Club Code of Conduct