Club Policies

What we all agree to as a Rebels family — for parents, players, and the sideline.

Our Values

Rebels FC is built on a simple idea: kids play their best soccer when they feel supported, challenged, and part of something bigger than themselves. Everything on this page flows from that. These aren't rules for the sake of rules — they're the shared commitments that make the Rebels experience work for everyone.

For Parents

Sideline Conduct

We strive to create a positive sideline where all players feel supported. The kids are always watching, and what we model matters. With that in mind, we ask all parents and supporters to:

  • Let coaches coach. Conflicting instructions from the sideline are confusing for players. Allow coaches to provide in-game direction. If you're interested in a more active role, we'd love to have you — reach out about coaching or volunteering.
  • Enjoy the game. You deserve to enjoy watching your child play a sport they love. Cheer loud, celebrate great plays on both sides, and be gracious in both victory and defeat. No team wins every game, and there are lessons in both outcomes. What you say before and after games impacts how your child feels and plays.
  • Keep it between the lines. Please refrain from engaging with opposing teams if games get heated. Sideline behavior that crosses the line detracts from the experience for everyone.

Referee Conduct

Referee abuse is absolutely not tolerated. Our referees are often young and learning — just like our players. Please follow all rules of the game, including appropriate language, seating, and conduct.

Inappropriate interactions with referees or opposing fans will result in a formal warning and can lead to bans from games by both the team and the governing body. Per US Soccer rules, abuse of young referees carries triple the penalty.

Let's make sure every referee has a good experience at our fields. That's how we keep good refs coming back.

Communication & Commitment

Coaches are parent volunteers spending a considerable amount of time leading teams. Good communication makes everything run smoother and shows respect for that commitment. We ask all families to:

  • Keep TeamSnap updated with player availability and status
  • Respond to team and coach communications in a timely manner
  • Notify coaches proactively when circumstances change (schedule conflicts, injuries, sitting out a season)
  • Stay on top of registration fees and deadlines

Consistent attendance and communication are important to team chemistry. If concerns come up — and occasionally they do — we ask that families wait 24 hours and then reach out to the coach directly in a respectful and constructive way. We're all on the same team.

For Players

Effort & Attitude

Players control their own effort and intensity — you get out of the team what you put into it. We ask all players to hustle, work hard, and be coachable. That means listening carefully, following directions, demonstrating sportsmanship, and putting in effort outside of practices and games.

The players who grow the most are the ones who bring curiosity and effort every day — on the field and off. Our coaches encourage all players to work on skills and maintain fitness between team sessions.

Sportsmanship

Treating teammates, opponents, coaches, and referees with respect is non-negotiable. Taunting, disruptive behavior, racial slurs, trash talking, or any similar conduct toward anyone will not be tolerated. Our players represent themselves, their families, and our club every time they step on the field.

Player Commitment

Being part of a team means your teammates are counting on you. We ask players to:

  • Attend practices and games consistently
  • Wear your practice jersey to practice
  • Work on skills — passing, receiving, moves, ball striking — at home
  • Put in the effort to develop and maintain match-level fitness

We understand that kids have busy lives and other commitments. There are no restrictions on extracurricular activities. But when you're on the field, bring your best.

Code of Conduct

The Package Deal

At Rebels, players and parents are a "package deal." We're a family-focused club, and the environment we create together matters. Our conduct reflects on our players, our families, and our club.

The vast majority of families share our values, and issues are rare. When something does come up, our approach is to have a direct conversation first. Our goal is always to get back on the same page and move forward together.

Behavior that does not meet expectations will typically be addressed with a conversation and, if needed, a formal warning. Continued issues can be grounds for both the player and parent being suspended from team activities. This is a last resort — we'd much rather work through things together.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance Coverage

Players, coaches, and the club are all covered by EPYSA registration fees with liability insurance, which extends to all team-sanctioned events. This is the same insurance policy that covers all travel soccer clubs in PA. For winter and indoor competition, the club carries supplemental insurance for activities not covered under the EPYSA policy.

Parent volunteers are typically also covered by their homeowner's policy for volunteer activities (check with your agent).

Required Clearances

All team volunteers (coaches, assistant coaches, managers) are required to maintain clearances, background checks, and player safety training as mandated by EPYSA Risk Management. All coaches hold coaching certifications from the US Soccer Federation.