Playing Time:
Philosophy at the High School or American Legion Level

The first thing that a player or parent must keep in mind is that High School and Legion levels are much more competitive than teener/recreation leagues. We play for not only a isolated local title but for a district, region, state, and in Legion, a national title. There are no rules for any team at this level that dictate playing time for any player. It is entirely up to the coaching staff. However, I do realize that athletes show up to play and become frustrated when they do not. So rather then them sitting there in anger or frustration here is a honest list of situations where a non-starter will play.

1. If the team gets up or down a lot on the score board and the game is determined for the most part.

2. If the non-starter can help the team in a certain role, say pinch runner or late defensive replacement.

3. If the starters are totally not performing, Up to coaching staffs opinion.

4. If it is a non-league game I believe all players should get some action at this time.

5. If the team only has 10 or 11 players all players should see some action, but only 9 or 10 can start, so playing time will never be exactly equal for those involved.

If these situations are not acceptable for the non-starters I would suggest that they do not play for that team. If they do accept these situations I would expect that just because they are sitting they should still be part of the team and be ready at any notice to play.