Soccer Uniform Policy
Thank you for participating in the coed Urban Rec 7-on-7 soccer leagues. As the Urban Rec Soccer Leagues continue to grow and evolve, a protocol was implemented in 2015 for all outdoor 7-on-7 Urban Rec soccer leagues.
NOTE- participants who register as individuals will be provided with numbered pinnies by Urban Rec.
To help you understand this policy and the ramifications, please read the information below:
WHY IS THIS POLICY BEING IMPLEMENTED?
This policy is being implemented for the following main reasons:
- Risk Management- similar to rosters and waivers that were introduced and have now been in place for several seasons, it is at the suggestion of our risk management team which includes our insurance broker, underwriter and lawyers that we take steps like this to ensure a safe and accountable playing environment. Ensuring we are optimizing our risk management protocols is paramount in keeping our insurance premiums at a level that allows us to viably operate and deliver the leagues you have come to enjoy.
- Fun Management- the use of numbers will allow us to more easily identify players. Being able to identify specific players on specific teams allows our Event Coordinators and League Managers to both reward the excellent sportsmanship and good natured behaviour we see in the majority of our leagues, and to correct the types of behaviour that would have a negative impact on the overall experience we are seeking to provide.
WHAT DOES THE UNIFORM POLICY ENTAIL?
Basically, the uniform policy is comprised of two things:
- Players on each team will need to wear shirts of a similar colour to differentiate themselves from their opposition (THIS IS SOMETHING THAT PRETTY MUCH EVERY TEAM DOES NOW ANYWAYS- but for that reason, we have always encouraged teams to bring both a light- and a dark-coloured shirt to your games)
- Each player must have a number on the back of their shirt that is different from their teammates for that game. The numbers should be visible from one sideline of the field to the other (recommended size is 6-8 inches in height). Numbers can be ink, paint, heat-pressed, etc. Tape is not recommended, as it tends to fall off, but it may be used in a pinch. Goalies are exempt from having a number as they are readily identifiable.
While some teams already have numbered jerseys, other teams will need to add numbers to the shirts they already wear. As mentioned above, the numbers do not need to be anything fancy or expensive- writing a number in ink/paint will do the job.
WHAT IF MY TEAM ALREADY HAS A UNIQUE JERSEY? DO WE NEED TO HAVE A SECOND SET OF SHIRTS?
If you already have a unique set of shirts (i.e. pink) that your team wears, great! You just need to add numbers if your shirts do not have them already. If you do not play against any other teams that have similarly coloured shirts, then you may be able to wear the same set of shirts all season.
However, in the event that you DO play against a team that has similarly coloured shirts, we recommend that you have a second set of shirts to wear. As most teams seem to wear dark or brightly coloured shirts, if people have a plain white t-shirt with a number written on the back as a back-up, this would work.
In cases where two teams have the same colour of shirts, we encourage team captains to discuss before the game and reach an agreement on which team wears which colour. If an agreement cannot be reached, the captains will rock-paper-scissor with the losing captain’s team changing their uniforms to resolve the colour conflict. For this reason, players must bring a light and dark coloured shirt (with a number) to every game in case there are any jersey colour conflicts so that they have an alternate to wear if necessary.
WHERE CAN WE GET SHIRTS TO WEAR?
You can get your shirts from anywhere- as long as they are distinct enough for identification.
For example dark shirts are darker and distinct from the opposition lighter shirts and vice-versa. In most cases, players may already have a shirt in their possession that they can use.
For cheap t-shirts, a store such as Value Village is an option, and as mentioned, a number drawn on the back with a magic marker will do the trick.
In the event that your team would like to purchase shirts with numbers already added, we have taken the additional step of working with a preferred vendors to make 3 possible options.
The company is called URSTORE – before you ask yes it is a very similar name, no its not a part of Urban Rec in any way, shape or form- they just make good shirts for teams.
Click on this link to get more info, see the suggested packages and costs (gold, silver and bronze) and to get the process started!
https://urstore.ca/ref/urban-rec/
PLEASE NOTE THIS A THIRD PARTY VENDOR AND URBAN REC IS NOT IN THE BUSINESS OF SHIRT PRODUCTION (the name is just a coincidence).
NOTE THIS IS A SUGGESTED COMPANY ONLY AND TEAMS ARE IN NO WAY OBLIGATED TO PATRONIZE THIS COMPANY.
If you wish to source your shirts elsewhere, please feel free to do so , but please ensure they get done!
WHAT HAPPENS IF A TEAM DOES NOT ADHERE TO THE REQUIREMENTS?
In the event a team's players do not have shirts that match the requirements listed above for light or dark shirts with unique numbers for their game, that team may be able to use a set of numbered pinnies (if available- it is the team’s responsibility to have numbered jerseys). Players who choose to NOT wear a numbered jersey (or pinnie if available) are NOT permitted to participate except as goalkeeper (in which case they must wear a jersey that is a different colour from his team as well as the other team). If the team does not have enough players wearing numbered jerseys to field a minimum lineup (5 players including at least 1 of each gender), then:
1- for the first offense, the game will be a forfeit loss for the team that does not have numbers on their jerseys, but not a default.
2- the second (and subsequent times), that team WILL be subject to the Default Policy.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF WE FORGET OUR SHIRTS ON THE FIRST WEEK OF PLAY?
Week 1- It’s the first week of the season, and quite possibly the team has not seen each other for several weeks so the number policy will not be enforced that week. The first week will give teams a chance to get better organized and familiar with the policy. Likely, many teams will be ready and you will be able to see the effect on the pitch.
Please do remember that light and dark shirts should always be part of your gear. The numbers on the back, or lack thereof, for week 1 will not cause any teams to forfeit.
Week 2- Policy is in effect. Teams that cannot field a team with numbers will be subject to a forfeit loss on their first offense, and for any subsequent offenses, the team will be subject to the Default Policy.
We truly believe that this uniform initiative will be an extremely constructive measure both to mitigate risk and more importantly maximize the accountability we all share in having Urban Rec leagues be as enjoyable and fun as possible for all of the people involved. We sincerely appreciate your co-operation as we roll out this initiative, we welcome your feedback, and we look forward to your continued play with us for years to come.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].