We have had an increased amount of conflict during recess soccer games.  It is important that everyone is on the same page regarding rules and expectations.  This afternoon, teachers spent time creating this concrete list of expectations so that soccer can be enjoyed with a clear understanding by all students.

RULES:

1. Students are not allowed to play soccer or start the game unless there is a ref/supervisor on the field. 
2. Students must listen to the ref and be respectful at all times.  This applies to all staff who may be refs- lunchroom supervisors, teachers, substitute teachers, and Educational Assistants.
3. It is a non-competitive game- there are no corner kicks, penalty shots, or defined “outs”.  If the ball gets kicked past the goal posts, only the goalie can go get the ball and kick it back into play.
4. No side tackling under any circumstances.
5. It is a non-contact sport- no pushing, shoving, or hands on other players.
6. Cleats are NOT allowed- they are dangerous when it’s not an official, organized extra curricular game.
7. All students are allowed to play.
8. When the whistle blows, the game stops immediately.
9. Only school soccer balls will be allowed.
10. The student that takes the soccer ball outside is the one that is responsible to bring it back in.
11. After the game, there will be no arguing about the score.
12. While playing soccer, it is inevitable that players might get kicked or hit by the ball.  As part of it being a game played with a ball, students need to understand that most of the time, the kick or hit with the ball is NOT done intentionally. Students have been advised to keep their eyes on the ball at all times.
13. If a student is unable to follow these rules, they will not be allowed to play soccer.  They will be asked to play something else during recess.

These rules will be reviewed in all classes, especially the grades 3 and 4 classes.  Our older students are the ones that are most invested in the daily soccer games and have benefitted from the support and reminders.