SWM Kickers Player Number Assignment Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to maintain an organized, consistent, and fair process for assigning uniform numbers across all SWM Soccer Club teams. This system ensures flexibility when players move within age groups, when teams merge or split, and when players are temporarily borrowed for tournaments or games.

2. Rules and Guidelines

2.1 Age Group and Gender Uniqueness

All uniform numbers must be unique within each gender-specific age group (e.g., 2013 Boys, 2013 Girls). This structure ensures seamless player movement between teams, simplifies roster management, and prevents duplicate numbers when teams combine or share players.

2.2 Seniority

Seniority is defined by a player’s continuous participation within the club. In the event of a number conflict, the player with greater seniority retains their number.

2.3 Record Keeping

The Board Uniform Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the master list of assigned and available numbers for each age group and gender. Club Administration should regularly verify that assigned numbers match the official club record.

3. Number Assignment Processes

3.1 New Team Formation

When a new team is formed, players will be asked to provide their top three preferred numbers. Numbers are assigned on a first come, first served basis from those preferences. Once assigned, a number remains reserved for that player within the same age group and gender category.

3.2 New Player Joining an Established Team

When a new player joins an existing team, the player will be provided with the current list of available numbers for their age group and gender. The player will select from these available numbers. Once chosen, the number is recorded and reserved for that player within the age group.

3.3 Returning Player After a Break

A returning player may reclaim their previous number only if it is still available. If the number has been assigned to another player, the returning player must select a new number from the available list.

3.4 Handling Number Conflicts

Number conflicts may occur when a player moves up or down an age group, or when teams merge or age groups combine. When this occurs, the player with greater seniority retains their number. If both players have the same seniority, the club will first ask if one player is willing to voluntarily change. If no agreement is reached, both players may be assigned new numbers, or the coach and/or age group coordinator may assist in determining the most equitable resolution.

3.5 Co-Ed Academy Players

Co-Ed Academy players are pre-assigned numbers due to large roster sizes and mixed-gender format. When these players transition from the Academy to a gender-specific team (typically at U9/U9Y), they will select a new number following the standard assignment process.

4. Administration

This policy will be kept on file by the SWM Soccer Club Board of Directors and maintained by the Board Uniform Coordinator.