League Rules

Coach FAQ

I’m not available for a practice/game. Can I have another parent from the team coach for a day?

Only coaches who have completed the background check may be on the field for U4-U8 teams. If a parent would like to help, they need to complete the same iCHAT form that all coaches complete. Only coaches who have completed the background check, SafeSport and HeadsUp training may be on the field for U9 and older teams. If you’re not able to coach a practice/game, please reach out to dferrara@northvillefc.com and we’ll do our best to arrange a certified substitute coach for you.

We’d like to do a kids vs. parents game at some point this season. Is that allowed?

Because of the risk of injury to both adults and kids, we do not allow kids vs. parents games as part of Northville FC. We do support an optional team-building activity at some point in the season, such as meeting for ice cream, having a snack/meal together after a practice or game, or other group gathering. However, please understand that any non-soccer activity is not an official Northville FC event and the league is not liable for any issues that arise.

I may not have enough players for our next game. What do I do?

Your first step is to reach out to another coach in your age group using the google coach contact sheet. If players are not available from your age group, you can also reach out to a team ONE year younger. By WSSL rule, girls may play into boys divisions, but boys may not play into girls divisions, regardless of age. ENVY FC players may not sub onto Northville FC recreational teams. If you’re having trouble finding substitute players, please contact dferrara@northvillefc.com as soon as possible. If you cannot find enough players for a game, please reach out to the other coach to reschedule no less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled game time (copying dferrara@northvillefc.com on the email).

I’m having trouble with a player or parent on my team. How do I handle it?

Please reach out to Dan Ferrara at dferrara@northvillefc.com if you’re having a behavioral or other issue with a player or parent. We can help you figure out the best next steps.

I have a player who does not have the proper equipment to play the game. Are there resources available?

Northville FC is committed to providing all players with the equipment needed to play the game if they are not able to afford it. Please reach out to dferrara@northvillefc.com if one of your players needs something.

Our field has spots that are all dirt or look like they’ve recently been repaired.

During practices, please avoid any area of your field that is under repair.  Northville Parks & Rec fills holes, puts down new grass seed and performs general field maintenance throughout the season.

We saw lightning or heard thunder during practice - what do we do?

Please remember that you need to stop practice immediately if you see lightning or hear thunder, even if it's in the distance.  Message your families in the app telling them practice is ending early, then move your team under the nearest pavillion.  Do not leave until all players are picked up.  

Are games canceled due to rain?

Games must stop if there is thunder or lightning, and you must wait for 30 minutes with no occurance of thunder or lightning to continue.  This is listed in the WSSL Laws of the Game.

If fields are deemed unplayable by Northville Parks & Rec, we will reach out to impacted coaches as soon as we are made aware.  We will either move you to a different field or reschedule your game for another day.  RAIN ALONE IS NOT REASON FOR CANCELLATION (although flooded fields is).  Plan to play in the rain if there is no thunder or lightning.