2/1/06

The SMSC Board has implemented the following policy regarding forfeited games:

A team that fails to appear at a scheduled game or otherwise is responsible for a canceled game and who fails to notify the appropriate SMSC Commissioner and/or the opposing coach as well as the Head Referee Assignor, and SMSC's 3rd Vice-President in charge of the recreational program (and scheduling), about such a cancellation at least the Wednesday before a Saturday game, that coach/team/club will be responsible for paying all of the referee fees for each such canceled game.

This policy pertains to all teams, SMSC, or other clubs, who ask to schedule games on SMSC fields during the regular season. Teams that are the source of a cancellation, as determined by the SMSC board, will be required to pay the appropriate fees to SMSC to recompense the lost money paid to referee's who were assigned to officiate the forfeited game.

The main reasoning behind this policy is the expectation by SMSC that coaches and teams honor their commitment to play the games as scheduled. SMSC will try to reschedule (if possible) any teams that might have problems making a particular date/time. Many of life's events can and will interfere with soccer and this is expected. When a game is forfeited, two teams are affected, players families who drive long distances to watch a game, leave the field disgruntled and angry at the appearent discourtesy when a phone call or email can keep this from happening.