At SF Seals, our primary objective is player development.  We believe that playing in games as well as diligently participating in scheduled training sessions are important components of the player development process.

• Micro and Recreational Soccer - we adhere to recreational league guideline of minimum of half a game for every player.  However, if a player is misbehaving or acting in a manner that seriously and negatively impacts the overall experience for his teammates, the coach may withhold the player from participating further in a game.
• Competitive Soccer (Bronze/Silver) - while there are no minimum playing time rules set by playing leagues, our coaches will always give playing time to all players who are attending training sessions and working diligently to improve themselves and make a positive impact on the team.  Typically, all players should expect to play a minimum of 1/3 to 1/2 of a game.
• Competitive Soccer (Gold/Premier, NPL, MLS NEXT) - our most competitive teams may utilize more variable playing time tactics based on the significance of each game.  However, it is extremely rare to have any player not play in a game.

At SF Seals, we adhere to the guest playing rules set forth by the participating league of the team.  In leagues where guest players are allowed, SF Seals will only use guest players for the following reasons:

1. When a team's game roster is short due to conflicts for players (vacations, school activities, illnesses & injuries, etc.), the team will invite appropriate guest players from other teams in the club (as allowed by league rules) in order to field a full team for the game.
2. In select cases, the Director of Coaching may move a lower level or age player up to a higher level or age team game in order to further accelerate that player's development path.  In most cases, this is combined with shortage of players on the higher level or age team.

SF Seals do not move "ringers" or higher level players down to a lower level team for the purpose of winning games.  We strive to provide appropriate, yet challenging level of competition for each team in order to maximize the development opportunity for our players.

Once a player has been registered to play for the team, the player is committed for the annual program (competitive) or seasonal program (micro or recreational).  There are no refunds except under special conditions as each team's budget is based on the program fee of registered players.  Special pro-rated refund requests may be submitted in writing to the Seals Executive Director and the Director of Coaching for consideration. 

SF Seals is 501c3 non-profit organization committed to making high level, competitive soccer accessible to as many SF families as possible.  A scholarship application and more information can be found at: www.sfseals.com/scholarships

For more information, please contact info@sfseals.com