GRAA Value Statement & Playing Time Philosophy
Our Mission
The Glen Ridge Athletic Association provides every child in Glen Ridge, pre-K through 8th grade, with a positive, developmental sports experience that builds skills, confidence, sportsmanship, resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong love of being active. Every athlete will be provided a fair and unbiased opportunity to develop their skills.
| Program Name | Who Makes the Team | Try Outs | Cuts | Travel | What the Program Is Really About |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recreational Program (No cuts) |
Everyone who registers | No | No | Possible | Inclusive program for all skill levels. Focus is fun, participation, and skill-building in younger grades; naturally becomes more competitive in grades 6–8 as athletes mature, but remains open to everyone. |
| Competitive Program (Tryouts) |
Selected roster after tryouts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Higher-intensity program designed to hone skills and game awareness. Groups similarly skilled athletes to accelerate learning and team performance. In grades 6–8, preparation for high-school play becomes a focus. |
Every child always has a home
Whenever a Competitive Program is offered in a sport and grade, a Recreational Program team opportunity will be provided so that no registered athlete is left without a team.
Playing Time Philosophy – Same Rules in BOTH Recreational & Competitive Programs
Coaches are assessed over the entire season only, never on a single game or match, to account for unique circumstances while ensuring fairness.
| Grades 5 & Below | Grades 6–8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Philosophy | High Participation & Developmental | Equitable Participation & Developmental |
| Playing Time Distribution | Playing time is distributed thoughtfully across the season to support participation and development. | Playing time is fair across the season, not strictly equal. |
| Primary Factors for Earning Time | Attendance, effort, attitude, position and safety. Skill level is not a factor at this age. | Playing time may be adjusted for skill level, attendance, effort, attitude, position and safety. Stronger or more consistent athletes will receive more playing time, especially in playoffs and championships. |
| Position Rotation | Regular position rotation when appropriate. | Athletes will generally play in positions that best fit their current strengths while still getting exposure to other positions when appropriate. |
| Development | Provide appropriate opportunities during the season. | |
| Full Game Sit Out | No athlete ever sits an entire game or match, except for injury, illness, disciplinary issues, or repeated unexcused absences, applied consistently. | |
Parent-Coaches
As vital volunteers, parent or guardian coaches must avoid perceptions of favoritism, using objective methods such as rotations and peer feedback to prevent undue advantages and maintain trust, strengthening team unity.
Communication
Commissioners share these guidelines pre-season for transparency. Mid-season check-ins follow GRAA’s 24-Hour Rule. We uphold these values, including anti-favoritism measures, to create positive experiences for athletes, coaches, and parents or guardians alike.
In summary, these values ensure every athlete thrives in a supportive GRAA community, building resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for sports.
(Adopted December 2025)
Disclaimer for Special Circumstances: In cases of unusually large rosters (e.g., due to high registration without sufficient teams or cuts), or special circumstances, commissioners have the right to waive the standard guidelines and make adjustments to playing time distribution to ensure safe, feasible, and enjoyable gameplay, such as rotating participation across games. These adjustments will be communicated to parents/guardians pre-season.