Seattle United

With our second year of team formation, player movement to new teams is expected. Unfortunately, player movement may also result in conflicts with player uniform numbers. The consensus of parents last year insisted that there be a level of choice for player numbers, rather than the Club assigning player numbers to each team. Our members understood that freedom of choice of numbers for each team presented the risk that there would be player number conflicts in the event a player moved to another new team, and his or her number was already in use by an existing player on that team. Again, this was a risk assumed in exchange for the freedom to choose a player number. 

The Club expects player number conflicts to be resolved amicably and as economically as possible. For the 2011-2012 Season, the following player number policy will apply for all Seattle United teams at all play levels (Community, Select, and Premier): 

1. Every player on the team roster must have a different number, including goalkeepers.
2. Players who are new members to Seattle United in 2011-2012 and purchasing a uniform kit for the first time must be assigned a non-conflicting player number. Players are to be allowed to select her or his own number from those available on the team. In the event two or more players desire the same number, the Team Manager shall assist in resolving the number assignment amicably, and if necessary may use a random blind draw to resolve the matter.
3. If there are two or more returning Seattle United players on the team with the same player number, the player with the longest tenure on that team retains the number (absent mutual agreement otherwise between or among the impacted players).
4. If player number conflicts exist, new player numbers need to be assigned to the affected players, and replacement match jerseys obtained for those players. Important Note: Only new match jerseys are required in the event of number conflicts; players can continue to use their existing warm-ups, training gear, and back pack in the event of any number conflict.    
5. Replacement match jerseys are to be procured as follows: players and families from different teams are free to exchange their match jerseys used during the 2010-2011 season to resolve player number conflicts. If a jersey exchange is not possible or available, then new replacement match jerseys to resolve number conflicts are to be purchased by the Team Manager from Eurosport and paid for out of team fees.
   Important Note: Numbers on match jerseys shall not be “modified” using duct tape or other self-applied “fix” as the means or solution to resolve a player number conflict.       

The following uniform numbering guidelines will be used for all Seattle United teams.

1. All teams will be required to purchase at least one (1) Seattle United club goalkeeper jersey for the team.
2. All teams will be required to purchase two numbered “guest” player jerseys that will also serve as “blood jerseys”.

The uniform numbering policy uses traditional soccer player numbers and treats players at all play levels equally.  With guest and club jerseys, Seattle United can fully support its core commitment to player movement whenever appropriate for optimal player development.