MCSA Uniform Policy

1. MCSA will abide by all governing uniform guidelines set forth by the Eastern Athletic Conference, including donning appropriate PPE. MCSA's official retail partner is defined by the Board of Directors. The retail partner and uniform sponsor relationship is critical to the success of both for on and off-site activities. As such, all uniforms will be purchased from the retail partner. Appropriate PPE can be purchased from establishments at members’ discretion.
2. Use of MCSA’s brand(s), name(s), affiliation(s) and logo(s) without the written consent of the MCSA’s Board of Directors or designee is prohibited.
3. All registered and/or rostered players participating in matches and official practice/training are required to wear the current approved uniform (all applicable pieces for that event) and don appropriate footwear and PPE.
4. Uniforms cannot be altered in any way or supplemental pieces / colors added to the MCSA approved Uniform. 
5. Aligned with the NCYSA handbook for match play guidelines, it is a requirement that players wear shin guards during matches AND during officially sanctioned practice/training sessions.  Appropriate footwear is also required for matches and practices.  Soccer cleats or tennis shoes only!  
6. For players’ safety, no jewelry is allowed at any time. This includes any and all piercings on the head. Hair ties, sweat style headbands and wristbands are allowed, hard hair clips and pins are not. Smart watches and similar devices may only be worn during practices with coach approval and may not be worn during games.
7. Coaches are expected to be the primary lead in ensuring players are properly uniformed and donning appropriate PPE during matches and practices. Coaches should set the expectation at the beginning of the season and regularly remind players/families of the expectation. Issues of non-compliance may be escalated to the MCSA Board of Directors.
8. If any player on a team is missing their official uniform jersey, every team member must wear a pennie to continue the game.  

Exceptions & allowances for Uniform use:

1. Goalies: Must wear attire that is different enough from all field players so that they are
   identifiable to the referees. This can be done primarily with the specifically designated goalie jersey, or practice vest (AKA pennie). Goalie gloves are required.
2. Cold weather: These guidelines are subject to referee interpretation, player age and conditions. The jersey and number must be visible at all times no matter what the conditions. Layers can go underneath the jersey; it should be team color, black, gray or white. This can include sweats, coats, and long underwear style products. Layers of athletic
   attire are allowed on the legs, this includes sweatpants, long underwear, tights, and leggings, and they should be black, gray or team colored. Gloves without clips or rings are allowed. Headbands, ear bands, beanies and ski caps that are tight to the head are allowed. Most referees will disallow hats that have any type of ball or tip that swings off the hat for safety reasons. Ear muffs with hard bands are not allowed.

MCSA logo / Branding Use:

MCSA’s logo(s), name(s) or any other Association recognizable branding may not be used to imply
affiliation with or endorsement by MCSA without the written consent from the MCSA’s Board
of Directors.  Fan gear with the official logo can be purchased under the Fan Gear section of the MCSA website.