EDPL Policies

Empire State FC is committed to developing players in a positive, challenging, and respectful environment. The EDPL Program Policies establish clear expectations for players, parents/guardians, coaches, and spectators to ensure a safe and professional culture aligned with the club’s values.

Consistent attendance is essential for player development and proper evaluation within the Elite Development Player League (EDPL).

Players are expected to attend all scheduled training sessions and game festivals associated with their selected package. Regular attendance directly impacts skill progression, tactical understanding, and eligibility for competitive opportunities.

Repeated or unexcused absences may affect: 

• Player evaluations
• Tournament eligibility
• Placement in game festivals or competitive environments

We understand that conflicts may arise. Parents are asked to communicate absences in advance whenever possible.

EDPL is a development-first program built around continuous assessment and feedback.

Players are evaluated throughout the program based on:

• Technical ability
• Game understanding and decision-making
• Effort, attitude, and coachability
• Progression over time

Evaluations may be provided through written feedback, verbal discussions, and/or video review. Player evaluations are designed to guide development and inform training focus, game placement, and competitive readiness.

Evaluations are not rankings or guarantees of future placement but tools to support each player’s long-term growth.

Tournament participation within EDPL is offered as a developmental opportunity, not a guaranteed inclusion based on package selection or registration.

Players enrolled in the Locked In and All In packages are eligible for tournament consideration. Tournament rosters are determined by the coaching staff based on:

• Player readiness
• Training performance 
• Game festival evaluations
• Attendance and commitment 
• Overall developmental needs

The primary objective of tournament participation is to place players in competitive environments where they can succeed, build confidence, and continue progressing. Players may be selected for some tournaments and not others as part of a long-term development approach.

The Elite Development Player League (EDPL) supports player development across multiple environments. Players are permitted to participate in training and competition with other clubs outside of EDPL.

However, to maintain the integrity of EDPL competition and avoid conflicts of interest, the following guidelines apply:

Competing Against EDPL

Players registered in EDPL may not participate in matches, tournaments, or league games in which they are scheduled to play against an EDPL team while actively enrolled in the program.

This policy exists to:

• Preserve competitive fairness
• Protect player development
• Avoid conflicts between coaching staffs
• Maintain clarity for families and players

Non-Compliance

Participation in matches against EDPL teams while enrolled may result in:

• Removal from the affected game or tournament roster
• Temporary suspension from EDPL competitive opportunities
• Review of continued participation in the program

Corrective actions will be determined by the coaching staff and program leadership.

Development-First Intent

EDPL’s goal is to provide a development-focused environment that complements, rather than conflicts with, a player’s broader soccer experience. 

This policy is not intended to restrict players from outside opportunities, but to ensure consistency, professionalism, and clarity across all competitive environments.