Too many rules or not enough?

I believe in KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid - in regards to rules.  The more rules you have the more problems you're going to have to deal with.  Now that doesn't mean that I support not having discipline because without discipline the team will fall apart.  Preach to your kids that doing the right thing all the time is important.  They all know right from wrong but the problem is the making the right choice - especially in the face of peer pressure.  This also gives you the wiggle room to handle similar situations on their own merit instead of blanket punishments.  Blanket punishments are the easy way out but aren't always fair.

For example - you have a rule if you miss practice you can't play the next game.  So let's say Player A misses because he has to go to his aunt's birthday party.  I have no problem sitting this player.  But Player B misses because his aunt passed away and he has to go to the funeral.  I have no problem with this and won't sit the kid.

Typical rules that all programs should have

1.  Don't be late (sad this has to be a rule because it should be common sense)

2.  Be prepared with all your equipment (Look above)

3.  Always represent yourself, your family, your school and your team with respect

How many rules a team might have can be based on the personal discipline and maturity level of the players and especially it's leaders. If your best and respected players carry themselves properly they will set an example. They don't need to be captains. The players know who they are. I would say my son's high school team had expectations more than rules. They were explained in a player/parent meeting in the fall and repeated to the players in the spring.

Coach I really like that approach. I didn't have many rules either for the same reasons you point out. I figured #3 on your list covered pretty much what needed to be covered. And the school conduct policy was in place as well. One thing I always stressed was practice was just as important as games so the missing of practice was as serious as not showing up for a game. I had numerous players who played for four years that never missed a practice. You don't have to worry about the players who love the game. You have to run them out of the facility game or practice. And the ones that don't love the game wont stick around a program very long that demands they invest what it takes to be your best on and off the field. I had very few issues, very few.

The most important thing is to be consistent in the application of the rules and the punishment for violating the rules.