Captains are the backbone of the Upstate Premier League.
They represent their team, their sponsors, and the integrity of the league. This page outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and leadership standards required of every UPL/UFL captain.

Whether you're leading a team for the first time or returning for another season, this guide sets the tone for what the league expects from those wearing the armband.

1. Captain Responsibilities

Captains are responsible for team building, onboarding, leadership, and appearance — not finances.

A. Recruiting & Building Their Team

Captains are responsible for:

- Recruiting their own players

- Building a roster that fits the league’s competitive level

- Ensuring players meet all eligibility requirements

- Maintaining a full roster throughout the season (12–15 players)

Captains do not collect or manage payments for players — each player pays the league directly.

B. Team Onboarding & Branding

Upon registering their team, captains go through the official onboarding process, which includes:

- Submitting a team name

- Working with the league’s designer to create the official team logo

- Collaborating on kit design (home & away)

- Approving final graphic files and uniform layout

This ensures every team enters the league fully branded and professionally represented.

C. Jersey & Number Management

Captains are responsible for managing their team’s jerseys each season:

- Assigning jersey numbers to players

- Reporting all jersey numbers to the league before Week 1

- Keeping an accurate list of which player wears which number

 - Properly storing and distributing extra jerseys

- Ensuring free agents who join mid-season receive appropriate gear

Captains are expected to keep uniforms organized, clean, and consistent with league standards.

D. Leadership & Representation

Captains are expected to be:

- The calm presence on the field

- Level-headed during disputes

- The first line of communication between team & league

- A positive representative of their sponsors

- Responsible for keeping their team aligned with league values

Captains set the tone. The league relies on captains to uphold professionalism, manage conduct, and de-escalate tense situations.

2. Communication with the League

Captains serve as the sole point of contact between the team and league officials.

Captains must:

- Respond promptly to league messages

- Communicate schedule updates and rule clarifications to their team

- Report roster changes, issues, disputes, or conduct problems immediately

- Handle free agent requests properly (captains request a player → league approves → league contacts player)

Captains should ensure their team does not contact league staff directly unless instructed.

3. Payments

Captains are not responsible for collecting or managing payments from other players.

Each player pays:

- Their own league fee

- Their own free agent fee if applicable

- Any personal uniform cost (if the team arranges additional apparel)

Captains only pay for their own individual fees, nothing more.

4. Match Day Responsibilities

Captains must ensure the following happens every match night:

Before the Match

- Players arrive early for check-in

- Players have their player pass + valid ID

- Jerseys match and numbers are visible

- Any roster concerns are reported before kickoff

During the Match

- Maintain team discipline and sportsmanship

- Communicate respectfully with referees

- Manage on-field issues calmly

- Address any player behavior problems immediately

After the Match

- Confirm final score with referee/league manager

- Address discipline with their team

- Report incidents, injuries, or concerns to league officials

5. Free Agent Integration

Captains may request a free agent by:

1. Reviewing the Free Agent List

2. Messaging the league with the player they want

3. Waiting for league approval

4. After approval, the league contacts the player

5. Captain welcomes the player once placement is confirmed

Captains are responsible for:

- Assigning the free agent a jersey

- Updating jersey number lists

- Introducing them to team expectations

- Ensuring they know the schedule and rules

Captains may NOT:

- Directly recruit or add free agents without league approval

- Use temporary “guest players”

6. Captain Standards & Conduct

Captains are expected to embody professionalism:

- Lead with respect

- Maintain composure

- Protect the integrity of the match

- Set an example for teammates and spectators

- Represent team sponsors with dignity

Captains who fail to uphold league standards may face:

- Warnings

- Removal of captaincy

- Suspension

- Team sanctions if issues persist

Need Help?

The league office is available to support captains with:

- Onboarding

- Kit design

- Roster changes

- Free agent placements

- Conflict resolution

- Rule questions

A strong captain makes a strong team — and strong teams build a strong league.