Yes, I would make the club’s approach clear before the season starts.
The biggest problems usually come when families and coaches are working from different assumptions.
For 9v9, current guidance still prioritises equal game time and describes at least 50% as best practice. A club can explain how it intends to manage rolling substitutions, attendance, injuries and different match situations while still keeping development central.
I would avoid language like “competition now means some children will barely play”. That can create anxiety before the season begins.
Instead, explain the principles: how minutes are monitored, what players can expect, and how coaches will communicate if a pattern changes.
Parents do not need guarantees for every single match.
They do need to know what the adults are trying to be fair and consistent about.
