FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Full refunds (minus the $3.00 website processing fee) are offered up to the last day of regular registration of the sport you are requesting a refund.  Please send your request to refund@meridianpal.org. All requests must be in writing. 

NO refunds are offered after regular registraiton is closed.

Meridian PAL teams are coached by parent volunteers and every attempt is made to build teams with at least one volunteer coach. Meridian PAL will be unable to move players to another team or offer refunds if the assigned team does not have a coach. It is necessary for all parents to consider coaching their child's team to ensure the kids have an opportunity to play. 

Submit all refund requests to refund@meridianpal.org

Code of Conduct

The Meridian Police Activities League (Meridian PAL) Code of Conduct applies to all participants, players, coaches, and spectators. By registering your player with Meridian Police Activities League (Meridian PAL), you agree to abide by all codes of conduct adopted by Meridian PAL. Violation of the Code of Conduct by the player, coach, or spectator may result in the dismissal from Meridian PAL.

Core Components for ALL Participants (players, coaches, officials, spectators)

• Respect: Treat all participants (coaches, players, officials, opponents, spectators) with dignity, regardless of race, creed, gender, or ability.
• Sportsmanship: Maintain self-control, cheer on your team and others
• Safety: Zero tolerance for foul language, bullying, fighting, or violence.
• Rules: Abide by the rules of the sport and the facility. 

Player Responsibilities

• Work hard, learn from coaches, and attend practices.
• Support teammates and show good sportsmanship, even in defeat.
• Be on time and prepared. 

Parent & Spectator Expectations

• Encourage: Cheer positively.  Criticizing players, coaches, or officials is unacceptable.
• No Coaching: Refrain from instructing players from the sidelines.
• Conflict Resolution: Approach coaches at appropriate times, not immediately following a game. Consider waiting 24 hours before reaching out. 
• Role Model: Set a positive example by demonstrating good sportsmanship. 
• Referees: Treat with respect. Referee abuse in any form is strictly prohibited.

Air Quality Index 

All practices and games will be cancelled if the AQI is in the RED zone (over 151) or higher. 

Some persons may be affected when the AQI is in the Orange zone (101-150), therefore, Meridian PAL will leave practice and game participation to the discretion of the individual player's parents.  If a coach believes that the orange air quality is a detriment to his or her team they have the discretion to cancel practice.  If they wish to cancel the game they should consult with their league director or league commissioner.

Meridian PAL games are seldom canceled for weather, however games may be canceled by the League during severe storms or when determined necessary by league administration. 

FLAG FOOTBALL/SOCCER/CHEER

Games are not canceled for rain or snow occurring the day of the game.  

In the event of lightning prior to or during the game, the game will be stopped immediately and will be delayed up to 30 minutes. Should more lightning occur within that 30 minute delay then the game will be abandoned.

In the event a game is abandoned after the second half has begun the score will stand and the game is final. If the game is abandoned prior to, or during the first half, every effort will be made to reschedule the game, which will need to be replayed in its entirety. PAL cannot guarantee all games will be rescheduled.

BASEBALL

Baseball may be cancelled for light rain. 

In the event of rain or other storm, we will assess the fields and determine if they are playable. If not, we will notify teams that are scheduled for that time slot that their games are canceled. If we do cancel the first round of games that doesn’t mean the whole day is canceled. We will continue to assess the fields as the day progresses. If you don’t hear from us that your game is canceled, then please plan on being there. If a team doesn’t show up to their game, they will be considered a forfeit.

In the event a game is abandoned in A, and AA division:  If the game has had 3 full innings, the game will be considered completed and the score will stand. If the game is in the middle of an inning and has to be abandoned, the final score will revert to the score at the end of the last full inning. If the game is abandoned prior to the completion of 3 innings, every effort will be made to reschedule the game, which will need to be replayed in its entirety. PAL cannot guarantee all games will be rescheduled.

Casts

No player in the program may participate with a hard cast. Players may participate with soft cast, provided adequately covered with no less than 1/2 inch thick, high density, closed-cell polyurethane or an alternate material of the same minimum thickness and with similar physical properties to protect an injury to the player or other players.

Additionally, the player must have a note from a licensed medical physician stating that the player is cleared to participate with the soft cast. Prior to each game, the referees or umpires will inspect the cast to see that it is properly prepared for play. The doctor’s note will be surrendered to the referee, league director or Meridian PAL Committee or Board Member and kept on file so long as it specifies the duration of time for which the athlete may participate. The note shall cover only the original incident or injury. If the player incurs a subsequent injury it is the responsibility of the player’s parents and or coach to submit a new note to Meridian PAL.

Jewelry

All jewelry, earrings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, etc. are not allowed to be worn during Meridian PAL games. Taping over earrings is not acceptable as these need to be removed during play. Only medically necessary or religious jewelry is permitted, but must be taped to your body. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this causes, but please understand this is a safety concern for all children involved in the league.

Meridian PAL does NOT allow Play Ups or Play Downs. Exceptions cannot be made for age group or any other requests. 

Please download the PlayMetrics app through App Store or Google Play. This can be used for registering, game schedules, team communication, and more.

Meridian PAL offers need based financial assistance to eliminate activity fees and provide opportunities for youth to develop and strengthen our core values of Leadership, Sportsmanship, and Teamwork. 

The Darrell Eastburn Memorial Financial Aid Application

Submit Application to: fa@meridianpal.org 

Deadline: All documentation and applications must be received by the end of the REGULAR REGISTRATION PERIOD

Questions may be submitted to fa@meridianpal.org  

Meridian PAL does not receive any state, federal, county, or city funds for the financial assistance program. This program is funded by maintaining a strong fiscal responsibility along with a limited amount of private donations.

If you are interested in becoming a referee with Meridian PAL please send an email to the following referee assignors.

Flag Football

Flagreferee@meridianpal.org

Soccer

soccerassignor@meridianpal.org

All referees are paid via direct deposit and pay scale will be told to all approved referees.