1.      When are practice times and how many days per week?  

      We have two practice times. Practices for the U8-U19 age groups are twice a   

      week. The practice times are determined by field availability based on the number

      of teams formed for the seasonal year. Practice schedules for the team can be

      found in Practice Schedules on the Pinellas Park web site. Parents in the U6 –

      U12 age group must have a responsible parent or designated guardian at practices

      at all times. Coaches are to coach the player not be a disciplinarian or baby sitter. 

     Under 6 teams practice on Saturday morning until the season starts. Once games

     start then the option is the coach’s to do one night a week.

 

2.   How are practice times assigned and why can’t we request a specific site? 

      The days of the week and times are based on the number of teams formed for the

      seasonal year so that fields are not over used on a given night of the week. The

      coach can request specific times; but depending on field availability may or may

      not be able to get their requested time.

 

3.   When will I hear from my coach? 

      There is a coaches’ meetings scheduled a few weeks before the start of the season.

      Coaches will receive their rosters at that time. Players will meet their coaches on

      Orientation Day, which is a day set aside in early September after registration.

      Players will be contacted by their coach if they were unable to meet their Coach at

      Orientation Day.

 

4.  When will games start and how can I find out my child’s schedule? 

      Opening day is the first weekend in November. Team schedules will try to be

      available two weeks prior to the first game. Traveling Team schedules are usually

      distributed a week to two weeks before the first game.

 

5. Can my child play in an age group older than his/her own?

      Players are assigned to teams based on their date of birth. There is the option to play in an older age group. This can be can be done as long as there is room in the older age group.

 

6. Can my child play in an age group younger than her own? 

       The only waivers that are given to play down are for children with physical or

       mental challenges. A written request along with the registration form should be

       submitted at the time of registration. Requests will be given to the GYSA

       Commissioner’s for review. 

7. What do I need to buy to participate in recreational soccer? 

      To participate in soccer in the U6-U19 age groups, the player needs to have shin

       guards, an age appropriate soccer ball, water bottle and cleats (optional).

 

8. Does my child need experience to play? 

      No experience is necessary in our recreational program. 

 

9. Can I wear eyeglasses, a cast, or jewelry while playing and practicing soccer? 

      Glasses for corrective vision may be worn provided they are properly secured.

      Casts are not allowed!!!  The Referee permits medical bracelets or jewelry of a

      clearly religious nature provided they are not deemed dangerous or pose any

      danger to the players on the field. If approved, these items shall be taped down. 

      Clear tape provides the most visibility for medical bracelets. All other jewelry is

      not allowed.

 

10. Where are games played? 

       Under 6 Mixed and Under 8 Mixed teams play in house at the Pinellas Park Scoccer fields.

       There is the option for Under 8 girls to participate on an all 

       Girls Travel Team. These teams will travel in the local area. Under 10 to Under 

       19 teams travel to other local organizations fields through out the season.

 

11. What happens if my child misses a practice or game? 

      While we encourage all players to participate in each practice and game, we

       realize that is not always possible. There are no consequences to the player if

       practices or games are missed. Please notify the coach beforehand if your child

       will be missing a practice or game. 

 

12.  Are the coaches professional coaches?  

      Our recreational coaches are usually parent volunteers. Each coach should   

      complete a free coaches’ licensing program prior to coaching. This training

      provides them with the tools they need to develop and coach the players on the

      team. 

 

13. Who referees the games? 

       Trained and certified referees referee all of our U8 and up age groups.

 14. Can I get a refund?

       There are NO Refunds given.  Only under special circumstances are refunds

       given. These must be put in writing and given to the Board to review. If a

       refund is issued it is by check only and take a few weeks to process.

 15. Can I change teams if I am unable to get to my assigned practice?

      Changing of teams will not be permitted once players have been assigned to a

       team after the blind draw. A Commissioner from another affiliation does a blind

       draw to ensure teams are as evenly matched as possible. This ensures competitive

       games and play throughout the season. 

 16.  Why didn’t my child get the team I requested?

       Pinellas Park will consider special requests, but cannot guarantee that they

       will be honored. Reasonable carpool requests will be taken into consideration,

       but cannot guarantee that they will be honored.