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.
