Revolution Soccer Parents,

Soon, your sons and daughters will be preparing for the 2007 traveling season. While many of you have other children who have participated in the program, others of you do not. Therefore it is our intention to help answer any questions that may come to mind.

We hope the following questions and answers will help you. While we tried to think of any possible inquiries you might have, I am sure we did not cover everything. Therefore, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail the Revolution Office. If you have questions you feel should be added (or maybe ones that you feel do not need to be included), or any points which you feel need further clarification, please let me know. Thank you!

If there are enough "travel capable" children in the age group, the Revolution will usually try to form more than 1 team. Teams are formed based on the rankings of each child in the age group.

If there is more than one team in an age group, will each team be even in strength?

How many players on the field for each team?

For traveling soccer:

U9-U10 – there are 6 players on the field at a time (6v6 as it is commonly called in soccer, therefore, the roster size generally stays around 9 to 12 players.

U11 - U12 - there are 8 players on the field at a time, 8 v 8, as it is commonly called in soccer; therefore, the roster size generally stays around 12 to 14 players.

U13-U19 - there are 11 players on the field at a time, 11 v 11, as it is commonly called in soccer; therefore, the roster size generally stays around 14 to 18 players (U17-U18 can have a maximum roster of 22 players)

Will my child ever be playing with children older or younger than he/she is?

Will children ever move back and forth between "developmental” and A teams within a year?

The DOS reserves the right to move players within the season. For example during the season, if the DOS observes a player on the C2 team who is outperforming a player on the C1 team. The C1 team player will be transferred onto the C2 team and the C2 team player transferred onto the C1 team after consultation and explanation with parents.  However, players can only play at their current age group or “play up” in traveling soccer.  They cannot move down into a younger age group. 

Does this mean that a team may change personnel from year to year?

Yes. Because the development of each individual child varies tremendously, some children may have become much stronger players since the last try-out. It is the intention of the Revolution to put together the strongest possible teams.

So, if my child is currently playing on a "C1" team, is it possible that (s) he will be placed on a C2 team next year?

Yes; and this should NOT be viewed as a "step down", but rather a difference in rate of development.

What if our coach and the parents on our team wish to keep the team personnel together from year to year?

A team personnel depends on the outcome of try-outs, so it is unlikely that a team would remain entirely the same from year to year. The intention of the Revolution is to form the strongest team possible each year. Since the teams are formed by the club and do not, per se, "belong" to the coach, Revolution tries to put together the strongest possible teams in order for the players to compete at their highest possible level and to develop at their best possible pace. That would probably mean that team personnel will change from year to year.

I have heard something about each team having a manager. Could you please explain that?

Yes, it is necessary that each team have a "Team Manager". This person usually is a parent volunteer whose role is to help the coach with paper work/logistics regarding the running of the team. The revolution will be identifying and developing revolution team manager advisor’s to assist team managers on all other teams.

I have heard something about each team having coach support. Could you please explain that?

The revolution will be identifying and developing revolution technical advisor’s to assist team coaches on all other teams.

For traveling soccer, there are normally 7-15 (depending upon age group and level). We are committed to making up games that might have been postponed due to inclement weather or poor field conditions. The number of games played may increase with participation in tournaments.  Our recreational programs normally run for 6 weeks per session and meet 2 nights per week. 

How often are practices held?

For traveling soccer this is dependant on the individual & team choosing the Revolution Champion or Elite package.  For recreational soccer, no practices are held since they receive training as part of the program.

It is expected that players chosen for a traveling team will make the greater commitment to attend all practices and games.

What if my child cannot attend a practice or a game?

There is definitely much more of a commitment involved in a traveling sport than you may have been used to when participating in a "Rec" sport. Players are expected to attend all games and practices, barring an illness, injury, or some other valid reason. (e.g., trips to the Barber Shop are expected to be scheduled around practices and games). Of course, the coach should always be notified when a player cannot attend a game or practice. The coach may elect to impose penalties for unexcused missed practices and games.

 My son/daughter plays "Rec" baseball/softball/lacrosse in the summer and therefore (s) he is interested only in the rec soccer. Is that o.k.?

Traveling soccer is a summer commitment. If you feel that is not acceptable, maybe traveling soccer is not for you. Many kids, however, do play join the "Rec" program and have a “blast”

Financially, what type of commitment is involved in traveling soccer?

For the Traveling Program you can expect the costs to be as follows:
U9-U11  $XXX
U12-U18 $XXX

Indoor Training is available during the Winter Months for an additional fee of $XXX Which you get XX sessions at Andover Community Center with Qualified Trainers.

Most games are played on weeknight evenings.

How far will we have to travel?

No travel is involved in the recreational program.  For traveling, U-12 and below will usually play teams in surrounding communities where travel is usually limited to less than 20 miles.  This does not include tournaments.

How is the schedule established?

The Director of Soccer and coaching staff will attend the scheduling meeting and set your schedule.

How far in advance will we learn the time and place of our child’s games?

For traveling, schedules are provided my MYSA and are typically available between one and two weeks prior to the first games.

The Revolution in 2007 will again be having its own Tournament, namely called the “Uprising” tournament. It attracted over fifty teams but we hope to exceed this number in 2007. All revolution teams have free entry in to the “Uprising” tournament” paid through all registration packages. Parental support and help would be greatly appreciated 

Additional soccer tournaments are held at various locations and times throughout the year. They are an excellent way to raise your level of competition. They are also fun and a great way to meet and compete with players from other parts of MN and sometimes out-of-state. The Director of Soccer in liaison with all coaches will suggest the tournaments

Where are these tournaments held?

Actually, tournaments are held all over the country even internationally. It is sometimes fun to go further "a field" in order to compete against teams which you would not normally meet in regular season play.

Are tournaments 1-day events?

Sometimes, but more often they are 2-day events. Many times, a team will play 2 games on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Occasionally, there are games on Friday night.

This sounds like high intensity - is it?

It can be, although for the younger teams, it’s usually just for fun. There are, however, awards given at the end of the tournaments for first & second places and sometimes third in the U11 and up age brackets.  The younger age brackets (U9-U10) are typically all given participation awards for tournaments.

Coaches are chosen by the Director of Soccer, Girls, Boys Director and the Technical Committee at the Revolution. Generally, a parent who is interested in coaching will express an interest either verbally or in writing to the Director of Soccer.

Are there specific prerequisites needed for becoming a coach?

For recreational soccer, we look for coaches who are enthusiastic, organized and good with small children.  Although soccer experience is a “plus” it is not mandatory at this level of play.

For traveling soccer, Ideally a coach is recommended to have at least an "E" license (or be in the process of obtaining it). An "E" license is the second lowest level of a coaching license; it goes up to "A". "E" license courses are usually held on a Friday evening and a Saturday, and are offered often, and usually locally or nearby.

The Revolution is in the process of planning to arrange an UEFA accredited course for all its coaches in both recreation and traveling soccer. The course will be greatly subsidized and supported by MYSA.

What else is required to become a coach?

Certainly a great interest in teaching kids the sport of soccer. Also, at the traveling level, an interview by the Director of Soccer is required. If you are interested in possibly becoming a coach, you should express your interest to the Director of Soccer. He will then tell you the exact procedure to follow, including how to obtain your "E" license.

If I have concerns regarding my child’s playing time or some other type of concern regarding the coach, how should I handle it?

Any concern such as that should be directed directly to the coach (es) whenever possible. However, the alternative is to contact the Boys or Girls Director. 

How many coaches are there for each team?

Usually there is one (1) Head Coach. Typically, there are also one (1) or two (2) assistant coaches.

Registration. All players that are committed to playing for the revolution need to have a parent/guardian register them on-line at MNREV.com by paying a $100 deposit. Coaches will arrange individual team meetings and the club will arrange age group Parents meetings to communicate the next steps.

What do I as a parent need to do to register my child?

As follows:

A. player registration on-line and payment of $100, which includes the child’s full name, address, birth date, etc. by November 30^th.

B. A uniform payment. $20 to cover last season final payment or $75 to cover the full uniform cost by November 30^th.

C. Once a team chooses the Elite or Champion Package, ½ of the remaining registration fee is due by January 15^th and the final payment is due by March 30^th. 

D. Later a copy of the child’s birth certificate (if the revolution doesn’t already have one) must be provided to the club. This will not be returned; it will be kept on file.

E. A small picture of your child (usually the very small ones taken by the school photographer in the fall are the best size), which will be used on the child’s "player pass" or card.

Is there anything else I need to know about the registration process?

Only that your child will be "carded". In other words, once the Registrar receives all necessary materials, small I.D. cards will be typed with your child’s name, team name, and individual I.D. # and that small picture you submitted will be glued to the card. Your child must sign this card when it has been completed. The cards will then be laminated and returned to the coaches.

What is the purpose of the I.D. card?

These cards are necessary for participation in each game. The manager will keep these cards (the coaches are carded as well) and give them to each of the referee before the start of each game. Each team member is required to line up to have his/her card checked by the ref. (This is the time when the ref. will also check the child’s shin guards and cleats to be sure they are regulation - safety is of the utmost importance).

No. There is a regulation uniform for all Revolution players, which you will probably be able to see samples of before ordering. The only things required are:

Two jerseys, 1 pair of shorts, and 1 pairs of socks.

Is that the only uniform we are required to purchase?

Yes, although your team may elect to purchase alternate clothing as well.

TERMINOLOGY/EXPLANATIONS

MYSA

MYSA – Minnesota Youth Soccer Association

U-9, for example - If you should hear (or read) the term U-9 or U-12, etc., it is referring to an age group. For example, U-9, meaning under 9 or U-13 meaning under 13, etc.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Revolution Office.

Thanks,

Board of Directors of the Minnesota Revolution