FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Athletics Department provides positive recreation experiences for Minneapolis youth under 18. These experiences help our youth develop new physical and social skills in a fun, participatory and safe environment under the guidance of knowledgeable and supportive coaches. In this way, youth athletic programs contribute to the individual’s physical, social, emotional, cultural and educational growth and development.
Registration / Friend Requests
How do I register my child?
- Register here: Active Net
- Choose a sport, age division, and three preferred sites. After registration closes, youth sports staff will review all registrations, create teams based on preferred sites and place teams into citywide leagues.
- You can find more information here-Youth Sports Programs - Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
- If you would prefer to register in person, please visit your neighborhood rec center (Recreation Centers & Program Facilities - Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board). You can also call customer service at 612-230-6400.
Can my child request to play on a team with one of their friends?
Yes! Each participant can request to be placed on the same team with one friend.
- All friend requests must be reciprocal, meaning both participants must select each other and select the same locations
- Siblings are automatically placed together unless you request otherwise, so please be sure to note sibling relationships during registration
- If two (limit two) adults request to co-coach, their children will be placed together by default
- When multiple teams are formed, coaches may be assigned to different teams to ensure each team has a certified coach
- When a site has reach capacity, registration timing can affect friend request placement
*We are unable to make exceptions to this friend request policy. Our goal is to help youth athletes build new connections, meet new friends and grow through team experiences.
What is included in the program fee?
- Typically, our sports registration fees cover all or part of the uniform cost and/or equipment supplies and upgrades
- We do not provide personal items like footwear, shin guards, or gloves
Will I need to purchase additional equipment for my child?
- Equipment needs vary by sport and/or recreation center. Please check with your recreation center prior to registration.
- Typically, our sports registration fees cover all or part of the uniform cost and/or equipment supplies and upgrades
- We do not provide personal items like footwear, shin guards, or gloves
What if I cannot afford the program fee?
- The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board offers a Cityside Youth Program Discount Fee Structure. Discounts are based on yearly household income and family size.
- You can find more information about this model here- Citywide Youth Program Discounts - Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
How is my child's age division determined?
- Age divisions are determined by pre-established age guidelines set by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Athletic Department
- Age verification in the form of a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, immunization card, certification from school administration, etc. is required for participation
Are the leagues inclusive for children with disabilities?
- YES! All of our programs are inclusive. Services are available for children and adults with disabilities who participate in Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) programs. Every registrant is entitled to an assessment to determine the best inclusion supports and the family of the participant is the most valuable resource in planning.
- If you or someone you know has a disability and is interested in learning more on inclusion and how to access MPRB programs, please contact Sarah Herlofsky sherlofskyi@minneapolisparks.org / 612.230.6478. We require a minimum of two weeks' notice for a successful inclusion.
Does my child need sports experience to participate?
- Your child does not need experience to join any of our youth sports leagues
How often will my child play and practice?
- Please plan on one or two practices a week depending on gym and field availability
- On average, the team will play games one to three times per week, for a total of 7-12 games per season
Where will and when will the practices and games be?
- Practices will take place at your recreation center or at a nearby field/court/rink. The majority of games will be played within the city limits of Minneapolis.
- Saturday games will be played between 9am and 5pm
- Weeknight games will be scheduled between 6pm and 8:30pm
How will I receive schedule information?
- Information about practices and games will come from your recreation center and coach. Game schedules can also be viewed online Here.
How will I know if a practice or game is cancelled?
- Practice cancellation information will be provided by your recreation center
- Please look at specific sports bulletins for weather cancellation procedures or visit our Game Status page
Can my child wear jewelry, head decoration or headwear?
- Officials will enforce the Minnesota State High School rule regarding jewelry. All players must remove all jewelry during games and practices - rings, watches, bracelets (including friendship), earrings of any kind (including starters), chains or necklaces. Any player who fails to remove his or her jewelry may not participate until it is removed.
- Please note hard items worn on the head such as beads, barrettes and bobby pins are prohibited. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) sports exceptions: Gymnastics, Track, Tennis and Volleyball.
- Please delay any new piercings until after the conclusion of the sports season
- The MPRB may, on an individual basis, allow a player to participate while wearing a head covering if it meets the following criteria:
- For medical or cosmetic reasons – In the event a participant is required by a licensed medical physician to cover his/her head with a covering or wrap, a physician’s statement is required before the MPRB can approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely that it will come off during play.
- For religious reasons – In the event there is documented evidence provided to the MPRB that a participant may not expose his/her uncovered head, the MPRB may approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely it will come off during play.
Coaching
- Who is my child's coach?
- Youth sports teams are coached by volunteer coaches. Coaches are certified by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB). All coaches and assistant coaches are required to pass a comprehensive background check and are expected to adhere to the MPRB Coaches Code of Ethics.
- What if I witness a coach exhibiting bad sportsmanship or violating the Code of Ethics?
- If a situation arises where a coach violates the Code of Ethics an incident report may be completed. Please work with your recreation supervisor to complete the report. The report will be processed by the recreation supervisor. Discipline will vary depending upon circumstances and could include probation, removal or other measures. Infractions will carry over from sport to sport and will be kept on file.
- Can I coach my child's team?
- Yes! You will be required to complete the MPRB Coaches Certification which includes sports specific rules training, concussion management training, and a background check. More information about coaching can be found here in the Coaches Corner.
How to import schedule to Google Calendar
- Open the game schedule (ex: Adult Volleyball B Sunday Nokomis)
- Click on Subscribe
- Copy your team's http:// to clipboard (Ctrl C)
- Google Calendar Open on your computer
- Click on Other Calendars
- Select Add by URL
- Paste the http:// from clipboard (Ctrl V)
- Click on Add Calendar
- Click Done
Any schedule changes will be reflected in your calendar, such as playoffs, weather schedule changes.
Cancellation Policy
If the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) cancels a program, all registration fees will be fully refunded.
- Programs may be canceled due to low enrollment
- If a program is canceled, every attempt will be made to give registrants at least 48 hours’ notice
- Refunds will be offered for registrant conflicts that are due to schedule changes initiated by the MPRB
Customer cancellation will handled be as follows:
In lieu of reduced refunds and administrative fee charges, 100% of the registration fee can be added on your account for future registration fees, otherwise:
- Cancellation of more than 15 business days before the start of a MPRB Adult Sports team or individual registration: a full refund minus a 5% administrative fee
- Cancellation of 8 to 15 business days before the start of the program: a 50% refund
- No refund will be given for cancellations 7 or less business days prior to the start of the program
- If a cancellation is due to a medical reason or other family circumstance, it can be reviewed by the full-time staff on a case-by-case basis
- Refunds and credits can only be made by a full-time certified staff
- Fees for transfers from one MPRB program to another will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be allowed without a penalty
- If a program is canceled due to weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, refunds and account credits may be made on a case-by-case basis
**Absolutely no refunds will be given for participant no-shows**
