youth Sports Guidelines

Eligibility

1. Age: All participants listed on the roster must fall within the correct age division. Players may play up one division. 6U are not eligible to play up.  
2. Assumed Name: A player must register under their legal birth name
3. Multiple Teams: Players are eligible to register with one Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) youth team. Transfer from one team to another will not be permitted after a player has played in a scheduled game. Exceptions must be approved by the league directors. 
4. High School: Check with the high school to confirm eligibility
5. Multiple Leagues: MPRB league rules do not prohibit teams or players from participating in non-MPRB leagues during the season. When playing restrictions are listed for specific sports, they must be followed or teams/players will be subjected to disciplinary actions.

Jewelry, Head Decorations and 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. MRPB 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. 

Protests

• Only player eligibility protests will be allowed. Examples: Player on two MPRB teams, using an assumed name, participating in the wrong age division and/or playing while under suspension.
• Coaches must submit an eligibility protest in writing to the league director, no later than 48 hours after completion of the protested game
• This procedure must be followed in order to move forward with the protest
• Penalty: Teams found using an ineligible player will be given a loss for that game and any other previously participated games. The ineligible player will be removed from the roster and unable to participate for the remainder of the season. (Exception: football player protested for not weighing in can play after being weighed at an official weigh-in.)

 Suspension

• Any player involved in a physical altercation and/or incident of misconduct will be subject to review by the league director of that specific sport:
  
• First offense: Next three games
• Second offense: Remainder of the season
• Please see specific sport rules for game disqualification details
• Any player or coach who physically assaults an official will be suspended indefinitely. Further disciplinary action up to and possibly including a permanent suspension from MPRB coaching/playing shall be determined by the MPRB Youth Sports Department.
• A player who is ejected will also be suspended for the next regular season or tournament game. Any unacceptable behavior will be reviewed by the league director and youth sports staff and may result in further disciplinary action and/or disqualification of the player, coach and or team.

Incident Report

• MPRB patrons who feel inappropriate behavior is being displayed at an MPRB youth athletic event, should complete an MPRB Incident Report. MPRB staff will have forms available. 
  

Participation

• Coaches must play all participants the minimum time and/or points
• Intentional disregard of this rule may result in forfeit or coach discipline (up to or including suspension)
• This decision will be at the discretion of the league directors

• Volunteer Coaches are supervised by recreation center full-time staff (Recreation Supervisors). Recreation Supervisors will ensure volunteers complete the Volunteer Coach Certification process prior to the volunteer's first contact with players. Certification includes but is not limited to: 
• Passing a background check 
• Completing and providing proof of Concussion Awareness training (as required by Minnesota state law) 
• Reviewing and agreeing to abide by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Coaches Code of Ethics 
• Specialized sports certification when applicable (i.e. USA Football)
• Volunteers are responsible for completing these certification elements in a timely fashion and submitting them to the Recreation Supervisor when requested. Failure to complete all certifications will disqualify volunteers from coaching with the MPRB. Background checks and Coaches Code of Ethics agreements expire one year from their completion dates and Concussion Awareness training expires three years from its completion date. Upon expiration, coaches must complete and resubmit the certification elements. Recreation Supervisors will submit coach certification information to the athletics department for MPRB records. 
• Volunteers are responsible for wearing the coach badge issued to them by the Recreation Supervisor at all games. Coaches will only be issued a badge once their certification is complete. 
• Volunteers are responsible for alerting the Recreation Supervisor of any issues that arise during the season with players, parents, games, practices, schedules, etc. Recreation Supervisors will provide assistance or guidance in resolving issues and provide information on any additional steps that should be taken if necessary. 

• Sportsmanlike conduct is expected of all players, coaches, and managers. The referee has the power to remove any offender. 
• Only managers are allowed to address the officials regarding concerns
• No players (including managers) may make profane or vulgar remarks to officials, opponents or spectators
• Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated
• League directors have the right to administer disciplinary actions when necessary
• Disciplinary actions may include ejection, suspension and/or removal from the league

The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) works to ensure that youth participating in our athletic programs have a safe, healthy and positive environment in which to play and develop their skills.

Please adhere to the following Sportsmanship Code while attending MPRB youth athletic events:

• Keep cheering positive
• Respect the opposing team and fans
• Learn and understand the rules of the game
• Respect the judgment of the officials (even if you disagree with them)
• Accept winning or losing with dignity

Examples of unsportsmanlike behavior:

• Disrespectful or derogatory yells or gestures (such as pointing and chanting)
• Loud negative reaction to officials’ calls  
• Distracting players attempting free throws by yelling or stomping your feet
• Swearing
• Coming on the playing field/court at any time 
• Chants or yells with inappropriate content (racial, sexual or gender connotations)
• Degrading yells about a player’s body size or shape 
• Degrading yells about a player’s lack of skill or ability
• Encouraging players to inflict injury on other players 
• Throwing objects onto the field/court
• Arguing with coaches, officials or other fans

If a spectator consistently uses unacceptable behavior, MPRB staff can stop the game until the person leaves the premises. If a spectator refuses to leave the premises, the officials will declare the game over.   

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) staff and photographers occasionally take photographs and/or video of park activities and services (classes, programs, events, facility use, sports/athletic games, etc.) to be used for increasing awareness and use of the park system. Participation in MPRB league sports grants permission to the MPRB and anyone authorized by the MPRB to use and reproduce any and all photographic images and/or video that you have taken of participants and players for any purpose whatsoever (including, but not limited to, promotional materials and videos, brochures, publications, social media, MPRB website, City of Minneapolis cable channel, news releases, advertising or display) without further compensation to them/you/me. 

If an individual wishes to not be photographed, they may simply let the photographer know, if one is present.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the requirements of Title II with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the MPRB will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities.  

If anyone believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, affectional preference, disability, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance you may file a complaint alleging to discrimination with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board 612-230-6400, or 2117 West River Rd. Minneapolis, MN 55411.