Behavior/Rules
All players and parents are to be respectful of all players, coaches, referees, and fans. The use of foul language, harassment, hazing, chemical violations and any other inappropriate behaviors will not be tolerated. Consequences such as limited playing time and/or suspension will be enforced. Players may be asked to leave the team if violations accrue or those violations are deemed inappropriate. Players are to represent themselves, the soccer program, Minnetonka High School, and their community with the utmost pride and respect. Above all else, we must be exemplary citizens and make the boys soccer program one that all are truly proud of.
Practice Schedule After School Starts
There are morning and afternoon/evening practices prior to the school year. All teams practice after school once school is in session. Practice times typically last 1 ½ to 2 hours.
Game Schedules
For the most up-to-date 2024 game schedule, go to www.lakeconference.org. Please note the field location. This season, we will use our turf fields (Upper Field North and Upper Field South), in addition to the Stadium Field and MHS Lower Field (grass).
Roster limits/Playing time
Each team is limited to a maximum of 22 players. The Varsity team will carry between 18-20 players depending on what the coaching staff deems appropriate for that competitive level. Varsity and Junior Varsity rosters may change due to the type of game that is being played and how an individual has performed throughout the season. A varsity player-pool will be established, allowing players to move between Varsity and Junior Varsity throughout the season. At the discretion of the coaching staff, some players may practice with the Varsity team but gain playing time on the Junior Varsity team. Players at the 9th, B-Squad and Junior Varsity levels will have the opportunity to play in each game, but only if criteria such as attitude, attendance, and effort have been met. Varsity playing time is limited to the top players, so playing time is not assured.
Varsity Reserve (JV)
We refer to our JV team as Varsity Reserve. This team consists of players who may be asked to play up on Varsity at any time. Varsity players who are not experiencing significant playing time may be asked to gain experience and play with the Varsity Reserve team from time to time.
Team Travel
Unless otherwise instructed by MHS administration. all players are expected to ride the bus to and from games. A player may be allowed to travel home only with a parent/guardian and only under special circumstances. Prior notification and written approval must be made beforehand. Contact the team’s coach prior to the travel date.
Fee List and Forms
All required forms must be completed on-line and recorded by the Activities Office prior to participation in any try-out, practice, scrimmage, or game.The activity fee for soccer is $100 and a onetime participation fee of $75. Please have all forms on file prior to the start of the fall season to avoid any missed practice/game time. Register here.
Event Fees
Admission to JV, B-Squad and 9th grade games are free. The event fees for Varsity games are anticipated to be $7 for adults and $5 for students.
Summer Preparation
Players are strongly encouraged to attend the Minnetonka Strength and Conditioning program and to participate in a non-school sponsored soccer program, although not mandatory. Players should be working on individual strength, flexibility, speed, agility, and endurance. Technical skills, tactical decisions, and speed of play are vital areas that determine one’s team level placement. One should strive to arrive for try-outs in top physical and technical form.
Uniforms/Equipment
ALL soccer players must use NOCSEA approved shin-guards. Size is determined by the length of a player’s shin and come with a color code. A player may be disqualified from a game if not properly equipped. Uniforms (shorts and jerseys) are issued when team placements are determined. All players will need to purchase their socks. Team socks will be made available to purchase at the Kick-off Banquet at a discounted price. It is the responsibility of the individual player to see that all borrowed equipment is returned to the Activities Office within one week of the final game of the season. An equipment return day will be scheduled to help players return items. Items that are lost, damaged, or not returned will need to be replaced at the player’s expense. Parking permits and/or grades might not be granted to those players failing to return all uniform items.
Lettering Criteria
Letters are awarded to varsity players who have contributed to a minimum of 3 games whether they are on the bench or in the game. This includes play-offs and state tournament games, but excludes scrimmages. Seniors who have contributed to the program for 3 or more years and play on the junior varsity (JV) and have contributed on the field and/or in practices will also be awarded a letter.
Fundraising
Our Soccer Saturday events and activities are usually generated, organized and carried out by the players and parents from Striker Club and our teams. Our main fundraising events this fall will be our Vertical Raise event and Soccer Saturday.
Awards
All-State, All-Metro, and All-Conference awards are voted on by area coaches. Selected players are given a plaque or certificate. Team awards are assigned through a player voting system whereby players may nominate any teammate for any number of awards. Team award categories may include MVP, MIP, Offensive MVP, Defensive MVP and Most Inspirational Player. These awards are given out at the end of the season banquet.
Banquet
The end of the season banquet is an occasion where the players, parents, team managers, coaches, and fans gather to celebrate the season. The banquet takes place in November after the season ends and typically lasts around 2 hours at a location to be determined. Season awards are presented, and memories and farewells are shared. The cost of the evening is partially subsidized through fund-raising activities.
