FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are there scholarships available?
Yes, TFA has partial and full scholarships available to help with the registration fees. The only portion that is not covered is the Gold Cards. This must be paid by the first day of practice.
To request a scholarship please contact Roger Lenahan at 952-380-0424 or RogerL@cambridge-commercial.com
What are the gold cards?
The gold cards are the fundraiser for the Minnetonka Football grades 3 - 12. The gold card is a discount card good for one year from the date issued. Typically 10 - 15 local businesses will participate. In the past the businesses have included, Dairy Queen, Harvest Bread, Holiday Gas ($0.04 per gallon, unlimited for the one year), Jiffy Lube, Burger King, Papa John's Pizza, to name just a few. In addition to the discounts, the card have snap offs for various local restaurants.
In 3rd - 8th grade, players have two options:
- Pre-pay for four (4) cards with the player's registration in the amount of $80. The cards will arrive in late August. The players can go out and sell the four cards and recoup the $80.
- Buyout for $55. No cards to sell.
How are teams selected?
TFA football program is inclusive rather than exclusive. Teams in grades 6th – 8th are selected by the “Equi-Draft System”. During the prior season and the combine held prior to the seasonstart, all players will be weighed and timed. Coaches will also take notes on individual skills such as passing and catching the football. Towards the end of the first week of practice the Coaches, Grade Level Coordinator and Area Director will conduct the draft. After all players have been assigned to a team, based on skill or black stripe status, the head coach will draw a number from a hat to determine the team he will coach. Coaches will then add their own child to their team roster.
In grades 3rd – 5th, teams are created by schools.
How are Coaches selected?
All TFA coaches are volunteers. TFA provides coaches with clinics, manuals and plays to prepare them for the season. We expect our coaches to abide by the league rules and regulations and to conduct themselves at all times as a role model. All coaches must pass a criminal background check completed through the BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) and must attend a mandatory rules meeting. At this meeting Coaches will have a picture taken for a photo badge. All coaches must have a badge to be in the coach’s box at games. We are looking for coaches who want to work with kids, teach the players the game of football while providing a fun, quality experience ahead of winning. Our coaches must never forget that TFA is for the players and not the coaches.
Why do we have “black stripers”?
This is a safety issue. Statistics show that more injuries occur when smaller players attempt to tackle larger players. Players above the maximum weight for each level cannot advance the ball except in certain situations.
How often are games played?
Games, 4th – 8th grades, are played on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. Games during the week are played at either 6:30 pm or 8:00 pm. Saturday games are played at 9:00 am, 10:30 am, Noon or 1:30 p.m. Games, 3rd grades, games during the week are played at either 6:30 pm or 8:00 pm. and Saturday afternoons beginning at 1:30 pm, 3:30pm, (if necessary) 6:00 pm.
Where are games played?
The field locations and directions are located on the TFA website, www.minnetonkafootball.org. Minnetonka home games are played at Minnetonka High School (Stadium and/or Veterans Field) or Badger Field.
When does the season end?
The regular season should conclude before the MEA break. In addition, TFA is working on minimizing conflicts with basketball and hockey tryouts.
Is Football a dangerous sport for young people to play?
Although TFA has taken numerous measures to make our program as safe as possible, football is a rough and tumble sport. Even with modern protective equipment, bumps and bruises will occur. Serious injuries are rare. However, the risk of injury must be placed in prospective with other youth activities.
From the National Safe Kids Campaign, hospital emergency rooms across the United States, in 1997 reported the following statistics (Children 14 and under):
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons opinion in regards to organized sports, is generally, “Grade School students are less likely to suffer from severe injury because they are smaller and slower than older athletes, when they collide or fall, the forces on the musculoskeletal system are usually not high enough to cause injury.” Also, “Sports injuries occur more frequently in physical education classes and free-play sports than in organized team sports. Minimal safety precautions and supervision can prevent many injuries.”
How effective is protective equipment in preventing injuries?
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, “protective equipment is one of the most important factors in minimizing the risk of injury in football. Play it safe and wear the equipment required by most youth football leagues.”
What equipment is required by Tonka Football Association (TFA)?
Helmet with face mask and chin strap with hard plastic chin guard; mouth guard; shoulder pads, pants with hip, tail, thigh and knee pads; athletic supporter (recommended); shoes, with rubber, non-detachable, molded cleats; football jersey, practice jersey and water bottle.
How often do teams practice?
The frequency of practices will vary by team. During the summer, 3rd graders practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays. 4th – 8th grades practice is Monday through Thursday starting at 6:00 pm. During the school year, practices are scheduled on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, unless the team is scheduled for a game. Grade level coordinators may change practice times and dates with approval of the Area Director. Coaches will notify with as much advance notice as possible.
Where does each grade practice?
3rd grade – Minnetonka Middle School West (MMW) football field.
4th grade – Groveland Elementary School Baseball Field
5th grade – Scenic Heights Elementary School lower field
6th grade – Minnetonka Middle School East (MME) Football Field.
7th & 8th grades – MHS Veterans Field. After Labor Day: 7th Grade moves to Minnewashta Elementary School Soccer Fields and 8th grade moves to Minnetonka Middle School East (MME) Baseball Fields (closest to the football field.
