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 are the Gold Cards. To request a scholarship please contact Carrie Botten at carrielinbotten@yahoo.com
What are the gold cards?
Gold cards are the fundraiser for the Minnetonka Football program grades 2 - 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 has snap offs for various local restaurants.
In 2nd - 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 early September. Players go out and sell the four cards, and recoup the $80 spent at registration.
- 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”. The Equidraft system is utilized at the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade level. For new to football players, evaluations may be held BEFORE the first day of practice. Players are evaluated on several different criteria; previous season coach's evaluations if available, summer camps attended, 40 yard dash, cone course, passing skills, running skills, receiving skills, blocking and tackling, willingness to be coached, and attitude. Each player is assigned a rating and made part of a single talent pool for each grade. After the evaluations the coaches distribute players among teams so that each team has comparably rated players.. The ultimate goal of the Equidraft is an evaluation and selection process where the sole objective is to create competitively balanced teams with equal distribution of player talent.
In grades 2nd - 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, 3rd - 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. If necessary games could be also scheduled at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
2nd grade games will be played on Saturdays. Times are TBD at this time.
Where are games played?
Minnetonka home games are played at Minnetonka High School (Stadium and/or Veterans Field) or Badger Field.
2nd grade games will be played at MHS Stadium or Veterans 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, baseball, and hockey tryouts. It is our expectation that other youth sports organization in the community will respect the football season and minimize conflicts.
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. We encourage you to visit our Safety tab at the top of this website. Even with modern protective equipment, bumps and bruises can 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)?
2nd grade flag football will have t-shirt/jerseys, shorts, flags, mouth guards and cleats. 3rd will utilize the same as 2nd grade with the addition of a soft shell helmet that will be provided with your registration. 4th - 8th grade players, 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.
2nd grade teams will practice on Wednesdays only.
During the summer, 3rd graders practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays.
During the summer, 4th – 8th grades practice is Monday through Thursday starting at 6:00 pm.
During the school year, 3rd - 8th grade 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?
Practice locations are determined by the registration size of the entire grade. Practice locations are at the Minnetonka High School, Groveland Elementary, Scenic Heights Elementary, Minnewashta Elementary, Minnetonka Middle School East, and Badger Park. Practice locations will be communicated a week or two prior to the first day of practice.
