Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the MLBTB-SC Frequently Asked Questions page. This page has been created to provide you with the answers to some commonly asked questions. By clicking on a question below you will be directed to the appropriate answer.
QUESTIONS:
Subject: General | Registration | Travel | Recreation | Referees
~Is today's game cancelled due to bad weather?
~Who is eligible to participate?
~When will I hear from my coach? I haven’t heard from my child’s coach yet, what’s going on?
~Can I choose my coach or team?
~What equipment is needed?
~Where are the fields?
~How are teams formed?
~My child isn't the most athletic, but she enjoys playing. How much playing time should we reasonably expect?
~What is the difference between recreational soccer and travel soccer?
~How can I get more information on MLBTB Soccer?
~How do I contact the club?
Registration:
~How and when do I register?
~Does the registration fee have a family maximum amount?
~What is included in the registration fee?
~Is there an additional charge for travel players?
Travel Soccer:
~How often will we practice?
~Where and when are games?
~How are teams formed?
~How long are the games?
~What is the minimum age for playing travel soccer?
~What is the age cut off for travel soccer?
~Can my child try out for an older age group on the travel level?
~What is the commitment for a travel team?
~How do I fill out the required forms?
Recreation Soccer:
~How often will we practice?
~Where and when are games?
~How are teams formed?
~How long are the games?
~Who is eligible to participate?
~Can my child be placed on a team in the next division up?
~What is the commitment for the recreational soccer?
~What are the age groups for each division?
Referees:
~Who is assigned to referee our game and what is his/her name and phone number?
~Where does the club get referees for the games?
ANSWERS:
Is today's game canceled due to bad weather?
You can find information on individual game cancellations from your coach, however, field closings are posted on the field status page of this site. Click here to be directed to the field status page.
Who is eligible to participate?
To participate in the MLBTB SC, children must be 4 years old by July of the Fall season.
When will I hear from my coach? I haven’t heard from my child’s coach yet, what’s going on?
Coaches will contact players on their team before the season begins. Depending on the coach, this could be as soon as mid August or as late as the first week of September. All coaches have been encouraged to call each member on their roster early, however, the decision is theirs.
Can I choose my coach or team?
While we make every effort to place your child on a team with at least one of his/her classmates, we cannot guarantee that your child will be placed on a team with a specific friend or coach. We will make exceptions for those players with "special needs". Formal requests must be received in writing by June 1st. The letter should completely describe all seasons for your request. Letters should be sent to PO Box 187, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046.
What equipment is needed?
Each player will be provided with a team shirt, shorts and socks. Players must provide their own shin guards and footwear. Cleats are preferred (NO METAL) but sneakers are acceptable. Teams are provided with a game ball. Players should bring their own soccer ball to all practices. (Size #5 for Division 3, Size #4 for Division 4 & 5 and Size #3 for Division 6 & 7).
Where are the fields?
Our home fields, the RVA Fields, are located on Powerville Road in Boonton Township. For directions click here.
How are teams formed?
As a general rule, coaches and teams are assigned on a random basis. While we make every effort to place your child on a team with at least one of his/her classmates, we cannot guarantee that your child will be placed on a team with a specific friend or coach. We will make exceptions for those players with "special needs". Formal requests must be received in writing by June 1st. The letter should completely describe all reasons for your request. Letters should be sent to MLBTB Soccer Club, PO Box 187, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046.
Also, the skill level of each child from previous years is taken into consideration as to prevent the formation of a so called 'staked' team.
My child isn't the most athletic, but enjoys playing. How much playing time should we reasonably expect?
As per club policy all players on recreation teams will receive equal playing time. At the midpoint of the first half mandatory substitution shall take place in all games. Those players who have not yet played MUST be inserted and shall play the remainder of the half.
What is the difference between recreational soccer and travel soccer?
The Mountain Lakes-Boonton Township-Boonton Soccer Club promotes youth soccer in the tri-town at both the recreational and travel level. The recreation level is for the player looking for a good time and who has fun while playing soccer. The travel program is for the player looking for a more intense and competitive soccer experience.
How can I get more information on MLBTB Soccer?
For more information on the club please continue to navigate this site. The links below may help you in your quest for information.
~Recreation Soccer | Travel Soccer | Fields and Directions | Referees
How do I contact the club?
If you have a specific question, or general feedback, you can find the appropriate contact by clicking here and your comment will be forwarded to the appropriate person. You may also contact board members responsible for specific functions directly via email. Click here for board contact information.
How and when do I register?
Registration must be completed online. Players wishing to play recreation or travel soccer must complete the same registration form. Registration will open in February. All registration must be submitted by the close of registration. For more information on registration click here.
Does the registration fee have a family maximum amount?
Yes! Three or more children, in the same family, will be charged the family maximum amount of $150.00. However, if your registration is received during the late registration period, you will be charged the late fee per child; there will be NO family maximum during late registration.
What is included in the registration fee?
A uniform for each player, referee fees, field maintenance, etc.
Is there an additional charge for travel players?
Yes. Once your son/daughter is selected for a travel team, you will be notified of the additional charges. For more information on travel soccer and its current fees click here
How often will we practice?
Coaches will request a day and time that best suits them. Please contact your coach for your teams practice schedule. All teams will have at least one practice per week.
Where and when are games?
Recreation games are played at the RVA Fields in Boonton Township or at a Parsippany Field (for some divisions) on Saturdays beginning the first weekend in September. Game times run from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Some teams may have a night game in Parsippany.
Travel teams participate in the Morris County Youth Soccer Association League. The teams competing in these leagues are primarily located in Morris County with additional teams from Essex, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties. Travel time to games can be as far as an hour away. Our teams compete in a 10 game season in the fall (and spring for a number of teams) with games being played on Sunday afternoons. For more information please visit www.mcysa.org.
How long are the games?
Recreation Games:
Division 3 -- U13/U14 -- 40 minute halves
Division 4 -- U11/U12 -- 35 minute halves
Division 5 -- U09/U10 -- 25 minute halves
Division 6 -- U07/U08 -- 12 minute quarters
Travel Games:
Division 3 -- U13/U14 -- 40 minute halves
Division 4 -- U11/U12 -- 35 minute halves
Division 5 -- U09/U10 -- 30 minute halves
Division 6 -- U07/U08 -- 25 minute halves
What is the minimum age for playing travel soccer?
Players interested in playing travel soccer must be 7 years of age or older by July 31 of the Fall season. For more information on travel soccer please click here.
What is the age cut off for travel soccer?
For the current age classifications for travel soccer please click here.
Can my child try out for an older age group on the travel level?
Yes! Your child will need to tryout with that age group. If your child does not make the team, he/she will be placed on recreation team. A letter will need to be sent to the Board of Directors requesting this.
What is the commitment for a travel team?
Playing on a Travel Team requires a commitment from both the participant and their parents. All players are expected to attend all practices and games. Each team will have at least one practice, one clinic and one game per week. All practices and the clinic are at the RVA Fields. Games are played throughout Morris County (usually within a 45 minute drive).
Additionally, our travel teams will participate in 2 tournaments (Labor Day weekend and Columbus Day weekend) each of which involves 3-4 games over the weekend. Players are expected to participate in the tournaments. For more information on travel soccer please click here.
How do I fill out the required forms?
- US Youth Soccer Medical Release Form:
Fill out your child's information, emergency contact, insurance information, and medical information. The bottom portion of the form should read as follows "Therefore, I grant Coach's Name and/or Assistant Coach's Name permission to act as my surrogate..." The form should then be signed in the presence of a Notary Public. - S.A.G.E Sportsmanship Pledge:
This document should be read in its entirety by the parents/guardians as well as the player. It should then be signed by each person. In addition to signing the form each person should circle the appropriate title under their signature.
Can my child be placed on a team in the next division up?
Yes, ONLY if that child will be moved to be playing with his/her grade-peers. The parent will need to send a letter/email to the Board requesting this change.
What is the commitment for the recreational soccer?
At least one practice per week, with a game every Saturday. All practices and games are played at the RVA Fields. For more information on recreation soccer please click here.
What are the age groups for each division?
For the current age classifications for recreation soccer please click here.
Who is assigned to referee our game and what is his/her name and phone number?
This information is not disclosed to the public. The only individuals who have access to this information are club directors, coordinators, and coaches.
Where does the club get referees for the games?
At the recreation level all of the referees are youth between the ages of 12 and 18. The club encourages its players to consider becoming referees. Youth who want to referee must be at least 12 years old. The club provides training for all recreation referees.
At the travel level all of the referees are USSF (United States Soccer Federation) Certified and have been assigned to the game by the MCYSA (Morris County Youth Soccer Association).
Please treat the referees with respect. Keep in mind that the referee is trying to do their best out on the field and yelling at them or berating them won't help them in this task. Please keep all sideline comments positive. Thank the referee after the game, even if you don't agree with the calls or feel that a better job could have been done. One of the reasons we have insufficient numbers of referees is that many quit after their first year and the common reason they give is that they're tired of being yelled at by the coaches and parents. Treat the referee with respect. Leave it to the coach to talk with the referee if there is a need. The sad fact is that we lose 1/3 of the referees in the state each year due to abuse from the sidelines.
For more information on becoming a recreation referee please click here.
For more information on becoming a USSF Referee please click here.
The RVA Fields are CLOSED for the winter.
Updated: 2/1/10 at 8:00AM