MPRB Youth Sports guidelines

Thank you for choosing MPRB youth sports! 

Please read the guidelines carefully before registering. 

What you will need to know!

  • MPRB registration dates, where to register and cancelation policy:  Program Registration - Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
  • Read about City Wide Youth Program Discounts here:  Citywide Youth Program Discounts - Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
  • All players must adhere to the sport rules and rules listed in the MPRB sport guidelines. 
  • Participants waive, release, & discharge any & all claims for damages for personal injury, death, or property damage which may have, or which may hereafter accrue to players, as a result of participation from this activity. 
  • Sport specific rules will be available on the team pages of this website.
  • Uniforms: Check our sport specific rules for uniform guidelines.
  • Questionable Weather:
    •  Email updates will be sent. Check individual sports bulletins for weather guideline. 
    •  We want you to play all of your scheduled games. MPRB league directors monitor the weather daily and do our best to make the best decisions.  We do our best to update two hours prior to game time. If weather worsens after that time, they will be called at the game location.

      Divisions:

      We offer leagues in the following divisions: 

      • Girls: Specifically, for girls. 
      • Open: There are no gender requirements for this division

      Check sport specific bulletins for division skill levels offered.

      Registration:

      • Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Youth Sports switched to a new and improved registration process in 2025. Simply Choose a sport, age, division and three preferred sites. After registration closes, Youth Sports staff will review all registrations, create teams based on individuals preferred sites, and place them into city wide leagues.  
      • Non-Resident Players: The number of non-Minneapolis residents allowed per team varies by sport. Refer to the sport specific bulletin to find the number of non-residents allowed on the roster. (Number given is based on a full roster having 80% of the players living within Minneapolis city limits) 
      • Outside Agency Team: Schools and youth-serving organizations can choose to enter full teams into a Partner League. Use the Youth Sports Team Declaration Form to declare a team.
      • Roster Size: Please see specific sport rules for roster size limit.  Any deviation from this rule must be approved by the League Director.  

      Eligibility, Protests & Suspensions:

      • Eligibility

        1. Age:  All participants listed on the roster must fall within the correct age division. Players may play up one division. 6U are ineligible from playing up.  

        1. Assumed Name:  A player must register under their legal birth name. 

        1. Multiple Teams:  Players are eligible to register with one 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.  

        1. High School:  Check with the high school to confirm eligibility. 

        1. Multiple Leagues: MPRB League rules do not prohibit teams or players from participating in non-MPRB leagues during the season.  However, when playing restrictions are listed for specific sports they must be followed, or teams/players will be subjected to disciplinary actions.

        2.   

      • Jewelry, Head Decorations and Headwear

        2. Officials will enforce the Minnesota State High School rule regarding jewelry.  All players must remove all jewelry during games and practices including 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.  
        3. Please note hard items worn on the head such as beads, barrettes and bobby pins are prohibited. MRPB sports exceptions: Gymnastics, Track, Tennis & Volleyball
        4.  Please delay any new piercings until after the conclusion of the sports season.
        5.  The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board may on an individual basis allow a player to participate while wearing a head covering if it meets the following criteria:
        1. 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.
        2. 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.

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      • Protests

        1.  

        3. Only player eligibility protests will be allowed. Examples: Player on 2 MPRB teams, using an assumed name, participating in the wrong age division and/or playing while under suspension.
        4.  Coaches must submit an eligibility protest in writing to the League Director, no later than 48 hours after completion of the protested game.
        5.  This procedure must be followed in order to move forward with the protest.
        6.  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)

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      • Suspension
        2. Any player fighting will be suspended from that game and will be suspended for:
            • First Offense:  Next three games
            • Second Offense:  The remainder of the season
        3. Please see specific sport rules for Game Disqualification details.
        4. 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.
        5. A player that 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.
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      • Incident Report

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

      • Participations

        1. Coaches must play all participants the minimum number of time and/or points. 

        1. 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 Coach Supervision and Certification:

                1. 1. Volunteer Coaches are supervised by Recreation Center full time staff (Park Directors). Park Directors will ensure that volunteers complete the Volunteer Coach Certification process prior to volunteers’ 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 MN state law) 
                  • reviewing and agreeing to abide by the MPRB Coaches Code of Ethics 
                  • Specialized sports certification when applicable (i.e. USA Football)

                 

                1. 2. Volunteers are responsible for completing these certification elements in a timely fashion and submitting them to the Park Director when requested. Failure to complete the Certification 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 3 years from its completion date. Upon expiration, coaches must complete and resubmit the certification elements. Park Directors will submit coach certification information to the Athletics Department for MPRB records.  

                1. 3. Volunteers are responsible for wearing the Coach Badge that is issued to them by the Park Director at all games. Coaches will only be issued a badge once their Certification is complete. 

                1. 4. Volunteers are responsible for alerting the Park Director of any issues that arise during the season with players, parents, games, practices, schedules, etc. Park Directors will provide assistance or guidance in resolving issues and provide information on any additional steps that should be taken if necessary.  

                Conduct:

                • Sportsmanlike conduct is expected of all players, coaches, and managers. The referee has the power to remove any offender. 
                • Managers only 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 of the league.

                MPRB Sportsmanship Code for Spectators:

                • The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board is working 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 and 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.   

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

                Discrimination Information:

                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. 

                MPRB League Directors reserve the right to make additions and/or changes for the betterment of the program.