Frequenty Asked Questions

TOP 10 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who do I call to obtain information or address concerns about the Roadrunners?

Answer: Call any of the officers listed in the Officers section of this website.

2. When and how often are practices?

Answer: The final decision rests with the coach with input sometimes from the team's parents. Typically, teams practice about 1-1/2 hours twice a week on days selected by the coaches at park district or school properties in Downers Grove.

3. What kind of commitment is necessary?

Answer: In addition to practice, each team plays 10 league games each outdoor season and attends 1 or 2 tournaments during each outdoor season. Five league games are in Downers Grove; five league games are in surrounding communities. Fall season runs from August through October; spring season runs from April through June. Teams usually play in one indoor season, either fall indoor from November through December or winter indoor from January through March. During the indoor season, teams usually have none or 1 practice per week. Everyone must display proper behavior and respect towards coaches, trainers, players, opponents, parents of opponents, and referees.

4. What about tournaments?

Answer: Tournaments are an opportunity for players to compete with teams outside their scheduled league play. Tournament costs are in addition to regular Roadrunners registration fees, and may include travel, hotel and meal expenses (although U-10 and younger teams normally do not travel to tournaments that require hotel stays). To encourage tournament participation, each team is allotted $600 for tournament entry fees taken from their registration fees paid to the Roadrunners Club.

5. What is expected of the players?

Answer:

a. Attend all training sessions, games, tournaments, and meetings unless the coach excuses the player. When conflicts do arise, notify your coach as soon as possible ahead of time. Attendance records may be kept.

b. Be punctual for all team functions, games, and practices.

c. The following items should be brought to every training session and game:

1. Shin guards
2. Water bottle filled
3. Designated clothing attire
4. Appropriate soccer shoes/footwear
5. Properly inflated soccer ball

d. Desire to become the best you can be.

e. Each player cares for his or her own equipment and carries own bag, water bottle, etc. Parents do not carry bags, water bottles, or soccer balls for players.

f. Show absolute respect at all times towards coaches, other players, teammates, parents, referees, and opponents.

6. How is amount of playing time decided for players during games?

Answer: The individual coaches make all final decisions. The Roadrunners Club recommends to coaches that the playing time be based upon the following:

a. Player's attendance at practice
b. Player's performance and skill level
c. Player's attitude, commitment, and coachability
d. Pre-game tactical plan and level of competition
e. Situations that occur in the game

Playing time is earned; equal playing time is not a Roadrunners requirement. Some coaches may place a greater emphasis on winning in tournament games, which may cause playing times for a player to differ from regular season games.

7. Is there practice or a game during bad weather?

Answer: Parents should never assume that games or practices will be cancelled. The coach and/or referee will decide whether to cancel a practice or game.

8. Why do teams use trainers?

Answer: Most coaches are parent/coaches who have learned the game of soccer within the last few years. Trainers aid the coaches in the player's soccer development by providing specialized soccer training for individual skill development and an understanding of the tactics of the game. The number one reason for players dropping out of soccer is that his or her skills do not keep up with the competitors and teammates. The Roadrunners Club is committed to developing individual foot and other soccer skills of the young players. Success and long-term enjoyment of soccer will follow. Trainers typically work with the players once a week for an 8- to 10-week period.

9. How much are the fees and what do they cover?

Answer: We believe that our Club provides the best value in the area. Roadrunners fees are $175 per player per season for the boys teams ($175 for fall season and $175 for spring season). The fee is $145 per player per season for the girls teams. Girls fees are less because the referee fees for the girlsleague (IWSL - Illinois Women's Soccer League) are significantly less than for the boys league (NISL - Northern Illinois Soccer League). There is a $25 discount for the second and third child from a family.As an example, fees covered the following for boys' teams:

As an organization of volunteer Board and Coaches, the Roadrunner Club maintains a very low cost structure to encourage soccer opportunities for all players. Each team receives tournament credits and equipment credits to help defray out of pocket costs that each team may incur. Other club expenses include field rentals, goals/nets, line paint and the like.

Additionally, players purchase their own uniforms (approximately $100 for a complete uniform kit. Each player pays for his or her own shoes, shin guards, and other individual equipment. If a team uses a trainer, past experience shows each player pays an additional $75 or so for each season the trainer is used. Also, it may cost approximately $100 per player for participation in an indoor season.

10. What can I do if the overall soccer expenses becomes an issue?

Answer: No player will be turned away or denied an opportunity to participate with the Roadrunners Club for financial reasons. The Roadrunners Club gives scholarships to players and families that need financial help. All requests should be directed to the Roadrunners Club President who keeps all requests confidential and will make decisions on scholarships.

In addition, there are several fundraiser programs that teams can undertake to raise money for the team--companies offer fundraising through the sale of pizza, candy, sporting goods, tee shirts, etc. Please call the Roadrunners Club President for details. Teams also can solicit team sponsors to defer expenses.