"This is a significant change as players no longer will be able to wear inappropriate, undersized shinguards," Koski said. "Shinguards need to be placed no higher than two inches above the ankle for safety purposes. This change should definitely minimize risk to players."

2. Student & Parent Participation Contract:

This form needs to be completed, signed by a physician, and returned to the coach or athletic office. Without this form, students may not participate. This form is required each new school year and is now available on line - please refer to the schools web site. You should have all received the Contract in the mail with a Fall Preseason Information / Letter. If you did not you can see the information in that packet at; http://fhs.freeportpublicschools.org/pages/FHS_Athletics/FHS_Athletics_News/00F94554-000F5792

3. MPA requires that an athlete participate in 5 calendar practice days before participating in a game, scrimmage, or jamboree. Our first scrimmage is August 26 for all players. If you do not have 5 practices in by that date you cannot take part in either of the scrimmages on that day.

4. Best place to see our complete schedule is the Calendar page. All events will appear on the Calendar. All preseason events are listed on the Practice page. All regular season games are listed on the Schedule page. All other events are listed only on the Calendar. I believe everything is on there right now for the preseason some with times TBA. The only thing I know of that I have to enter that is not on there is Practice times for after school starts.

5. The Freeport High School Athletics page also has additional information and a Schedules site. http://fhs.freeportpublicschools.org/Pages/FHS_Athletics/index

6. All players should bring running shoes and their soccer footwear to practices. Many players prefer to do the running in their running shoes. Once school starts if practice is moved inside you will need something other than cleats/boots to run in.

7. Yes, we will practice if it rains. The only event that will stop or delay a practice will be lightning. In the case of lightning we will usually take cover for 1/2 hour and then resume. In the case of some other act of God we will heed the appropriate warnings by the US National Weather service.

8. Parents, understand and display appropriate game behavior. See 'Role of The Parent' and/or 'Tips for Parents from the Coach' on the Parents page of our website. There is also additional articles to help you help your child.

9. Players, should check the calendar as well. I know some of you work and every year some player comes to me and says they will have to miss part of a practice because of work or something else they scheduled and they did not know we were playing at that time.

 10. Three things needed for preseason be prepared mentally, be prepared physically and your first touch.