Key Dates:
March 17: Spring practices begin
March 24-28: Spring Break (optional practice week)
April 5: First games of the season

Practice before March 31 should be considered optional. We considered not starting practice until March 31, but decided that for those who can attend, the extra time would be nice, but it is optional for players that cannot attend. Spring break you should expect less attendance, and should focus on individual skills rather than team skills.

Maintaining consistency in practices is important. Please try to not cancel practices. If you as a coach cannot make a practice, be prepared to hand it over to an assistant coach or even a team parent can help out in a pinch.  Also, a qualified Ref has completed the safety and background checks to be on the field with the players. In the case of an inexperienced coach filling in, I usually provide a practice plan that they can follow, and focus on drills already learned by the players.

Remember, as coaches, we're here for the players. Balancing personal life with coaching responsibilities can be challenging, but with proper planning and delegation, we can provide our players with ample practice opportunities.

As we enter the spring season here in the Willamette Valley, we're facing our annual challenge with rain and muddy fields.Given the current rainy conditions, We want to emphasize some crucial points to ensure player safety and field preservation:

1. Game field restrictions:

   • Timber Linn and Cheadle Lake fields are off-limits for practice.

   • These fields are reserved exclusively for Saturday games. Practicing on these fields can lead to increased wear and tear, making them more susceptible to becoming unplayable. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of game cancellations.

2. Practice field management:

   • When selecting a practice location, rotate your drills to different areas of the field.

   • Avoid creating mud pits by overusing a single spot. This will help maintain the integrity of the field and prevent unnecessary damage.

3. Safety considerations:

   • Remember that a wet field can become dangerous after just one drill.

   • Be vigilant about field conditions and player safety at all times.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can reduce the risk of game cancellations due to field conditions. Your cooperation is essential in maintaining our fields and ensuring a safe environment for our young players. By working together, we can preserve our playing surfaces and minimize disruptions to the season.