FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. How does the Children's Fitness Tax Credit work?
A1. The children’s fitness tax credit is a non-refundable tax credit based on eligible fitness expenses paid by parents to register a child in a prescribed program of physical activity. Hotspur's soccer registration fees qualify as eligible fitness expenses.

The children's fitness tax credit lets parents claim up to $500 per year for eligible fitness expenses paid for each child who is under 16 years of age at the beginning of the year in which the expenses are paid. For 2009, the valid age to claim the children’s fitness tax credit is 1993 or later.

For Hotspurs' teams participating in programs within the Superdome that require them to make graduated Dome payments, team 'player lists' need to be completed and submitted to the Club no later than Dec 15, 2009. This is necessary to permit payment recording to occur and have the data available for the tax receipt production job the Club runs to produce the receipts. Receipts will be mailed out early February 2010 for the 2009 taxation year.

For more detailed information about the criteria for prescribed programs or physical activity and the fees that qualify for the credit, see the regulations;

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whtsnw/fitness-eng.html

Q2. When do the competitive try-outs begin for summer leagues?
A2. Open competitive try-outs begin in March on the indoor turf and may continue into April on Dome turf or on the Minto Field behind the Nepean Sportsplex. Sometime in February/March team schedules for the year are posted on the Club web site. Teams are generally finalized by the end of the open competitive try-outs.

Q3. When do the competitive and recreational leagues begin and end?
A3. The competitive league begins Victoria Day when the City declares the fields are available for play and ends anywhere from mid-August to mid-September depending upon the league the player is signed to and the game schedules. There are 2 exceptions to this; the OYSL league kicks-off with their Markham Showcase opener for all teams and the ERSL U21 league kicks-off with all teams playing at Ottawa University mid-May [basically one week ahead of all other competitive league starts]. The recreational league begins the first week of June and concludes at the end of August.

Q4. Which nights do house league teams play?
A4. When the season schedules are developed the Coach will distribute them to the players.

Q5. Where do Nepean Hotspurs teams play?
A5. The Nepean Hotspurs play on City and Carleton Board of Education fields which the Club rents by the hour.  Usually the Club is assigned fields at Centrepointe, Charmaine Hooper, DesLauriers, Wallenberg, Ben Franklin Park, Pine Glen and Country Place.  Click on the link, ‘Map to Hotspurs’ Fields’ to view.  If there are inter-city teams involved, travel to opponent’s field.

Q6. How often do the teams’ play?
A6. The teams play a game each week with minimum one practice per week generally Sunday through Thursday depending upon field availability. Competitive teams may have additional practices and may also participate in weekend tournaments.

Q7. We sent in our cheque a long time ago, it was cashed and we haven’t heard from anyone.
A7. Once teams are assigned, you will be contacted by the Coach designated for that age group. This should happen late March early April for competitive teams and towards the end of May for recreational teams.

Q8. What are the age categories for the outdoor season?
A8. Recreational Age Breakdown - 2010

Competitive Age Breakdown - 2010

Q9. Are there player uniforms?

A9. All recreational league players are issued team uniforms [jersey, shorts and socks] which become the property of the player. Senior divisions are excluded.All competitive league players are required to purchase their uniforms [2 sets home and away - jersey, shorts and socks] which become the property of the player. For all information pertaining to uniforms please check with the team coach and/or manager.

All players are required to provide their own soccer cleats and shin guards, which must be worn at all practices and games. Shin guards are mandatory under the Ontario Soccer Association [OSA] regulations. The only exception is U4-U6 who do not have use shin guards and may use regular running shoes if they wish.

Q10. Who are the instructors/Coaches?

A10. The instructors/coaches for Recreational league players hold a minimum childrens coaching certification. The Let the Kids Play Program, Hotspurs Indoor Development Program and all Competitive league teams are led by minimum level 3 senior level certified coaches. All coaches must pass the OSA [Ontario Soccer Association] volunteer screening process and each coach has a police check not older than 2 years. The Hotspurs Soccer Club is recognized for its highly experienced coaches specialized in youth soccer development of young athletes.