Why AYSO soccer versus club soccer or other programs?

Soccer is a wonderful sport for children, and they should have a good experience with any soccer program. AYSO soccer is primarily a recreational league designed to be SAFE, FUN and FAIR. There are no "try-outs" or "cuts". Everyone who signs up will get to play in every game, where the goal is to learn and have a great time with no pressure to "just win". In comparison, most "club" teams are highly competitive with more aggressive play, and players are expected to already know how to play soccer well.

When is the AYSO soccer season?

The primary AYSO playing season is in the fall from mid-August through the end of November. There is a follow-on season in the spring (for players who played in the fall) that runs from March through May.

Should I volunteer to help?

Our AYSO program is a totally volunteer organization run by the parents of players (and often the parents of former players who have moved on but the parents still enjoy helping). There are projects you can help with that take two hours one time up to jobs that require a couple of hours each week. Something for everyone with no experience necessary.

Check out the VOLUNTEERS page.

When is registration?

We typically have registration day events in the two months prior to the corresponding season. We hold registration very early so that we have time to organize teams and train a sufficient number of coaches and referees before games start. Registration for the Spring season occurs in late fall.

How do I register my child to play?

Go to the REGISTRATION page to get all of the details on the process, dates and times.

What other expenses will there be?

Players need shinguards, appropriate shoes, and a ball. Additional expenses may include a donation to cover the expenses of a team banner, a gift for the coaches, and occasional team snacks.

Who will be my child's coach?

AYSO teams are coached by volunteers from the community, many of them parents with children in the program. Coaches are required to complete age appropriate training, as well as safe haven training. Teams are reformed every season to keep them balanced, and coaches are randomly assigned to teams so that play will be safe, fair and fun.

What if my child wants to play for a different coach?

In order to ensure teams are balanced and fair, we cannot allow players to request specific coaches or coaches to request specific players. The only exception is that coaches can coach their own kids if they wish. Therefore, if your child wants to play for a specific coach, that coach needs to be you. So volunteer. You will be rewarded.

Can my child play on the same team as her best friend?

In order to ensure teams are balanced and fair, we cannot guarantee your child and his or her best friend will be on the same team.

My child is better than her age group. Can she "play up" in an older division?

For safety reasons based on too much variation in size and weight, we almost never approve "playing up." However, we will have your child evaluated by a senior coach to see if his or her skills will aloow her to play up.

My child is rather timid. Can he "play down" with younger kids?

Actually, you don't want them to. AYSO is structured to be recreational and low pressure. Having your child interact with his physical peers in a fun environment will allow him to gain self-confidence.

Where will games and practices held?

Games will be held at  Eastvale Community Park located on Citrus and Hamner. Practices will be held at the neighboring schools as we transition over to the Community Park.

How often are practices held?

U5 and U8 divisions practice once a week. All other divisions may practice up to two times per week.  Typically, practices are between 60 and 90 minutes long, but individual coaches can vary their schedule.

Can I bring my dog to games?

For the safety of our children, dogs are not allowed on our game and practice fields.

How early before a game should players arrive?
Most coaches want their players to arrive 30 minutes before a game to warm up and get checked in by the referee.

What if it is (or has been) raining before a game?
Please check our Facebook Page for field and gameday updates.

What if a game is cancelled?
There is no official make-up game policy. Your coach will notify you if a cancelled game can be rescheduled.

What if a player cannot make it to a game?
Your coach would really appreciate a call or a text message as soon as you know a player is not going to be at a game so that they can adjust their lineup. A team must have a minimum of seven players for a match to be played.

Can players wear earrings?
No, under no circumstances can players (girls or boys) wear earrings during practices or games. It is a major safety hazard. If a young girl has just had her ears pierced and cannot take out her studs, she must sit out the game. Taping over earrings is not acceptable.

Can players wear any jewelry?
No. A standard referee safety check speech goes: "check for no finger rings, no earrings, no nose rings, no belly button rings, no necklaces, no bracelets, no watches and no metal clips in the hair." 

Can players wear medical alert bracelets?
Yes, but they must be secured with tape except for the alert medal so that nothing can get caught.

Can girls wear hair clips?
Metal and plastic hair clips are not allowed on the field for practice or during a game. Players with long hair may wish to wear soft hair ties such as "Scrunchies". The referee shall decide if an article of clothing is unsafe.

Is wearing glasses safe?
The wearing of prescription glasses is allowed. It is strongly recommended that the lenses and frames be made of materials designed for sports safety, and that eyeglass holders or other sports straps be used.

Can players wear sunglasses?
No, non-prescription sunglasses are not allowed for safety reasons.

Can my child play wearing a cast or splint?
No, for two reasons. The first is that if a doctor says that the cast or splint is still required for healing then the player should not risk additional injury. The second reason is that casts and splints are dangerous for other players. Soft support wraps are allowed if the referee deems them to be safe.

Can my child play wearing a knee brace?
Yes, knee braces and other soft support wraps are allowed if the referee deems them to be safe.

What if we don't like our coach?
You are urged to talk with the coach in a calm manner and try to work out the problems like adults, away from the players (preferably this meeting will be done outside of practice or games).

 If no solution can be reached, parents may CONTACT US.

What should I do if I see something happen during a game that seems wrong?
Depending on the situation, you can talk to the coach. You may also contact the appropriate regional board member listed on our CONTACT US page. For instance, if you have a concnern about a referee, you should not confront the referee at the game. Instead, let your child's coach know, or contact our referee administrator.

What do I do if the referee is making bad calls?

The referee is a volunteer who is doing the best job they can, so it's really important that parents, coaches and players treat them with respect. Criticizing our volunteers during a game or on our fields is not permitted.

 

Any other questions?  Contact Us!