General Questions
Registration Questions
Coach's Questions
General Answers
Q: Am I allowed to bring my dog to the field?
A: No. Dogs are forbidden on all fields at all times.
Q: How long will my child's soccer games be?
A: The game times vary by Division. Here are the game times for our region:
U6 - 10 minute halves and 20 minute games
U8 - 20 minute halves and 40 minute games
U10 - 25 minute halves and 50 minute games
U12 - 30 minute halves and 60 minute games
U14 - 35 minute halves and 70 minute games
U19 - 45 minute halves and 90 minute games
The referee for your child's game will monitor the start time and duration of the game.
Q: What size ball should I buy?
A: Please refer to the following table for ball sizes appropriate for the various divisions.
U19, U14: Ball size 5
U12, U10: Ball size 4
U8, U6 : Ball size 3
Q: Nick's coach has never coached a team. Can we ask for a new coach?
A: No. AYSO coaches are parents and members of our community who enjoy working with kids. If you have knowledge of the game or coaching techniques, this is great time to offer your help, or better yet, contact the Regional Coach Administrator before the season starts and take a team yourself. Region 57 will get you properly coach certified.
Q: Katie doesn't get along with her coach. Can she change teams?
A: Discuss the problem with your child and the coach and try to resolve the problem between yourselves. It is almost impossible to move teams around after they're assembled. If you still feel the problem is serious and are unsatisfied, contact one (not all) of the following: the Division Coordinator, the registrar ([email protected]), or the Regional Commissioner ([email protected]) for assistance.
Q: Jessica is 8 years old, but is very, very small. Can she play on a team with younger players?
A: No. A player can never "play-down" into a younger age group. Most players in this situation do quite well. Soccer is one game in which size is generally not a hindrance.
Q: Jimmy can't make it to practices on the days the coach has chosen or is going to miss games. What can I do?
A: If the problem is transportation, just speak to the coach or team parents. There is always someone who will be available and willing to give your child a ride. If there are other activities (such as lessons of some kind), maybe it would be possible to adjust the schedule. We cannot change team assignment to accommodate scheduling conflicts. Please try to make it to practice and games. Your child is involved in a team sport. The team cannot learn to work together if there are players who consistently miss practices. Team size is based on the number of players on field and the region rule that each child plays 75% of the game. If your child misses games the team will be short players during the game. This isn't fun or fair to either team.
Q: Ricky's best friend lives right next door. Can they be on the same team?
A: No. Everyone has a friend they would like to play with, but if it was done for Ricky, it would have to be done for everyone. This would be an administrative nightmare and would make team balancing impossible.
Q: What do the registration fees cover? Are there any other "hidden" costs?
A: Registration fees cover a portion of the costs of running the program, a uniform that your child keeps at the end of the season, the "basic" photo package (Fall Season only) and supplemental accident insurance for AYSO-sponsored activities. You must pay separately for shoes, shin guards and a soccer ball. Proper equipment is essential for safety. AYSO is an ALL VOLUNTEER organization. Nobody is permitted to be paid to coach, trainer, referee etc. No one on team may collect funds for team supplies. The region supplies nets, cones, etc. If you are asked to contribute for supplies or trainer fees please email [email protected] or [email protected].
Q: How do I determine what division my child will be playing in?
A: See the age division chart link on the front page.
Q: When will I know what team my child is on?
A: Teams are determined after registration is closed. The number of teams is based on the number of children who register in each age group. Coaches and players then need to be assigned to teams. Practice and game schedules are determined once number of teams by age group is known. We hope to have all teams formed by the end of August but it may be early September before you hear from your child's coach. Delay in team information and schedules can occur if we are short volunteers to coach and/or referee. AYSO 57 is an all-volunteer organization that serves over 2,000 children. The people who assign the teams and determine the schedules are all involved in the region and do these activities in addition to their work and family obligations. Practice schedules are based on the coach's availability and the field assignment. The only way to control when your child's practice meets is to be the coach!
Registration Answers
Q: What is the cost for fall?
A: Regular registration fees for 2024 are $275 per child u10 and up and $250 per child U8 and below.. AYSO is an ALL VOLUNTEER organization. Nobody is permitted to be paid to coach, train, referee etc. Coaches, team parents etc, cannot collect fees for trainers, balls, etc.
Q: When does Fall Season registration begin and end? When does the season actually start?
A: Registration opens April 15th and ends July 31st. Fall registration is limited and placement on a team is NOT guaranteed even if registering by the end of regular registration. Late registration for some divisions will remain open until late August. Priority placement on a team is given to parents willing to coach. The season runs late August-mid November.
Q: I missed registration; can I still register my child?
A: In the Fall, after registration ends, you may go to the Registration link at the top of this page to be placed on the waitlist . However, you are NOT guaranteed to have your child placed on a team. Waitlist fee is not collected unless child is placed on a team.
Q: Can my neighbor register my child?
A: No. Registration forms can only be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Q: When will I know what team my child is on?
A: Teams are determined after registration is closed. The number of teams is based on the number of children who register in each age group. Coaches and players then need to be assigned to teams. Practice and game schedules are determined once number of teams by age group is known. We hope to have all teams formed by the end of August. Delay in team information and schedules can occur if we are short volunteers to coach and/or referee. AYSO57 is an all-volunteer organization that serves over 2,100 children. The people who assign the teams and determine the schedules are all involved in the region and do these activities in addition to their work and family obligations. Practice schedules are based on the coach's availability and the field assignment. The only way to control when your child's practice meets is to be the coach!
Q: When will I know my child's practice/play schedule?
A: See above. Request for particular practice days cannot be honored.
Q: What is the refund policy?
A: Our Refund Policy and Refund Form are available on the front page of this website. All refund requests must be submitted in writing.
Q: Can I request that my child be placed with friends or a specific coach?
A: Reasons such as favorite coach; carpool needs; time/day of practice; time/day of games; swapping similarly rated players; how good the team looks; how bad the team looks; and a host of other issues are insufficient reasons to support parent/player requested team placement. Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] if there have been specific issues that require a child not be placed on same team as a particular child.
Coach's Answers
Q: How much time is required?
A: That depends on the age level you're coaching. U6 and U8 players can practice about an hour per week and have one game per Saturday. U10 and older players can practice twice per week for about 90 minutes each session and one game per Saturday.
Q: I've never coached before. How do I become a coach?
A: Becoming a coach is very easy. First, just volunteer. AYSO provides the training you'll need and the age group division coordinators will provide you with the players.
Q: Will I have help?
A: Yes. You'll always have the resources of the region and parents are usually always ready to help out at practices and games.
Q: I know nothing about soccer, how can I coach?
A: A big part of coaching is having the right attitude and wanting to work with children. AYSO will provide the age specific training you need to coach. We even conduct a clinic for first time and beginning coaches, as well as more advanced sessions.
Q: Will my child be on my team?
A: Yes. We always make sure your child(ren) is(are) on your team.
Q: How do I get a team?
A: During online registration, check the box to Head Coach a team. The age group division coordinators will contact you based on the number of coaches needed versus number of coaches who have volunteered. Once the number of teams is known, the coordinators assemble the teams. Based on the AYSO philosophy of balanced teams, all teams in age group divisions U10 and older have the teams assembled according to the players rating from the previous season.
Q: Do I need to be trained or have any special certification?
A: Yes. All coaches are required to attend an AYSO Safe Haven course and be coach certified for the age division they are coaching. Check the website for updates on specific dates and times.
Q: I have a friend I would like to coach with. How do I arrange that?
A: Each coach can select ONE assistant coach. If we have enough coaches and assistant coaches, that person's child will be assigned to your team so you can have that person as your assistant. No other player requests are permitted.
Q: Can I request that my child be placed with friends or a specific coach?
A: Reasons such as favorite coach; carpool needs; time/day of practice; time/day of games; swapping similarly rated players; how good the team looks; how bad the team looks; and a host of other issues are insufficient reasons to support parent/player requested team placement. Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] if there have been specific issues that require a child not be placed on same team as a particular child.