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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Information

Registration Information

Age Information

Is my child the right age for AYSO soccer?
My child does not meet the minimum age range for the AYSO Fall season, but he/she is very [ big | strong | athletic | coordinated ] for his/her age. Can he/she still play?
In school, my child is with classmates who are [ younger | older ]. Can my child "play down" in a younger division or "play up" in an older division to be on the same team as kids with whom he/she goes to school?

Practices & Games

Equipment & Clothing

General Information
Question	Answer
Q. What makes AYSO different?	A. Our mission is to provide quality youth soccer programs where everyone builds positive character through participation in a safe, fun, family-oriented soccer environment. AYSO's five (5) philosophies separate us from the pack: Everyone Plays Balanced Teams Open Registration Positive Coaching Good Sportsmanship
Q. How long is the soccer season for which I registered my child?	A. A one-year registration includes a 12-week soccer season in the fall, with six (6) weekly games starting in September. Once the fall season ends, we have a winter break, and followed by our spring season with another six (6) games starting in April.
Q. What other soccer expenses can I anticipate this year?	A. Not included in the registration fees are the required shin guards, appropriate shoes, and a practice ball. Also, each family is often requested to bring snacks for the team at one game during the season.
Registration Information
Question	Answer
Q. Where can I find detailed registration information?	A. Check our Registration page for complete registration details.
Q. After registering my child, when can I expect to hear from a coach?	A. Practices generally start the last week of August. Expect to be contacted by a coach a week or two prior. Please wait until that last week to contact AYSO if you have not heard from a coach.
Age Information
Question	Answer
Q. Is my child the right age for AYSO soccer?	A. Children between the ages of 4 & 12 as of July 31 of the year in which the fall season begins can play AYSO soccer. Please see the Division Birth Date chart for specific age group eligibility.
Q. My child does not meet the minimum age range for the AYSO Fall season, but he/she is very [ big \| strong \| athletic \| coordinated ] for his/her age. Can he/she still play?	A. No. AYSO is a national organization with very strict guidelines regarding age requirements. AYSO’s accident and liability insurance depends on the players being the proper age to play and being placed in their age appropriate divisions. Children who do not meet the age requirement are not permitted to play. Be patient – they’ll grow up before you know it!
Q. In school, my child has classmates who are [ younger \| older ]. Can my child "play down" in a younger division or "play up" in an older division to be on the same team as kids with whom he/she goes to school?	A. No. AYSO is a national organization that determines the player divisions based on birthdates. The AYSO "year" runs from August 1st through July 31st. AYSO’s accident and liability insurance depends on the players placed in their age-appropriate divisions. Many children are in different divisions than their school classmates. We encourage you to view this as a positive experience – it will allow your child to broaden his/her relationships outside of school and enjoy making new friends.
Practices & Games
Question	Answer
Q. When are practices and games?	A. Practices are one night a week for one hour, and are scheduled by the coach. Games are scheduled for Saturday mornings.
Q. How long are the games?	A. Games generally take 1 hour.
Q. What should I bring to my child’s practices and games?	A. Shin guards (required), soccer shoes, a soccer ball, uniform (games only) and water. Also, bringing a well rested, well hydrated, nutritionally balanced child with a positive attitude and willingness to learn is highly recommended!
Equipment & Clothing
Question	Answer
Q. Do I have to get soccer shoes for my child to play?	A. Soccer shoes are not mandatory but are highly recommended (regular athletic shoes with no cleats are the alternative). When buying soccer shoes, they cannot have a toe cleat (baseball shoes have a toe cleat). Generally speaking, nearly all players at all age levels use soccer shoes for practices and games.
Q. What size soccer ball should I get for my child?	A. Divisions U5 through U8 use a Size 3 ball. Divisions U10 and U12 use a Size 4 ball.
Q. Why are the children required to wear their soccer socks over their shin guards?	A. Safety is the primary reason. Some types of shin guards are hard shell instead of soft, and may have sharp edges that could cut a player. By wearing their socks over the shin guards, players protect each other. Also, wearing the socks over the shin guards prevent the shin guards from shifting during running or when being kicked, which allow the shin guards to protect the areas they are supposed to.
Q. Is it OK for players to wear jewelry during practice and game?	A. No. Jewelry of any kind (necklaces, watches, earrings, rings, bracelets, etc.) cannot be worn during practice or games. There is an exception for Med-Alert bracelets, but they must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band for the safety of your child, and all the other players.
Q. What about eyeglasses and hearing aids?	A. Glasses, hearing aids, and med-alerts may be worn to practices and games. The use of an eyeglass holder/strap or sports-glasses is recommended. As stated above, Med-Alerts must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band as a safety measure.
Q. What kinds of hair accessories are acceptable?	A. Any hair accessories worn should not be made of metal or plastic, and should not be rigid. Soft hair accessories, such as "scrunchies" and soft rubber bands, are recommended and acceptable.
Q. It can be cold during the early morning games. Can my child wear a sweatshirt during the games?	A. Any extra articles of clothing must be worn under the uniform so you can still determine with which team a player is associated. It is recommended that any extra articles of clothing be limited to undershirts or turtle necks (under the uniform). Try to coordinate with your team’s colors, if possible. If a sweatshirt has a hood, the hood must be tucked under the jersey.
Q. The doctor said that my child can play with his arm splint. Will AYSO allow him/her to play?	A. No. While the doctor may be representing your son's interest appropriately, the risk to other players mandates that he limit his participation to that of moral support on the sidelines. Players may not wear casts or splints which could possibly cause injury to himself/herself or another player. NO EXCEPTIONS. This applies at games, as well as at practices.