FAQ
Check back soon for more details about 2010, here are some basic FAQs about AYSO soccer.
Have fun! Go to the games. Learn the rules. Support the coaches and referees.
What equipment must we buy? The Player Registration fee includes soccer uniform (jersey, shorts, & socks), and supplemental accident insurance. You will need to buy shin guards. Shin guards are required at ALL games and practices. A water bottle and an age-appropriate sized ball are recommended.
Please remember…AYSO is a parent-based, all volunteer, non-profit organization. We have no paid staff. We depend on volunteers to help in all areas to run a smooth and successful program and give our children a positive and safe experience.
What does 'Team Balancing' mean?
At AYSO, we strive for balanced, competitive teams, factoring in
geographical constraints. Our goal is to have all the teams in an age
division evenly matched in number of players, player skills, player
sizes, player ages, and soccer experience. We do this by assigning
players (except siblings of the same age) to teams on an individual
basis. We begin by assigning players based on geographical location,
and then we switch players between teams based on many factors,
including total skill points for the team, the number of high (and low)
skill point players are on the team, and gender representation on the
team. Each team has the potential to win and lose during the season.
What does 'Open Registration' mean?
At AYSO, our goal is to make our soccer program available to all children.
We have financial scholarships available to children that need them,
and we hope to be able to develop a program (called VIP) for physically
challenged youth. We accept youth regardless of skill, size, gender,
race, or financial circumstances. Even though our soccer program is
available to all youth, registration must be on site, and is closed
(for all youth) after a specified date.
What does 'Everyone Plays' mean?
At AYSO, we believe that a child has the most fun and develops the most as
a soccer player, by actually playing in the game. As a result, every
child playing AYSO soccer will play at least half of every game.
Is AYSO competitive or recreational?
AYSO players are regular kids - that is, most of the kids want to win. That
does not change by playing on a team where players skills range from
very skilled to the complete novice. Through team balancing, each team
(at least at the beginning of the season) has an equal opportunity to
win each game, resulting in very competitive play at times. However,
AYSO's primary goal is to allow kids the opportunity (through our 5
philosophies) to enjoy the game, without the pressure to win at all
cost. In this sense, AYSO is a recreational league.
What is the AYSO SafeHaven Program?
The AYSO SafeHaven Program is all about protection. Protection both of
children and of volunteers. It involves training, certification, and
continuing education for all volunteers. Training is job specific:
coach, referee, team manager, etc. Certification confirms that you are
aware of child and volunteer protection as they fit into the policies
and procedures of AYSO. Continuing education keeps you updated on
standards specific to your role.
There are two concrete aspects of SafeHaven that affect all of us.
For child protection, there is a screening form that must be filled out
by all volunteers to identify potential predators of children. For volunteer
protection, trained and certified volunteers performing AYSO duties may
be given immunity from prosecution when acting on behalf of AYSO.
These are serious and necessary issues that we are attempting to address
through training and certification.
