Frequently Asked Questions:
What is AYSO?
American Youth Soccer Organization, Non-For-Profit corporation, exempt from Federal income tax as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The AYSO Federal identification number is 95-6205398.
What makes AYSO so great?
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 six philosophies separate us from the pack:
· Everyone Plays
· Balanced Teams
· Open Registration
· Positive Coaching
· Good Sportsmanship
· Player Development
Who can play?
Any child between ages 4-18 as of December 31 of the year in which the fall season begins can play AYSO soccer. Children who do not meet the age requirement are not permitted to play. Be patient – they’ll grow up before you know it!
Which age group or division will my child play?
Players are placed in age divisions. Schoolyard, 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 19U (U stands for Under that age. For example: U12 means children that are under 12 years of age as of December 31 of the year in which the fall season begins.)
Does my child need to tryout in order to play?
NO. AYSO has open registration, therefore, your child does not need to tryout in order to play in a team. 12U and older divisions will have a player rating event in July. This helps us keep the teams balanced
Can my child play in a different age group?
NO. AYSO is a national organization that determines the player divisions based on birth dates. The AYSO “year” runs from Jan 1st through Dec 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.
What should we expect?
Registration typically starts in April for the Fall Season. Look at our website for specific dates.
When will we be notified about what team my child is on?
Teams may begin practice 2-3 weeks before the official season starts. Coaches will contact the players/parents at least 1 week prior to their first scheduled practice. At this time, the coaches will provide all the information you will need in regards to practice times and location. After attempting to accommodate each coaches schedule, region administrators will assign each coach practice days and times at a specific location.
How often are practices and games?
Practices are held once or twice a week and games are played Saturday. Location of games and practices will be determined by the region administration with schedules provided to you by your child's coach.
U6- No weekday practices, games on Saturdays with 30 min practice before each game. Game times are between 9am-2pm
U8- Practice 1x a week for 1hr (time depends on coaches schedule), games on Saturdays between 9am-3pm
U10- Practice 2x a week for 1hr ea, (time depends on coaches schedule), games on Saturdays between 9am-2pm
U12- Practice 2x a week for 1hr ea, (time depends on coaches schedule), games on Saturdays between 9am-2pm in and around Pacifica.
U14-U19-Practice 2x a week for 1.5hr ea, (time depends on coaches schedule), games on Saturdays between 9am-2pm in and around Pacifica.
The practice time that my child has doesn’t work for us, can we switch teams?
Unfortunately the practice time was chosen by the coach to accommodate their schedule since they are the ones volunteering. We recommend you find a carpool but note that your child will not be punished for not attending practice (although it is highly encouraged!)
Can I request a specific coach?
Unless you’re assisting with a specific coach your child will be placed on that team that is chosen by age, ranking, height and weight.
When is Opening Day?
Opening Day will be Saturday August 24th 2019 at Ortega School. There will also be a parade for the younger divisions. Food trucks will be onsite too!
When does the 2019 season begin?
The season begins the Saturday after Labor Day weekend. However, it may change from time to time and always best to confirm by visiting our calendar of events
What uniform will my child receive?
Each player will receive a team uniform, which should be worn at all games:
· Team Jersey
· Team Soccer Shorts
· Team Soccer Socks
Game & Player related Questions
What is the duration of the games?
For the younger divisions, the games take about 1 hour to complete. For the older divisions, the games take about 1.5 hours to complete.
What should I bring to my child’s practices and games?
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!
Do I have to get soccer shoes for my child to play?
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.
What size soccer ball should I get for my child?
Divisions Schoolyard through 8U use a Size 3 ball.
Divisions 10U and 12U use a Size 4 ball.
Divisions 14U and above use a Size 5 ball.
Why are the children required to wear their soccer socks over their shin guards?
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.
Is it OK for players to wear jewelry during practice and game?
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.
The doctor said that my child can play with his arm splint. Will AYSO allow him/her to play?
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 the games as well as at practices.
What about eyeglasses and hearing aids?
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.
It can be cold during the early morning Fall season games. Can my child wear a sweatshirt during the games?
Any extra articles of clothing must be worn under the uniform (so you can still determine which team a player is associated with). 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. Any extra articles cannot have any zippers or any plastic/metal components of any kind.
What kinds of hair accessories are acceptable?
Any hair accessories 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.
Refund Policy
We understand that plans can change. Please complete the two step process described on the Refund Request Form as soon as possible. To obtain a refund, we need your written request by August 16th 2019. No refunds will be issued after this date.
REFUND REQUEST FORM can be found on the Parents page at www.AYSO157.org
You may direct your refund to be donated to the AYSO Financial Aid Fund if you desire. These funds are used by Pacifica AYSO to support families who cannot afford to register their kids to play on a team.
Please allow 2-4 weeks for the processing of refund request. All refunds per AYSO National policy must be made by check.
All refund requests must be made in writing to:
AYSO Region 157
PO Box 615
Pacifica, CA 94044
Or
Email to: [email protected]
All requests must include player’s name, division and reason for the refund request.
Please allow 2-4 weeks for the processing of refund request.
Still have questions?
Contact us at
[email protected]