Frequently Asked Questions
What will my child need to play AYSO soccer?
Back to Area 5G Home
Last Updated 3/19/06
General FAQs
What is AYSO? What makes AYSO Different?
The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a nationwide non-profit organization whose mission is to provide quality youth soccer programs where everyone builds positive character through participation in a fun, family-oriented soccer environment. It’s AYSO's five philosophies that separate us from the pack.
What are those Five Philosophies?
1) Everyone Plays - we promise each of our players a minimum playing time of one-half of each game. There are no 'bench warmers' in AYSO
2) Balanced Teams - whenever possible, we try to have an equal mix of experienced and new players on each team. The game is more fun when teams are of equal ability.
3) Open Registration - our program is open to all children between the ages of 4 to 18 who register and want to play. There are no tryouts. Interest and enthusiasm, not skill or experience, are the only criteria for playing!
4) Positive Coaching - is the glue that holds together the AYSO philosophies and gives them meaning for AYSO players. Coaches should instruct without condemning, praise the individual, display good sportsmanship and, in general, set a good example for AYSO kids.
5) Good Sportsmanship - we desire to create a positive environment based on mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude. Applauding good play and effort on both teams; cheering for your team, but not against the other; and encouraging ALL players to do their best will help instill the philosophy of good sportsmanship in every facet of our AYSO program.
In addition to those philosophies, AYSO has also implemented the Kids Zone program. You can read more about it here.
What is a Region? An Area? A Section?
AYSO's grassroots program starts with a community-based league, called a region. A region can range in size from less than a hundred players to several thousand. Each Region is supervised by a Regional Commissioner and a local board of directors.
A group of regions in close proximity make up an Area. Area Directors are responsible for activities of the Regions in their Area, as well as for Area-wide activities. There are 9 Regions in Area G.
For administrative purposes, AYSO divides the country into 14 geographic Sections based on player population. Section Directors oversee activities in their respective Sections. Area G is part of Section Five.
How can I resolve a problem?
In most cases, the place to start is with your coach. He or she can help resolve the problem or direct you to the right person.
For more serious problems, please contact your region's Coach Administrator, Referee Administrator, Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate, Assistant Regional Commissioner, or Regional Commissioner depending on the nature of the problem.
Registration FAQs
How old does my child have to be to play AYSO soccer?
Your child needs to be at least 4 years old by July 31 of the year in order to participate in the Fall/Spring seasons.
My child was too young to register during the Fall season, but is now 4 years old. Will he or she be able to play in the Spring?
Unfortunately, no. This is for insurance reasons. The age guide we must follow comes from AYSO's national headquarters. Because some Regions in the country play only one season per year, and some play several, the AYSO date of eligibility determination is only adjusted annually. Our Area's 'year' runs from Fall to Fall, which means that our Spring playing season is technically part of the same 'year' as the previous Fall. Whatever age division a child was eligible for in the Fall season is the division he or she will be placed in during the Spring season.
Can I register my child in a region if I don't live within that region?
Yes!
How much is registration? What are my fees used for?
Registration varies in cost per each region. Registration fees are used for insurance, equipment, field maintenance and development, training and registration materials, and other expenses. Some regions provide a uniform as part of registration fees, and some require uniforms be purchased separately.
Can my neighbor register my child?
No. Registration forms can only be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Once registered, will my child definitely play?
Our goal is that all kids are placed on teams; however this could be limited by a lack of coaching volunteers.
When do the players get called?
The coaches will call the players after they receive their team rosters. They will give you all the information you will need in regards to practice days, times and location. Teams usually begin practice approximately 2 to 3 weeks before the first game of the season.
It's been a while since we registered and my child has not been called. What do I do?
Please do not panic, even if you see teams practicing and your child has not been called. Not all teams begin practice at the same time. However if you believe too much time has elapsed, feel free to contact your local Coach Administrator or Regional Commissioner.
My child has decided he doesn’t want to play. Can a get a refund?
Players withdrawing prior to his or her team's first practice may be eligible for a refund. After that, unfortunately, fees are not usually refundable. To keep fees as low as possible, regions usually order and pay for all supplies at the start of the season.
What will my child need to play AYSO Soccer?
In addition to the uniform the player will need shin guards, a soccer ball (size depends on age), soccer shoes (cleats are optional), You should also provide a water bottle of some type for practices. Remember: at games and practices players should not wear anything with buckles, clips, or any other ornamentation that might cause injury.
Are shin guards required?
Yes, shin guards are required for every game and practice. Coaches will not allow a player to practice or play in a game without shin guards.
Why do the shin guards go under the socks?
Safety is the primary reason. Some types of shin guards have a hard shell instead of soft, and may have edges that could injure a player. Straps can loosen during contact and exposed parts of the shin guard can also cause injuries. By wearing their socks over the shin guards, players protect each other. The referees can easily check before play is begun to ensure all players are properly dressed.
What size ball does my child need?
U-6 and U-8 play with a size three ball, U-10 and U-12 play with a size four ball, U-14 and up play with a size five ball.
What footwear is allowable in AYSO soccer? What are soccer cleats? Do players need them?
Footwear must consist of regulation soccer shoes, gym shoes, tennis shoes or sneakers. Soccer cleats are not required, but are recommended for the traction they provide. Soccer cleats are NOT the same as baseball or football cleats (which have a spike at the toe) and are NOT ALLOWED for safety reasons.
My daughter wants to get her ears pierced. She won't really have to remove those little starter earrings, will she?
Unfortunately, yes. Players may not wear anything that is dangerous to any player. All jewelry must be removed prior to the start of a game. All players will be checked for jewelry, watches, and barrettes or hard hair fasteners. This includes earrings, even taped. In the event that a medical alert bracelet must be worn, the coach may use athletic tape to secure the bracelet securely against the player's wrist. The referee has the final word on allowability of any player’s apparel.
Can my child play with a cast, even if it's padded?
Absolutely not! For multiple safety reasons to protect your child and the other players, splints and casts, even if padded, are not permitted. Only soft knee braces may be worn upon inspection and approval of the referee prior to the match.
Can I display my child's name on his uniform?
No. AYSO national guidelines do not allow names, patches, or any other markings on the uniform unless authorized by your Region.
Coach FAQs
What is involved in being a coach? Assistant coach?
Typically, Coaches run two weekday practices and a Saturday game (although some regions hold their U6 games on a different day of the week). Our Coaches teach and encourage kids, and have a lot of fun. Parents help with team organization tasks. There is some administration, but not much.
I don't know anything about soccer. Can I still help coach?
Yes indeed! We provide training and other materials. Being a coach involves skills you probably already have, in addition to specific soccer knowledge. If you are uncertain, try being an assistant coach. You region's Coach Administrator will be happy to try to match you up with somebody with a little more experience.
What training is provided for Coaches?
In addition to Safe Haven, coaches' training is available on a Regional and Area level for our volunteers. Contact your region's Coach Administrator for further information.
I'm not happy with my child's coach. What can I do?
First, remember that we do not use paid professional coaches. Our coaches are parents, just like you, volunteering their time. Many are brand new at coaching, especially in the youngest divisions, and may be learning about the game and our program. Take a moment to talk with your child's coach if you feel there's a problem.
If you believe a coach is making too many mistakes or is not doing an acceptable job, please contact your region's Coach Administrator. If you're still not satisfied, contact your Regional Commissioner.
Referee FAQs
Who are the referees?
All volunteers, they are regular people, just like you. Many referees start when their children are young and move up with them. Referee training is provided for all age groups and levels. In the younger age groups, referees are mostly parents and Youth Referees who are new at it. Our goal is to have at least one parent from each team volunteer to take the Referee class.
What training is provided for Referees?
In addition to Safe Haven, referee training is available on a Regional and Area level for our volunteers. Contact your Regional Referee Administrator for further information.
Why can't I yell at the referee?
Questioning the referees is not part of AYSO soccer. Remember that this is a game for kids. The kids learn what good sportsmanship looks like from how the adults act as much as what they say. Referees, coaches, all other volunteer parents and friends are out there to see that the game is safe, fair, and fun for the kids.
But what should I do if the referee makes a bad call?
You should respect the difficult job that volunteer referees have and recognize that the referee, according to the FIFA Laws of the Game, is the ultimate authority on the field. Whether a coach, spectator, player, or parent, you should not vocally dispute the referees' call (or even call out for an explanation). The coach may speak privately with the referee at halftime or after the game to seek an explanation.
But sometimes I see referees do things like not calling hand balls, and letting play continue when the ball breaks the plane of the sideline. Are they just trying to let the kids play, or do they just not know the rules?
First off, referees are volunteers, just like the coaches. They do receive thorough training, but even the best referees are going to miss a call from time to time. What's important is that we are trying to teach the children that the referee is the authority on the field and that poor sportsmanship and complaining are not acceptable.
Secondly, keep in mind that many of the laws of the game in soccer are NOT like those in American games, and not always what they appear to be. For example, a "hand ball" does not need to be called if, in the referee's judgment, it was not intentional, or resulted in no advantage to the player's team. And, as far as boundary lines go: in soccer, the ball has to be completely over the line to be called out, or considered a goal; and, a player can be physically out of bounds and still be playing a ball inbounds without penalty (this is one reason spectators are often implored to stay well back of the sideline).
There are many other such nuances in the laws of the game. Any of our volunteer referees would be happy to explain some of them to you if you see something you don't understand (after the game, of course). Generally speaking AYSO follows international soccer laws (FIFA) but there are a few modifications to accommodate AYSO principles (substitution breaks, for example, are not a part of soccer law) and, of course, short-sided soccer.
If you feel a referee is making too many mistakes or is not doing an acceptable job, please contact your Referee Administrator. If you're still not satisfied, contact your Regional Commissioner.
FAQs about Team Formation
What Division does my child belong to?
The assignment of your child to a Division depends on their age as of July 31 of the year. AYSO provides an age guide by birthdate.
The age divisions (the U stands for under) are:
U5 for 4 and 4-1/2 year olds
U6 for 5 year olds. (note: some regions have only U6 divisions for all players under 6)
U8 for 6 and 7 year olds.
U10 for 8 and 9 year olds.
U12 for 10 and 11 year olds.
U14 for 12 and 13 year olds.
U16 for 14 and 15 year olds.
U19 for 16, 17, and 18 year olds.
Children do not move up in division for the Spring season even if they have had a birthday, so there may be times when, for example, there will be a 6 year old in the Under 6 division.
Why doesn't AYSO allow me to specify a team for my child?
Two of the mission statements of AYSO are Balanced Teams and Everyone Plays. These two philosophies become very important when you consider the goal of operating a soccer program where young people can learn to develop a positive self-image, self-confidence and other positive character traits through their interest and participation in soccer. We want to achieve this goal with all kids. If kids were able to choose a specific team, then some teams would get stacked with experienced players. This would really diminish the image of soccer for the less experienced teams. It is much more fun for everyone to play (and watch) close, evenly matched games, rather than blow-outs. Therefore, we strive to balance the skill level of the teams during team assignment. Regions may try to support parents who have transportation difficulties and attempt to honor those requests that help avoid undo hardship. Requests based on established friendships are not considered vital.
What if I want to switch my child to a different team?
Wrong gender or wrong age group assignments will be corrected. Otherwise, team switching is not permitted. If you have been placed with the wrong gender or age group, tell the coach, who can get your child assigned to an appropriate team.
What does it mean to play up or down?
Teams are organized into divisions that group players by their birthdates, not by their grade in school or by their soccer skills. A division contains players within a given age-bracket. A player whose birth date falls after the end of the bracket, i.e. is very close to the next higher age-bracket, can request to play-up into the next older division. Conversely, but only under very exceptional circumstances, a player may play-down into the next younger division.
Can I request my child play up into an older division if it contains most of my child's friends or classmates?
Yes. You must make the request this at the time of registration, however we cannot guarantee the request will be granted. We must take into consideration many factors such as the child’s age, size, experience level, and availability of space in the requested division.
Is it a good idea to play-up into a higher division if it contains most of my child's peers or classmates?
Not necessarily. If your child is an average player relative to age-bracket peers, playing-up will put him or her in the position of being younger and probably weaker than most others on the team. This is particularly true when playing-up into a two-year age bracket. For example, there is a significant difference between the U12 and U14 brackets, where some of the 13 year olds are well into adolescence, physically and mentally. The end result may be that the social benefits of playing with grade-mates are negated by the soccer difficulties.
My child is a very talented player and isn't challenged by playing with his age-bracket peers. Can he/she request to play up into an older division?
Yes, provided there is evidence from the previous season that validates the request. Typically, this will be based on information from the player's coach from the previous season or some equivalent proof. This form of play-up request must be made at registration, but is not guaranteed to be granted and may depend on other factors.
Under what circumstances can a player play-down a division?
AYSO has strict rules about requests to play-down. These requests are typically denied unless there are very valid reasons. All requests of this nature must be approved by your Regional Commissioner.
If my child played-up last year will he/she automatically be played-up this year?
Yes. And No. It depends on the reason the child was played up the previous season. If a parent requested a child be played-up based on experience and skill level, and that request was granted, then that child will remain in the higher division. On the other hand, there may be rare occasions when registration is low and two age divisions must be combined in order to form one team. That team would be given the older division’s designation. If enough players register the following season to form teams of both divisions, then children who played-up the previous season would not be forced to do so again.
Is it possible to play-up more than one age bracket?
No.
FAQs about Games
How often are practices and games?
Practices are usually held twice a week (the days and times are determined by your child's coach). Games will normally be on Saturdays, although some regions schedule their U6 games for a different day of the week. There are typically 8 games per season.
Should players wear uniforms to practice?
No. Uniforms should be reserved for game days. Players simply need to come to practice in comfortable, breathable clothing, and must wear shin guards and athletic shoes or cleats.
What are short-sided games? I saw a professional soccer game and the size of the field was huge! Is my child going to have to play on a field that big?
Only the U12 division and up play on a fairly large field. All the fields are sized so they're appropriate for the children's age. The younger children play 'short sided' matches with less players on the field at the same time. This is to give those players more playing time and allow them to develop their skills.
How many players are on a team? How many are on the field during a game?
Because we play short-sided games, the answer depends on the age division. AYSO guarantees each child at least 2 quarters of playing time each game, so teams should never have more players than that guideline will allow. For example, the U8 division plays games with 5 players per team on the field, so there should never be more than 10 players on that team, and preferably fewer. U10 games are played with 7 players per team on the field, U12 games are played with 9 players per team on the field, and U14 and older play with 11 players per team on the field.
How early do we need to arrive on game day?
We recommend that all players be at the field 30 minutes prior to game time.
It's my turn to bring snacks to the game. What kinds of snacks are recommended?
Snacks are provided by the "snack parent" for players on game day. At halftime, they should get water and fruit (grapes, and orange slices are popular). At the end of the game, healthy snacks such as juice boxes, granola or fruit bars, yogurt, etc... are recommended. The Coach or Team Parent will sign up snack parents and each family will be responsible for at least one week.
It's raining! It's thundering! Do we have practice? Do we have the game?
We do play in rain. We do not play when there is lightning. Games or practices may have to be cancelled or end early because of weather conditions, so be ready to pick up your child. Your child's coach will contact you if a game or practice needs to be cancelled.
I don't think my child is getting enough playing time. What can I do about it?
All coaches are required to keep track of which players play in each quarter, in every game. These records are then turned in to the referee at the end of each game. If you're not sure how much playing time your child has had, please talk to your coach. Every player is guaranteed to play at least half of every game.
If your concern is legitimate, and your player truly isn't being given an equal amount of playing time, ask your child's coach or contact your region's Coach Administrator.
FAQs about Volunteering
Is volunteering required?
No, but it is expected. AYSO is a parent-based voluntary organization established to provide a positive experience for our children. All the things that make AYSO a great place for kids to play soccer are done by volunteers. There are no paid positions in the Area or the Regions. All the coaches, referees, line painters and field maintenance workers, uniform sorters, schedulers, board members, and everything else, are some kid's mom or dad, big brother or sister, relative or family friend. There are all kinds of ways to help make a good program for our kids. We need you, too.
I'd like to help, but I can't commit the time involved in coaching. What can I do?
There are many ways you can help. A good place to start is by asking your child's coach how you can help him or her by being a Team Parent. There are also many tasks that require a commitment of only a day or two, such as helping on picture day, or with fundraisers, or painting lines on fields. Feel fee to contact any one of your Regional Board Members if you'd like to volunteer some of your time.
What is Safe Haven?
AYSO has made a commitment to their participants to provide a safe place for children to play and compete. AYSO's Safe Haven Program is child and volunteer protection training that was the first of its kind in youth sports. All of our volunteers need to take the Safe Haven training. No one is allowed on the fields with the kids without a signed volunteer form and the Safe Haven training, and you can now take the Safe Haven Training online!
If you have volunteered a spouse or someone else, you need to tell them now! The administrator for that position will be calling them soon to let them know what is required for that position.