Parents FAQ

When will I hear from my coach?

Coaches can get their rosters in late July or early August. No practice or team event can happen any earlier than August-1. Because of summer vacations, some coaches may pick up their team packages late and you may not be contacted until the middle of August.

What does U6, U8…U19 mean?

These are common terms used across globe to describe the age division of a team. The “U” stands for “Under” and the number stands for their age. A U12 player is a player who has had their 10th birthday, but not yet had their 12th birthday (is under) on August-1 of the current soccer season year.

I still have not heard from my coach, what now?

If by the middle of August you have not heard from a coach, please contact Regional  Coaching Administrator/Asst Coaching Administrator for assistance. Please also remember that if your contact information has changed since registering your child, your coach may not know how to reach you.

When does the season start?

For U14 players and below our regular season starts the weekend after Labor Day and ends the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Will all matches be on Saturdays?

For U14 and below, all matches will be on Saturdays. Roughly half of the U16 & U19 matches will be held on weekend afternoons and some weekday evenings. U16 & U19 matches are scheduled like as such because of limited amount fields and availability of qualified referees.

What equipment do I need?

Your player should come to practice wearing shorts, shin guards, and soccer cleats (soccer shoes). The shin guards must be worn against the skin with soccer socks over them. For younger players you can recycle your baseball shoes as long as you cut the toe cleat off leaving no sharp edges. Players should also bring their own water bottle. Some coaches may ask for the player to bring a soccer ball.

Where will my team practice?

North Park AYSO uses Morley field in our community. For insurance reasons you can only practice on our designated field. The coach will generally pick the time and day(s).

When will my team practice?

Again, this is at the discretion of your coach. Most coaches will pole their families for a time and day(s) that work best for the maximum number of players.

What about carpooling?

All of us have busy lives and carpooling is encouraged between parents on the same team. For liability reasons, any parent transporting someone else’s children should have a letter in their glove-box specifying that they have permission to transport other family’s children.

What can I do to help out?

North Park AYSO is run by volunteers. You can volunteer as a referee, coach, asst coach, serve on the board or in other volunteer capacity.

How old do my kids need to be to start playing?
Kids need to be 4 by August 1st in order to play. 

When are games?
Games are always on Saturday usually between 8:00am and 3:00pm. 

Do boys and girls play on the same team?
Boys and Girls play co-ed only in the U6 (under six) and U8 (under eight) age group.  All others are separated into boys and girls divisions

Where do I buy shin guards? Are they required?
Shin guards are available at most athletic and discount department stores. Shin guards with a hard plastic core are mandatory during games and practices. 

What size soccer ball does by child play with?
Get a size 3 ball for players Under 6 and Under 8, 
a size 4 ball for players Under 10 and Under 12. 
Under 14 and older players use a full size 5 ball. 

What about soccer cleats?
Players need to have cleats for all games (tennis shoes are OK for practices)  When you buy cleats for your child, be sure to purchase soccer cleats (rubber cleats with no toe cleat). 

What if it rains on game day? Will we make up missed games?
We will try to play every scheduled game. If conditions are unsafe for play, the regional staff makes the final call on game day on cancel or play.   A sign will be posted at the field stating any cancel games.   Don't assume that just because there is a little rain games are cancelled.   Please always come by the field to make sure. Remember, kids have fun playing in the rain.  Unfortunately we can't make up cancelled games.

What about jewelry, casts, eyeglasses?
Jewelry is not permitted on the soccer field, since it can be a safety hazard. Hard casts are also prohibited. Glasses may be worn, but be sure they're secured with an eyeglass holder. 

What if my child has to miss a game or practice?
Since soccer is a team sport, the participation of players in games and practices is important for the success of the team. Coaches count on regular attendance at practice to teach skills and strategy. If your child must miss a practice or a game, please notify your coach ahead of time. 

What can I expect as a first time coach of a younger team?
In the first game of the season expect all players on each team to huddle around the ball for forty minutes (see Newton's Fourth Law of Physics: one soccer ball will attract and hold 10 six year olds in a tight mass which cannot be broken apart). You will become hoarse yelling for them to spread out, to no avail. By the last game of the season you should see them looking for teammates, making passes and scoring goals. This achievement will hook you on coaching AYSO soccer until your child goes away to college.

How can I help?
AYSO depends on volunteers. It's an important part of the program. If you want to help or you have questions or concerns, please get in touch with a board member. or contact us by email at info@aysonorthpark.org.

 
Registration for the 2011 season is complete.  We are no longer accepting any more players.




Parents Code of Conduct
 
Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.
 
Remember children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment not yours.
 
Teach your child always to play by the rules.
 
Teach your child that hard work and honest effort are often more important than a victory.
 
Help your child toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Your child will then be a winner even in defeat.
 
Do not ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or for losing a game.
 
Set a good example. Children learn best by example.
 
Applaud good plays by your team and members of the opposing team.
 
Do not publicly question the referee's judgment and never their honesty.
 
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities. Foul language does not belong on the soccer field.
 
Volunteer your help and services to the best of your capability. Every bit counts and the success of AYSO in North Park is counting on you.
 
Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees, and officials and give them their due respect. Without them, there would be no AYSO soccer.