QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION:
1. Can I request for my child's friend to be put on his team?
We allow player requests for the U6 and U8 divisions only. We do not allow requests for other divisions, as this would affect team balancing.
2. I really liked the coach we had last year, can I request him for this year?
We limit coach requests to the coach's player and one assistant coach's player only, as this would affect team balancing.
3. Can my player "play up" a division?
Playing "up" is highly discouraged. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis only with the approval of the Coach Administrator and/or Division Coordinator and Regional Commissioner. Players may be allowed to play up one division only if they have significant soccer experience and exceptional skill, have played on the competitve teams or would fall into the next division based on their birthdate during the season. The decision of the Regional Commissioner is final and cannot be appealed.
4. Can my daughter play on my son's team?
We highly discourage co-ed teams. It is the philosophy of AYSO that players develop better when playing with their own gender; however, we may allow a girl to play on a boy's team in the U6 and U8 divisions in order to fill rosters with the parent's approval only. One boy on a roster = a boy's team.
5. What methods of payment do you accept?
We currently can only accept cash or checks (made payable to AYSO Region 225). There is a returned check fee if your check is returned to us for insufficient funds, and your player may not join the team until the debt is settled.
6. What if I can't afford the full fee?
Regional Scholarships are available to families unable to pay the full registration fee. Applications are available and must be completed and submitted prior to registration for consideration and are evaluated based on need by the Regional Commissioner . Parents/players will be expected to volunteer during the season in exchange for the discounted fees.
7. What documents do I need to bring for a new player?
We require proof of age for all first time players, such as a birth certificate, passport, etc. We only need to verify age and do not need a copy (unless you are mailing the registration). We do NOT need proof of residency, as AYSO has an open registration policy.
8. What if I have a returning player?
Returning player information is retained in eAYSO (AYSO database), so no verification is needed. We should also have pre-printed forms for returning players at the regional registrations, making registration even faster.
9. Can I register and pay online?
We encourage all players to pre-register online at www.eayso.org by following the prompts and completing the application. Print the form and sign it. Bring it with you to one of the registrations, or mail along with payment (and proof of age for new players) to: AYSO Region 225, c/o Serena Denning, 15248 W. Fillmore St., Goodyear, AZ, 85338. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept online payments at this time.
10. Where can I register?
We have several early and regular registration dates scheduled over the summer from May-August. You can attend any of the registrations regardless of where you live.
11. What if I can't make it to any of the registration days?
We have several different dates scheduled, so hopefully one will fit your schedule. If not, you can pre-register online by following the info above on question #9.
12. Do you offer any discounts for coaches?
It is a violation of AYSO bylaws to offer discounts to volunteer coaches.
13. How do I get a refund?
All refunds must be requested in writing only (no emails/phone calls) and must be accompanied by a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) along with the name/date of birth of the player and name of the person the refund is to be made payable. Refunds are issued as follows based on the postmark: full refund minus $15 administrative fee if requested by July 31st, $30 flat refund if requested between August 1st and Septmber 12th. No refunds issued after September 12th. Mail refund requests to: AYSO Region 225, c/o Serena Denning, 15248 W. Fillmore St., Goodyear, AZ, 85338. Refunds will be mailed by the end of October.
14. What is included with the registration fee?
Fee includes full uniform (jersey, shorts, socks), quarterly soccer magazine, soccer accident insurance, participation award.
TEAM FORMATION QUESTIONS:
1. Why can't I request specific players be placed on my child's team?
In an effort to balance teams, we cannot honor player requests outside of the U6 and U8 divisions. While we understand some parents have transportation issues, we are simply following one of the 5 AYSO philosophies as well as one of the national bylaws. We regret any inconvenince this may cause, and parents should consider this prior to registration.
2. Why can't I request a coach?
The retention of players by coaches may create an unfair and unbalanced environment within a division; therefore, we have limited the coach request to a coach's player and one assistant coach's player only.
3. How are teams formed?
We take into account a player's skill level (if known), years of experience, age, competitive team experience and geographical location when forming teams. We try to make them as balanced as possible within a reasonable geographical area. It is impossible to make all teams 100% balanced, but we do make an effort to achieve this to make it more fair and fun for all the teams. Parents are welcomed to any of our board meetings where we discuss team balancing.
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
1. Where/When are practices held?
Practice nights/locations/times are determined by the volunteer coach with the approval of the Community Rep. We do not know the practice schedules of teams prior to the coach announcing them, so please do not ask at registration.
2. When does the season start?
The first games are September 13th for most teams.
3. How long are practices?
No teams may practice more then 2 days per week or last more then 90 minutes, and weekend practices are not permitted during the season. Suggested days/hours of practices are as follows:
U6 - 1 day/week, 30-45 min
U8 - 1-2 days/week, 30-60 min
U10 - 2 days/week, 45-60 min
U12/U14/U16/U19 - 2 days/week, 60-90 min
4. When are games held?
U6/U8/U10/U12 games are held on Saturdays from 8AM-330PM. U14/U16/U19 may additionally have weekday night games, as they may travel and participate in interplay with other regions.
5. Where are the games played?
We generally try to keep each age division at its own field; however, we sometimes need to change fields due to circumstances beyond our control. Most games are played in the Litchfield Park area, while U14/U16/U19 may play in the Avondale area. Additionally, U14/U16/U19 may participate in interplay with other regions and travel to Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Wickenburg or Gilbert.
6. Do you post scores/standings online?
We do not post scores/standings for any divisions. These statistics are tracked by the Division Coordinators for the U10, U12, U14, U16 and U19 Divisions.
7. What is Kids Zone?
This is the contract each player and parent must sign prior to the beginning of the season which states our region has zero tolerance for player/volunteer abuse and fosters a positive environment for all involved. This also prohibits any tobacco products from any proximity of all AYSO fields during practices and games. For more information, please go to www.soccer.org and click on AYSO Programs and Kids Zone at the tope of the page.
8. Do you do any sort of background checks on your volunteers?
All volunteers who have contact with any of our players must complete a volunteer form and agree to a background check. This information is not made public, but the volunteer as well as the Regional Commissioner and CVPA are notified if any volunteer fails to be recommended by the National Soccer Training Center. For more information, please go to www.soccer.org and click on AYSO Programs then Safe Haven at the top of the page.
9. Does any of the regional staff get paid for their roles?
No! We are a 100% volunteer organization from the referees and coaches to the Coach/Ref Administrators and Regional Commissioner. We do it for the kids!
10. How can I become a board member?
Board members are elected every year in January and serve a one-year term, with the exception of the Regional Commissioner who serves a 3-year term. We are always happy to have new board members. Please contact the Regional Commissioner at ayso225@hotmail.com or 623-521-9569 to learn more.
11. How do you find coaches for the teams?
We beg! For the most part, coaches are volunteer parents who want to be involved with their player's team. We also have some volunteers who simply love the game and love helping kids even though they have no kids of their own playing. Anyone can volunteer - men, women, students, grandmas, grandpas, etc! Contact the Regional Commissioner at ayso225@hotmail.com or 623-521-9569 to learn how you can get involved!
12. What happens if my player's team doesn't have a coach?
We must have a volunteer, Safe Haven certified coach for every team. If no parent will step up to volunteer to coach the team, then we will provide a 100% refund to all players.
13. Do you provide any training for your coaches/referees?
Yes! AYSO has one of the best training programs in all of youth sports. Our training focuses on developing the whole player while promoting positive coaching and is specifically designed for each level of coaching/refereeing. We also offer mentors to assist new coaches/referees, so you don't feel like you are alone.
14. What is the PRO Program?
This is the Player-Referee Organization also known as the Junior Ref Program. This is for players who also want to volunteer in the region as assistant coaches and referees. Players must be in at least the U12 division to qualify. Contact the Regional Commissioner at ayso225@hotmail.com or 623-521-9569 for further information.
15 What is the VIP Program?
This is the program specifically designed by AYSO for special needs players. VIP (Very Important Players) participants compete with each other in a modified setting taking into account the considerations needed for special needs players. Players ages 4 and up (no upper age limit) may participate in this program at no cost to the family. Depending upon the needs of the player, a "Buddy" may be used on the field to assist with participation. For specific questions related to this program, please contact the VIP Administrator, Gayle Hutchison, at yeema@mac.com or 623-306-5806.
