FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some frequently asked questions about AYSO. If your question is not answered here, please feel free to use our Contact Form.
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Q. What can I do to help AYSO?
A. AYSO Region 1020 is operated entirely by volunteers and we can use all the help we can get to run the program. We need coaches, assistant coaches, team parents and referees. Plus, we're always looking for people to serve on our Board of Directors. Just let us know and we can find a spot for you to help us.

Q. Why is AYSO different?
A. Our mission is to provide quality youth soccer programs where everyone builds positive character through participation in a fun, family-oriented soccer environment. AYSO's five philosophies separate us from the pack:

Q. When is the 2008 registration for the AYSO Region 1020 soccer fall season?
A. OPEN REGISTRATION begins in May 2008 and closes on June 27, 2008. All registered players are placed on teams. After June 27, 2008 there may be space limitations and late registrations will be wait-listed.

Q. When will we know which team my child is on?
A. The teams are created in late July and teams may begin practice on August 1. Sometimes coaches take a vacation in late July or early August and therefore, may be a bit slow to contact you. If you have not heard anything by August 6th, you may contact Rhonda Rydberg, the registrar, who can tell you your child's coach and phone number.

Q. My child decided not to play. Can we get a refund?
A. A full refund will be made if we receive a written request before August 1, 2008.

Q. What is and is not included in the registration fees?
A. The registration fees for a season cover and include:
     Approximately 3 months of soccer;
    
     Full uniform of jersey, shorts and socks for all players;
    
     A subscription to Soccer Now magazine;
     Access to fields for practice and play; and
     Training and equipment for coaches and referees.

Players are expected to provide their own appropriate footwear (tennis shoes are ok), shin guards, an appropriate size soccer ball (3, 4 or 5) and a water bottle.

Q. When will practices be?
A. The Coach will set the time and location of all practices, and can be a maximum of two times a week.

Q. Where do our children play their soccer games?
A. All Region 1020 games are played at the new Pinetop-Lakeside Mountain Meadow Recreation Complex. Jump to Field Map    All games are on a 1 hour schedule and most games are on Saturday between 8 am and 4 pm. Some games are played on Tuesday or Thursday evenings at 6 pm or 7 pm -- to make up rainouts or for the older age groups.

Q. Can my player wear jewelry?
A. Players may not participate in a match (game) while wearing jewelry, including earrings. This is considered a safety violation, which the referee shall enforce. Medical bracelets and/or necklaces ARE allowed. The player shall not be asked to remove medical bracelets or necklaces. They should be taped to the skin with clear tape.

Q. What sort of hair clip can my child wear?
A. Players may wear soft hair ties. Scrunchies are great, and flat plastic clips are OK. For another easy-to-use hair tie, check out Hair Tape. The referee shall decide if an article of clothing is unsafe.

Q. Can my child play with a cast, even if padded?
A. Absolutely not, for multiple safety reasons for your child and the other players.

Q. Why are the children required to wear their socks over their shin guards?
A. 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. The referees can easily check before play is begun to ensure all players are properly dressed.

Q. When will my player's uniform arrive?
A. Uniforms arrive before the season starts. They will be handed out by the coach at practice before the first game. Uniforms are not returned at the end of the season. The player keeps his/her uniform.

Q. Who is eligible to play AYSO Pinetop-Lakeside Region 1020 soccer?
A. All boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 19 who were born on or between August 1, 1989 and July 31, 2004 are eligible to register for the 2008 fall season (and any tournaments until the summer of 2009). Again this year we will hold our "Jamboree One with One" program for 4 year olds born between 8/1/2003 and 7/31/2004. This is a new and exciting program where parents participate with their 4 year old child! Players born after July 31, 2004 are too young and are ineligible for the 2008 season. Jump to Age Eligibility Chart

Q. Why doesn't AYSO allow me to specify a team for my child?
A. 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. We continue to strive to support parents who may have transportation difficulties and strive to honor those requests that help avoid undo hardship. Requests based on "established" friendships are not considered vital, since every child is "a friend I haven't met yet" and contributes to an overall desirable goal to meet new children and play against friends from time to time.

Q. Where can I find lost soccer balls or other lost items?
A. AYSO Region 1020 designates an area where the schedule of games and referee are located at the field on Saturdays -- all "lost or found" items should be left there and will be stored in the shed. Sometimes, coaches or other teammates will pick up items knowing that it belongs to you. Hopefully, one of these methods will reunite you with your lost item.

Q. What is "offside" in soccer?
A. Yes, that's right, it is "offside", not "offsides". Offside is Law 11 and is one of the most misunderstood of the 17 laws of soccer. It is one of the biggest reasons that folks yell at referees! I hope the following helps explain what a player in an offside position and an offside violation is really all about.

OFFSIDE POSITION and OFFSIDE are not the same. It is not against the rules to be merely in offside position. It is against the rules to be offside to get an unfair advantage.
OFFSIDE POSITION - A player is in an offside position if:

A player is not in an offside position if the player is:

OFFSIDE - With certain exceptions, a player in an offside position becomes offside if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by a teammate, the player, in the opinion of the referee, is involved in active play by:

EXCEPTIONS - Although in an offside position, a player is not offside if the player receives the ball directly from a:

The position of a player at the moment the ball is played by a teammate determines whether the player may be called offside. For example, a player positioned onside at the moment the ball is played by a teammate does not become offside by running to an offside position while the ball is in flight.

If a pass is called offside, an indirect free kick is taken by the opposing team from the position of the offside player.

A player who leaves the field, attempting to cause an opponent to be in an offside position, must be cautioned for unsporting behavior.

A player in an offside position is allowed to leave the field to indicate to the referee that he or she is not participating in play and should not be called offside.

Reprinted from "The Rules of Soccer: Simplified", 1997-1998 Edition, by Bill Mason and Larry Maisner

Q. What footwear is allowable in AYSO soccer?
A. Footwear must consist of regulation soccer shoes, gym shoes, tennis shoes or sneakers. Shoes with toe cleats (usually baseball or football shoes) are NOT ALLOWED for safety reasons.

Q. Are shin guards required?
A. 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.

Q. What size soccer ball does my child need?
A. The following table lists the appropriate size soccer ball, per age bracket:

Q. What is SAI?
A. SAI, or Soccer Accident Insurance, assists with medical costs above a member's own insurance for injuries sustained during AYSO soccer games and practices. SAI applies to players, coaches, referees and all registered volunteers in the program at no extra cost. In addition to SAI, AYSO provides general liability insurance for all approved activities as well as fidelity bond insurance.

Q. Can we still play in tournaments?
A. Most definitely! AYSO has tournaments all year-round. The scope of AYSO tournaments is determined by the tournament host, however, we encourange all AYSO tournaments be open to any team who wants to play.