FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) about AYSO 1634
How does registration work?
Registration for each membership year generally opens in the spring. In AYSO, a membership year consists of a fall and spring season -- you can sign up for either or both. There is no cap placed on registration until the preseason deadline -- this is when we determine how many teams we will have in each age group. After that point, we will allow late registration until all those teams are full, or until the start of the season.
When are the seasons?
The fall season begins the week of Labor Day and runs through late October. The spring season starts the week after Spring Break and goes until roughly the end of the school year. Each season is typically seven weeks of activities -- one introductory week of practice, with six weeks of games.
Are there discounted rates for low-income families? Can I get a discount if I volunteer?
AYSO 1634 is proud that we have never denied a request for financial assistance. In most cases, a scholarship application that clearly outlines a family's need can be approved for up to 50% off. However, we cannot waive the $25 national membership fee, which is required for AYSO's liability insurance. AYSO does not allow regions to provide discounts or financial incentives for parents to volunteer.
How do the age groups work?
Your child's birth year determines which age group they play in. Each age group in our program consists of two birth years, but because the membership year is based on the school year, not a calendar year, this often leads to confusion. For example, nearly all kids in the 8U division are actually 6 or 7 years old -- only the oldest ones will turn 8 during the spring season. As a result, kids will alternate each year being in the 'older' or 'younger' part of the age group. Don't worry -- especially in 6U and 8U, a lot of our kids are brand-new to soccer, and coaches start off with basic skills regardless of age or experience.
Can my child play in a different age group?
If your child is more advanced in skill, or simply bigger than others their age, you may request that they play in the next-older age group. [You will still register them for their birth year age group, then please contact us to transfer them manually.] AYSO insurance guidelines typically do not allow us to accept requests for a child to play in a younger age group.
Will I get to coach my own kid(s) if I volunteer?
Yes, we automatically assign kids to the team their parent is coaching, unless you specifically ask us not to.
If I have multiple kids, will they be on the same team?
Yes, siblings that are in the same division will automatically be placed on the same team unless you specifically ask us not to.
Can I request a specific coach or for my child to play with their friends or classmates?
This is one of our most common issues. Because of AYSO's philosophy of Balanced Teams, we assign teams based on age, experience, gender (in co-ed divisions), and previous coach evaluations (when available). Whether intentional or not, allowing families to choose their preferred coaches or teammates tends to lead to inequities in player development and experience. We view our region as one big family, not a collection of individual team families. While we understand the draw of wanting to play with your friends, learning to work together with coaches and teammates who have different experiences and strengths is important for a child's growth (and adults too!) You will still see your other friends around the fields, we promise!
Are there any exceptions to the "no requests" rule?
Families who register kids under different accounts, but who need to be on the same team due to co-parenting or other special situations, should contact us. Parents who are coaching may arrange for one other adult to be a co- or assistant coach; these two kids would then be on the same team. No, you can't gather up a coaching staff of six parents for the sake of getting all your kids together (see notes above).
When will practice be? Can I choose my practice time?
As long as numbers allow, we try to have all 6U and 8U teams practice in the same window of time; in the past this has been either Wednesday or Thursday evenings. We do our best not to start any activities before 5:30pm to account for family schedules.
In 10U and older divisions, field space dictates that we need to move practices to different days and times. In 12U and above, coaches may choose to spread practice time over two days each week, or combine it to one long practice. We work with coaches to find a time that works for them and fits our field schedule -- another great reason to be a volunteer coach! For logistical reasons, there is no way to guarantee or avoid being assigned to a team that practices specific days or times.
Where are practices and games played?
All practices are at the Kroc Center. 6U and 8U age groups will only play games at the Kroc; older divisions may play against other local regions depending on the number of teams we have registered (it's no fun to play the same opponent every week!) Locations vary each season depending on the situations of other regions; we work most closely with the Kentwood region, but there may be 1-2 games each season that are up to about 30 minutes away (Wayland, Middleville, Allendale, etc.)
When will I find out my child's schedule and team assignment?
As you see, a lot goes into preparing for the season -- recruiting coaches, scheduling games with other regions, field assignments, team balancing, and much more! As a result, we typically don't release team assignments and schedules until 1-2 weeks before the first practice, usually around the time of the preseason parent meeting. If you don't have the information by then, it's probably because we are scrambling to find more coaches, in which case you will be hearing from us -- a lot!
What equipment do I need?
Your registration fee includes: complete uniform (jersey, shorts, socks), supplemental accident insurance, and other perks from time to time (a medal at the end of the spring season, for example). In addition, you may need to obtain shoes (cleats recommended), shin guards, a soccer ball (6U & 8U: size 3, 10U & 12U: size 4, 14U: size 5) and a water bottle. Our region does have a small number of donated cleats and shinguards available for families who may need them -- more donations of outgrown equipment are always welcome!
Can I get a refund after I've registered?
Here is the refund policy for Fall 2024 (dates will change for Spring, but otherwise the idea is the same): If a refund request is made in writing or via email by August 11, a full refund will be issued, less the Sports Connect card processing fee. Requests made after August 11, but prior to the first day of practice, will receive a full refund minus the card processing fee and $25 national player fee. No refunds are given after the start of the season, which is the first scheduled day of practice. Exceptions may be made in extreme circumstances at the discretion of the AYSO board.
My child was recently injured. Can they play soccer this season?
It depends. If they are stuck with a brace or cast that has plastic or any other hard material, then our insurance won't permit your child to take the field. In all cases involving an injury, we urge you to talk to your pediatrician and contact us to confirm if it's okay to play.
Is it okay for players to wear jewelry during practice or games?
No. Jewelry represents a potential hazard on the field when kids are in close contact with each other. This includes earrings (and no, players cannot just "cover up" earrings with tape.) Officially, no player will be allowed on the field with any object which the referee may deem as potentially harmful to any other player including but not limited to earrings, necklaces, rings, watches (including FitBits or Apple watches), barrettes or other jewelry.
Do volunteers need to know how to play soccer?
Previous soccer experience is definitely NOT a prerequisite to coach! Many of our most successful coaches came in with zero soccer experience - they just wanted to do something special with their child and make a difference. The basics of coaching AYSO soccer are simple and the job of coach is one that is completely manageable as a busy parent.
What training is provided to volunteers?
Every volunteer takes a few hours of online coursework to be certified as a volunteer (on top of a background check). This includes Safe Haven, AYSO's premiere child & volunteer protection program. Volunteers also take 'Concussion Awareness' training. Volunteer Coaches take age-specific training to learn the basics of how to relate to children and get them started with soccer fundamentals.