Region 143 – Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Is every player who registers guaranteed a spot on a team?

A.  While we use our best efforts to get every player on a team, we sometimes do not have enough volunteers to make that possible.  Region 143 is run for our kids by parents and other dedicated volunteers.  Unlike other youth sport organizations, AYSO has no paid staff other than at the national level.  All coaches, referees and Board Members contribute their time without monetary compensation.  We are sometimes required to limit the number of players to match the number of volunteers and ensure the players get the prescribed amount of playing time.  We need at least one parent from every family to volunteer in some way in order to make the program work and give every player that registers an opportunity to play.   We do maintain a waiting list.

Q:  What does the registration fee cover?

A:   The registration fee covers the administration of our soccer program, access to fields, training for coaches, referees and board members, the cost of uniforms for players and referees, a basic picture package including team photo, publications and supplemental accident insurance for AYSO-sponsored activities.

Q:  What other expenses will there be?

A:   You will need to provide your own shin-guards, shoes, socks for practices and a practice ball.  Your team parent will likely request a small amount to cover the expenses of a team banner and possibly a gift for the coach.  Additionally, parents are often requested to obtain snacks for the team at one or more games during the season.

Q:  What equipment do we need to buy?

A:   A soccer ball of the appropriate size, athletic shoes or cleats, shin guards and socks long enough to completely cover the shin guards.  Shin guards are required for all practices as well as games.  Players should also bring water to all practices and games.

U5, U6 and U8                   Size 3 ball

U10 and U12                     Size 4 ball

U14, U16 and U19            Size 5 ball

Q:  What type of shoes does my child need?

A:   Any closed-toe athletic shoes that properly fit are fine, especially for younger players, but turf shoes or cleats are recommended.  If you buy cleats, be sure to purchase soccer cleats.  If you want to use cleats designed for another sport, show them to your coach before wearing them to a practice or a game.  Cleats for other sports often have a toe cleat which must be cut off to permit the shoe's use on the soccer field.

Q:  My child’s birthday is very close to the age cut-off for his or her division.  Can my child play in a different division?

A:   We do not allow any players to play down into a lower division.  If your child’s birth date is on or after the starting cut-off date for a division, he or she must play in that division.

If your child’s birth date is one month prior to the ending cut-off date for a division, you may request that child be considered to move up into the next higher division.  You should make that request to the Coach administrator as soon as possible after registration.  

Q: Can I request a particular coach?

A:   No.  In order to balance the skill levels in team assignments for over 1,800 players, and to make our best efforts to ensure each team has an adequate number of referees and other volunteers, we cannot honor requests to play with a specific coach.

Q:  Can I request that my son or daughter play on the same team as a friend?

A:   If your child is playing in U5-U8, you can request that he or she play on the same team as a friend.  These requests must be noted on the player's registration form.  However, because of all the factors that have to be managed in making team assignments, we may not be able to honor those requests.  Due to the more competitive nature of play in the older divisions, we will not honor these requests for players in U10 and above.

Q:  I have more than one child playing soccer.  Can they play on the same team?

A:   If you have children who are both in the same age division, you may request that they play on the same team.  Requests for siblings to be on the same team will be honored whenever possible.  Often, however, a parent may decide that it is not a good idea for their children to play together, which will also be honored whenever possible.  Please let us know your preference on each player's registration form.  Our Region does not offer co-ed teams – boys and girls must play on separate teams.

Q:  When will we know what team we’re on?

A:   Your coach will call you in mid-August.  If your child’s friends have been called or started practicing and you haven’t heard from a coach, don’t panic.  Some coaches are on vacation in August or choose to get started a little later than others and will call you as soon as they can.  If you don’t hear from a coach by August 15th, please contact the Regional Registrar.

Q:  When and where will we practice?

A:   That is up to your coach.  Practices can be any day Monday through Friday.  Practices are generally held two days during the week, ranging from 1 to 1-1/2 hours depending on the age of the players.  We are unable to assign players to coaches based on practice day preferences.

Q:  What if our schedule won’t permit my child to attend the practices as scheduled by the coach?

A:   If the problem is transportation, speak to the coach or team parents.  Most AYSO parents work and have other children and other activities, so carpooling is a common concern.  Carpools are usually discussed at the pre-season team meeting. 

If the problem is other activities, please understand that the coach is volunteering his or her time to coach the team and has to accommodate his or her own schedule.  It is exceedingly difficult to find a time that will work perfectly for all the players.

Please try to make it to practice.  Your child is involved in a team sport.  The team cannot learn to work together if there are players who consistently miss practices.

Q:  How do I withdraw if I won't be able to play?

A:   We appreciate your letting us know as soon as possible if you find you will not be able to participate.  Contact the Regional Registrar by email at benglish@socal.rr.com, by fax to 714-892-6405, or by mail to PMB 163, 16033 Bolsa Chica St. #104, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.  Include the player's name and birthdate, and your name, address, email address and telephone number. Please remember no refunds will be given after July 1st.

Q:  How do I obtain a refund?

A:   If you would like a refund, please make a request in writing by email or regular mail sent to the Regional Registrar.  Registration fees may be refunded, less a $25 administrative fee, until teams have been formed.  Once the teams are formed (July 1st), no refunds will be issued.

Q:  When are the games?  When do they start and when do they end?

A:   During the Fall Season, all games are played on Saturdays, except for U16 and U19 games, which may also be played during the week.  During playoffs (at the end of the season), there may be some games on Sundays.  All Star teams, Plus teams and teams attending tournaments may also play on Sundays.

Games will begin on September 8. 

Q.  When will I receive a game schedule?

A.  Usually a week before the first game.  Your coach will let you know when the schedule is available.  The schedules or links to the schedules will also be posted on our web site.

Q:  Where will our games be played?

A:   The field your child’s team will play on will depend on which age division he/she plays within. Regardless of age division, all fields authorized for games and/or practices for teams from Region 143 are held at local school sites. At no time may any public or private field or park location be used for any AYSO event.

Q:  How long are the games?

A:   U5 – Two 10 minute halves
U6 – Two 15 minute halves
U8 – Two 20 minute halves
U10 – Two 25 minute halves
U12 – Two 30 minute halves
U14 – Two 35 minute halves
U16 – Two 40 minute halves
U19 – Two 45 minute halves

Q.  How early should I show up for games?

A.  This is up to the coach.  Generally, coaches will ask you to be at the field and ready to practice 30 minutes prior to kickoff for U5-U8 and 60 minutes prior to kickoff for U10 and above. This is to allow the proper amount of warm-up and pre-game discussion time required for each division.

Q.  Who is responsible for setting up or taking down the fields on game days?

A.  Each morning, the first two teams playing on the field that day are required to set up the goals, paint lines on the field and put out trash cans with liners.  Assembly of the goals should be directed by a coach or field maintenance volunteer who has been properly trained. Set up should be completed at least 45 minutes prior to the start time of the match.  The last teams of the day have the responsibility of taking down the goals and nets, placing all of the pieces, stakes, hammers and nets in the appropriate bags, and taking the trash away from the field. Trash may not be left at any of our sites and must be taken away for disposal at your home (other than at Coastline, where we have rights to use the dumpster next to the field). Players or other children may not help putting up or taking down the goals and nets or painting the fields.

Q: Do we practice and play games in the rain?

A:   The U5, U6, and U8 Division will not play in the rain. The decision whether to cancel practices and games for upper divisions due to rain is at the discretion of the Regional Commissioner.  Your coach will contact you as soon as he or she is notified that practices or games must be cancelled.  Do not assume practices or games are cancelled until you hear from your coach.  We sometimes cancel practices or games for some age groups, or for certain fields, but not for others.  If you are on a team that plays away games in other Regions, those Regions may make a decision that is different from our Region about whether games will be played. Always contact your coach to be certain if you game has been cancelled or not.

Q:  Can players wear earrings or other jewelry?

A:   No. Safety on the field is the first responsibility of every coach, referee and other AYSO officials.  Players may not wear anything that is potentially dangerous to themselves or any player.  This includes earrings or other jewelry, even if taped over.  Jewelry, wristwatches, bracelets (other than medical alert bracelets), barrettes and hard hair fasteners are not permitted.  Players with long hair may wish to wear elastic or soft hair ties such as "Scrunchies".  Medical alert bracelets may be worn if they are covered by tape to keep them snug against the wrist and completely hidden.  The referee has the final word on whether any player apparel is allowable.

Q:  Can players wear knee or ankle braces?

A:   Only soft braces may be worn following inspection and approval of the coach (prior to practices) or the referee (prior to games). 

Q:  The doctor said that my son can play with his arm splint.  Why did the coach say he can’t play?

A:   The risk to other players mandates that he remain on the sidelines.  Players may not wear casts or splints, whether hard or soft, due to the risk of injury to that player or another player.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  This applies to practices as well as games.

Q:  What about eyeglasses and hearing aids?

A:   Glasses and hearing aids may be worn to practices and games.  The use of an eyeglass holder or sports-glasses is recommended.

Q:  Is there a minimum amount of time my child will play in each game?

A:   Region 143 embraces the AYSO principle that “Everyone Plays.”  Every player in U5 through U12 must be allowed to play at least one-half (1/2) of each game during the regular season and at least one-half (1/2) of each game during playoffs. When the number of players on a team allows, players should be allowed to play three-quarters (3/4) of the game.  Players on U14 teams playing outside of our Region, U16 teams, U19 teams, Plus teams and teams participating in tournaments must play one-half (1/2) of each game.

Q.  May I bring alcoholic beverages or consume tobacco at AYSO events?

A.  NO!  AYSO National Rules and the rules of each school require that NO persons may consume alcoholic beverages or use tobacco products while engaged in AYSO activities or on school property. This includes practices as well as at games.  Parents that do smoke must do so off of school property and completely out of the presence of any child.

Q.  May I bring my pet to the practices or games?

A.  NO! Pets of any size are not allowed on any of our fields – no exceptions.  We will lose access to our fields if we don’t strictly enforce this rule.  You will be asked to leave the grounds if you bring a pet. 

Q:  How can I resolve a problem with the coach?

A:   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.  Talk with the coach in a calm manner and try to work out any problems, away from the players (preferably outside of practice or games).

If you are not satisfied with your coach’s response, please contact the Division Coordinator for that age group.  If the problem continues to persist, you should contact the Coach Administrator.

Q:  I have never played soccer and I don't know anything about soccer.  Can I still become a coach or a referee?

A:   Yes!  AYSO will provide you with all the training for free.  The only thing we as for are your time and commitment.  Contact the Regional Coach Administrator or the Regional Referee Administrator to learn more.  If coaching or refereeing is not for you, there are others way you can help.  Ask your coach, the Regional Commissioner or any Board Member how you can take part in our program.

Q:  Are the Coaches, Referees and Board Members paid?

A:   No. AYSO is an all-volunteer organization.  We are not paid for our work.  Working with children and seeing them have fun and develop their skills is our reward.

Q:  What is Safe Haven?

A:  AYSO is committed to providing a safe place for children to play and compete.  In furtherance of these goals, all volunteers who have interaction with our players, including head coaches, assistant coaches, referees and team parents, must (1) complete, sign and submit a Volunteer Application form each year, (2) act within their volunteer job descriptions and the scope of AYSO Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines, and (3) satisfactorily complete a child and volunteer protection certification program known as Safe Haven.  Safe Haven certification can be obtained by attending a clinic where Safe Haven training is offered or by completing the course on-line at www.aysotraining.org.

Q:  What is the Plus Program?

A:   The AYSO PLUS Program (sometimes also referred to as APP) offers highly skilled 11 to 14 year old players the opportunity to play soccer at a more competitive level than is offered by our regular fall program.  AYSO Plus games are played during the fall season and is generally followed by a post-season tournament in December.  Games are played between AYSO Plus teams in Area K (which includes Region 143 and local regions) and other local areas.  As a result, about half the games require travel to other parts of Orange County or Los Angeles County.  The teams may also play in various tournaments at the discretion of the coaches and parents on each team.

Plus teams are formed each year by a committee of experienced coaches primarily through tryouts.  If there is a sufficient number of skilled players to form a competitive team, teams may be formed in individual-year age brackets (i.e., U11, U12, U13, and U14) or may be formed using players in two age groups (i.e., 10 and 11 year olds on a U12 team and 12 and 13 year olds on a U14 team).  We will not form a Plus team unless we believe the team can play competitively in the program.

To try out for the Plus program, players must be registered for the fall season and must attend two days of tryouts.  Each player will be rated on their ball handling skills, offensive and defensive ability, game sense, speed, endurance, and attitude.  Players will be notified in June if they have been selected to the Plus team.

Coaches interested in coaching a Plus team must hold the Advanced Coach Certification, be certified as a Referee, and submit a resume of relevant experience to the Plus Director.

Q.  Does Region 143 offer a summer program?

A.  Yes - we offer a summer academy program.  You can find more information at our web site.

Q.  How can I help provide financial support?

A.  As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of individuals and corporate entities in addition to our registration fees.  Individual and corporate sponsorships provide our Region with much-needed funds to maintain our playing fields and provide training, new equipment, uniforms, technology, scholarships and many other items which attribute to our success.  We provide recognition to our sponsors commensurate with the level of support received.  For more information, please visit our web site.