Helpful Guide for New Parents

Please look through the different areas of our website to become familiar with the league. If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to e-mail us at Region 88 Webmaster.

Registration Questions

For questions about registration, see the Registration page.

When will my child be placed on a team?

In late July, teams for all divisions will be chosen. Expect a call by August 1, if you do not receive a call by August 1st, please contact the Division Coordinator of your child's age group.

What age group (division) is my child in?

Division	Birthdates
Under-19	August 1, 1988 - July 31, 1991
Under-16	August 1, 1991 - July 31, 1993
Under-14	August 1, 1993 - July 31, 1995
Under-12	August 1, 1995 - July 31, 1997
Under-10	August 1, 1997 - July 31, 1999
Under-8	August 1, 1999 - July 31, 2001
Under-6	August 1, 2001 - July 31, 2002
Under-5	August 1, 2002 - July 31, 2003

What time will my child practice?

Division	Likely Practice Times
Under-19	8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Under-16	7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Under-14	7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Under-12	6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Under-10	6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Under-8	4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Under-6	4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Under-5	Practice combined with games on Saturdays

What if I can't make this practice time?

We know a lot is going on in all of our lives, but with over 3250 children registered, it is nearly impossible to make changes to teams once players are assigned. We unfortunately cannot make any changes to accomodate other events that conflict with your child's soccer practice. Before registering, please try to make sure you can bring your child to the regular practice time (see table above). Make sure your child has a ride to practices and games before registering your child in AYSO.

For the Under-5 through Under-8 divisions ONLY, make it clear on your registration sheets if you would like to be with another player or with a specific coach. There are no guarantees, as we try to keep teams balanced, but we will try to accomodate the reasonable requests before the teams are chosen. After the teams are chosen it is very difficult to change teams.

For Under-10 and above, to maintain balanced teams, NO accomodations or requests for coaches or teammates are honored.

In case you are unable to make the practices, and you cannot find a solution to the conflict, you can always ask for a refund. It is possible to miss practice, but attend the games only, but that would be unfair to your child, the teammates and the coach. In this unfortunate situation, please feel free to use the Refund Request form, as there are usually other childen who are on the waiting list who would like to play. Refunds must be requested by August 1.

What ball size should my child use?

It is recommended (but check with your coach) to bring a soccer ball to EVERY practice session. Soccer ball sizes vary according to division:

Division	Size Ball
Under 14 - Under 19	Size 5
Under 10 - Under 12	Size 4
Under 5 - Under 8	Size 3

Make sure to bring the ball to every practice. Use a water-proof felt pen to put your last name and phone number on it.

Team Uniforms

A uniform is provided by the league before the season starts. The family is responsible for the jersey throughout the year and only needs to wear the uniform to the games, not to practices. Do not wash the uniform in HOT water. We recommend that teams turn in their uniforms at the end of the year so they can be donated to other soccer leagues.

Note: Jewelry, watches, necklaces, bracelets, hats or other objects which could hurt another player are not permitted during the games. No exceptions!

We repeat, NO earrings allowed during practice or games. No exceptions!

Do I need to go to the Unifom Distribution Meeting to get a uniform?

No, this meeting is solely for the coaches who will giv eyour child uniform soon at one of the next practrices.

What do the kids wear at practice?

Wear some type of loose fitting shorts, preferably soccer shorts, and wear a white t-shirt to the practice sessions. This helps the coach when organizing the team into small teams. Make sure that your child does not come to practice wearing jeans, long pants or other clothes that your child would not be able to run in. On cold nights, make sure a sweatshirt is brought for your child to wear after practice.

Players should also wear shinguards, soccer cleats and always bring a ball with your name on it.

We repeat, NO earrings allowed during practice or games. No exceptions!

Shinguards

Shinguards are mandatory at every practice and game. A child will not be allowed to play without proper shinguards. Make sure the sock completely covers the shinguard when playing.

Soccer Cleats

Soccer cleats are not required but are recommended for all age levels mainly for good traction on sometimes very wet fields. (No baseball, golf, football or shoes that have a toe cleat are allowed). Ask your local soccer store or sporting good store or for the correct cleats to wear.

Practices and Games

There will usually be one game each weekend, although on a few weekends throughout the season, there may be a game on Saturday and Sunday, especially during the playoffs.

Divisions u12-u19 have one mandatory practice and can have one "voluntary" practice. Divisions u6-u10 are only allowed one practice a week.

Under-5 practices will be on Saturdays only just before their game.

NO PRACTICES BEFORE AUGUST 1

What if my child misses practice or games?

Parents should contact the coach if their child cannot make a practice or game. It is unfair to the other players for one teammate to consistently miss practice. A player may be dropped from the program if three (3) successive practices or games are missed without a valid excuse. This is necessary because each year we have children on the waiting list who want to play.

Water

Soccer players end up running many miles during games and practices, so make sure to bring water to the games and EVERY practice session!

What if my child gets hurt in a game or practice

Although there are very few serious injuries in soccer, AYSO does have an Accident Reimbursement Program. This program will cover expenses not covered by your own individual insurance plans, after the deductible has been satisfied and only after a proper claim has been filed by your insurance carrier. To file a claim, contact the Insurance/Safety Commissioner.

What if it rains?

Soccer is played in all types of conditions. Do not assume that games or practices are cancelled because of a slight drizzle. Unless notified, all teams must appear at the field at their scheduled time, regardless of weather conditions.

If you do not hear from your coach, and are still unsure, call the AYSO Region 88 hotline at (818) 957-AYSO.

Other Special Events

Opening Day
The season begins with a grand parade by all the players, displaying the team banners as well as the large numbers of soccer players involved in AYSO. Ceremonies begin at 6:00 p.m. but the players need to be there earlier to prepare for the parade. (Details)

Picture Day
Photographs of the team and individual players will be taken on Saturday or Sunday, usually the first or second weekof the season. Check with your coach for the team's picture schedule, which also be on this website as the season begins.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities for you, as a parent, to get involved in the AYSO program. If interested in any of these opportunities, please fill in our Online Volunteer Form, talk to your coach, Division Commissioner or the Volunteer Corodiantor. We encourage that all parents volunteer sometime during the year.

• Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Referee, Team Coordinator, Sponsor, Board Member
• Assistant with Opening Day, Picture Day, Year Book, Fund-raising, Website Updating, Registration, etc.
• Field Set-up, telephoning, mailings, Year Book Ad Sales, Booster Club, etc.

How can I Sponsor a team?

To help keep this volunteer non-profit program financially sound, and to try to keep the registration fee low, Region 88 requires that each team have a sponsor. If interested, please see the Sponsorship Page.