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Is my child the right age for AYSO soccer?
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Children between the ages of 4 and 18 as of July 31 of the year in which the fall season begins can play AYSO soccer. Please see the Division Birth Date chart for specific age group eligibility here.
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| What if I haven't heard from my coach? |
After registration, the DeKalb AYSO board has many responsibilities, including creating teams, schedules, ordering uniforms, clearing checks, obtaining volunteer coaches, etc. Once that is complete, we have a meeting with all of the coaches where the coaches receive their player rosters, uniforms, schedules, etc. Coaches have a week from that date to get things situated; some of our coaches are coaching multiple players. Contact by dates are listed in the information that you received at registration, you can also keep an eye on the news page of our website / Facebook / Twitter for "contact by" dates. Information will be posted in those spots as to whom you should contact if you've not heard from your coach by the "contact by" date. You can also view your coaches' name/email and phone number by logging into eAYSO.
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What makes AYSO different?
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Our mission is to provide quality youth soccer programs where everyone builds positive character through participation in a safe, fun, family-oriented soccer environment. AYSO's six philosophies separate us from the pack:
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* Everyone Plays
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* Balanced Teams
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* Open Registration
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* Positive Coaching
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* Good Sportsmanship
* Player Development
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You can find further information about the philosophies here.
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What other soccer expenses can I anticipate this year?
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Not included in the registration fees are the required shin guards, appropriate shoes, and a strongly recommended practice ball. Coaches are provided with extra practice balls for a child who does not bring one to practice.
Note that DeKalb AYSO is initiating a cleat and shin guard exchange. You can bring your clean, usable shin guards and cleats to the trailer and trade them in for a pair that fit.
In addition, the team parents will possibly request a small amount to cover the expenses of a team banner, hair pieces (for the girls), end of season team party, and a small gift for the coach, etc.
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Each family is often requested to bring snacks for the team at one game during the season.
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My child does not meet the minimum age range for the AYSO Fall season, but he/she is very [big / strong / athletic / coordinated] for his/her age. Can we still sign up for the upcoming Fall season?
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No. AYSO is a national organization with very strict guidelines regarding age requirements. AYSO’s accident and liability insurance depends on the players being the proper age to play and being placed in their age appropriate divisions. Children who do not meet the age requirement are not permitted to play. Be patient – they’ll grow up before you know it!
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In school, my child is with classmates who are [younger / older]. May my child "play down" in a younger division or "play up" in an older division to be on teams with kids with whom he/she goes to school?
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No. AYSO is a national organization that determines the player divisions based on birthdates. The AYSO "year" runs from August 1st through July 31st. AYSO’s accident and liability insurance depends on the players placed in their age appropriate divisions. Many children are in "different" divisions than their school classmates. We encourage you to view this as a positive experience - it will allow your child to broaden his/her relationships outside of school and enjoy making new friends. Spring season U5 players must be four by April 1. That said, DeKalb AYSO does break divisions out with a September 1 cut off so we stay in line with the grades in the DeKalb School District.
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How long are the games?
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For the younger divisions, the games take about 1 hour to complete. For the older divisions, the games take about 1.5 hours to complete. You can find specific information here.
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| What should I bring to my child’s practices and games? |
Shin guards (required), soccer shoes, a soccer ball, uniform (games only) and water. Also, bringing a well rested, well hydrated, nutritionally balanced child with a positive attitude and willingness to learn is highly recommended!
Please be sure to visibly label any non-disposable items such as hats, water bottles, bags, balls, etc. with your child's name in the event that it is accidentally picked up by another player or is forgotten at the field.
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| Do I have to get soccer shoes for my child to play? |
Soccer shoes ("cleats") are not mandatory but are highly recommended (regular athletic shoes with no cleats are the alternative). When buying soccer shoes, please keep in mind they cannot have a toe cleat (baseball shoes have a toe cleat). If you buy them or already have them, the toe cleat can typically be removed easily with a utility knife. Generally speaking, nearly all players at all age levels use soccer shoes for practices and games.
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| What size soccer ball should I get for my child?
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Divisions U5 through U8 use a Size 3 ball.
Divisions U10 and U12 use a Size 4 ball.
Divisions U14 and above use a Size 5 ball.
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| Why are the children required to wear their soccer socks over their shin guards?
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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. Also, wearing the socks over the shin guards prevent the shin guards from shifting during running or when being kicked, which allow the shin guards to protect the areas they are supposed to. |
| Is it OK for players to wear jewelry during practice and game? |
No. Jewelry of any kind (necklaces, watches, earrings, rings, bracelets, etc.) cannot be worn during practice or games.
Please be sure to wait until after the season is over to get your child's ears pierced.
There is an exception for Med-Alert bracelets, but they must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band for the safety of your child and all the other players.
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| The doctor said that my child can play with his arm splint. Will AYSO allow him/her to play?
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No. While the doctor may be representing your son's interest appropriately, the risk to other players mandates that he limit his participation to that of moral support on the sidelines. Players may not wear casts or splints which could possibly cause injury to himself/herself or another player. NO EXCEPTIONS. This applies at the games as well as at practices. |
| My child was injured during a game / practice. Where can I get information on supplemental insurance? |
At the time of registration, all players are automatically enrolled in AYSO's supplemental insurance. You can find more information here. |
| What about eyeglasses and hearing aids?
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Glasses, hearing aids, and med-alerts may be worn to practices and games. The use of an eyeglass holder/strap or sports-glasses is recommended. As stated above, Med-Alerts must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band as a safety measure. |
| It can be cold during the early morning games. Can my child wear a sweatshirt during the games?
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Any extra articles of clothing must be worn under the uniform (so you can still determine which team a player is associated with). It is recommended that any extra articles of clothing be limited to undershirts, turtle necks or sweatshirts (under the uniform). Try to coordinate with your team’s colors if possible. Any extra articles cannot have any zippers or any plastic/metal components of any kind.
Please also keep in mind that players can wear stocking-hats and / or gloves during the game, and while they may not want to, they should put them on during breaks. |
| What kinds of hair accessories are acceptable?
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Any hair accessories should not be made of metal or plastic, and should not be rigid. Soft hair accessories such as "scrunchies" and soft rubber bands are recommended and acceptable. |