Q: When is registration?
A; Registration runs June 1th-August 18th. After August 18th, registration will only be opened to fill empty roster space on individual teams. Once all rosters are full, there will absolutely be no further registration available.

Q: When does the season begin and end?
A: Teams WITH COACHES may begin practicing as soon as all rostered players have paid. Teams U10 and up also need to have a VOLUNTEER REFEREE for this season before they can begin practicing. Games begin September 10th and run thru October 31th
   
Q: What are other IMPORTANT DATES this season?!
A: Practices available to begin...Aug 20th
    Referee Training...TBA
    Coaches Meeting..TBA
     *All meetings and training will be held at the Athens Regional Park fields

Q: What will my players schedule look like?
A: Teams U6 and above will practice twice a week. Please note that practice schedules are set BY THE TEAMS COACH. Coaches may choose to practice M/Th or T/F or even Sunday Afternoons. The only way to ensure that your child’s practices fit into your family’s schedule is volunteer to coach your players team! Younger teams only practice once a week for about an hour. Very young teams will meet 30-45 mins before their games. 
Our older groups 14U and up will Practice up to 3 times per week including Sunday. (Coaches discretion)

Q: Who sets the game schedule?
A: Erica Ammons, RC for AYSO Region 325 makes the IR (Inter-regional) game schedule. I have no insight or influence over where and when your child will play. Age divisions with enough teams may be kept “in house”, meaning, they will not have to travel to other regions to play. Playground and Schoolyard teams and 6u and 8u play all games at the Regional park fields.

 Q: Where and When will my child play?
A: Divisions U6 and up play on Saturdays. U6 and U8 play all games at the Regional Park fields. 10U and 12U will sometimes travel other regions within Area 5G including Sweetwater, Kingston, Lenoir City, and Oak Ridge. with the exception of tournaments
***Our 14U and up will play in the Knoxville region games will be split evenly between Home Games and Away Games.

Q: Who will coach my child?
A: Hopefully YOU! All AYSO coaches are volunteers...we absolutely cannot run this program without YOU! You may choose to have an assistant to help you with practices, drills, and game day decisions! Practices cannot begin until your child has a registered coach!

Q: When will I be notified about my child’s team/coach/practice schedule?
A: Once your players roster has been filled and a parent has volunteered and registered to coach, you will be sent an email! IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM YOUR PLAYERS COACH ABOUT A PRACTICE SCHEDULE, IT’S MORE THAN LIKELY BECAUSE NO ONE HAS VOLUNTEERED TO TAKE THE TEAM!!!

Q: Who will ref my child’s games?
A: Again, all AYSO referees are registered volunteers! We need parents to step into these rolls in order to make this season happen! MULTIPLE REF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE FIELDS... TEAMS MAY NOT BEGIN PRACTICING UNTIL THEY HAVE A REGISTERED REFEREE

Q: How much does it cost for my kiddo to play?
A: Playground and Schoolyard fees are $30 plus around $20 for their jersey. All other divisions are $40 plus around $35 for their jersey.  There is also a $20 non-refundable insurance fee paid directly to the National office in CA this is paid yearly Fall-Spring season (“Jerseys” are 2 shirts {home and away} 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of socks)

Q: How do I order my player’s jersey?
A: Once a parent has stepped in the coaching roll for child’s team, you will be sent an email with a link to order. Jerseys will be mailed directly to you!

Q: What does my player need by first practice?
A: Cleats...any brand but they MUST BE SOCCER CLEATS, not baseball or football, 
     Shin guards
     soccer socks
     Size appropriate ball (Playground thru U8 uses size 3, U10/U12 size 4, U14+ size 5)

Q: Will my player get a trophy at the end of the season?
A: AYSO does not provide team trophies or medals, however, parents are more than welcome to collect money, order awards, and plan a ceremony!

Q: What if my child decides that they do not want to play?
A: Teams must be submitted to the Area Director by March 7. After this date, there will be no refunds. Before September 1, a $30 re-rostering fee will be charged. In the event that your player becomes injured DURING PRACTICE or IN A GAME, you will be prorated.

Q: Can my child play with an arm cast?
A: Absolutely not...no matter how much bubble wrap you put on there! 

Q: Are there specific items not allowed to be worn by players on the field?
A: Yes! Absolutely no jewelry, (the exception of a medical ID bracelet, which must be covered with something soft) is allowed to be worn during games…no bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. Please note that you will be asked to remove your child’s earrings even if “they just got pierced yesterday!”

Q: May I smoke or drink alcohol if I walk away from the fields or to my car?
A: No, no alcoholic beverages, smoking or vaping are permitted ANYWHERE within the fields. If you smoke in your car with the window down close to the fields where the kids may get second hand smoke you will be asked to leave.