These are the policies of AYSO in Flagstaff. By registering your child, you certify that you have read these policies, agree to follow them, and acknowledge that AYSO runs by parent participation.
What is AYSO? AYSO is a soccer program for children for ages 4 through 18. The coaches, referees, and board members are volunteers, mostly parents, who ensure that the players have a positive and beneficial soccer experience.
It is important that parents contribute to running the soccer program. Your children need your participation. If you want to help, call the soccer number at 773-1222 or email AYSO@flagsoccer.org. AYSO has a good training program, so you don't have to worry if you haven't played soccer yourself.
In AYSO, anyone who wants to play is allowed to register. Emphasis is placed on good sportsmanship and positive coaching. We all try to win, but in AYSO fair play and fun are more important than winning. We encourage development of skills, for the better the game is played, the more fun it is. We balance teams every season with the goal that in the first game of the season either team should be able to win. After that, team success results from the quality of coaching, individual player development, and who is not on vacation. Every player participating in practice and coming to the game on time is guaranteed to play at least half the game.
Mission: To develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family, environment based on our philosophies of Open registration, balanced teams, everyone plays, positive coaching, and good sportsmanship.
Registration: There are approximately 140 teams playing soccer in AYSO in the summer. We use on-line registration, mail-in registration, and registration in person. For details and to register, click here.
Refunds: If a player has to withdraw from the AYSO program, a full refund may be obtained if the player withdraws before May 1. Starting May 1, the following schedule applies. If a player has received a uniform, a refund may be obtained only if the player's uniform is returned. 1) If a U16-U19 player withdraws prior to May 17 (the beginning of practice), $30 will be refunded. Through June 3 (before the first game), the refund will be $20. No refund will be given after June 3. 2) If a U6-U14 player withdraws prior to June 16, $30 will be refunded. Through June 30, the refund will be $20. No refund will be given after June 30. To get a refund, you must put your request in writing to AYSO, PO Box 307, Flagstaff, AZ 86002.
Your Coach: Every season teams are freshly drawn from the player pool, trying to balance skills and experience on all the teams. Once the coaches find out who their players are, they begin calling the players to let them know when practice is.
Balancing the teams depends on receiving accurate skill evaluations from parents and from coaches at the end of the previous season. A tremendous amount of time and effort is spent in forming and balancing teams. That's why we are happy to make a full refund before teams are formed.
Switching Teams: Players are assigned to teams to balance skill levels so that all teams start the season on an equal footing. Parents are encouraged to meet the other team members. If a parent requests that a child be switched, the child will be placed on the waiting list until another position is available which will maintain team balance.
Soccer Camps AYSO encourages players to attend a soccer camp, especially before our season starts. None of these soccer camps is run by Region 257. Kids have fun improving their soccer skills and get a jump on the soccer season with professional training.
The Soccer Academy again offers pre-season soccer training for a week (June 18-22), 3 hours a day either in the morning or afternoon. Alan Meeder, who has been teaching kids soccer in Flagstaff for 15 years, will be back with his staff. Alan was the National Director of Coaching for AYSO and has a new soccer video out on how to teach kids soccer. The cost of the camp is $65.
MLS Soccer Camps will be offering a camp for AYSO players for the first time this summer for a week (June 25-29) 3 hours a day in the mornings only. MLS Soccer Camps is a national sponsor for AYSO. The cost of this camp is $84.
A list of these and other soccer camps can be found on the web at the link, Flagstaff Soccer Camps.
Soccer Practice Practice times and fields for individual teams are chosen by each team coach based on field availability. Players may lose playing time in games for missing practice.
Maximum practice time per week
U6 - U8: 1 hour of practice per week
U10 - U19: 2 hours of practice per week
Safety and Health: Our primary concern is the safety and health of our players. Shin guards must be worn by every player in every age division for practices and games!
Shoes may be cleated soccer shoes, gym shoes, or sneakers. Soccer shoes are recommended, as they give players better support and footing. Soccer shoes with molded cleats are preferred. Screw-in cleats (with the screw on the cleat) are acceptable. Screw-on cleats (with the screw on the sole of the shoe) are not acceptable. Toe cleats are also not allowed. Any other shoes with sharp or non-standard cleats, whether rubber or not, are prohibited. Unacceptable cleats pose a danger to players.
Players may not participate wearing jewelry, watches, or headbands and barrettes with hard objects attached, or with any type of cast or splint. Tape or bandaids over earrings is not acceptable. Medical ID tags may be worn but must be taped down. The referee always has the final say as to whether any piece of equipment or other paraphernalia is acceptable for play.
If a player is bleeding or has blood on the uniform, the player shall leave the field. The player may return to the game, at a legal substitution time, when the bleeding is stopped and the bloody uniform has been replaced.
Maintaining proper body fluids is also important; therefore, each player is responsible for bringing a proper supply of water to drink at every practice and game.
Team Formation: The AYSO philosophy emphasizes balanced teams. Each year the players are assigned to completely new teams. The rosters are formed by a computer program distributed nationally and each team is balanced from the skill evaluations from the previous year's coach or from the parents' evaluations for new players.
Coaches may not add players to their own teams, but new players are added by the registrar so as to preserve the balance of teams. If a player plays a game on a team but is not on that team's roster, that team forfeits the game regardless of the score. Furthermore, AYSO's liability insurance, AYSO's Accident Reimbursement Plan, and the Volunteer and Child Protection Acts are valid only when AYSO's national rules are followed.
Soccer Uniform and Other Equipment: The uniform, consisting of shirt, shorts and socks, is supplied by the local AYSO Region. The uniform will be worn as issued. The only addition to the uniform permitted is an approved sponsor patch.
The uniform remains the property of AYSO until the end of the playing season, and then becomes the property of the player.
All team balls supplied by AYSO are the property of ASYO Region 257 until the season has been completed. At the conclusion of the season, the game ball becomes the property of the team's head coach.
| Division | Age | Ball Size | Game Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| U6 | 5 years | 3 | 2/10 min halves |
| U8 | 6-7 years | 3 | 2/20 min halves |
| U10 | 8-9 years | 4 | 2/25 min halves |
| U12 | 10-11 years | 4 | 2/30 min halves |
| U14 | 12-13 years | 5 | 2/35 min halves |
| U16 | 14-15 years | 5 | 2/40 min halves |
| U19 | 16-18 years | 5 | 2/45 min halves |
Select Teams/Tournaments: There is an opportunity to put together a team to travel to tournaments. Coaches who are interested should call the soccer number or send email to AYSO@flagsoccer.org.
Scholarships: A few scholarships are available. Call the soccer number at 773-1222 or email to AYSO@flagsoccer.org.
Soccer Accident Insurance: The Soccer Accident Insurance (S.A.I.), underwritten by the AIG Companies of Insurance, pays medical costs up to $25,000 maximum per claim to an insured person for accidental bodily injuries incurred as a direct result of participation in a covered activity.
All AYSO registered players, coaches, referees, and volunteers are covered for accidental bodily injury while participating in the following activities:
Scheduled games, tournaments, team practice sessions or other sponsored activities, provided they are under the direct supervision of a team official.
Group travel directly to or from such games, tournaments, practice sessions or sponsored activities, provided that players are traveling as a team and the vehicle is operated by a licensed adult driver.
S.A.I. is a Full Excess policy, which means that you must submit your medical bills to any other applicable health care plan you have in force, prior to making a claim under this policy, and you must follow the other applicable health care plan's rules for claim submission to be eligible under this policy. Each S.A.I. claim is subject to a $100 deductible.
To file an S.A.I. claim, contact AYSO's regional Safety Director, Mike Buckley, at 774-6954 (H) or 522-0507 (W) for a claim form and other instructions. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLAIMANT TO MAIL THE CLAIM FORM TO THE BOLLINGER FOWLER CO. WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THE INJURY.
More information about the S.A.I. Policy is available at AYSO's national web site.
Game Schedules: Coaches receive the game schedules for their teams when the team rosters are distributed. The coach will distribute copies of the schedule to the players. The schedules are also available at www.flagsoccer.org.
Participation: All registered players who arrive at the scheduled AYSO games on time must play at least 1/2 of the game. AYSO strongly encourages coaches to play the kids at least 3/4 of each game and let them try all positions on the field. Approximately halfway through each half, when the ball is out of play, the referee calls for substitutions. Substitutions may also be made at halftime. Coaches may substitute as many players as they wish at the substitution times. In U16 and U19 games, free substitution is used for the team in possession of the ball at a throw-in or for either team at a goal kick or after a goal. An injured player may be substituted.
Conduct of Participants: AYSO philosopy is predicated upon the idea that, first of all, soccer should be fun! We are certain that fun can only be had within a context of friendly and positive competition. As a result, we strongly emphasize the importance of proper conduct by everyone, including players, coaches, referees, parents, and spectators. In general, such conduct results from a positive attitude and positive behavior toward others. Here are some guidelines and suggestions for all of us.
COACHES SHOULD:
PARENTS AND SPECTATORS SHOULD:
CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT BY PLAYERS AND COACHES:
Suspended Games: Games are most often suspended due to inclement weather, primarily electrical storms that are deemed by the referee to constitute a danger to players and spectators. If the game cannot be restarted within 10 minutes, the referee will likely permanently suspend the game so that the remaining schedule of games on that day will not be disrupted.
A game becomes official once the second half has started, and will not be rescheduled even if play must be stopped before the end of the regular time period. If, due to inclement weather or unplayable field conditions, a game must be suspended by the referee before the second half has started, the game will be replayed from the beginning, at a later date. The referee will meet with the two coaches to discuss the procedures for rescheduling the game. Ordinarily, the Regional Chief Referee will be contacted in order to arrange for a referee and schedule a field. If at all possible, the game will be made up during the following week. If a game is suspended for any other reason other than weather or unplayable field conditions, the AYSO Board will decide the outcome.
Please show up at all games regardless of weather conditions in your local area. It may be absolutely clear at the playing field. Coaches will be notified by an official league representative if all games have been canceled due to widespread severe weather conditions.
In teams playing 11 people, a minimum of seven players per team must be on the field in order for a game to be declared official. For Divisions U14-U19, teams must play equal-sided. For all other divisions, a team may not play more than 1-up on a short-sided team. Ejected players do not reduce a team's effective number of players. If either team does not have the minimum number of players, the game will be declared a forfeit, with the other team being awarded a 1 to 0 win. Teams may choose to play an unofficial "fun game" when a game has been forfeited due to an insufficient number of players.
Teams may participate only in games approved by the Regional Commissioner and/or the AYSO Special Games Committee. Select teams will be determined by decision of the Board when appropriate.
Grand Canyon and Williams: The communities of Grand Canyon and Williams are pleased to welcome Flagstaff AYSO'ers to their "necks of the woods" for some of this season's games. All games will be played on school fields.
At the Grand Canyon, there is a covered picnic area near the fields. Travel time from Flagstaff is approximately 90 minutes. Park entrance fees have been waived for all AYSO players and their families. Simply identify yourselves as AYSO soccer players and show a kid in a uniform and you're in free. We hope your schedule will allow you to spend some extra time and enjoy the National Park while you are there.
Short-Sided Games: The smallest players tend to bunch up around the ball and too many get in the way of others. The younger the kids, the fewer players are on the field. They have more fun and learn soccer better. As the players get older, there are more on the teams up to 11 on each side. AYSO has more information about such short-sided games for the young players.
At the end of the season, each U6 player will receive an award from AYSO.
Soccer Nets, Corner Flags: On game days, someone (coach or other parent) from the home team picks up the nets, corner flags, and bulletin board from the trailer across from Marshall School and takes them to the field at least a half hour before the game. People from both teams set up the nets and corner flags. At the end of the games on each field, both teams take down the equipment and the home team returns the equipment to the trailer. If there is only one game on the field, then the home team takes the equipment to the field and the visiting team returns it to the trailer. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Referees: Referees help the players follow the rules. At the younger ages, the refs are as much teachers as refs. Some of the best role models are older players who ref the younger kids' games.
Soccer never seems to have enough refs, so if you want to help out we'll teach you the rules and train you to ref even if you haven't played the game yourself. What's more, you don't get scheduled to ref when your own child is playing.
U6 and U8 games are conducted by trained game facilitators (refs with basic training). Each of the U6 and U8 teams is responsible for securing a volunteer for this role; training will be conducted by AYSO (see the Soccer Calendar for times and dates of training).
Team Sponsorship: You may sponsor a team for $125. The money is used to purchase first-aid kits, balls, coach and referee equipment for the entire soccer program, but the players on the team (e.g., the team of your son or daughter), if you wish, can each wear a customized sponsor patch. Furthermore, the sponsorship is tax deductible.
Picture Day: If a team chooses, it can have a soccer picture taken. Each player pays the photographer $5 at the time the picture is taken and will receive the team picture and one individual picture in a holder. When the pictures are finished 2-3 weeks after being taken, a parent from the team will pick up all the pictures for the team from Four Seasons Color in the Kachina Square. The pictures will be taken at Thorpe Multipurpose Field July 12 from 8 AM - 4 PM and July 19 from 8 AM - Noon. Pictures are taken on a first come, first served basis with players in uniform.
Select Teams/Tournaments: There is an opportunity to put together a team to travel to tournaments. The best time to play tournaments is between the end of AYSO soccer season and when it begins to snow in Flagstaff, although other times are possible. The Northern Arizona Champions Cup is held in the Verde Valley in November and December. The AYSO National Games will be in Hawaii in 2002. Coaches who are interested should call the soccer number (928-773-1222) or send email to AYSO@flagsoccer.org.
Soccer Board: The Soccer Board is a group of parents and other volunteers who make the decisions about your AYSO program. It usually meets Wednesdays at 7 PM at Jotini's at Continental Country Club on the following dates: Apr 16 (at 2242 E Skyline Dr, Flagstaff), May 21, Jun 18, Jul 16, Aug 20, Sep 17, Oct 15. Any member of AYSO (players, coaches, referees, and volunteers registered with AYSO), as well as parents/guardians of registered players, are welcome to attend board meetings. If you would like to participate on the Board, please call the soccer number (928-773-1222) or send email to AYSO@flagsoccer.org.
Volunteer Appreciation: AYSO is a volunteer organization. The registration fee pays the expenses. No member receives any money for helping make AYSO work. Coaches, referees, board members, team parents, linesmen, etc., volunteer their time to make this program run. Give yourselves a pat on the back for helping the children, as well as the adults, of our community have a good soccer experience each year.