FAQ

Practices begin in early August.
Games usually begin the Saturday after Labor Day (second Saturday in September).

The last game of the season is usually played the first weekend in November, unless the schedule has shifted due to heat or rain cancellations of previous games.
Playoff games (for 10U and above) will start the week after the regular season ends (second weekend in November).

Games take place every Saturday between the hours of 8:00 and 4:00. Practices are held one to two times a week, depending on age level. The days, times, and locations are up to the coach.If you want to pick the time and place for practices, please volunteer to coach.  Otherwise, please support your child’s coach in the schedule and location that works best for them.

Non-competitive (Divisions 6U and 8U) are formed by the first week of August. Competitive teams (Divisions 10U and higher) will be drafted by the end of July . Coaches are instructed to contact their players & parents immediately. Depending on the coach, this contact may be via email or phone, so please ensure that the information you have provided is accurate – and that you check both.

Wait until at least August 7^th. After that please contact us at info@aysocastaic.com.

Non-competitive teams (6U and 8U) are formed by Division Representatives who try to honor requests for certain coaches and to be placed with certain friends. Siblings in the same age/gender division will always be placed on the same team unless requested differently by the parents. The region tries to honor requests, but may not always be able to do so. In keeping with the AYSO philosophies it is more important to have a fair and balanced team first. If you are not placed on a desired team, the region will not make changes after teams are formed.

Competitive teams (10U and higher) are formed through a draft process that strives to fairly balance teams (one of the philosophies of AYSO). Other than their own child, coaches are not allowed to request certain players, parents or volunteers for their teams at this level. Once a team is drafted there is absolutely no trading of players. Siblings within the same division will be placed on the same team only if it does not conflict with the AYSO philosophy of balanced teams.

We provide a uniform consisting of jersey, shorts and socks. These will be provided to your coach prior to the first game. Parents must provide shin guards (to be worn at all games and practices-no exceptions), soccer cleats and a soccer ball (to be brought to each practice).

Divisions 6U and 8U use a size 3 ball, 10U and 12U use a Size 4 ball, and 14U and above use a size 5 Ball.

MOST IMPORTANT Please make sure that your child brings water to each practice and game.

The concussion information sheet and links to other concussion information can be accessed on the AYSO website at the following link: http://www.ayso.org/resources/safety.aspx

When registering your child to play AYSO, sign up to volunteer. Contact us by e-mail, or in person (on Game Days, look for the Purple shirts). We have many positions with varying levels of time commitments.THE PROGRAM IS FOR OUR CHILDREN – PLEASE HELP.

Cancellation policy:

     May 1st – May 31st: Full Refund minus a $35 Administrative Fee
June 1st – June 30th: 50% Refund minus a $35 Administrative Fee
After July 1st: No Refund 
In addition the region will not refund fees for the following circumstances:

1.) Your child gets placed on a team and there is a scheduling conflict with practice locations, dates, and times. (We request that the parents and coach work out this issue.)

2.) If your child is placed on a team where a personality conflict develops between any parties.

Please remember this organization runs strictly on volunteers, and without their dedication we would not have teams or play games.  Just like the players, the coaches and referees are learning too.  And just as we don’t expect the players to be 100% perfect, the coaches and referees will make mistakes too.  That’s not just part of soccer, it’s part of life.As a reminder, each family signed a code of conduct at registration and is expected to behave accordingly. Individuals who insist on continuously arguing with the volunteers will be asked to leave the field.

That being said, concerns about coaching or refereeing may be (calmly) discussed with the Coaching Administrator or Referee Administrator.  We’ll do our best to resolve any problems if possible.

Ultimately, the best way to improve the quality of coaching and refereeing in our program is to volunteer to be a coach or referee and then be a good one.  Talk to the Coaching Administrator or Referee Administrator about what you need to do to get started!