When a player registers for AYSO and is placed on a team, an obligation is assumed to show up regularly for practices to help the coach build a team for the enjoyment of everyone.
Team practices will be held on weekdays, subject to the availability of practice fields. Because all AYSO coaches are volunteers, and they must schedule practice around their work schedule, the time and place of practice is left to the discretion of the coach. Practices may also be canceled at the discretion of the coach. Depending on available fields, each team is normally assigned two practice times per week. Each practice will last up to ninety (90) minutes. It is important that players attend practices, since that is where game skills and strategy are taught. Your coach should be notified if it is necessary to miss a practice.
Games are played on Saturday. A game schedule detailing the game field, date and time of the game will be distributed to the players by their coach.
Parents should make arrangements to have their children dropped off and picked up from games and practices on time. It is an extra burden on the coach to have to wait after practices and games for children to be safely picked up.
FOUL WEATHER POLICY
The general soccer game policy is that the game will be played "rain or shine". Teams are to assume the games will be played and should proceed to the field. The only person authorized to cancel a game is the referee scheduled for that game. Safety and field damage from play during adverse conditions will be a factor in the decision whether to play or not.
Please do not call anyone. Go to the field. The decision to play or not will be made at the field at game time by the assigned referee. Cancellation of a prior game does not mean that the next game will be canceled.
IN THE EVENT OF LIGHTNING, TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY! MOVE TO A SAFE SHELTER OFF THE FIELD OF PLAY. DO NOT RETURN TO THE FIELD UNTIL AN ALL CLEAR HAS BEEN ISSUED.
THE GAME
The referee is completely in charge from the moment he or she enters the field of play. No dissent with a referee's decision is permitted on or off the field.
Seven players or more are required in order to start the game. One team may not have more than a two (2) player advantage over a short-handed team. Onlythose players rostered by AYSO may play for a given team. The exception is after forfeiture in which case the coaches may wish to divide up the pool of available players for a scrimmage game.
Most coaches will request that players meet at the field up to thirty (30) minutes before game time. Please assist the coaches in their pregame ritual by arriving at the requested show up time.
The minimum playing time of one half (1/2) of the game per player is strictly enforced unless a disciplinary action is required. A coach may not take such action without the prior written approval of the Regional Commissioner. Any player that receives a red card in any game will be required to sit out the following game. Any player that receives three (3) yellow cards during the course of the season will be required to sit out the game following the third yellow card.
ACCIDENT REIMBURSMENT PROGRAM
Soccer has a low injury rate and is generally considered a safe sport. However, youngsters participating in any athletic activity may suffer injury. AYSO has an accident reimbursement program that covers each registered player, coach and referee for injury incurred while participating in scheduled games or practices. The policy is an excess coverage program. It affords coverage to its limit for any medical insurance carried individually by the family through their own policy.
If a player or volunteer has sustained an injury in practice or a game, the coach should be notified immediately. If an injury appears serious enough to require medical treatment, it should be sought immediately. Parents should make claim for payment of the medical bill to their own carrier. When no coverage is available, or when any medical expenses associated with the injury are not paid through the primary policy, or when a deductible clause results in unreimbursed charges, these unpaid bills may be submitted to AYSO. The coach will contact the Region's Safety Director to facilitate the claim.