Welcome to AYSO Region 56 Fall Season.

This Parent Manual is meant to provide you with the basic information regarding our Fall Soccer program. 

AYSO Mission:  American Youth Soccer Organization's mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on AYSO’s Six Philosophies:  Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Positive Coaching, Open Registration, Good Sportsmanship, and Player Development.

Fees:     The Early Fall Registration Fee is:  $115.00 for U5-U14, and $75.00 for U16-U19* (*U16 – U19 teams are not provided with trophies or yearbooks).  Regular registration cost after the April 17th sign-up date will be $125 / $85.  This fee includes your child’s uniform.  You can expect some minor additional expenses during the season: 

Community Card fundraiser: $20 per player (2 cards), maximum $40 per family

Banner / Snacks: $20.00 (approximate)

Pizza Party / Coaches Gift / misc: $20.00 (approximate)

Team Sponsorship:  Each team through U14 is required to provide for a team sponsor.  A team may find a team sponsor, if no team sponsor is obtained each team shall collectively pay for sponsorship as follows: U5-U6 - $125, U7-U14 - $200.

Fundraiser:         To help keep Registration fees as low as possible, Region 56 will be holding additional optional fundraisers, including SoccerFest.  Each team is encouraged to provide a basket for the SoccerFest silent auction and to attend this regional event.  We strongly encourage each family to consider participating in these fundraising events.

Refund Policy: U9 – U19 players who withdraw prior to draft*, and younger division players who drop prior to August 1^st, will receive a full refund.  Players who withdraw prior to the first game of the regular season will receive a refund of their fees minus a $20 administration fee.  A Player who drops after the first game will not receive a refund.  (*Draft for the upper divisions is scheduled in late June / early July, contact the Registrar for specific dates, registrar@ayso56.org)

Region Budget:     Your Fall Registration Fees and the Fall Fundraiser go towards the operation of the region, including National fees, uniforms, HBCSD field use fees, field maintenance, field equipment, yearbooks and trophies. *Registration fees for U16-U19 do not include yearbooks and trophies. Registration fees cover regular Fall Season games.  Registration fees do NOT include Post Season Play-Offs known as the Volunteer Appreciation Play-Offs.

Equipment:        Please have your child bring shin guards, a ball, a drink (water or sports drink, no caffeinated beverages please) and appropriate footgear to all practices and games.  Soccer cleats are recommended but not mandatory, shoes with a toe cleat (baseball shoes) are not permitted.

Team Assignments:   A key philosophy of AYSO is balanced teams. Your child will be assigned a team after registration.  Teams are set based on player rankings.  We will attempt to accommodate placement requests, within reason, for U5 – U8 divisions.  For U9 and higher teams are set in a blind draft, placement requests cannot be accommodated.  You can expect to hear from your coach over the summer months.  If you have not heard by August 10^th, please contact your division coordinator.  Division coordinators contact information is listed on the website Regional Board tab at www.ayso56.org.  You may also contact the Registrar at registrar@ayso56.org.

Practice Schedules:        Practices will start no earlier than August 1^st.  Team practices will be set by the coach.  Most teams will practice 1 – 2 times per week for approximately ½ to 2 hours depending on age and ability.

Game Schedules:      Games for lower divisions are scheduled on Saturday’s.  Upper divisions are scheduled for Saturdays, weeknights and Sundays.  Lower divisions play within our region.  U14 – U19 teams travel locally.

Season:                       The regular season runs from September through October.  Playoffs for qualifying teams are held in November.  Postseason can include All-stars (by coach nomination and try-outs), tournament play and Spring Soccer.

Turkey Tournament:      Region 56 hosts a Turkey Tournament Thanksgiving weekend.  This is a great event that supports the region, all fall teams are encouraged to play.  Ask your coach or check our region web site, www.ayso56.org.

SoccerFest:         SoccerFest is our Season Opening fundraising event that takes place on picture day.  It is a great event, providing activities for kids and a fundraising opportunity for the region.  SoccerFest will be held September 9^th, 2011.

AYSO E-mail:  Our Region uses eayso to send out information to all of you.  Please help us keep you in touch by updating your e-mail address at www.eayso.org.

Volunteer Requirements:           AYSO is an all volunteer organization.  All positions, including your Regional Board, Coaches and Referee’s are on a volunteer basis.  In order for our Region to operate effectively and to provide every child with a positive experience, every family is expected to volunteer.  Volunteer opportunities include: