How often and where are practices and games?
Practices are once or twice a week. Coaches pick their practice days as they are volunteering their time. Games are usually on Saturday unless other factors such as weather cause a schedule adjustment. Our home fields are at John Hunt Park and Ice Plex. Practices and games for 8U and younger age groups will be held at Ice Plex. Practices and home games, barring interruptions from the city of Huntsville, for ages 10U and older will be held at John Hunt Park fields. At 10U players enter into area play so games could be at any of the other regions in our Area as well. For directions to other area fields please see the Area 5C Soccer Fields page for directions.
What equipment do players need?
Each player will need to wear soccer shin guards (worn completely under the sock) and soccer cleats (note football cleats and most baseball cleats cannot be worn for soccer) for all practices and games. Players will also need a ball (size chart below). Players will also be responsible for purchasing a uniform for games. All other equipment is provided to the coaches by the region.
- Playground, 6U, 7U, 8U - Size 3 Soccer Ball
- 10U and 12U - Size 4 Soccer Ball
- 15U and 19U - Size 5 Soccer Ball
As a parent how to do I support my player?
Let the Coaches Coach, the Players Play, and the Referees Ref.
As a parent it is important we do not coach from the sidelines. Sometimes it is easy for us to get caught up but we want the players to work on what the coach is working during practices. In soccer it is also important for players to develop mentally in the game and decision making on the field is an important part of that. If players are always getting instruction from parents and coaches it hampers their ability to develop creativity and decision making in game situations.
No referee abuse is tolerated. Referees are a precious commodity, and we need more of them. The number one detractor for someone becoming a referee is abusive communication from parents during games. Many of our referees are youth referees as well and there is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy to verbal abuse of a youth referee. You will be asked to leave.
Also, all of those that work with our program from coaches to referees, to board members are all volunteers. We always need more help so we would love to have you as a coach or as a referee. No knowledge is necessary as our training programs give you the knowledge needed. If you can do it from the sidelines as a parent, you can do it as a volunteer. Please help us as a coach, assistant coach, or referee.
Always Be Positive!: You are not on the team, but you have strong influence on the team’s environment. Applaud good plays by your child’s team and also by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.
Be Enthusiastic And Supportive: Let children set their own goals and play the game for themselves. Don’t put too heavy a burden on your child to win games!
Reinforce Positive Behavior: No one likes to make a mistake, so if your child does make one, remember that he or she is still learning. Encourage your child’s efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.
Why small-sided games?
AYSO follows US Soccer standards for small sided games for younger players. This is part of player development at age appropriate levels. Skills are strategically introduced at certain ages as the player motor skills and physical development level is at the right level for the players to safely execute. Part of this is also at younger ages the best way to learn is through repetition. Younger players need more touches so at 6U and 8U games are 3v3 or 4v4. At 10U they are 7v7 and 12U 9v9. Beginning at our 15U program there is a full 11v11 game. Heading is only allowed beginning at 15U and many other skills are introduced at various age levels.
What about player injuries?
Soccer is a contact sport and unfortunately injuries do occur.
All players are covered by a supplemental Soccer Accident Insurance Policy as part of their registration fees.
- Concussions - If there is a suspected concussion AYSO will follow a strict concussion protocol and a player must be released by a doctor to return to play.
- Casts & Splints - Hard casts and splints are not allowed in AYSO play. Even if a splint is removed at the field of play if the coach or referee sees it then the player cannot practice or play. Splints are devices used to immobilize joints for protection. Braces such as wrist braces and knee braces that allow mobility are permitted.
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Heat related illness - Our coaches and referees receive training on identifying these types of issues and how to provide basic first aid.
- Medical Devices - Devices such as prosthetics, hearing aids, and insulin pumps are allowed to be worn. If needed padding should be added to prevent injuries from the device to the player or other players.
Is Jewelry allowed?
No jewelry is allowed during soccer games or practices for safety. All earrings, rings, necklaces, etc. must be removed. Please do not get ears pierced right before or during season. Medic Alert bracelets and items required to be worn for religious reasons must be secured to the player with tape, a cloth wristband or something equivalent.
Hair Beads and Clips - Hair control devices and other adornments, such as beads, worn in the hair must meet the following criteria:
- Be securely fastened to the head
- Do not present an increased risk to the player, teammates, or opponents.
- Flat clips less than two inches in length may be used to hold the hair in place close to the head so long as their placement on the head does not present an increased risk to the player, teammates or opponents.
- Hair charms are still considered jewelry and are not permitted.
What happens if we cannot make a game?
Soccer is a team sport and players not being there impacts their team and potentially the other team as well. We ask that you make every effort to be at every game as well as every practice. However, we know that life occurs. If you cannot be at a game or practice, make sure your coach knows in advance. Games are not cancelled due to lack of players. The minimum number of players at 10U is 5, 12U is 6, and older age groups (15U and 19U) is 7 to be a legal game. If a team cannot field a full squad, the opposing team - in the spirit of good sportsmanship - is responsible for playing with an equal number of players. If a team will not have enough players to play, the coach must notify the Regional Commissioner to attempt to reschedule the game. Teams are expected to travel to any away games regardless of location. Every attempt is made to minimize long distance travel to once per season, but this is impacted by total number of teams in area play.
What color jersey should I wear?
For Region 160, PURPLE is the jersey to be worn for all games designated as home games while BLACK is the jersey to be worn for all away games. Please bring both jerseys for every game; in the event of a color clash between both teams, bringing both jerseys to the field allows our players to adjust quickly and still be able to play without issue.