Parent/Player Information

Water Bottles: Be sure your child brings a water bottle to all practices and games - these kids do a LOT of running and can get really thirsty, especially during the warmer weather.

Shinguards: Shinguards are MANDATORY for all practices and games and must be worn “against the skin” - not over the socks.

Cleats: Soccer cleats are not required. Tennis shoes are fine. If you choose to purchase cleats for your child, however, no “toe cleats” (such as found on baseball & softball cleats) are allowed. If you have shoes that have “toe cleats,” they can probably be removed using a sharp knife. If a player has outgrown his/her cleats from last year, you may want to look into the Cleat/Shinguard Exchange box stored in the Concession Stand.

Soccer Balls: If your child has a #3 size soccer ball, he/she should bring it to ALL practices.

Treats: Please check the game schedule to see if/when your child is scheduled to bring a treat. Whether or not treats are to be given is completely up to each coach’s discretion. If your child’s coach chooses to allow treats, they are usually some sort of a snack (fruit, crackers, chips, granola bars, etc.) and a drink (boxed drinks, kool-aid, pouch drinks, etc.). Please bring one for each player. If your child is unable to attend his/her scheduled game, please try to “swap” with a player/parent who has not already brought snacks.

Jewelry (including earrings and barrettes): No rings, earrings, necklaces, etc. are allowed on the fields during play. This also includes any “hard” hair barrettes - please use soft hair bands instead. Soccer IS a contact sport and this rule is to help prevent possible injury to both your child and others.

Uniforms: For games, players should wear their entire uniform (jersey, shorts, and socks). During cold weather, wearing a long-sleeved shirt UNDER the jersey is allowed, as are sweat pants. For practices, pretty much anything goes but be forewarned, grass stains WILL happen!

Weather: If it is raining, check with your coach regarding practice because it may not be raining at all or may be raining only lightly at the fields. Games will go on unless it is storming or the fields become too muddy for safe play. If your child’s coach receives notification that a game has been cancelled, her or she will contact you as soon as possible.

Pictures: Please check the web page (www.aiysa.org) or with your coach for the picture schedule. They will most likely be shortly before your child’s scheduled game. The exact date and time will be announced as soon as possible. All orders MUST be placed and paid for in advance when the pictures are taken. Please have your child wear his/her complete uniform.

Spectator Seating During Games: During games, all spectators (parents, friends, and relatives) should remain on the side of the field opposite the players’ benches. You are also asked to avoid sitting or standing behind the goals. Please remember that the fields are a “SMOKE-FREE” area and that no smoking is allowed.

Annual Meeting/Soccer Banquet: The AIYSA Annual Meeting/Soccer Banquet will be held in mid - May at the new concession stand near the soccer fields at the new county park.All players will receive participation trophies and everyone will be informed as to the most current developments affecting the AIYSA program. Further details as to the exact time and place will be provided as soon as they are available. Board elections will take place at that time, so please plan on attending.

***** IMPORTANT*****

This program is designed to be a POSITIVE EXPERIENCE for your child! No heckling of players, coaches, or referees is allowed. Please remember: All coaches and referees are VOLUNTEERS who are dedicated to implementing a quality soccer program for your children!

U-6 only: No scores are kept for U-6 games.

For further information, you should have received a copy of the AIYSA Policies during signups. Please take time to read through them and if you have any questions, feel free to ask your coach or any member of the AIYSA board.