These are “frequently asked questions” by parents and others. If you have a question that is not listed here please contact the commissioner.
Questions?
Questions and Answers
What do the registration fees cover?
Registration fees cover a portion of the costs of running the program, a uniform that your child keeps at the end of the season, the “basic” photo package, and supplemental accident insurance for AYSO-sponsored activities.You must pay separately for shoes, shin guards and a soccer ball. Proper equipment is essential for safety.
When is the soccer season?
The Fall season will typically have the first games played in late August, and will run through the beginning of November, (the period considered the regular season), with many teams from the 10U, 12U and 14U divisions participating in our region playoffs in November. Coaches will be given their team rosters and practice field assignments in mid August. All teams can begin practicing in mid August. Due to coach’s personal availability (e.g. vacations, etc.) the practices may not begin until later.
When will the games be played?
All soccer games held in the Fall season are played on Saturdays only (with the exception of our end-of-season tournament, and possibly one other weekend due to field availability limitations), with the exception of the 16U/19U division, which plays games on Wednesday evenings with Area play on Saturdays, and the U5 division, which plays games on Tuesday or Thursday. Games are held every weekend from the start of the season to the end of the season.
Where will the games be played?
Games are played at the Soto Sports complex, which is located on the 1300 block of Ash Street in Arroyo Grande.
When do practices start, where are they and how frequent are the practices?
For the fall season practices begin in late August depending on coach schedule. The coach and practice field assignments determine how often the team practices. Generally teams practice twice each week. The younger kids, e.g., 6U players, may practice only once a week. Practices generally start between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Practice fields and times are assigned by lottery.
In what division should my child play?
What kind of equipment does my child need?
- Players must be in team uniform to play in games (current team uniform is not worn at practices)
- Shin guards are REQUIRED equipment for all practices and games.
- Shoes: Most players wear soccer cleated shoes but they are not required. If a player wears cleated shoes, ONLY shoes specifically designed for soccer are allowed (no baseball or football cleats). Referees are NOT required to stop a game if a shoe becomes untied or comes off (a frequent situation for younger players). Double knots are suggested.
- Bring a ball (if you have one) and bottle full of water to every practice.
- All jewelry INCLUDING PIERCED EARRINGS must be removed during soccer play (no exceptions).
- Hair clips, or bands with sharp corners, or hard ornamentation must be removed during soccer play (no exceptions).
- Ball sizes:
- 19U, 16U & 14U: size 5;
- 12U & 10U: size 4;
- 8U & 6U: size 3.
What are the boundaries of your region? Can I join your region if I don’t live there?
One of philosophies of AYSO is “open registration”. This means that people from any neighborhood are welcome to join Region 83. However, all of our league season practices and games are played locally, in the Five Cities area.
How do I find out what team my child is on?
Coaches receive their team rosters at the Annual Coaches Meeting in mid August. If a coach is not able to attend the annual Coaches Meeting, they are responsible for obtaining their team roster from their division coordinator. You should be contacted by your coach shortly thereafter. Practices may begin shortly thereafter. If you are not contacted by your coach by the end of August, please contact your Division coordinator.
When will the game schedules be available?
The game schedules will be available via the web site during the week before opening day.