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American Youth Soccer Organization Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

AYSO Region 419 - Dubuque, IA

General FAQs

General Information

Question

Answer

Q.What makes AYSO different?A.Our mission is to provide quality youth soccer programs where everyone builds positive character through participation in a safe, fun, family-oriented soccer environment. AYSO's six (6) philosophies separate us from the pack:
  1. Everyone Plays
  2. Balanced Teams
  3. Open Registration
  4. Positive Coaching
  5. Good Sportsmanship
  6. Player Development

Q.
How long is the soccer season for which I registered my child?

A.
Both Winter and Spring Indoor leagues are 8-week sessions. Summer League is a 10-week program.

Q.
What other soccer expenses can I anticipate this year?

A.
Not included in the registration fees are the required shin guards, appropriate shoes, and a practice ball. Also, each family is often requested to bring snacks for the team at one game during the season. If you keep your two red and blue uniforms your purchase, you will save that uniform cost year to year. Also, starting in fall 2019, signing up for multiple programs will save you $20 per additional program you participate in. Players who participate in Soccerfest will pay a $5 entry fee.



Registration Information

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Answer


Q.
After registering my child, when can I expect to hear from a coach?

A.
Coaches are instructed to contact you (either by phone or Email) the first or second week of May (or as soon as possible once they have been given their team assignments). Games generally start Memorial Day weekend with practices at least a week prior. Coaches are asked to setup a team meeting before the first game, which will occur after the 2ndweek in May. If you've not heard from your coach, contact us.

Q.
Can I request special arrangements for my player(s) for team placement and/or car-pooling needs?

A.
Following AYSO's philosophy of Balanced Teams, we cannot guarantee any special requests. All requests must be approved by the Regional Commissioner



Age Information

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Answer


Q.
Is my child the right age for AYSO soccer?

A.
To participate in AYSO, you must be at least 4 years old prior to participating in our program. Currently, you can be up to 19 years old. Contact us if you have interest in helping implement an Adult program.

Q.
My child does not meet the minimum age range for the AYSO season, but he/she is very [big|strong|athletic|coordinated] for his/her age. Can he/she still play?

A.
No. AYSO is a national organization with very strict guidelines regarding age requirements. AYSO’s accident and liability insurance depends on the players being the proper age to play and being placed in their age appropriate divisions. Children who do not meet the age requirement are not permitted to play. Be patient – they’ll grow up before you know it!

Q.
In school, my child has classmates who are [younger|older]. Can my child "play down" in a younger division or "play up" in an older division to be on the same team as kids with whom he/she goes to school?

A.
No. AYSO is a national organization that determines the player divisions based on birthdates. AYSO’s accident and liability insurance depends on the players placed in their age-appropriate divisions. Many children are in different divisions than their school classmates. We encourage you to view this as a positive experience – it will allow your child to broaden his/her relationships outside of school and enjoy making new friends.



Practices & Games

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Q.
When are practices and games?

A.
For Divisions that hold formal practices, practices are typically held for an hour each week on day, time and at a location determined by the coach.NOTE:Due to other time commitments of the coach, weekend practices might also be a possibility!

Q.
How long are the games?

A.
Games generally take 1 hour up to 12U and about 1½ hours for 14U to 19U (High School).

Q.
What should I bring to my child’s practices and games?

A.
Shin guards (required), soccer shoes (optional), a soccer ball (optional), uniform (games only), and water (always!!). Also, bringing a well rested, well hydrated, nutritionally balanced child with a positive attitude and willingness to learn is highly recommended!



Equipment & Clothing

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Answer


Q.
What do the soccer uniform sizes mean?

A.
Your registration fee covers new team/color coordinated uniforms each year. As players grow - so will the player's uniform. Our division purchases uniforms from Score Sports. They have an online sizing chart that can be found at:http://www.scoresports.com/uniform-sizing/

Q.
Do I have to get soccer shoes for my child to play?

A.
Soccer shoes are not mandatory but are highly recommended (regular athletic shoes with no cleats are the alternative). When buying soccer shoes, they cannot have a toe cleat (baseball shoes have a toe cleat) or any sharp metal cleats. Generally speaking, nearly all players at all age levels use soccer shoes for practices and games.

Q.
What size soccer ball should I get for my child?

A.
Divisions 5U through 8U use a Size 3 ball. Divisions 10U and 12U use a Size 4 ball. 14U and 19U use a Size 5 ball.

Q.
Why are the children required to wear their soccer socks over their shin guards?

A.
Safety is the primary reason. Some types of shin guards are hard shell instead of soft, and may have sharp edges that could cut a player. By wearing their socks over the shin guards, players protect each other. Also, wearing the socks over the shin guards prevent the shin guards from shifting during running or when being kicked, which allow the shin guards to protect the intended areas.

Q.
Is it OK for players to wear jewelry during practice and game?

A.
No. Jewelry of any kind (necklaces, watches, earrings, rings, bracelets, etc.) cannot be worn during practice or games.

There is an exception for Med-Alert bracelets, but they must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band for the safety of your child, and all the other players.

Q.
What about eyeglasses and hearing aids?

A.
Glasses, hearing aids, and med-alerts may be worn to practices and games. The use of an eyeglass holder/strap or sports-glasses is recommended. As stated above, Med-Alerts must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band as a safety measure.

Q.
What kinds of hair accessories are acceptable?

A.
Any hair accessories worn should not be made of metal or plastic, and should not be rigid. This includes soft hair accessories with a metal splice.

Completely soft hair accessories, such as "scrunchies" and soft rubber bands, are recommended and acceptable.

Q.
It can be cool during some spring or early summer games. Can my child wear a sweatshirt during the games?

A.
Any extra articles of clothing must be worn under the uniform so you can still determine with which team a player is associated. It is recommended that any extra articles of clothing be limited to undershirts or turtle necks (under the uniform). Try to coordinate with your team’s colors, if possible. If a sweatshirt has a hood, the hood must be tucked under the jersey.

Q.
The doctor said that my child can play with his arm splint. Will AYSO allow him/her to play?

A.
No. While the doctor may be representing your child's interest appropriately, the risk to other players requires that they limit his/her participation to that of moral support on the sidelines. Players may not wear casts or splints which could possibly cause injury to himself/herself or another player.NO EXCEPTIONS. This applies at games AND practices.

National Partners

Contact Us

Dubuque AYSO Region 419

2615 Dodge Street, Ste 2
Dubuque, Iowa 52003

Email Us: [email protected]
Phone : 563-564-4718
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