FAQ

AYSO National

View AYSO National Rules & Regulations here.

AYSO has more than 50,000 teams and more than 650,000 players.

AYSO stands for “American Youth Soccer Organization”. AYSO is a national association 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation Incorporated, State of California, 1964.

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Santa Monica AYSO – Region 20

This website, and staying in touch with your coach or team manager. The e-mail address you use during registration is the best way for us to contact you and keep you informed. You may update your contact information at any time after you have registered by entering the registration section as a returning player.

No. But in Divisions U10 and above, there are ‘select’ tournament teams and all-star teams that participate in tournaments in other areas. See the post-season play section on this website for more information.

 

Yes! In conjunction with AYSO National & UK International Soccer Camps, Santa Monica AYSO hosts one or two weeks of summer camps in the late summer. Last year’s camp sold out, so look for a sign-up announcement on our home page in the Spring and register early. Our Summer Camp is open to the entire local community, ages 4-16. Summer Camp is a great way to get your player soccer fit for the season.

 

Santa Monica AYSO Region 20
P.O. Box 91
Santa Monica, CA 90406-0091

However, the most efficient way to reach the region is via e-mail. See the BOARD & STAFF CONTACTS tab on the home page of the website for e-mail contacts.

 

No. Region 20 consists primarily of Santa Monica residents, but also includes the surrounding communities of Mar Vista, Marina del Rey & Venice. If you do not reside in any of these communities, you are still welcome to join Region 20, but there may be another region more convenient for you. Check the national website for details.

 

An elected Regional Commissioner, Board and Staff Members. These people are ALL volunteers and are NOT paid for their time and dedication.

 

We are the community-based league (called a Region) and a member of AYSO National since 1972. We are Region 20, located in Area 1, Section P. With over 1,500 players, we are the largest youth sports organization in Santa Monica.

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Player Registration

Yes, but you cannot be playing for AYSO or a club team at the same time that you are playing for a high school team. Therefore, the AYSO season is carefully set up so that the Upper Divisions (U16 & U19) are finished in mid-November before the winter high school soccer season starts. Due to the shorter season, Upper Division teams play two games a weekend.

If you are a young freshman who is playing in U14 and intend to try out for your high school team, you will be asked to play up in the U16 Division to avoid any overlap of seasons.

Proof of Age would be a birth certificate, passport, immunization card, or other government issued document.

Proof of Age must be submitted to complete registration for any player who is under 8 years old.

Email a copy to: ProofOfAge@ayso20.org with your child’s name in the subject line. If you have multiple players, please send each player’s Proof of Age as a separate email.

(Note: Beginning in 2012, all NEW players to our region, regardless of age, will be asked to submit Proof of Age.)

Fall 2021 Refund dates:

Before September 1: 80% of registration fee will be refunded if player withdraws and completes Refund Request Form by Sept 1.

September 2nd – 25th: 50% of registration fee will be refunded if player withdraws and completes Refund Request Form between Sept 2-25.

No refunds after September 25.

Fees paid by credit card, will be credited to the credit card account originally charged.

If the Fall 2021 season must be canceled before it starts due to new government health and safety restrictions related to COVID-19, full refunds will be provided. If the season must be canceled or severely curtailed after the season starts, AYSO Region 20 will update this refund policy to take into account those circumstances.

 

Anyone who has either registered late (after June 30th) or registered in a division that has already exceeded our anticipated number of players will be placed on the waiting list. Please know that we do our best to place all interested players onto teams.

There are only 3 reasons why a player does not get placed: not enough players on the waitlist to form additional teams, not enough coaches to coach additional teams, or not enough referees to officiate the games. Therefore, to increase the likelihood of being placed on a team, parents are strongly encouraged to volunteer to coach or to referee. If you are willing to do either of those, please contact your division commissioner (see “Board and Staff Contacts”) and identify yourself as a waitlist player willing to coach and/or referee.

If there are not enough players on the waiting list to add an additional team, waiting list players are assigned to teams after all registered players are confirmed. Openings for waiting list players should be known by early September. If we are unable to place your player on a team, we will refund your payment in full.

The AYSO Player Registration Form is an official document that contains your emergency contact information and serves as a medical release form.

Please provide your Team Manager with an original signed copy at the beginning of the season. Some divisions request multiple copies, originally signed, to ensure that someone in attendance at your team events always has a copy in case of emergency. Check with your Team Manager to find out how many copies they would like.

If you participate in additional play programs, such as Scrimmage Programs or Turkey Tournament teams, you will need to provide a Registration form then as well.

Detailed instructions to print your Player Registration/Medical Release form

 

Yes.

Who is Eligible for Financial Aid?

You are eligible for partial financial aid from Santa Monica AYSO if you are also receiving government assistance from:

  • City of Santa Monica Community & Cultural Services (e.g., CREST)
  • Free or reduced lunch program or
  • Section 8 housing

If there are funds remaining, some financial aid may be granted to players who do not qualify under the above criteria, but who still demonstrate a genuine financial need.  Priority for this discretionary aid will be given to families who contribute to the Region as active volunteers.

HOW DO I APPLY?

  1. Parents/guardians must fully complete the web-based Financial Aid Application Incomplete applications will be denied.  Note: The information you provide will be treated with discretion and reviewed only as necessary to consider your application.
  2. Applications will be reviewed and financial aid will be awarded based on need, until funds set aside for financial aid have been depleted.  All other factors being equal, priority will be given to active volunteers.
  3. Submit your financial aid application as soon as possible and at least 3 weeks before you plan to pay your player’s fees to allow enough time for your application to be considered.  Late applications may not be accepted, and also may cause you to miss out on discounts that may be generally available for early registration.
  4. You will be notified by email after your financial aid application has been considered.  Any financial aid you have been granted will be entered in the InLeague system. Then you should promptly return to InLeague to pay your portion of the registration fee.

Complete the Financial Aid Application

You must pay by VISA or Mastercard when you register online. If you have questions about other payment methods, please contact the Registrar at Registrar@ayso20.org

Register online and bring a copy of your completed AYSO Player Registration Form to your team manager at the beginning of the season.

 

Players between the ages of 4 and 18 are eligible to play regardless of where they live.  December 31 of the following year is the determining date.  See SMAYSO age chart.

For children under age 4 we recommend the City of Santa Monica sponsored program “Socceropolis”.   Click on the link for the Recscape program guide.

June 30. Anyone paying their registration fees July 1 or later, is automatically assigned to the waiting list.

Online registration begins around March 1 for the next Fall Season.  All players are encouraged to register online (select the REGISTRATION tab above).

If your player is new to the Region, you will also need to submit Proof of Age (a copy of your child’s birth certificate, passport, immunization card, or other government document).

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Team Formation

First, all coaches register with AYSO National for a background check and complete a Safe Haven course, required by child protection policies implemented by AYSO and many other youth sports organizations. Second, all coaches must complete a classroom-style Level 1 Coaching Certification. New and returning coaches should check the “Coaches Corner” on our website frequently – especially before the season commences.

The coaches in Region 20 are the foundation of our program. They are all unpaid volunteers. They are also mentors and role models to our children. As a result of this important role, they have a responsibility in regards to their behavior as well as deserving of our respect for the time and effort they give to our children. Your coach is not a babysitter. Be prompt for practices and games and support the person who is teaching your child the most popular sport in the world. Don’t be late in picking up your child from practice. The coach is instructed to never leave until the entire team is accounted for and is picked up by a parent or guardian.

 

Team Rosters are posted on the website in late July/early August. If you have not been contacted by your team manager or coach by mid-August, check the website for announcements, or contact your division commissioner.

 

No. We do not honor requests made by parents or players to be placed on certain teams or with other players. CLICK HERE for details on our Team Formation policy.

 

During the month of July.

 

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Games & Practices

First, notify the Division Commissioner of any accident or injury. Email addresses are listed on this website.

Second, whenever there is a personal injury, damaged property, or threats of or actual physical violence surrounding an AYSO game, practice, event or property, the AYSO Incident Report Form should be completed. The form should be prepared by the Coach, Referee or other AYSO Key Volunteer. The form can be found under Info/FAQs tab, Fields & Safety, Safety. Or on the AYSO National website at ayso.org.

Per AYSO guidelines, the following is required to occur if a player is injured and bleeding is present during practice or a game:

1. The player must be removed from the activity immediately and the nature of the bleeding stopped.

2. The wound must be covered/bandaged.

3. Any article of a players clothing containing blood must be removed or neutralized with a solution of hydrogen peroxide.

 

NO! AYSO National Rules and Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District Rules dictate that NO persons may consume alcoholic beverages or use tobacco products while engaged in AYSO activities or on SMMUSD property. This includes at practices in the parks as well as at the schools. Coaches are asked to request parents that do smoke to do so off of school property and completely out of the presence of any child. Again, this also includes the parks. Individual who violate these rules will be asked to leave the premises, escorted if necessary. The same policy holds true if an individual is showing signs of being under the influence of alcohol/drugs.

 

No, it is prohibited by our field permit with the City of Santa Monica (even at parks that would otherwise allow them). Players, parents or spectators will be asked to leave the grounds if they have a pet.

 

Soccer is a team sport; a team’s morale and success is dependent upon the commitment of each player to attend all practices and games. Please consider the impact on your child and teammates if he/she will be involved in other activities, which will compromise his/her availability.

If you cannot work around the practice schedule assigned for your team, you may choose to have your child put on the waiting list until there is an opening at his/her evaluation level on a team that practices on a different night. However, there is no guarantee that all players from the waiting list will be placed. Contact your Division Commissioner with questions.

 

For U7 & above, weeknight practices begin in mid-August. Your team manager or coach will provide you with details. U5 and U6 teams practice on Saturday’s before their games.

 

All referees must complete the background check and Safe Haven course, as well as a classroom-style Regional Referee Program/Certification Course. New and returning referees should check the “Referee Corner” on our website frequently – especially before the season commences.

 

NOTE: It is expected that each team – regardless of age group – have 2 – 3 parents volunteer to become a Program Certified Referee.

 

Earrings may never be worn, even if taped or padded in practice or games. No jewelry, friendship bracelets, watches, necklaces, plastic or metal hair barrettes or “hair wraps” may be worn during practices or games as well. Only soft knee braces may be worn upon inspection and approval of the referee prior to the match. No casts, soft or hard, are permitted. MedicAlert bracelets may be covered by tape to keep them snug against the wrist and completely hidden.

 

Each morning, the first two teams playing on the field that day are required to set up the goals. This activity should be directed by the coach or assistant coach who has been trained in assembling the goals. This should be completed at least 45 minutes PRIOR to the start time of the match. Likewise, as indicated on the schedule, the last teams of the day have the responsibility of safely taking down the goals and nets, and placing ALL of the pieces, stakes, hammers and nets in the appropriate bags. Under no circumstances are players or children allowed to help putting up or taking down the goals and nets.

 

Generally, 30-45 minutes prior to kickoff.

 

Usually 5 days before the season starts. But some divisions adjust the schedule AFTER the season starts to create as balanced matches as possible. The schedules will also be posted on our website. Don’t panic – simply check the website regularly.

 

Typically on Saturdays. However, older divisions (children 14 and older), All-star teams and Spring Select teams may play on Sundays.

 

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Parent Participation

All volunteers are assigned one AYSO ID number for their career with AYSO, even if you originally registered with a different AYSO region.

You will be asked for your AYSO ID number in the following situations:

When setting up your Family Profile in SM AYSO Registration (aka InLeague).
When updating your annual Volunteer Registration with AYSO National (eAYSO).
When taking any online course with AYSO National, i.e., Safe Haven, Referee Training, Coach Training, etc.
If you already have an AYSO ID number, you will need to activate it annually. (See Volunteer Registration & Certification)

If you have forgotten your AYSO ID number, log into www.eayso.org.

No, there is no individual fundraising requested of our families. But the one fundraising event of the year is Soccer Fun Day. Soccer Fun Day is our day of celebrating the new soccer season, as well as our team Picture Day. Mark your calendar now for Soccer Fun Day, typically held around the first Sunday of October. The exact date is posted in July.

 

Santa Monica AYSO Region 20 is a non-profit, all volunteer organization. We receive no public funds and all of our expenses are paid from the registration fees of the children who play. As such, we rely on the generosity of individuals to provide financial assistance to qualifying needy families, who would otherwise be unable to participate. A significant number of our families are at or below the poverty line. We keep our fees as low as possible in hopes that those who can afford more will contribute. These funds help us promote and reinforce the environment for which we strive to provide! $10-$20-$50-$100-$500-$1,000 or more, Santa Monica AYSO Region 20 needs your financial generosity. Every $100 we receive, lets a needy player play. You may donate via credit card during the registration process, donate now via credit card, or mail a check to our mailing address. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permissible by law.

 

Region 20 is run for our kids by parents and other dedicated volunteers like you. Unlike other youth sport organizations, AYSO has no paid staff on the local (regional) level. All Board Members, Coaches, Referees and support staff contribute their time without monetary compensation. And our registration fees reflect that. Because of this regulation, we must limit the number of players and playing opportunities to match the number of volunteers. Quite literally, it requires one volunteer at each level for every child in the program. Parents who try to enroll their children without a volunteer commitment constitute a burden on other parents and may jeopardize the program. There is always work to be done.

We offer free training and clinics for all aspects of volunteer help. Among the many ways to get involved are:

* Coach / Assistant Coach

* Team Manager

* Referee

* Youth Referee

* Division Administrative position (help from home!)

* Regional Board position (the big picture volunteer)

* Practice Chaperone

* Field Maintenance & Equipment

Let us know how you want to help by simply contacting us at rc@ayso20.org

 

AYSO is an all-volunteer organization – we receive no public funds and all of our expenses are paid from the registration fees of the children who play. We expect all parents to participate in a volunteer role. AYSO is an organization devoted to child development in a soccer environment that is safe, fair, and fun. The kids are the focus of our program, and the program depends on the efforts of all involved adults for its success. We require that as a Parent, Coach, Referee, Volunteer or Casual Observer you maintain a positive attitude when dealing with the children under all circumstances without exceptions. This also includes your attitude when dealing with other parents in the presence of children. Understand that we maintain a ‘zero-tolerance’ stand on ‘abusive behavior’ and violators will be suspended for one full year without appeal or exception.

Please read and abide by the AYSO Kids Zone Parent Pledge (downloadble pdf) for the benefit of our soccer community.

 

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Player Equipment

Any sporting goods store can supply you with a starter package of cleats, shin guards and a ball.

An appropriately sized ball, soccer cleats (or tennis or turf shoes) and shin guards. Baseball cleats are not acceptable for safety reasons.

Age groups will play with the following ball sizes:

Size 3 ball – U6 and U8

Size 4 ball – U10 and U12

Size 5 ball – U14, U16 and U19

A uniform, including one jersey, one short and one pair of socks. The Region will provide playing and practice facilities. The Region will also provide limited insurance coverage for player accidents and injuries. The Region will also provide a participation award and a basic team and individual player picture at the end of the season.

 

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