How does AYSO work and how may I help?

AYSO is run entirely by Volunteers. Every position in AYSO from the Regional Commissioner & Regional Board of Directors down to the team parent is 100% volunteers. You may help as a coach, referee, team parent, photo day helper, board member or in many other areas. AYSO will provide complete training.

How long is the Fall season?

The Fall season begins on September 4, which is our first date for practices, and games begin the first Saturday after Labor Day – September 9. Season end dates vary by age division.

4U-5U: These divisions play for six consecutive weeks.

6U-8U: These divisions play games until November 11.

9U-14U: These programs complete their regular season games on October 28. For teams eligible to participate, our post-season playoff tournament, The Champions Cup, plays throughout the first two weeks of November and completing on November 11. Winners of our Champions Cup will then represent our Region in the Area Tournament in early December.

16U-19U:These two programs complete their seasons by November 6 so players can be eligible to play high school soccer.

Where and when will my child practice?

5U: Practices are held Saturday mornings prior to games. No mid-week practices are held for the 5U age group. All games and practices are held at the Youth Athletic Park.

6U: Practices are held one day per week for no more than 60 minutes. The fields are determined each season based on the number of teams and available fields.

8U: Practices are held up to two times per week for 60 minutes each. The fields are determined each season based on the number of teams and available fields.

9U-14U: practices are held up to two times per week for no more than 90 minutes each. The fields are determined each season based on the number of teams and available fields.

16U-19U: practice up to two times per week for no more than 90 minutes each.

When are games?

5U teams play on Saturday mornings between 8:30-10:30. 6U-8U teams play on Saturdays. 9U-14U teams play on Saturdays and some Sundays; however, the Sunday games are inter-league games and are usually not included in team standings. 16U & 19U teams play on Saturdays and Sundays

When will game schedules be available?

We strive to have the season game schedule out two weeks prior to the start of the season. Many factors impact the ability to complete this task. Player drops and adds are the greatest challenge we face. When players add or drop from the program due to any reason, this impacts our ability to finalize teams and complete the schedule because it may require team restructuring. We do everything in our power to release the schedule as soon as possible as we know that families have busy schedules.

Why do other regions start practicing before Region 84?

Region 84 has some of the best fields in South Orange County. In order for our fields to be in the best possible condition they are rested during the months of July and August. The City of Mission Viejo releases the fields for use beginning on Labor Day and this is when we begin practice.

What equipment does my child need?

Shin Guards (mandatory for all players at all age levels)

Soccer Cleats (recommended, but not mandatory)

Soccer Ball

• 5U-8U          Size 3
• 9U-12U        Size 4
• 14U-19U      Size 5

Keep in mind that earrings and jewelry are not allowed while on the fields.

How are teams formed?

In the 5U-8U divisions, teams are formed based on the player's address and school of attendance. The games are non-competitive and designed to allow friends to play together. We accept requests for children to play together as long as they are assigned to the same age division. We try our best to honor all of the requests that are presented at registration. However, we cannot honor special requests by Waitlist players or by those who did not make the request at the time of registration. We will not honor any requests AFTER teams are formed.

In 9U-19U divisions, teams are formed by a draft. All coaches are provided player ratings in an attempt to balance the teams as much as possible.

Can my child play up in a higher division?

In order for a child to "play up" to the next higher age division. the following criteria must be satisfied:

1.   Player misses the cutoff age for next division by 4 months or less

2.   Player possesses skills enabling them to play at the next division level

3.   Parent of the player must coach the team

All 3 of the above MUST be met or the request will be denied. We have developed these criteria based on the fact that school cutoff dates may create a situation where a player is younger, but wishes to play with kids in their grade level. For the safety of all the players, the player requesting the "play up" must be skilled enough to play with the players in the higher division. Lastly our coaches have volunteered to coach a specific age group. We feel it would be unfair to assign a younger player to their team and additionally we feel that in return for "honoring" your special request you need to help out in return.

Can my child play down in a lower age division?

Absolutely no Play Downs will be considered for any reason.

When will we be contacted by our coach?

For 5U-14U programs, the region hosts a "Meet the Coach Day" in early August for the players and parents to come and meet their coach and receive important information about the season. If you have not heard from a coach by Aug 21 you may email your child's division Program Manager. All Program Managers are listed on the region's website. Please do not email the registrar with these questions.

What if I can't make the Meet the Coach Day?

Your coach will contact you in mid-August to discuss the season with you and give you information. If you have not heard from a coach by Aug 20 you may email your child's Division Program Coordinator. All Program Managers are listed on the region's website. Please do not email the registrar with these questions.

What is Zero Tolerance and the Team Volunteer Point Policy?

Both of these are distributed at registration and are also listed in our Forms Library on the region's website. These indicate our policies and no registration forms will be accepted unless a parent agrees to comply with these policies.