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Q. What is AYSO?
A. AYSO stands for "American Youth Soccer Organization". AYSO is a national association 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation Incorporated, State of California, 1964.
Q. What is the National Website Address?
A. www.soccer.org
Q. What is the Membership of the Organization?
A. AYSO has more than 50,000 teams and more than 650,000 players.
Q. What are the National Rules and Regulations?
A. Click here to download a pdf document of the National Rules & Regulations.
Q. Who is North Monterey County AYSO, Region 256?
A. We are the community-based league (called a Region) and a member of AYSO National. We are Region 256, located in Area J, Section 2. In staying with National's Policy, our goal is to develop and deliver a quality youth soccer program (ages 5 to 18, male and female) designed to promote a fun, family environment based on the five AYSO Philosophies.
Q. Do I need to live in North Monterey County to participate?
A. No. Region 256 consists primarily of North Monterey County residents, but also includes the surrounding communities of Salinas, Castroville, Marina, Hollister, San Juan Buasita, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Seaside, Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove & Prunedale. If you do not reside in any of these communities, you are still welcome to join Region 256, but there may be another region more convenient for you. Check the national website for details.
Q. Who supervises the Region?
A. An elected Regional Commissioner, Board and Staff Members. These people are ALL volunteers and are NOT paid for their time and dedication.
Q. When is 'Registration Day' for the Fall Season?
A. Online registration begins May 1 for the next Fall Season. All players are encouraged to register online (just click the REGISTRATION tab on the main page of this website). Register online and bring a copy of your completed registration to Registration day. Check the calendar for exact date, time and location. If your player is new to the Region, be sure to bring a copy of your child's birth certificate, passport or immunization card along with your player registration form.
Q. What if I have a returning player to the Region?
A. Register online and bring a copy of your completed registration form to Registration day.
Q. What if I cannot attend Registration Day? Can I mail in the player registration form?
A. If you cannot attend, complete the online pre-registration form, PRINT a copy of the player registration form and mail it to us. If your player is new to the Region, be sure to send a COPY of your child's birth certificate, passport or immunization card along with your player registration form.
Q. What is the mailing address?
A. AYSO Region 256, 17575 Vierra Cyn RD, PMB 204, Prunedale, CA 93907 Attn: Registrar
Q. What is the fee for the season?
A. Fees vary based on how early you register:
Early Registration: May 1 to August 15: $100
Regular Registration: Aug 16 up to September 6: $120
Waiting List Registration: September 6 and after: $120
A limited number of scholarships are available for qualifying families on a first come, first serve basis. All other factors being equal, priority will be based on the level of volunteer participation. If you wish to be considered for financial assistance, check the appropriate boxes during online registration. Additionally, you will need to download and complete the Financial Assistance Application. You will be contacted via e-mail regarding the determination of your fee, which will be due promptly thereafter.
Q. How do I pay?
A. You must pay by VISA or Mastercard when you register online or include a check or money order in your mailed application. Personal checks or money orders should be made payable to AYSO Region 256. Be sure to memo your check with your player's full name.
Q. When is the cutoff for player registration?
A. September 6. Any Player Registration registered online or post-marked September 7 or later, will automatically go on a waiting list.
Q. When will the teams be formed?
A. During the month of August.
Q. When will I hear from my coach?
A. Team Rosters are posted on the website in late August. If you have not been contacted by your coach by August 22, check the website for announcements, or contact your division commissioner.
Q. Who is eligible?
A. Players between the ages of 4-1/2 and 18 are eligible to play regardless of where they live. July 31 is the determining date (the age of the child as of July 31 prior to the beginning of the season).
Q. What is the refund policy?
A. All refund requests must be submitted in writing. A $15 processing fee will be deducted for each player refunded.
Before September 6: 100% refund (less processing fee)
September 6 - and September 30: 50% refund (less processing fee), providing the complete unused soccer uniform is returned intact.
No fees will be refunded after October 1st
Fees paid by credit card, will be credited to the credit card account originally charged.
If you paid by check, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope to the above mailing address so we can mail a refund check to you.
Q. What does the Region provide?
A. 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 trophy and a basic team and individual player picture at the end of the season.
Q. What other equipment will I need?
A. 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
Size 4 ball – U8, U10 and U12
Size 5 ball - U14, U16 and U19
Q. Where do I get the equipment not supplied by the Region?
A. Any sporting goods store can supply you with a starter package of cleats, shinguards and a ball.
Q. Can my player wear earrings? They were just pierced and I can't take them out! (sound familiar?)
A. 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.
Q. When are practices held?
A. For U8 & above, weeknight practices begin in mid-August. Your coach will provide you with details. U5 and U6 teams practice on Saturday’s before their games.
Q. What if the practice schedule conflicts with my family’s schedule?
A. 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. Contact the registrar to have your child moved – lee.wolfer1@navy.mil.
Q. When are league games?
A. Typically on Saturdays. However, older divisions (children 14 and older) and tournament teams may play on Sundays.
Q. When will I receive a game schedule?
A. 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.
Q. How early should I show up for games?
A. Generally, 30-45 minutes prior to kickoff.
Q. Can I request a coach or team?
A. No. We do not honor requests made by parents or players to be placed on certain teams or with other players.
Q. When does the season start?
A. The season runs from early September through mid-December. Older division teams may start and end earlier. League Champions continue playing other regions in January. All-star teams and Spring-Select tournament teams may play January through June.
Q. How is the best way to stay informed about Regional Events or issues?
A. 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.
Q. Who are the coaches?
A. The coaches in Region 256 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.
Q. How are the coaches 'certified' to coach?
A. 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.
Q. How are the referees 'certified' to referee matches?
A. 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
Q. How do I volunteer?
A. Region 256 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
* Special Event Volunteer
(Soccer Fun Day, Picture Day, Trophy/Registration Day, etc.)
* Division Administrative position (help from home!)
* Regional Board position (the big picture volunteer)
Let us know how you want to help by simply contacting us at 831 663-6080.
Q. May I bring alcoholic beverages or consume tobacco at AYSO events?
A. NO! AYSO National Rules and Monterey County Ordinances dictate that NO persons may consume alcoholic beverages or use tobacco products while engaged in AYSO activities or on Monterey County 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.
Q. May I bring my pet to the practices or games?
A. Yes, however all pets must be on a leash. In addition, please clean up all messes.
Q. How do we handle the issue of Blood Safety?
A. 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.
Q. Who is responsible for erecting or taking down the goals on game days?
A. 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.
Q. Is there a Spring League in Prunedale?
A. 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.
Q. Does Region 256 offer Summer Camps?
A. No. But the region in cooperation with Catalyst soccer there are camps held at Manzanita Park.
Q. What is my role as a parent?
A. 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 for the benefit of our soccer community.
Q. Are we expected to do fundraising for North Monterey County AYSO, Region 256.
A. 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 Saturday of September. The exact date is posted in Aug.
Q. How can I help monetarily?
A. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity from individuals to provide scholarships to qualifying needy families, who would otherwise be unable to participate. These funds help us promote and reinforce the environment for which we strive to provide! $10-$20-$50-$100 or more, Region 256 needs your financial generosity. You may donate via credit card during the registration process, or mail a check to our mailing address above. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permissible by law.
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