Admin Questions:

Who do I call?
When is...?
I'm not getting the email blasts, how do I fix this?
How do I sign up for weather alerts?
How do I follow AYSO Region 922 on FaceBook, Twiter, Instagram, etc.?
I got a great photo and want to share it but the the FaceBook page won't let me, now what?
Who runs my AYSO Region?
How do I become an AYSO volunteer?
What is a Region?
How does AYSO protect its athletes?


Registration Questions:

How do I register my child?
When is the AYSO Soccer Season?
How much does it cost to sign up?
Who plays?
Which Division does my child play?
Can I coach the team my child is assigned?
Can my child play on a specific team, or with another specific player? Or ask for a specific coach?
Can I choose which field my child plays?
Can my child play up a division?
Can my child play down a division?
My child withdrew. How do I get a refund?

Game/Practice Questions:

What do I bring to games/practice?
Where is Soccer games/practice played? 
What do I bring to Soccer?
What do players wear?
What do players do when they get to my park?
It’s after August 1st and my child has not been called. What do I do?
What fields will be used for practice and playing games?
How often are practices and games?

How Do I Play Soccer Questions:

What equipment is needed?
Who will coach my child’s team?
What am I expected to do as a parent?
How do you play soccer?
What are the basic soccer skills?
What are the rules (Laws of the game)?
What are soccer positions?
What is offside?
Who are the officials?
How is the field set up?
What are fouls?
What is Good Sportsmanship?

Admin Questions:

Who do I call?
The volunteers of AYSO Region 922 are here and ready to help you. Click here to see the list of AYSO Region 922 Board of Directors.

When is...?
Click here to check out our AYSO Region 922 calendar.

I'm not getting the email blasts, how do I fix this?
The email blasts go to the primary and secondary email address on each player's account.  A parent may edit those email addresses at any time by logging back into their player's account(s).  If you have tried this and you are still not getting the emails, then check the zip code on the player's account for accuracy.  Emails go out to our Region's zip codes only.  Still not getting them?  Have you checked your spam folder?

How do I sign up for weather alerts?
We send a text when games/practice is cancelled due to weather.  To sign up for weather alerts click here.

How do I follow AYSO Region 922 on FaceBook, Twiter, Instagram, etc.?
Click here to get the links to follow us.  Click to the right go to AYSORegion922's FaceBook now.

I got a great photo and want to share it but the the FaceBook page won't let me, now what?
We protect the identity of are players names.  A photo can be posted on our FB page but no names.  Send photo to:  [email protected] and we will post it for you. 

Who runs my AYSO Region?

Volunteers - AYSO is a volunteer organization created out of parents and friends working as coaches, referees and administrators. It's not unusual to find two, three or more children in the same family playing AYSO soccer - while Dad serves as referee and Mom as coach. Coaches, referees, a registrar, a fundraiser, a field marker, a publicist, a treasurer - many people, all contributing their time and efforts to make AYSO a great program for our soccer-playing kids.

To see a list of AYSO Region 922 Board members, please click here.

AYSO works because the volunteers work.

How do I become an AYSO volunteer?

Since we are all volunteers, we are not AYSO without you. There are many ways to volunteer, Team Parent, Referee, Coach, Assistant Coach, Board Member, etc.  It's easy to volunteer.  Click her to go to "How Do I Volunteer?"

What is a Region?

Region, or basic community program, is the foundation of AYSO. We are Region 922 in Oro Valley, Arizona. Each AYSO Region is the same, yet different. The Bylaws and Rules and Regulations are the same but because community needs and characteristics may be different, Regions have flexibility to accommodate their unique needs.

Regional Commissioner and Regional Board of Directors will usually meet once a month during the season and perhaps more often for pre-season planning. You are welcome to attend any of these meetings. If you would like to attend one monthly board meetings, please email the Regional Commissioner at [email protected]

How does AYSO protect its athletes?

Safe Haven®

Safe Haven is a program designed to address a growing need for child and volunteer protection by:

The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997

• Screening and registering all AYSO volunteers
• Requiring training and certification
• Providing specific child and volunteer protection policies and guidelines
• Promoting safety and injury prevention

Kids Zone®
Kids Zone is a dynamic program targeted to eliminate negative sideline behavior. Kids Zone buttons and signs can be distributed throughout the Region and parents asked to sign the Kids Zone Pledge promising to behave within the guidelines of the program. 

Play It Safe
Safety is a big part of keeping things fun. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Buddies
Advise your child never to leave a practice or game alone. Walk with a buddy whenever possible. 

Goal Posts 
NEVER let your children play on soccer goals. Portable goals have been known to tip over when people play on them, resulting in serious injury and even death. 

Code Word
If you normally pick your child up from the field, but have to send someone else, use a code word. That way, if someone comes up and says "Your mother sent me to pick you up," but they don't have the code word you and your child have established, your child knows not to go with the stranger.

Registration Questions:

How do I register my child?

Go to "How Do I Register My child?" click here.

When is the AYSO Soccer Season?

Fall Season: Fall season runs from the beginning of September through the end of November. This is the primary program for AYSO. Signups begin in the spring last until 3 weeks prior to the season beginning to give us enough time to form teams. Watch website and/or email blasts for registration times, dates and places.  For more details on Fall Soccer click here.

Spring Soccer: This program is typically played Saturdays in March and April. Tentative time will be 9 am -11 am. (We are an all volunteer organization so we check to make sure the time works with the assigned volunteer coach before we make the time official). Watch website and/or email blasts for registration times, dates and places.  For more details on Spring Soccer click here.

Summer Soccer: The summer session can be compared to pick up games. Teams are formed from the kids that show up. It depends on which fields are available. We will post the game field on the website.  For more details on Summer Soccer click here.

Challenge Team (aka EXTRA / All Star Teams / Club team): We strive to provide an advanced level of soccer play at AYSO. Kids try out for the Challenge team. These teams can run November until the spring.  For more information on Travel teams click here.

Club Teams:  For more details on Club Teams click here.

What is the cost to sign up?

AYSO is very affordable. Registration fees are  used for insurance, equipment, uniforms, program development, field rental and other needs. None of the Region leadership receives payment for their time. (U means “Under”. The AYSO calendar runs on a fiscal year, Aug. 1– July 31. For example,if  your child is 4 by July 31, 2014, they are a U5 player and so on).

Spring Soccer:

Click here for more information for the Spring Soccer Program.

Summer Soccer:
Click here for more information for the Summer Soccer Program.

Tetra Brazil (during the summer):
Click here for more information about TetraBrazil Soccer Camp.

British Soccer (during the summer):
Click here for more information about Britsh Soccer Camp.
Fall Soccer Season:
Click here for more information on the Fall Soccer Progam.

For more information on Club teams click here.

AYSO Travel Team:
For more information on Travel teams click here.

Who plays?

Boys & Girls, Ages 3-18 who want to Learn & Play soccer! Spring Soccer teams can be coed.  No official teams or uniforms during Spring Soccer.

Which Division does my child play?

If you are not sure which group your child belongs, no worries.  U means Under.  The database will automatically assign your child to the correct division.  The AYSO's fiscal year runs August 1 to July 31.  Division is based on the age of your child as of July 31 of the fiscal year.  For example, if your child is 4 by July 31, 2015 they are a U5 player and so on.  

U4 - 3 year old's
U5 - 4 year old's
U6 - 5 year old's
U8 - 6 & 7 year old's
U10 - 8 & 9 year old's
U12 - 10 & 11 year old's
U14 - 12 & 13 year old's
U16 - 14 & 15 year old's
U17 - 16 year old's
U19 - 17 & 18 year old's

Still not sure?  You can also find it on your online player account.  Once you log in and pull up your child’s account, look for “Division”.  This will tell you which “U” group they belong to.  

Can I coach the team my child is assigned?

Absolutely.  All of our coaches are volunteers and most have their child on their team.

Can my child play on a specific team, or with another specific player? Or ask for a specific coach?

No.  At AYSO we strive to achieve teams that are balanced.  We can not place kids on specific teams because it may give a team an unfair advantage.  Children will be placed on teams on a random basis to achieve better balanced teams.  (Note:  If 2 siblings play in the same division and  are the same gender, we can assign them to the same team).
If you are the coach, assistant coach or team parent of that team, your child can play on that team.  Volunteer now at "Register Now" Instructions:  How Do I Volunteer?
Or email Volunteer Coordinator with any questions at:  [email protected]

Can I choose which field my child plays?

No.  All fields are conveniently located in Oro Valley for practice and game days.  The coach picks what field and what time kids will practice.  At AYSO we strive to keep teams balanced.   We can not accommodate special requests because it may give some teams an unfair advantage.  Examples of fields:  Naranja Park, Riverfront Park, James Kreigh, NW YMCA, etc.

Can my child play up a division?

Yes.  If you acquire special permission by emailing the  Regional Commissioner.

Can my child play down a division?

No.  Due to safety, insurance reasons and potentially unfair advantages, National AYSO has ruled that kids may not play down a division.

My child withdrew. How do I get a refund?

Refund/Cancellation Fee:
Please email our Volunteer Treasure at:  [email protected]

What do I bring to games/practice?

-Your ball (write your name on your ball, many look alike).
-Wear your shin guards and cleats.
-Make sure to bring your bottle of water.  Hydration is very important.
-Sunscreen.

Where is Soccer games/practice played? 

Typically in Oro Valley, AZ: 
Naranja Park (810 W Naranja Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85737)
River Side Park (551 W Lambert Ln, Oro Valley, AZ 85737)
James Kreigh Park (23 W Calle Concordia, Oro Valley, AZ 85704)
For Fall Soccer, U12 and Up Divisions:  Parks are also around Tucson.
(Subject to Oro Valley Parks and Recreation field schedule.  Sometimes they request we use a different field).

What do I bring to Soccer?

-Your ball (write your name on your ball, many look alike).
-Wear your shin guards and cleats.
-Make sure to bring your bottle of water.  Hydration is very important.
-Sunscreen.

What do players wear?

Wear your shin guards and soccer socks. Wear your cleats, you’ll get better traction.
For games wear your uniform.  For practice or spring or summer wear comfortable clothing, t-shirt, shorts, etc.

What do players do when they get to my park?

Look for AYSO people wearing AYSO shirts.  Come check in with one of us.  Each child must check in before entering a soccer field due to insurance reasons.

We introduce you to your certified coach who has volunteered to coach our kids.  Thanks Coach!!  Your coach will take it from there.

It’s after August 1st and my child has not been called. What do I do?

Please do not panic if you see teams practicing and your child has not been called. Not all teams begin practice at the same time. The very young teams do not always begin practice on the same date as other teams. Also, some coaches may be out of town. If your child has not been called, email the registrar.  We will let you know who your coach is and how to contact them.

What fields will be used for practice and playing games?

All fields will be in Oro Valley.  Examples:  Naranja Park, Riverfront Park, James Kreigh, NW YMCA, etc.

How often are practices and games?

Fall Season: Practices are held once or twice a week, sometimes the youngest players have a combined practice and game on a weekend day. Games are usually held on weekends. Location of games and practices will be determined by the local AYSO Regional Board with schedules provided to you by your child's coach.

Spring Jamboree: Spring Jamboree means no formal teams. This is co-ed play and similar to a Saturday pick-up game. The teams will change weekly and will be based on whatever players show up. Certified coaches will preside over all scrimmages. Typically kids practice skill set training for the first hour and scrimmage the second hour.

Summer Soccer: These are pick-up games. Days and fields can vary. We will post a schedule on the website.

Challenge Teams: Run November thru the spring. Kids must try out for this division. Email the Regional Commissioner for more details.

How Do I play Soccer Questions:

What equipment is needed?

Soccer has limited equipment requirements. Shin guards are mandatory during practice and games. Full-coverage shoes are required, and it is advisable to use shoes designed specifically for soccer. Most AYSO fall season teams play in uniforms (jersey, shorts, and socks) supplied by the Region which are included in the registration fee. Regions also provide field equipment, such as goals, nets, and flags. A limited number of balls will be supplied for practices and games, but it is ideal for every child to have their own soccer ball for practicing and playing on their own.

Soccer balls sizes vary. If you would like to get a soccer ball for your child, here are the guidelines. (U means “Under”. The AYSO calendar runs on a fiscal year, Aug. 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015. If your child is 4 by July 31, 2014, they are a U5 player and so on).

U5, U6 & U8: Size 3 Ball.

U10, U12: Size 4 Ball.

U14, U15, U16, U17 & U19: Size 5 Ball

Who will coach my child’s team?

For Coach Contact page click here.
AYSO teams are coached by volunteers from your community, many of them are parents with children in the program. We so appreciate our parents who have volunteered. Since we are an all-volunteer organization, we would not be here with them.
Click here to volunteer now.

What am I expected to do as a parent?

Click here to see Parent Handbook.

Take your child to practices and games with the proper equipment. Support your child by giving encouragement and showing an interest in his or her team. Help your child learn soccer skills and good sportsmanship. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory.

Always Be Positive 
You are not on the team, but you have a strong influence on the team's environment. Applaud good plays by your child's team and by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.

Be Enthusiastic And Supportive 
Let children set their own goals and play the game for themselves. Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games.

Reinforce Positive Behavior 
The best way to help a child to achieve goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistake. If your child does make one, remember that he or she is still learning. Encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.

Let Coaches Coach And Referees Ref 
Coaches and referees are usually parents. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support, too. What coaches and referees don't need is your help in coaching from the sidelines. So please refrain from coaching during games and practices. Referees are important for fun, fair and safe games. Treat them and their calls fairly and respectfully.

How do you play soccer?

Soccer is a simple game. It requires a field, a ball, two teams of players and their equipment, and a referee. The field is approximately the size of a football field. Smaller fields may be used for younger players.

The game is played in two timed halves of equal length. To advance AYSO's Everyone Plays^® commitment, quarter breaks can be made within each half to allow for player substitution. The length of each half is determined by the age of the children playing.

Physical size is not an important factor in becoming a skilled and successful soccer player. Because of the game's pace, every child participates in the action while on the field.

What are the basic soccer skills?

The sport involves several basic skills: passing/shooting, dribbling and controlling (or trapping) the ball. These skills can be learned at any age, and a good soccer player works continually to improve them.

Passing/Shooting 
Passing is kicking, pushing or heading the ball to a teammate or to a space where a teammate can run to the ball. A player may lightly tap the ball to a teammate several feet away or kick it strongly to move it down the field. The ball may scoot along the ground or may be kicked into the air.

Most players use two types of kicks to pass to a teammate or shoot towards the goal. One is the instep drive which is a powerful kick. The other kick is called a push pass. Performed using the inside of the foot, the push pass is much more accurate than the instep drive, but is less powerful.

Dribbling 
Dribbling is transporting the ball under control from one area to another. Soccer players cannot use their hands. Players dribble the ball with their feet, using light taps on the ball to move it along the ground.

Controlling 
Controlling (or trapping) is stopping the ball in flight or on the ground, and then controlling it by either dribbling or passing the ball to teammates. There are many ways to trap a ball: (1) allow it to hit the chest at an angle that deflects the ball to the ground where it can be controlled; (2) allow it to hit the thigh or bent knee to deflect the ball to the ground where it can be controlled; or (3) use the foot to stop the ball.

Heading
Heading is unique to the game of soccer. When a ball is too high to kick, players "head" the ball to pass to a teammate or score a goal.

What are soccer positions?

The goalkeeper is responsible for guarding his or her team's goal and preventing the other team from scoring. Goalkeepers are generally not used in U-8 and younger soccer.

The Defender's primary duty is to prevent the opponent from having a good shot at the goal. This player also works to gain possession of the ball and pass it to a teammate for an attack.

The Midfielder (or halfback) plays a "transitional" game from defense to offense and vice-versa.  Usually, the midfielder is the most active player on the field and key to maintaining team continuity.

The Forward's primary responsibility is to score, and also assists the midfielder in shifting play from defense to offense.

What are the rules (Laws of the game)?

The object of the game is for the players to get the ball into their opponent's goal using any part of their body except their hands and arms. Only goalkeepers may use their hands while inside their own penalty area. 

Generally, the Laws of the Game require that referees stop the game when something has happened which is unfair or unsafe.

Kickoff 
To start the game or the second half, and after each goal, a kickoff is taken from the center circle.

Throw In 
After the ball has completely crossed the side lines - commonly called touch lines in soccer - a throw in is awarded against the team that last touched the ball. The throw in is taken from where the ball left the field and must be thrown with two hands from behind and over the head, while both feet are on the ground on or behind the touch line.

Goal Kick 
The goal kick is taken by the defending team each time the ball crosses the goal line without a goal being scored and was last touched by an attacking player. The ball may be placed anywhere in the goal area and is not considered back in play until it has been kicked out of the penalty area.

Corner Kick 
This kick is taken by the attacking team each time the ball is kicked by the defense over its own goal line without a goal being scored. The ball is placed within the three-foot arc in the corner of the field (nearest to where the ball went out of play) and kicked into play by the attacking team.

Penalty Kick 
A penalty kick is awarded when a defending player commits one of the 10 major fouls within his or her own penalty area while the ball is still in play. The penalty kick is taken by a player from the offended team from a spot 12 yards from the goal. All players must remain outside the penalty area, 10 yards from the ball, and behind the penalty kick mark until the kick is taken, except for the kicker and the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line until the ball is kicked. Once kicked, the goalkeeper may try to stop the ball from entering the goal. The kicker, after waiting for the referee's signal, may score by kicking the ball directly into the opponent's goal.

Misconduct 
There are two kinds of misconduct:

• when an action results in a caution (yellow card) from the referee
• when an action results in a player being sent off or ejected from the field (red card).

A referee may also warn a player to improve his or her conduct (or unsporting behavior) before a caution is issued. The referee also has the authority to suspend or terminate play because of misconduct or interference on the part of coaches or spectators.

The Team 
A team has a maximum of 11 players on the field at any one time, although a game can be played with as few as seven players on a team. Regions use small-sided teams in younger age divisions. Players get more "touches" on the ball, learn skills quicker and have more fun using this method.

What is offside?

A player is offside if he or she is ahead of the ball at the moment the ball touches or is played by a member of the same team, except if that player is in his/her own half of the field or has two opponents even with or between him/her and the opponent's goal line. The referee's "moment of judgment" is the instant the ball is played, not when it is received.

A player is not offside if he/she is the first to receive the ball from a throw-in, corner kick or goal kick, or is not involved in active play by interfering with play, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage by being in that position.

Who are the officials?

AYSO recommends the use of three game officials-one referee and two assistant referees.

The referee is the ultimate authority during the game. The referee's chief responsibilities are to make the game as fun, fair and safe for the players as possible. The referee enforces the rules - which, in soccer, are called "Laws" - by calling offenses and determining if goals have been scored.

Assistant referees provide vital assistance to the referee by signaling when the ball has gone out of play and which team gets possession. Assistant referees also assist with substitutions and the general control of the game.

How is the field set up?

The field is divided in two halves. The center circle in the middle of the field is used to start the game, to start the second half and to restart after a goal has been scored. 
There is a large rectangular area and a smaller rectangular area found at each end of the field. These are vital areas for both teams, and are where penalty kicks are taken. 
The four corners of the field are inscribed with three-foot arcs where corner kicks are taken.

What are fouls?

Major Foul
There are 10 major fouls that result in a direct free kick (DFK), and from which a goal may be directly scored against the opponents. 
The 10 major fouls are divided into two groups. Six within the first group require that the foul be committed carelessly, recklessly, or with disproportionate force:

• Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.
• Striking or attempting to strike an opponent.
• Pushing an opponent.
• Charging an opponent.
• Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent.
• Jumping at an opponent.

The other four require only that they be committed:

• When tackling an opponent, making contact with the opponent before the ball.
• Spitting at an opponent.
• Holding an opponent.
• Handling the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeepers within their own penalty areas).

Minor (Non-Penal) Foul 
Minor fouls result in an indirect free kick (IFK). At least one additional player of either team must touch the ball before a goal can be scored from an IFK. Minor fouls include:

• Playing in a dangerous manner (including high kicking near another player's head or trying to play a ball held by a goalkeeper).
• Impeding the progress of an opponent.
• Preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands.

Goalkeeper Offense
An IFK is also awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, within his/her own penalty area, commits any of the following offenses:

• Takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with the hands.
• Touches the ball again with the hands after it has been released from the keeper's possession and has not touched another player.
• Touches the ball with the hands when the ball is deliberately kicked to the keeper by a teammate.
• Touches the ball with the hands after receiving it directly from a throw-in taken by a teammate.

What is Good Sportsmanship?

AYSO has always encouraged good sportsmanship in its programs. In fact, "Good Sportsmanship" is one of the philosophies listed in the AYSO National Bylaws. AYSO strongly recommends that its individual Regions promote good sportsmanship through dynamic programs. Elements of these programs may vary from Region to Region, but all define the conduct of players, coaches, referees and even parents. They explain the fundamentals of good behavior-which is simply showing courtesy and respect for all involved in the game.

We figure that if players, volunteers, and parents understand what is expected of them when it comes to good sportsmanship, that's probably how they will act. AYSO is proud of its many good sports but understands that good sportsmanship doesn't just happen. It needs to be taught, encouraged and demonstrated.