FALL 2024 SEASON will run September 3 through November 3.
GENERAL FAQs
Account Issues
Q: How do I add a user to my account?
A: You can add an additional user to be linked to a single account! An invite can be sent through email to be added to an account, where the additional user will have their own username and password to access the account. This will allow multiple users to get updates, view payments, and volunteer while linked to one account but still have a separate login. To add an additional user, you can add them as an additional contact while initially creating an account, as a volunteer during registration, or add them later from your My Account Screen >> Edit Account Info >> Add Additional Account Holder While creating a new user, you will have the option to enter in an additional contact.
Age Requirement
Q: What is the age requirement for each "U" division?
A: For 4U, the player needs to be three years old as of September 1. And similar to 4U, 5U means four years old on/before September 1; 6U means age 5 by/before September 1. 8U and up is grade-based.
Behavior Complaint
Q: A player, coach, parent etc. exhibited unsportsman-like behavior at a game/practice.
A: Please email us. We will review your concerns and respond as soon as possible.
Coaching
Q: I am willing to be a volunteer coach. What is the process, and what will my responsibilities be?
A: Thank you for volunteering! These are the general AYSO coaching certifications/requirements:
1) Submit/complete the background check; 2) Safe Haven Class (online); 3) Concussion Safety Class (online); 4) Safesport (online, this is optional for XU); 5) XU Coach class (online); if you have coached before and for example have 8U or higher coach class completed that will satisfy this requirement. This link provides step-by-step instructions on how to access the online learning portal (this is where you will register for classes; AYSOU). Background is required. Responsibilities include: Communication to your team throughout the season, working with P2 trainers to lead practices/scrimmages, and coaching during games.
Communication
Q: We arrived at the practice/game and no other players were there.
A: Sometimes the volunteer coaches have a conflict, which they should communicate to their team and to the P2 trainers to ensure there is coverage at games/practices. If a team is light on players they can join the other team for that day and do the drills together and then scrimmage.
Conditions
Q: What is the weather policy for practices/games?
A: Soccer is always on unless otherwise communicated. Follow this link for more information.
Equipment
Q: What equipment does my child need; what is provided?
A: For 5U, all players are given a new ball (size 3). For all other U's, all players are given the team jersey, socks, and shorts. You are responsible for providing cleats and shin guards. Contact your coach if you missed the practice/game where uniforms were distributed.
Financial Assistance
Q: Do you provide any financial assistance?
A: HP AYSO offers financial assistance based on need and qualification based on District 112 criteria. Please contact our Registrar at [email protected] for details prior to registering.
Friend Requests
Q: What is the process for friend requests?
A: Prior to the start of the fall season, the district manager will send a form to parents to request elementary school information. This information helps with team formation. There will be an opportunity to make a friend request in the form. Friend requests cannot be guaranteed.
Logistics
Q: Is this a drop-off program or should parents remain present?
A: For the fall/spring: parents/care-givers must be present. For the winter program, parents can drop off or remain and watch.
Lost and Found
Q: Does HP AYSO have a Lost & Found box?
A: We do not. If you leave an item at the field, it is your responsibility to go back to retrieve it.
Payment Issues
Q: I'm having trouble paying at checkout.
A: First, please use a computer, the majority of payment issues that come up are the mobile function not working.
Once in your account, on the right hand side is an open balance of $X, click the view/pay button (in blue). On the next screen, you will see order #x is pending, click pay (in blue) and follow the steps. If this does not work, please let us know. It could be a browser issue (recommend clearing cookies if the problem persists). Also if you are trying to use an Amex or Discover card that could be the problem too.
Playing Time
Q: Why is my child only playing approximately half of the game?
A: Our program's goal is for kids to play soccer so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least 50% of every game. It’s no fun to spend the game on the bench…and that’s no way to learn soccer! Learn more about our guiding principles.
Practice
Q: Which ages have practices?
A: 8U (1st/2nd grade) divisions and above have a practice during the week, which is scheduled by the coach, in addition to a game on the weekend. Some teams will practice with the Academy practice (see the Schedules tab for more information). 6U and younger have one session on the weekend which functions as a combined practice/scrimmage. The weekly hour session is divided between skill-building (led by P2 Soccer trainers) for 30 minutes, followed by 30 minute small-sided games for each of the teams.
Refund
Q: My child is having a hard time in soccer...what the refund policy if I were to remove her/him?
A: We typically do not refund once the season is underway as we are a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization with mostly fixed costs. We do also try to be reasonable if soccer just isn't a fit, and can sometimes work with you on a partial refund.
Schedule
Q: What is the HP AYSO program schedule?
A: HP AYSO runs a 2-season program (fall and spring) except for high school. Fall season practices will run from early September to early November. The spring season typically starts mid-April and runs through early June. Beginning 2023-24, we rolled of our Winter program for 8U, 10U and 12U. Starting after Thanksgiving and running up to the week before Spring Break, this optional program is a great way for your child to continue with soccer during the offseason. We'll have drills/scrimmages run by the professional P2 trainers. Availability depends upon the location that we are able to secure. The 8U age group will be from 4-5pm on Tuesdays, and the 10U/12U age groups will be from 5-6pm also on Tuesdays.
14U and 19U schedules are set at the Area level. For these divisions, the teams play what is called inter-regional (games are played with Glenview, Evanston, Skokie, Chicago, Deerfield, etc.), thus each region can't control setting the schedule like we do for our younger divisions. Typically the 14U schedule comes out late in August. Most games start at 1pm and are 70 minutes long with a half time break.
Teams
Q: When will I receive my team assignment?
A: Teams are formed in the summer before the start of the fall season. The team assignments will be distributed as soon as they are finalized, which will happen before the first game. In the spring, teams stay the same and new players can be added to existing teams only where spots are available or additional teams may be added if there are a sufficient number of players on the waiting list. The AYSO philosophy is to build balanced teams, and our volunteers spend many hours doing their best to accomplish this.
Tech Support
Q: Which app does AYSO use for viewing practices/games schedules and locations?
A: We currently use the GameChanger app. Once your coach activates the team, you will be able to view game times, locations, and other details. Here is a link to more information.
Waitlist
Q: Why was my child waitlisted?
A: We want to have as many kids playing soccer as possible. Typically we can find space in our younger divisions but older divisions often fill up quickly. After you complete your registration and join the waitlist, we will notify you if/when we have enough players to form a new team. This sometimes happens in the fall, but typically not until spring, if at all.
Winter Schedule
Q: What is the winter 2024 schedule and why is there a waitlist?
A: Winter practices will run from 4-5pm on Tuesdays, starting 11/28 (15 sessions: 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19 and then 1/9 thru 3/19). We are evaluating the possibility to move some more kids off the waitlist, but need to determine if we have enough space.
If you're interested in playing for the Spring 2024 season, please email to inquire about the waitlist.