Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship Player Development.
Players must be 4 years old by first game and under 19 years old by July 31.
This is an all-volunteer organization. This means we need parents to not just sign up your child but you need to get involved as well.
We need Coaches, Referees, Staff Members, The volunteer positions are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions(your question not here? send your question thru the contact page and we will add it)
What is the registration fee?
We now have a fall session and a spring session. Fall fee is $60. If your Child signs up in Spring to play Spring session the fee will only be $15.00 additional making total year $75.
Will I have to register again in Spring? Yes, but you will only pay $15.00.
What if I only want to play Fall? The fee will be $60.00.
What if I only want to play Spring? The fee will be $60.00.
Is there a late fee?
Yes a $10.00 late fee that will be charged after a certain date in the fall and the spring.
Do we know what that date is? This date changes every session and every year.
How can I avoid this Late Fee? Register your child early. Before the late fee goes into effect.
Are there all boy teams and all girl teams?
Usually all teams are co-ed except in certain cases in the upper divisions. This means boys and girls play together on the same team against other co-ed teams.
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How much playing time will my child get?
In AYSO every child plays at least 2 quarters. In our region (440) we promote every child plays three quarters before any child plays 4 for players that show up for practices. If a child contines to miss practices and only shows up for games this player will only play 2 quarters. Practices is part of the program.
What does the U stand for in U5?
U5 means player were under 5 years old as of July 31st of that year. U6 under 6 years old. U8 under8. etc.
Can I play on a team with my friend?
AYSO is designed to be balanced teams. Friends playing on the same team year after year usually doesn’t work out when we are balancing teams. Skill of player, years of Experience, Number of males and females, as well as age of player’s figures into balancing teams.
What if I have to ride with someone?
You may request a “carpool link”. However, this does not guarantee that you will get put on the same team as that person. Again AYSO is balanced teams and this will figure in before car pools.
Can I request a specific coach?
The only person guaranteed a certain coach is the coach’s child and the assistant coach’s child.
Can I request a certain community?
Yes, if there is a team in that community and it is the community where you live and your child is U8 and below. You cannot bump a player from a team in his own community to play in that community if you don’t live there. We would like for you to list your first three choices of communities to play in. EXAMPLE: 1-Gatlinburg, 2-New Center. 3-Caton’s Chapel. (If you only list one you will only be considered for one community).
What about uniforms?
Uniforms are $40.00 per set, this includes one red Jersey, one Blue Jersey, one pair shorts and a pair
soccer socks.
Do I have to purchase a new uniform?
NO. If your child has a red jersey and a blue jersey then that will work just fine. Color of shorts and socks does not matter.
What about Skin guards?
All players must have shin guards covered completely by socks. THIS WILL BE ENFORCED. The Ankle strap must be covered. This may require an extra pair of socks depending on the childs likes and dislikes. Regardless the whole shin guard must be covered. No exceptions.
Where do I purchase these? We have a few for sale at the uniform sales while they last. Otherwise places like Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target or sports store.
Do I have to buy cleats? NO. Tennis shoes are fine.
If I buy cleats what kind?
Soccer cleats DO NOT HAVE A TOE CLEAT. This is a cleat that goes across the end of the shoe in the middle. Toe cleats are illegal. No metal cleats are allowed.
What if my child’s cleat has a toe cleat?
If the referee detects an illegal cleat he may chose to cut this cleat off if the child wishes to continue to play. Otherwise the player will have to either change shoes or sit out of the game.
What about pierced ears and jewelry?
No jewelry of any kind can be worn by players during games or practices. It is the Coaches responsibility to enforce this during practice and the ref’s during a game. THIS WILL BE ENFORCED. If you or your child isn’t willing to remove such items then don’t sign your child up to play.
What about band-aids covering newly pierced ears?
NO THIS IS STILL JEWELRY. If you or your child isn’t willing to remove such items then don’tsign your child up to play.
What about friendship string or rubber band bracelets? NO not allowed.
What about practices?
U5 and U6 teams practice 30 minutes prior to games. All other divisions practice times, days and locations are set by the coach. Remember shin guards must be worn and covered completely by socks. No part of the shin guard should be visible. No jewelry may be worn at practice or during games. PRACTICE IS MANDATORY. It is part of what you sign your child up for. If they miss practices they will only play 2 quarters of a game.
What about weather and games?
Games are played in all kinds of weather. Yes in the rain , the snow and the sunshine. The only time a game is cancelled is if there is lightning near the field or for a tornado warning. Only the referee on a game that has ref’s (or the regional commissioners) can delay or cancel the game for weather. U10 AND UP COACHES CAN NOT CANCEL GAMES PRIOR TO GAME TIME.
What about the smaller divisions?
U5, U6 and U8 games need to be played whenever possible. However, in extreme cold weather or downpours the coaches may cancel games. But they must call each other and agree to do this.
What about community teams?
U8 and below - Most community teams practice at their community fields. Example - Pittman Center practices at the school soccer fields. North view practices at the North view Optimist Park. U5 & U6 teams practice at the location of their game 30 minutes before game.
When are games played?
All games are now played on Saturday(some exceptions may apply) except the VIP TEAMS which will play on a week night to be determined. U5 & U6 will practice 30 minutes and then play a game for 30 minutes. They play 4, 5-minute quarters with breaks for drinks.
When do the older kids play?
U8’s play will play on Saturdays (some exceptions may apply) and usually practice one night during the week. The coach will pick this night.
What about U10 and above teams?
They usually start play around 9:00 or 10:00am on Saturday mornings. Coaches set practice time. U10 and up may practice two nights a week. Coaches to determine practice schedule. Anyone who practices before 6:30pm at WCSS must park in the last lot on the right in parking lot D. NO EXCEPTIONS. VIOLATION WILL REMOVE YOUR CHILD FROM THE PROGRAM.
U10 and above may have to travel to Morristown or Knoxville to play inter-regional depending on number of teams in region 440. Coaches set practice times.
What about U14 and up?
They play inter-regional games. (Which mean they travel to MOrristown, Knoxville and surrounding areas.) They usually have half of their games scheduled at home. They practice during the week. The coach sets practice times. They do practice at Walters State Community College soccer fields. Home games are played here too. IF YOU DO NOT PLAN TO TAKE YOUR CHILD TO AWAY GAMES DO NOT SIGN YOUR CHILD UP TO PLAY SOCCER. AWAY GAMES IS A REQUIREMENT.
What about bring Pets to the practices and games?
Sorry not allowed. We know you love your pets, but a large crowd can make pets do things they normally won't do and could cause injury to someone. Especially to small children who don't know any better than to approach an unknown animal and possible startle the animal. This is something you can't control and you can't blame the animal so it's best it we leave our animals at home.
What about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco? Sorry once again not allowed.
Who is the coach?
Coaches are parents. They are volunteers. They are usually a parent from one of the players on the team.
Do I have to coach?
NO but if you want your child to play then you really need take a coaches and/or a referee clinic to help you understand the game of soccer better and to be able to help your child become a better player.. It will bring you and your child closer together. Kids love to brag “MY PARENT IS THE COACH”.
What if there isn’t a coaches For my child’s team?
If a parent doesn’t come forward to coach then the team is dissolved and these children won’t have an opportunity to play. Once again you can become a coach and get close to you child. Be a kid for an hour each week. It will give you a chance to enjoy life’s simple pleasures
But I don’t know how to coach!
That’s great. We will train you the AYSO way and give you the knowledge you need to be a coach.
I don’t have the time!
If you are going to be at your child’s game each week to watch then you’re there already so you might as well do it for your kid
Can I become a referee?
Yes, just let us know and we will train you. We have training to start out as an official lines person and then more training to become a center referee
What about referee’s?
U5, U6, and U8 coaches are on the field with players during the game coaching and helping the players as well as refereeing the game. In some cases U8’s will have referees if one is available.
What about ref’s for U10 and up?
Yes we try to have regular referees for these games. We prefer to have 3. A center ref, and two linespersons. Sometimes however, we only have one center ref and then will use parents as linesperson. Please be willing to come forward when needed. After all it’s for your child. This season each team will be required to have two parents trained to call the ball in and out on the side line.
Do I have to be a lines person?
We would love for you too. What a better position to watch your child play then the side of the field in front of all the other parents. It makes it much easier on the center ref and makes the game go a whole lot smoother. This season each team will be required to have two parents trained to call the ball in and out on the side line.
But what will I have to flag or call?
Untrained lines people’s only responsibility is to call whose throw in it is. If the ball went out on the red player then it is the blue players throw in. It’s pretty easy. This season each team will be required to have two parents trained to call the ball in and out on the side line.
What if I only want to learn more but don’t want to ref?
Yes you may take the training. You can become a much better parent or coach if you take the ref training, It will give you better understand of the game. It will make you a better parent because you will understand the rules and the play better and will enjoy watching a game that you understand. You can encourage your child better if you know what’s going on and they will listen if they know you understand the game.
What age do I have to be to ref? We take youth refs at age 12. Adults of all ages.
But I only want to ref my child’s game? That’s great. We love to have refs like this.
Will I have to ref a certain number of games a week? NO. You can volunteer for the games you want to ref.
What about that yellow shirt & the flags? We will provide you with them once you attend the ref training.
Who do I see about taking the ref class?
Please call 429-AYSO (429-2976) Leave a message with your name and phone number and we will get back to you.
What if I want to coach?
You will need to fill out a volunteer form and a coaches application at registration You can call the AYSO phone lines at any time and leave a message. Your call will be returned. The AYSO phone number is 429-AYSO (429-2976).
Who is paid in AYSO?
AYSO is an all-volunteer organization. No one is paid except at the National Headquarters in California then it’s only about 5 people. Everyone here in Sevier County volunteer their time so the kids will be able to play soccer. Please remember no one is paid and all coaches, ref’s, The Regional Commissioners and the Board of Directors are giving freely of the valuable time so your child will have the opportunity to play soccer.
What about yelling at the coaches, referees? This is not allowed. Positive feed back is only allow. Things. like "good job Johnny, nice pass" or "That's okay you'll get it next time.". Spectators can be ask to leave the fields if the get out of hand. Please be kind and make your child proud of you. After all you are hear for you child so do them proud.
Who is responsible for AYSO in Sevier County? The Board of Directors
Regional Co-Commissioners – Jerry & June Douglass
Assistant Commissioner- Available
Registrar- Jerry Douglass
Treasurer-Linda Hogan
Volunteer Co-coordinator-Vacant
Safety Director- Tina Ball
Child &Volunteer Protection Advocate-Helena McMillion
Secretary- Cindy White
Referee Administrator- Tina Ball
Director of Referee Instruction-Jerry Douglass
Coach Administrator- Tony Ellingwood
Director of Coaching Instruction-Jerry Douglass
We operate under the Area Director who is Michael Mays from Knoxville and he answers to the National Director Mike Wade In California..
update 07-10-10