FAQ

Please review the FAQ and click the link at bottom of page to proceed to register.

Q. What is the Open Draw?

SYSA is a member of Kentucky Youth Soccer Association and United States Soccer Association. According to their rules and regulations, all recreational soccer teams must be formed using a draw, balanced by birth age (so many juniors and so many senior players, depending on how many children are registered). Players are divided between juniors and seniors and their forms are placed in folders. The process always starts with the fall season. In the spring, players who are new to the program fill spots of non-returning players and are drawn, by age, to fill those spots evenly among all of the teams.

Q. Can I request that my child be placed on a certain team?

No. Because we must follow the open draw, we cannot place children on teams. The only children placed on a team are that of the head coach. He can request 1 assistant coach and his/her or child(ren) will be placed on the team also. If the assistant coach does not return to assist the following season, his/her children go back into the draw.

Q. Can I request a certain practice night?

No. It is very difficult process to make sure all teams in an age group are drawn according to the rules and are balanced. If we tried to accommodate everyone (with almost 500 children in the league) it would be too difficult to keep the teams balanced. The coaches are the ones who get to pick their practice nights, and most of the time this is done after the draw.

Q. If I don’t get the night I want, may I get a refund?

No. We cannot refund the registration fee, however, we will give you a voucher for next season. Refunds are only given if a team is not formed because of lack of players. We are a non-profit organization and we have already purchased uniforms, etc. based on the amount of players that were in the draw.

Q. How can I be assured of getting the practice night I want?

Coach. Only the coach can decide what practice night he/she prefers.

Q. But I don’t know anything about soccer. Most of the people that coach recreational soccer knew nothing about the sport when they started. SYSA and KYSA both give soccer clinics to help you in learning drills, the rules of the game, etc. If we can, we try to pair together a head and assistant coach where one has experience. Coaching is a very rewarding experience that gives you an opportunity to spend quality time with your child. Give it a try!

Q. How many nights a week do you practice?

Under 6 practices one night a week. All other age groups practice two nights a week.

Q. How many games do you play and when?

Eight regular season games. These are played mostly on Saturday, with some Sunday games. Some age groups will have post-season tournaments. A SYSA in-house for U8 and above if there are at least 4 teams in their age group and the KYSA District Tournament for U10 and above.

Q. What equipment do we need?

Shinguards are mandatory for all practices and games. Cleated soccer shoes are needed if play will be on wet, muddy, or soft surfaces. For very young players sneakers will probably do fine. Older age groups should probably wear cleats.

Q. What about a uniform?

Each child receives a full uniform of shirt, socks and shorts every fall, except U6. They receive a reversible jersey with their one time payment of $15.00. They will wear the same uniform the spring season. This is paid for out of your fees.

Q. What else does my fees cover?

The greatest portion of your soccer fees goes toward field maintenance. There are also fees that we pay to E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park to lease the land. We also pay fees to Kentucky Youth Soccer Association (a Player fee and an insurance fee.)

Q. Insurance?

I have Insurance The insurance (which is through USYSA) is secondary coverage that may cover the cost of your deductible. If your child is injured during a game or practice, contact your age group commissioner immediately. There are forms that you, the coach and possibly the referee will need to fill out to get the process started.

Q. What do I bring to practice?

A ball, soccer shoes, shinguards and plenty of water.

Q. What size of ball?

U6 & U8 use a size #3, U10-12 a size #4, all players U14 through adult play with a size #5.

Q. How much playing time does my child receive?

Every child in recreational soccer gets one-half of a game playing time. However, if you are late to a game, that time could be deducted from your child’s playing time; or, if your child regularly misses practices. That is up to the discretion of the coach. If you feel at any time that your child is not receiving his/her share of playing time, contact your age group commissioner (see Contacts) to advise that there is a problem. You should advise the age group commissioner of any concern that you have. (See Player & Parent Guidelines). Remember, you signed your child up to play soccer – a team sport – if your child does not attend regular practice or is late to games, it is not fair to the others.

Q. What if it is raining?

Soccer is played in the rain, cold, sleet and snow, but never during a thunderstorm. A referee is the only one that can call the game. If it starts to thunder during a game, the referee usually will stop the game for 10 to 15 minutes to see if it stops. If not, he will probably call the game. If it is thundering before you leave to go to a game, contact your coach to see if your game has been cancelled. If you can’t reach anyone, you should probably go to the field – it might not be raining there. Always make sure the coach has every number you can be reached at in case a practice or a game needs to be cancelled for any reason.

Q. Can I wear a cast (or earrings, religious medals, eyeglasses?)

The Laws of the Game (a copy of which can be purchased at any soccer store) prohibit anything, which is dangerous to a player or other players. Referees determine if an item can be worn without being dangerous.

Q. How can I get information about coaching license courses?

Contact either the SYSA Director of Coaching – Coaching@sawyeryouthsoccer.com - Kentucky Youth Soccer Association – www.kysoccer.org or www.us-soccer.com for information about the different coaching clinics that are offered.

Q. Do you use certified referees?

Yes. SYSA uses certified referees. A lot of our referees are young (You can become a referee at 13. We always ask that parents remember that these are young adults and that refereeing any sport is not easy and mistakes are made. Please try to refrain from making comments about calls regardless of the age of the referee. If you are interested in becoming a referee, please contact referee@sawyeryouthsoccer.com to find out when the next certification class will be held. We always need referees, especially adult (male or female). This is an excellent way to learn the rules and really understand the game (then when you are screaming handball – handball and the referee does not call it, you will know why). We also pay our referees.

Q. Where can I find out more about soccer?

We have provided links to soccer web sites on our links page. You can also find lots of books at either bookstores or soccer specialty stores, along with videotapes that will explain the game. We encourage all parents, especially if their children like the sport, to find out more about the game.

Q. I would like to become more involved. What can I do?

Sawyer Youth Soccer Board positions are frequently open. We also need volunteers for field day or special events. Contact president@sawyeryouthsoccer.com. Most importantly, you can volunteer to be a “Team Parent”. This is a parent who helps the coach with organizational issues such as team snacks.