The purpose of the Select Team Program is to provide young athletes the opportunity to play more soccer at a competitive level while maintaining affordability and a manageable time commitment. As always with AYSO, we seek to promote competition that is safe, fun and fair.

This program is open to all U10, U12 & U15, boys and girls divisions. However, teams will only be formed if a qualified AYSO coach is available and assigned to the team.

All participants, Coaches, Players and Parents acknowledge that AYSO Rules and Regulations apply and pledge to uphold AYSO’s core philosophies.

The Select Team Program differs from our regular fall season program in the following ways:

• The number of players able to participate is limited by available coaches
• It is a select program in which players are invited by coaches to participate on their team. Although we try to accommodate most applicants, applicants are not
• guaranteed placement and may be rejected for any number of reasons, including their skill level, attitude, and past behaviors.
• The commitment and expenses differ in additional travel and tournament fees.
• While every player is guaranteed the opportunity to play half of every game, our regional “3 quarters before any player plays 4 quarters” rule does not apply.

Players

Players must have played in the regular fall season to qualify for the Select Team Program. Limited exception may be granted in cases of injury in which the player could no longer play during the regular season but was enrolled.

Players will be chosen based on their performance in the fall season as well as on the results of the tryout session. Factors that are considered in player selection include skill, speed, effort, knowledge of the game, practice habits, positional needs, and team chemistry. Availability for practice and family volunteer commitment will also play a role. Player selection is the responsibility of the appointed Head Coach and his/her decision is final. Unlike the fall season, not every player who is interested (or who tries out) in the Select Team program is guaranteed to play.

Players are expected to make a serious commitment to their Select Team. While we understand that some players will be involved in other sports at the same time as this soccer program, Coaches will require players/parents to make a commitment to attend not less than 90% of practice sessions.

Coaches

Coaches participating should be of excellent quality. At a minimum coaches (head or assistant) must:

• Have a current Volunteer Application on file
• Be an AYSO trained and age specific certified
• Be Safe Haven Certified (new course)
• Be an active coach in the Fall season
• Be approved by the Regional board.

Coaches must have completed age specific training/certification levels as follows:

• U10 – U10; U12 Strongly recommended
• U12 – U12 Coach
• U14 – Intermediate Coach
• U16 & U19 – Advanced Coach

It is strongly recommended that Select Team Coaches be certified at least one level above the level they are coaching, additionally that they attend or are PCA certified and maintain Safe Haven certificate not more than 3 years old.

Rosters-ID Cards

eAYSO roster and individual player cards, signed by the Regional Commissioner, are required for each team. If the Regional Commissioner is the coach of one of the teams, then that team roster must also be signed by the Regional Registrar.

Registration Fees- Tournament Costs

General Region funds are not to be expended for any expenses associated with the Select Team Program.

Registration fees for the Select Teams are minimal. Final costs for training are still being negotiated. These fees will cover, for example, AYSO player insurance and field usage fees.

Other additional costs: Each team will be individually responsible for applying/registering for tournaments and handling its own finances (uniforms, travel expenses, tournament fees). Parents of participating players are expected to help with soliciting sponsors and helping with fundraisers. In addition, teams that can provide certified referees (from their parent pool) have a better chance of being accepted by tournaments.

Try-outs

Try-outs will be held at a date and location determined by the Region.

Practices

Indoor practices will begin in January and February. Practices will move outdoors as weather permits. Because there is limited practice field availability, players must be available on the assigned practice days.

Uniforms

All uniforms must have the AYSO logo on them in accordance with AYSO National Rules and Regulations.

Injuries

All injuries must be documented with an incident report form and reported to the Regional Commissioner and Safety Director.

Discipline

Coaches and referees should report any discipline issues in writing to the Regional Commissioner