FAQ’s
What is AYSO 1046 Gold?
Players in U10-U19 are selected in the spring to participate on teams in the fall/winter/spring which compete in various competitive tournaments across Arizona and even out of state.
When does it start and what is the season?
Practice will begin in early August and will be conducted twice a week, for most teams, coaches may elect 3x per week, but this is the maximum. Tournaments begin in late October and continue through April/May. There will also be some form of competitive league play in the September thru December time frame.
Who is eligible to try-out for the AYSO 1046 Gold teams?
All age and gender appropriate players for their respective divisions, with the following exceptions:
* Players must have a birth certificate (required for tournaments)
* Players MUST be born before 07/31/2002
* See below for the divisions:
Age Group Grid for the 2010/2011 Season
AGE BORN BETWEEN:
U10 - 8/1/00 and 7/31/02
U11 - 8/1/99 and 7/31/00
U12 - 8/1/98 and 7/31/99
U13 - 8/1/97 and 7/31/98
U14 - 8/1/96 and 7/31/97
U16 - 8/1/94 and 7/31/96
U19 - 8/1/91 and 7/31/94
What is the cost for AYSO 1046 Gold?
AYSO 1046 Gold teams receive no funding from AYSO 1046 Fall and Winter programs. Each team is responsible for collecting enough funds through sponsorships, fundraising and parent pockets to cover their uniform and tournament expenses. Each team will handle its own finances with the money being deposited and accounted for in the AYSO 1046 Gold account.
As an example, last season's U10G tournament team chose to play in 7 tournaments, and their cost per player was $350. This cost included uniforms, backpacks, fees for 7 tournaments, AYSO registration, insurance, and practice fields. (It did not include lodging for the Prescott tournament). AYSO Gold will play an extended season, so the cost might range from nominally $350 to $500.
Generally speaking, teams will ask for an up-front amount of $150-$200 upon formation of the team (in May, for example) to secure the spot for the fall and to cover the initial registration and uniform expenses. The coaches will then discuss funding costs and options with parents.
What is the time commitment for AYSO 1046 Gold?
Players are required to attend each training session. Unlike the regular season, attendance at practices is not optional. Parents must be sure they can commit to the team. In addition to fall league play, an example team will play between 1 to 3 tournaments in the fall and 3 to 6 tournaments in the winter over an 8 to 10 month season, with most tournaments being located in the Phoenix metro area. Tournaments are generally an all-day Saturday AND all-day Sunday event (and sometimes even Friday night). Players MUST be able to commit to all days for all tournaments., but the schedule is chosen by the individual coaches and their teams. Teams will clearly not play a tournament every weekend.
If my player is selected, is she/he guaranteed to play?
Absolutely! AYSO 1046 Gold teams must abide by the AYSO Philosophy of Everyone Plays, meaning each player will play at least one half of each game. However, some players may be limited to only one half of the game while others play all four quarters. Remember: this is competitive soccer, so the coach plays the line-up that he feels helps the team the best. Playing time is solely determined by the coaches.
What criteria are used to choose players?
A variety of factors are considered when selecting players. Coaches look at player skill (dribbling, passing, speed, etc) as well as intangibles such as spatial awareness, leadership, positive attitude, and the ability to be coached and accept criticism. Each coach has his method to select players.
Is there anything a parent can do to influence his child’s chances of making the team?
Absolutely! All coaches need at least three referees on their team for each tournament; therefore, parents who can ref (or can make a commitment to getting trained and becoming a ref) are more valuable than parents who can’t. Every team needs a treasurer, manager, registrar and various other administrative positions. Coaches will be evaluating parents as much as the players. They want parents who cheer from the side but don’t coach, parents who are positive and not yelling at refs.
What should my player bring to try-outs?
They MUST wear shin guards. They should wear cleats and comfortable clothes, and they should bring water. They will be run through a series of drills and will be evaluated by a group of coaches during the process.
Can I watch the try-outs?
Parents can watch, but we try to separate the parents from the players during the try-out process. This helps the kids focus on their playing and not on their parent trying to coach them from the side. This can also help the player relax and not feel like they are not being judged by coaches AND their parents.
Will my player be evaluated on anything else besides the try-outs?
Yes! Coaches will be talking to their peers, referees and AYSO 1046 board members who may have coached or observed the players in the past. Try-outs are only one tool coaches use to select their teams.
If my child isn’t selected, can I protest the process?
No, the coach’s decision is final.