Registration FAQ's

Who should I contact if I have a question?
If you have already been assigned to a team, your coach is typically the first person you should contact. For other inquiries, visit our "about us" tab for the appropriate board member to help guide you. 

Why is registration so early?
We realize that registering months ahead seems early, but our schedule is dictated by the leagues we belong to. There is so much planning and reporting that must be completed for all of our youth to participate in the upcoming season. Many of MAYS and Midland deadlines are early, so they can coordinate with all local towns. 

I missed registration, can my kids still play?
Registration deadlines are critically important to make sure our staff and kids are all covered for fees and insurance. Depending on wait lists,  age group and number of kids per team you may be eligible to pay a small late fee to be added. Please contact a board member urgently if you missed registration. 

Can I get a refund if my child decides not to play or we move?
No refunds will be provided unless approved by the Board of Directors for extraordinary reasons (i.e., injury prior to the season, move prior to the season, making high school soccer team, etc.). If it is the choice of the player or parent that was a possible foreseen situation, no refunds will be allowed (i.e., conflict with another sport or activity). If a refund is granted, it will be less administrative fees incurred by NYSA. 

Can I request to be with friends or a specific coach? How are teams created
NYSA is driven to create the most engaging atmosphere possible for all of our athletes at all levels.  When multiple teams are created at different age levels, it requires balancing based on experience, ability, age, coach feedback, player evaluations and competitive nature of MAYS divisions. and we place players on teams  For these reasons and out of fairness to all players and for the integrity of the process, we are typically unable to honor teammate or coach requests.  It is understood that there are some situations in which there is a strong need for players to be placed together, such as to accommodate car pools or to place younger children with extreme shyness with friends and the NYSA Board will consider on a case by case basis. 

Why is there a "Waitlist"
MAYS guidelines allow a maxium amount of players per roster at different age levels. This is in place to create the best expeirence for all of the players assigned to each team. Waitlists will trigger when team caps are met. As more families register it is possible another full team can be created. Our hope is that families register early so team creation can be viewed before deadlines. Players who do not register before registration deadlines shall be placed on a time-ordered wait-list.  If a spot becomes available, a late registration form and late fee must be completed and submitted.  Every attempt will be made to place players in SYS soccer programs, but due to timelines and registration procedures, not all requests can be met.  The Executive Board shall determine player placement.

Participation
Players are expected to participate in practices and games. Parents are expected to participate by insuring that their children are on time for, and picked up following practices and games, and that they have their equipment with them. If a player cannot be present for a scheduled game or practice, the coach should be notified in advance. Parents should support the coach, help maintain discipline, and promote good sportsmanship. If problems should arise that cannot be mutually resolved, they shall be brought to the Vice President for resolution with the coach. The Vice President then will inform the Board at the next meeting.  If the Vice President deems it necessary, he can convene the Board to resolve the situation.

Are the teams co-ed or are boys and girls separate?
In the MINIs program (U5 to U8) the players are placed on co-ed teams. As long as registration numbers permit it, starting with the U10 age groups, we offer all girl teams and all boy teams. If numbers allow NYSA reserves the right to group genders at the U8 level.  

I would like to help, but have no coaching experience. 
We always welcome volunteers! Please volunteer to be a coach or an assistant coach. NYSA provides resources to educate new coaches, including website links and documents.  If you would like to coach, but are apprehensive, please contact the NYSA board and we will be happy to help. 

When does the season start and end? When will I hear what team my child is on?
The fall season usually starts around the beginning of September, and the spring season usually starts in early April. The season runs for approximately 8 weeks. There are typically no fall games until after Labor Day, and there are typically no spring games on Memorial Day Weekend.  For minis (U5 to U8), your child’s coach will contact you in late August or late March with team and schedule information. For older players, your child's coach will contact you in early August or early March about practices but game schedules may not be available until 10 days prior to season start. If you have questions, you can contact the NYSA Board.

Does the registration fee include the uniform?
Uniform shirts are included with registration fee for U8 and younger. All U10 and older players need an official Northbridge Uniform kit with a number assigned before purchase. 

What day are practices and games played on?
For U5 and U6, Saturday morning is the only commitment where skill sessions and games will be played.
U8 practices are held on one weekday evening set by the volunteer coaching staff and games on Saturday mornings at our local fields.
For U10 and older, practices are typically held on two weekday evenings per week set by the volunteer coaching staff.  While most games are held on Saturdays, periodic games are scheduled on weekday evenings or Sunday afternoons.  U16+ are usually scheduled on Sunday afternoons.