FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can my child switch to another team so he/she can play with a friend or be with a specific coach?
2. When will I know when my child is placed on a team?
3. I'm a new coach and don't know what to do now that I have my team?
4. What equipment does my child need?
5. How Can I Help?
6. Can we put our names or our sponsors names on our shirts
7. When does practice start and how long will it last?
8. When will my child's first game be and where?
9. What is your refund policy?

Q. Can my child switch to another team so he/she can play with a friend or be with a specific coach?

A. No. Due to AYSO's balanced team concept, player safety issues and various other factors, we cannot allow any child to switch between teams or move up a division. Only under extenuating circumstances will we consider such a request. Do not expect the request to be granted.

Q. When will I know when my child is placed on a team?

A. No child will be assigned to a team until team balancing is completed. The team balancing usually takes place sometime in the last week of May. A Players & Parents meeting is held in June so coaches can meet their team and assign tasks with instructions to parents. Also call parents that where not at the meeting as soon as possible. Some teams may still need to have coaches assigned to them. If you have received no call from a coach and other people you know have, wait a little longer. We may still be in the process of trying to get a coach(s) to take teams that are left. It may also be that some coaches are still on vacation but they will call soon. If you have not been contacted by August 14, please contact the Age Group Coordinator either through e-mail to the boys or girls commissioner or to Regional Commissioner at jamesandhermie@hawaii.rr.com. Please be patient.

Q. I'm a new coach and don't know what to do now that I have my team?

A. First contact all your kids and let the parents know who you are and that their kid is on your team. Set up a parent meeting so you can all meet and talk about the upcoming season. You will need to select a team mom and probably two referee volunteers from your parents. Don't leave this meeting without these commitments. I would strongly recommend attending the coaching clinics to gain some knowledge of the game and receive some handouts that will help you run practice and game situations. You must attend the Safe Haven Certification class. See the coach’s corner page for more info. Schedule your practice time and field with the field coordinator and let everyone know when you will have the practice. Time and location of practice is up to you. Good luck and have fun. Remember, we are here to help in any way we can. Use this site for resources and communication.

Q. What equipment does my child need?

A. We provide a uniform consisting of shirts, shorts and socks. These should be available through your coach. Uniforms are generally not worn to practices.

All players must wear shin guards and soccer cleats at games and practices.

We strongly encourage every player to bring their own ball to practices. Size 5 for U19 U16 U14; size 4 for U12 and U10, size 3 for U8 and U6.

Cleats are recommended for players 8 and older but most players have cleats right from the start.

Some of our local sporting goods stores have specials towards the beginning of the season for cleats, shin guards etc. (Sports Authority, K-Mart, Wal-Mart)

**ST Sports will be at our Player & Parent meeting selling all the soccer supplies you require. **

Q. How Can I Help?

A. Volunteer - contact us by e-mail, phone - we need to hear from you. We have every different level of time commitment. Coaches, referees, team administrators, referee schedulers, Board members, picture taking coordinator, tournament helpers, field maintenance crew (painting fields every Friday between 4-5:30pm and Saturday field equipment delivery 7am – 8am)

Q. Can we put our names or sponsors names on our uniforms?

A. No. This is strictly against AYSO National Policy. Sorry.

Q. When does practice start and how long will it last?

A. Practice usually begins August 1ST. Most teams in the U10, U12, U14, U16, and U19 divisions will practice twice a week for approx. 1 1/2 hours. The U6 divisions usually practice once a week for an hour. The U8 divisions usually practice twice a week for an hour. Practice times are usually between 4:30pm-6:30pm, Monday through Friday. These times may vary depending on the practice field. The time, location, and which day(s) a team will practice are at the sole discretion of the coach. Please do your best to create carpools and work as a team so players can make it to the practices the coach has prearranged.

Q. When will my child's first game be and where?

A. The first games of the fall season are usually in late-August on the Third or Fourth Saturday. Coaches should receive their schedules by August 14TH. This sometimes is delayed due to various reasons. If you have not heard from your coach concerning the schedule you can try the www.westoahu769.org and check Game Schedules to see if your team has been scheduled. Please contact your coach for information concerning game times and practice schedules before attempting to contacting your Age Group Coordinator.

Q. What is your refund policy?

A. AYSO West Oahu has a written refund policy. Click here to download and review the policy.