Frequently Asked Questions

What is AYSO anyway?

The AYSO mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on our 6 philosophies:

• Everyone Plays
• Balanced Teams
• Open Registration
• Positive Coaching
• Good Sportsmanship
• Player Development

Information regarding the AYSO program, in general, can be found at www.ayso.org. The Burlingame AYSO organization is the largest youth sports program in the city.

What is PIE?

PIE= Positive, Instructional and Encouraging. It is the AYSO coaching philosophy that we want all to abide by when dealing with players. This means no negative comments toward a player when they make a mistake or fail to perform to your standards. Referees have the authority to eject parents, coaches, or spectators who verbally abuse a player. So please keep all comments PIE.

How do I register my child?

Families must first pre-register their child here at www.burlingameayso.org.  As of the 2017 Soccer Season, AYSO National has moved registration to a registration system powered by Blue Sombrero / Dick's Sporting Goods.  All players/families will have to create an account by clicking the "Register Now" button.   Players new to Burlingame and new volunteers must print and bring a copy of your application, a copy of the new players birth certificate and/or a copy of the new volunteers drivers license) to onsite registration. To complete registration, a parent or guardian must attend one of our onsite registrations.

Information on registration dates and locations can be found here on our website. Please note that completing registration online places the player on the waitlist and does not complete the registration progress. You must attend onsite registration events to complete the process for both players and volunteers.

Registration is completed on a first-come, first-served basis so we encourage you to register early before divisions are full.

When will we be notified if my child that registered late, has been accepted on a team?

Late registrants for divisions which have not reached their capacity are placed on teams soon after receipt of the registration form. If you do not promptly hear back, the division is probably full and your child remain on the waiting list.

Every attempt is made to allow all players to play. The total number of teams in each division is determined based on the number of trained coaches available and the number of players registered during the open registration period. Except for children of coaches and referees who complete their training in time, and field volunteers who line and set up our fields weekly, all players are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If we have enough trained coaches, referees and field space, however, your child will be placed on a team.

Not all parents un-register their children when their family moves from the area or when their child decides not to play. Generally the region does not officially know who is not going to play until the initial contact is made between coach and player. If your wait-listed child can be placed on a team, you are most likely to receive a call before the second week in August. If mid-August comes and you haven’t heard any news, you can email the registrar at [email protected] for an update.

I missed onsite registration. Is it too late to register?

No, you may register online as long as registration is open. As before, all registrations will be placed on a waitlist. If we have room we will release the player from the waitlist and you will receive an email to complete payment online.  ALL LATE REGISTRATIONS MUST PAY ONLINE.  We will do our best to provide a great experience this fall for all our participants and look forward to your children playing this year.

Why does Registration Cost More after the Onsite Events?

A defined registration period is necessary to register the majority of our players over the course of four weeks. This registration timeline allows us to best use limited volunteer hours needed to coordinate extensive field, team, and training logistics for 1,600 players and 300 volunteers. Higher late registration fees encourage timely registration while accommodating some families who miss onsite registration.

Can I receive an extension to the onsite registration fee payment deadline

Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions after onsite registration ends.

I cannot afford to pay the registration fees. What do I do?

Burlingame AYSO endeavors to provide a quality soccer experience for all eligible players. Burlingame families who are unable to afford the registration expenses, must complete an "AYSO Scholarship Request" form and have it signed by the Regional Commissioner at our onsite registration. Scholarships are not available after onsite registration closes.

My child doesn’t want to play anymore. Are refunds available?

Yes. Please let us know as soon as possible, since there may be a player on a waiting list that can be accommodated. Our refund policy is as follows depending on when we receive your request:

Waitlisted players will receive a full refund if Burlingame AYSO informs you that no slot is available. If you’re notified that a slot is available and you choose not to take the slot, the standard refund policy below applies.Let us know as soon as possible if your child can’t participate in the season since there may be a player on a waitlist who can be accommodated. Our refund policy is as follows depending on when we receive your cancellation request:

• Received before July 1: full refund less a $25 processing fee
• Received July 1 until July 15: refund of 50%
• Received after July 15: no refund (Note: late cancellations have a large negative impact on team balancing; this isn't intended to be punitive but rather encourage cancellations as early as possible.)

Please note that this refund policy apples to withdrawal from the program for any reason, including but not limited to, other commitments, practice schedule conflicts and game conflicts, that arise after registration.

All refund requests must be made in writing to:
AYSO Region 63
[email protected]

Please allow 4-8 weeks for the processing of a refund request.

I have moved. How do I transfer my child to the new region?

Every region in AYSO conducts its own registration for the upcoming season. Transfers are not possible, however refunds are. See the refund guidelines for more information.

What other soccer expenses can I anticipate this year?

The registration covers all players’ expenses, including uniforms, the basic picture package, and supplemental accident insurance for AYSO-sponsored activities. Not included are the required shin guards, appropriate shoes, and a strongly recommended practice ball. Typically, the team parents will request a small amount to cover the expenses of a team banner, and possibly a gift for the coach. Additionally, parents are often requested to bring snacks for the team to one game during the season.

What if I have other registration questions?

If you have other questions, email us at [email protected].

Will I be on the same team as my brother/sister?

Requests for brothers and sisters to be on the same team will be honored whenever possible. Often, however, a parent may decide that it is not a good idea for their children to play together, which will also be honored whenever possible. These requests must be noted on each player’s registration form.

Can I request that my daughter/son be on the same team with friends?

At the U5/U6 level, we don't process friend requests for teams for logistical reasons; there are too many teams, players, and coaches to make this practicable. However, one of the perks of coaching in AYSO at the U5/U6 level is making player requests. Your best bet is for you or one of your friends to sign up to coach, and then make player requests. Teams at U7 level and above are built using a player rating system to help ensure the teams are balanced. So it's only at the U5/U6 level that we process coach player requests. While we can't guarantee we can fulfill coach player requests, we definitely do our best to make them happen and they usually do.

How can I request to be placed on a team which will not practice on a certain day due to a potential conflict with another activity?

Practices can be any day of the week, Monday through Friday, depending on a coach’s schedule. There is no way to assign players to coaches based on practice day preferences.

I am a single mother and cannot drive to practices. Therefore, I need my child to be on their friend’s team so that their mother can take my child to practice. What can I do?

Attach a note to your registration form describing your needs and circumstances. The regional registrar, when developing the teams, may be able to accommodate your request. Please note that the registrar considers many factors in the development of a team and may not be able to honor your request. (If the player is in the Under 10 and older divisions, balancing of the teams is important and special requests may be more difficult to honor.)

My child can’t make it to practices on the days the coach has chosen. What can I do?

If the problem is transportation, just speak to the coach or team parent. Someone will likely be available and willing to give your child a ride. If there are other activities (such as lessons of some kind), maybe it would be possible to adjust that schedule during soccer season. Please try to make it to practice. Your child is involved in a team sport. The team cannot learn to work together if there are players who consistently miss practices.

Are there coed teams?

No. There are no co-ed teams in any division.

Is there a program for children with special needs?

Yes! The VIP program is designed to meet the needs of physically and mentally challenged children. This program is an Area program handled by the San Mateo AYSO region. Please leave a message at 650-341-4112 for additional information.

What division does my child play in? What does 6U or 8U mean?

AYSO changed starting the MY2017 membership year to Birth Year Registration.

There are ten division designations in AYSO: 19U, 16U, 14U, 12U, 10U, 8U , 7U, 6U (Jamboree) 5U (Schoolyard) and 4U (Playground). The division designation 19U literally means that the player was “19 or under” on the December 31st at the end of the Membership Year.  Membership years still run from 8/1 to 7/31. Example: for MY2017 which runs from 8/1/2017 to 7/31/2018, if a child turns 8 on November 2, 2018, then he/she would play in the 8U division. If a child turns 9 on November 2, 2018, then he/she would play in the 10U division.  You can also use the BirthYear Chart.

How long is the season, how long are the games and how many games will my child play?

It is easiest to answer this question by division:

U4 (Playground) (3 year olds):  This program is not about playing soccer games, but developing the skills needed to play any sport.  We use soccer themed group activities and parent participation to develop the fundamental motor skills that prepare kids for all sports.  Sessions last about 1 hour and will be 7 consecutive sessions.  While Playground players participate in the Opening Day Parade, they start their sessions the following week.  Sessions will be on Village or Ray park in Burlingame.

U5 and U6 (4 & 5 year olds): There are no practices in these divisions. The kids simply play games every Saturday beginning on Opening Day. (Opening Day is always the first Saturday following Labor Day.) From year to year, we make adjustments to try and track the latest policies, guidelines and best practices set by the national AYSO organization. For the upcoming season, we anticipate that each game will last 20 minutes, split into two ten minute halves with a 5 minute halftime. All U5 and U6 children will play eight consecutive games with the final game being played the last Saturday in October. Games are generally played between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. All games are played on the Village or Ray Park field in Burlingame.

U7 and U8 (6 & 7 year olds): Practices are held once a week in this division and begin in mid-August. There are two to four practices prior to the first game. The first game occurs on Opening Day, which is always the first Saturday following Labor Day. The second game of the season is played on the immediate following Sunday of Opening weekend. All games are 40 minutes in length, with a brief halftime period. All U7/U8 children will play nine consecutive games, with the final game being played the last Saturday in October. Please note that win/loss records are not kept in this division. Games are generally played between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. All games are played in the outfield of Washington Park’s baseball field.

U10 (8 & 9 year olds): Practices are held once a week in this division and begin in mid-August. There are two to four practices prior to the first game. The first game occurs on Opening Day, which is always the first Saturday following Labor Day. The second game of the season is played on the immediate following Sunday of Opening weekend. All games are 50 minutes in length, with a 10 minute halftime period. All U10 children will play nine consecutive regular season games where the win/loss record is kept. All regular season games are generally played between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Following the regular season game, a Burlingame Cup tournament will occur. The two teams that make it to the finals of the tournament could play as late as the second Saturday in November.

U12 (10 & 11 year olds): Practices are held once a week in this division and begin in mid-August. There are four practices prior to the first game. The first game occurs on Opening Day, which is always the first Saturday following Labor Day. The second game of the season is played on the immediate following Sunday of Opening weekend. All games are 60 minutes in length, with a 10 minute halftime period. All U12 children will play ten consecutive regular season games where the win/loss record is kept. All regular season games are generally played between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Following the regular season game, a Burlingame Cup tournament will occur. The two teams that make it to the finals of the tournament could play as late as the second Saturday in November. The winning team of the Regular Season in this division will advance to the Area tournament, the first weekend in December.

U14 (12 & 13 year olds): Practices are held once a week in this division and begin in mid-August. There are four practices prior to the first game. The first game occurs on Opening Day, which is always the first Saturday following Labor Day. The second game of the season is played on the immediate following Sunday of Opening weekend. All games are 70 minutes in length, with a 10 minute halftime period. All U14 children will play ten consecutive regular season games where the win/loss record is kept. All regular season games may be played anywhere between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. depending on the field.  Following the regular season game, a Burlingame Cup tournament will occur. The two teams that make it to the finals of the tournament could play as late as the second Saturday in November. The winning team of the Regular Season in this division will advance to the Area tournament, the first weekend in December.

U16 (14 & 15 year olds) and U19 (16,17 & 18 year olds): This division participates in Area play and is a traveling team. Although there will be games in Burlingame, half of the schedule may require your player to travel to a neighboring city anywhere from Brisbane to Redwood City to Half Moon Bay. Practices begin the first week in August with the first games being played by the third week in August. Teams generally practice two times a week. Games can occur anytime Monday through Sunday. Usually there is one game a week, but occasionally there can be two. The regular season may run eight to ten games with an Area tournament following regular season. The winner of the Area will advance to sectional and perhaps State play. Games for U16 players are 80 minutes in length, while those for U19 players are the full 90 minutes in length.

What do I do if it’s raining on game day?

Just because it is wet outside, don’t assume that the games will be canceled. Kids are waterproof and have been known to play soccer in the rain. On rainy days, the fields will be checked for playability. If it is determined that we should stay off the field, you should receive an email from your team parent or coach. You can also check this website.

Why can’t my daughter keep her earrings on? She just got her ears pierced and she is can’t take them out or the holes will close.

Safety on the field is the first responsibility of every coach, referee, and all other AYSO officials. Players may not wear any earrings, bracelets, watches, barrettes, or any other object that could possibly cause injury to him/herself or another player. Pierced earrings will not be allowed, and covering them with tape is not an acceptable solution. NO EXCEPTIONS! If your child is considering a new ear piercing, please encourage them to defer the piercing until after the soccer season. (Also, please note that experience has proven that a freshly pierced ear will not close during the length of a game.)

What sort of hair clips can my child wear?

Metal and plastic hair clips are not allowed on the field for practice or during games. Players with long hair may wish to wear soft hair ties such as “scrunchies”. The referee shall decide if an article of clothing is unsafe.

How are injuries handled during a match?

The referee shall decide when to stop play to take care of an injury. At the younger ages (U6 and U8) the referees are encouraged to stop play immediately. Older players may attempt to feign an injury as a tactical move, or may “bounce back” from a minor fall. As a courtesy, a team is encouraged to kick the ball out of play, as the referee can most easily deal with the injury at that time. If a serious injury occurs, the referee will stop play as soon as he/she is aware of the injury.

A player that is bleeding shall not participate in the match until the bleeding has stopped and any blood on his/her clothing is covered or removed. (New parents please note that this seldom occurs.)

The doctor said that my son can play with his arm splint. Why can’t he play?

While the doctor may be representing your son’s interest appropriately, the risk to other players mandates that the splinted player limit his participation to that of moral support on the sidelines. Players may not wear casts or splints that could possibly cause injury to him/herself or another player. NO EXCEPTIONS! This rule applies to practices as well as games.

What about eyeglasses and hearing aids?

Prescription glasses, hearing aids and medical alerts bracelets may be worn to practices and games. The use of a strap to hold your eyeglasses and/or specialized eyeglasses for sport are recommended. The referee may request the medical alerts be taped down but NOT completely covered.

Is their a specific shoe requirement to play soccer? In other words, do our children have to wear cleats?

Players do not have to wear cleats to play. Athletic shoes are fine, especially for younger players. Cleats can, however, help the more aggressive older players with their footing on the sometimes slippery grass. If you buy cleats for your child, be sure to purchase soccer cleats. (Soccer cleats do not have a toe cleat.) If your child already owns cleats designed for another sport, that you wish them to utilize for soccer, please note that the toe cleat must be cut off to permit the shoe’s use on the soccer field.

How much do the board members, coaches and referees get paid?

Board members get the lowest pay, $0. Coaches and referees are more important so they get paid double, $00. We are an all volunteer organization. We do not receive any monetary incentives for being a board member, a coach or a referee. Working with children and seeing them develop is our reward.

What should I do if I’m having problems with the coach?

If a serious problem should arise concerning the coach, the parents should:

• Talk with the coach in a calm manner. Try to work out the problems like adults, away from the players. (A conversation outside the practice or game field is preferable.)
• If no solution can be reached during this conversation, the parents should contact the Division Coordinator.
• If the problem should persist, set up a meeting with the Coach Administrator, Division Coordinator and Coach.

My daughter doesn’t get along with her coach. Can she change teams?

Discuss the problem with your child and the coach and try to resolve the problem between yourselves. It is impossible to move teams around after they’re assembled.

I have some comments about the refereeing of my child’s game.

The referee administrators are your point of contact regarding referee issues, and are available to discuss any of your concerns. Please remember that the referees, like all other officials in AYSO, are volunteers who have dedicated a large amount of time and energy in training and refereeing every week. Your child’s game may be the referee’s third or fourth game of the day.

What do the referee badges mean?

Soccer referees in every league come to the game with differing degrees of training and experience. The badges represent the level of training the referee has accomplished. Ask a referee what his/her badge represents.

What should I do if a referee makes a terrible call?

As upsetting as it may be, the best course is to try to forget about the mistake and get back into the game. The referees are human, so they will make mistakes just like everyone else. Put yourself in their shoes and think how you would like people to respond if you made a mistake. Also, please keep in mind that the referee is on the field and is seeing the game from a completely different location than you, and that his interpretations and application of the laws may differ from yours.

I see some real bad referees out there. What can I do?

Contact the Regional Referee Administrator and find out when the next referee class is. Them come to the class and become a certified referee. We need people that know the game and can make the calls as they see them. What you cannot do is harass the referee no matter how poorly you think he/she is performing. Their poor performance may be the result of a lack of understanding of the laws of the sport on your part. Volunteers willing to referee games are difficult to come by.

I have never played soccer and I don’t know anything about soccer. Can I still become a coach or a referee?

You sure can. AYSO will provide you with all the training for free. The only thing we ask for is your time and commitment. Contact the Regional Coach Administrator or the Regional Referee Administrator to learn more. If coaching or refereeing is not for you, there are other ways you can help. Talk to the Regional Commissioner or another board member about how you can help bring this quality soccer program to your community. You’ll be glad you did.