Frequently Asked Questions:
updated 05.22.26
CAN I REQUEST MY PLAYER PLAYS UP A DIVSION?
This season is an adjustment for all of us, and we recognize that some players are being placed in new divisions after playing with the same friends for several years. The age divisions have been realigned to better group players with peers who are closer in both developmental stage and school-age experience. This supports not only skill development, but also confidence, safety, and positive social interactions on the field. For this reason, we are also taking a firm stance with adopting the new age guidelines. The only time we will make an exception to play a player up is if a parent is willing to be the Head or Assistant Coach of the team they are joining.
CAN I REQUEST THAT MY PLAYER PLAYS IN A LOWER DIVISION IF I FEEL THEY AREN'T READY?
In AYSO, unfortunately, we cannot move players down to a younger division. This policy is in place to ensure fairness across teams and to maintain both physical safety and appropriate development for all players.
CAN I REQUEST A CERTAIN COACH?
In the past, our region allowed coaches to keep teams together from season to season and accepted friend requests in the 6U-8U divisions. Moving forward, we will be aligning more closely with AYSO’s Balanced Teams philosophy, which is a core principle of the program. Balanced Teams are designed to create a fair and positive experience for all players by ensuring teams are formed as evenly as possible. This approach supports player development, encourages new friendships, and fosters a fun, inclusive environment for everyone.
As a result, we will no longer be able to honor requests for specific coaches, teammates, or keeping prior teams intact in the 6U–8U divisions. The only guaranteed placements will be for up to two players per team—the children of the Head Coach and Assistant Coach. Both volunteers must be cleared to be added to the roster but not later than July 20th, so that our Division Coordinators may start team formation in our non-competitive divisions.
CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT DAY PRACTICES ARE?
Practices will be determined by each coach at the beginning of the season. You will need to wait until your child is placed on a team and the coach contacts you to find out the practice schedule. Coaches may practice at any of our AYSO permitted parks that are located throughout East Chula Vista. Teams typically practice 1-2 times per week.
WHAT TIME ARE GAMES?
Games in the Fall season are held on Saturday. Games in the Spring season are held on Sunday. The game schedule will be released as soon as it is done, likely a few weeks before the first game of the season. To make the schedule we need to ensure all teams have coaches in place.
WHAT ITEMS DOES MY CHILD NEED TO PLAY?
Shin guards (required), soccer cleats, a size appropriate soccer ball (see below), and water at each practice & game.
WHAT SIZE SOCCER BALL DO THEY NEED?
Size 3 for 4U, 5U, 6U, 7U, 8U
Size 4 for 10U and 12U
Size 5 for 14U and older
WHAT IS THE AYSO NATIONAL FEEL FOR?
The player fee, $25.00 goes directly to the National AYSO office. This covers soccer accident insurance, and it acts as your player's membership fee. It is an annual fee, so you only pay it once per Fall/Spring membership year. Please note that this is a non-refundable fee.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD'S TEAM DOES NOT GET A COACH?
AYSO is an 100% volunteer organization, and we rely on parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings and family friends to volunteer as coaches for your children's teams. If no one from a team steps up to volunteer as a team coach, then we are left with no alternative but to disband the team. This is a last resort, but without volunteers we cannot have a team. This is why it is so important for parents to step up to volunteer. Coaching is also a very rewarding experience. Each volunteer coach plays a very important role as a role model and mentor to the children they coach. We offer online and in person coaching courses and a Coach Admin team to help you through the season. If you are interested in coaching, please email us at [email protected]!
WHERE CAN WE CHECK IF FIELDS ARE CLOSED DUE TO RAIN?
The City of Chula Vista posts the status of the fields during the business day at this link.
I WANT TO COACH BUT DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT SOCCER. SHOULD I STILL VOLUNTEER?
YES!! AYSO provides training for all new and returning coaches. We have an experienced coaching staff that is here to assist all coaches. Everyone was once a new volunteer, and without volunteers we cannot have a program that will be the best possible for our children
WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR REGION GUIDELINES?
AYSO Region 116 - Regional Guidelines
CAN I BRING MY DOG TO GAMES OR PRACTICES?
AYSO and the school districts do not allow pets of any kind (except service dog which is a dog specifically trained to perform work for a person with a disability) to be at the fields during practice or games.
HOW DO I REQUEST FOR A REFUND?
You would fill out the Region 116 Request Form. Please pay close attention to the timelines outlined and note that the $25 National Fee is non-refundable.