YUKON SOCCER CLUB YUKON, OKLAHOMA

Frequently Asked Questions

What do registration costs include? Registration costs cover player insurance, field maintenance, referee fees, online registration maintenance, and end of season rewards.. Board members are volunteers.
How are recreational teams formed? Players returning to the same team are assigned first provided registration form is turned in by the last sign-up session. Returning players requesting different teams and new players are then assigned. No early sign-ups. Order of sign-up does not make a difference as long as it is turned in during the registartion period. Every effort is made to satisfy requests and to place players with friends in the same grade and school district. However, it is impossible to satisfy every request. In some situations there will be more players than teams available. At that point we will begin contacting parents to look for volunteer coaches.
What is required to coach? YSC coaches are volunteers. No special training is required for recreational coaches. You do not have to have a child playing to be a coach. Each volunteer must complete a background check. Coaches clinics will be offered to assist coaches and more experienced coaches are often willing to provide guidance to new coaches.
What is the minimum age for playing? Players must turn 4 before August 1st for fall season and before February 1st for spring season.
My child does not meet the minimum age range for the season, but he/she is very [big/strong/athletic/coordinated] for his/her age. Can we still sign up? No. AYSO is a national organization with very strict guidelines regarding age requirements. AYSOs accident and liability insurance depends on the players being the proper age to play and being placed in their age appropriate divisions. Children who do not meet the age requirement are not permitted to play. Be patient theyll grow up before you know it!
In school, my child is with classmates who are [younger/older]. May my child "play down" in a younger division or "play up" in an older division to be on teams with kids with whom he/she goes to school? No, players cannot "play down". The player divisions are based on birthdates. The AYSO "year" runs from August 1st through July 31st. Many children are in "different" divisions than their school classmates. We encourage you to view this as a positive experience - it will allow your child to broaden his/her relationships outside of school and enjoy making new friends. Players/teams may be permitted to "play up" as the situation is appropriate. Please visit with the registar or a board member to request playing up.
What does the "U" stand for? The U stands for under the age given. Another words, U5 means age 4 as of August 1st, U6 means age 5 as of August 1st, etc.
Why is my child on a [boys/girls/coed] team? U6 teams will nearly all be coed and will play both boys and girls. Some seasons there will be enough all girl or all boys teams to create "girl" or "boy" divisions, along with the "coed" division. In U8 and above, teams labeled as "girl" will consist of all girl players and play only all girls teams. Most boys teams are labeled "coed" and typically consist of all boys, but can have girls on the teams. Coed teams can also be all girls teams electing to play in the "boys"/"coed" division. A U8 and above girl will be assigned to a girls team unless a special request is made - OR - the number of teams to player ratio is off. If this happens the parents will be contacted before the girl is placed on a coed team.
How and when will I know what team my child is on? Coaches are given rosters at each season's coaches meeting. Players should be called shortly after. If you do not hear from a coach within a week of rosters being distributed, please email the registar.
Where & when are practices? Practices are scheduled by the coaches of each team. Practices are typically once or twice a week. Practices can be held at local parks, schools, churches, etc. Practice at game fields is strongly discouraged.
What equipment is required? Players will need to purchase a uniform (coordinated by each coach), cleats, shin guards, and an age appropriate ball. [Read more on the gear page.]
Why must shin guards be worn under the socks? Safety is the primary reason. Some types of shin guards are hard shell instead of soft, and may have sharp edges that could cut a player. By wearing their socks over the shin guards, players protect each other. Also, wearing the socks over the shin guards prevent the shin guards from shifting during running or when being kicked, which allow the shin guards to protect the areas they are supposed to.
When it gets cold can the players wear a sweatshirt? When needed, sweatshirts, etc can be worn under uniforms so that teams can still be distinguished. Hats can be especially important. Games will be played unless there is lightening (yes, we can play in the rain if the fields are not flooded) or it is too cold to be safe.
Is it OK for players to wear jewelry during practice and game? No. Jewelry of any kind (necklaces, watches, earrings, rings, bracelets, etc.) cannot be worn during practice or games. There is an exception for Med-Alert bracelets, but they must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band for the safety of your child and all the other players.
What about eyeglasses and hearing aids? Glasses, hearing aids, and med-alerts may be worn to practices and games. The use of an eyeglass holder/strap or sports-glasses is recommended. As stated above, Med-Alerts must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band as a safety measure.
What kind of hair accessories are acceptable? Any hair accessories should not be made of metal or plastic, and should not be rigid. Soft hair accessories such as "scrunchies" and soft rubber bands are recommended and acceptable.
Can we put names on the player's jerseys? Names are not allowed on jersey's for the safety of the kids. It is too easy for a stranger to call them by name.
Are there games on Czech weekend? No.
What time are the games? Game times will vary from week to week. Typically the first game kicks-off at about 9am and the final game is over before 5pm.
What happens on game day? Check with your coach for how early to arrive. You will want to be there in time to listen to the coach, warm up, stretch, and undergo the equipment check by the referee before each game. Every player must wear shin guards to play. All jewelry must be removed. Spectators may bring blankets or chairs to sit on. The coach will assign players to start the game. For U-8 and above, the coach will pick team captains who will meet with the Referees at the center spot for the coin toss. The captains will choose "heads or tails". The winner will pick the goal they want to defend or to have the first kick off.

Quarters: At the U-4, U-6 and U-8 Levels the game is broken into quarters (click here for Rules).

Half Time: This break happens in the middle of each game and the time allowed varies with each age level (click here for Rules). This break is longer than the breaks between quarters. It too is a time for water, rest, and receiving direction and encouragement from the coach. Some teams plan refreshments during half time. This is up to the discretion of the coach. If you do plan refreshments other than water, don't give anything heavy to avoid cramping or stomach aches. Ideal half time snacks are oranges or bananas cut into manageable pieces and WATER. Most teams save refreshments until after the game. These after game snacks usually consist of chips, crackers, cookies etc. and a juice box, fruit drink, or sports drink, and WATER etc.

After The Game: It is important to thank the Officials. All the players from both teams will line up along the center line of one of the fields, one team on each side of the center spot and outside of the center circle. The teams will walk in a line towards each other, walking just left of the center line with their right hands extended out above the center line. One team will be on each side of the line. As the players pass each other over the center spot they will shake hands and exchange positive words about the game and wish each other good fortune in the future. It is unsporting behavior to make any discouraging comments. (In reality?....... the kids will run past each other, somewhere near the middle of the field, slapping each others hands to a resounding chorus of "good game, good game...."). In the younger ages friends and family form a tunnel for the kids from both teams to run under while being cheered for good efforts. The teams return to get their after game snacks and words of praise from their coaches and parents who are now allowed into the technical area. Coaches may use this time to inform parents about upcoming events or schedule changes. Be sure to clean up after your snacks. Be aware that the next team is waiting to set up for their game. Extended post game discussions should be moved away from the field.
Are coaches allowed on the field with the players? At the U6 level, coaches are on the field with the players helping to direct them. At U8 and above, coaches are on the sidelines. Please read through the rules for more detail on how our small-sided games are run.
Do teams switch sides/goals during the game? Yes, the teams will switch to the opposite goal at the half.
Who can I ask for help on game days if there is a problem? Field Marshals will be at the Ranchwood fields on game days. Look for them in yellow shirts with Field Marshal on the back. They are there to help resolve any issues and answer questions. You can also contact the Field Marshal Committee Chair by email at fieldmarshal@yukonsoccer.net.
Where do I look for weather related cancellations? If fields are closed and games are cancelled they will be posted on the main page of this website. You can also call the hotline (405)350-1726. Since the weather changes often, cancellations will not happen until the last possible chance but with as much warning as possible. Games may be evaluated on an hourly basis. For games scheduled at other clubs, please check the links page to visit the clubs website. YSC only cancels games played at the Ranchwood and Cornwell fields. In the event that YSC cancels games, typically the league will reschedule those games to a different date. Watch the website for details when that happens.
What if I need to reschedule a game? Click here for instructions on rescheduling.
How long is the season? Each season consists of at least 8 games. Games are primarily scheduled on Saturday with a few Sunday afternoons. Games needing rescheduled might be played on weeknights.
Can I get a refund? Full refunds are available prior to the first game. Email the registar for more information.
Are trophies awarded? We recognize 1st and 2nd place of U7/8 and U9/10 (and older) divisions. All U5/6 players receive awards for participation and no standings are kept for this age. Please note that Yukon Soccer Club awards Yukon soccer teams. Read about how the standings are kept on the schedules page.
Is there an award ceremony? Traditionally, YSC holds an award ceremony in January for the Fall season and in May for the Spring season. Watch the website for details.
Is there a club photographer? YSC does not have a club photographer. Coaches should arrange team pictures (if the team chooses) with the photographer of their choice. Remember - schedule early for green grass and less rush.
How can I submit pictures for the website? Please do not flood the webmaster with pictures. If you have a single picture to send then it must be a horizontal picture resized to 72dpi and 425 x 283 pixels. If you are uncertain how to do this, please email the webmaster for assistance. Please keep in mind that displaying pictures of minors on websites should be done with caution. It is the responsibility of the person submitting the picture to make sure the responsible adult of each child pictured has consented to the picture being displayed on the website.
Can teams do fundraising? Fundraising is handled individually by teams as needed.
Who runs the concession stand? The concession stand is managed by a board member and staffed by volunteers. Each team is asked to provide a minimum of 2 hours of volunteering for the snack shack. Please email us to volunteer. You will not be scheduled during a game you want to watch.
Where can I go with questions, comments, or complaints? Any board member is available via email. Parents and coaches are also encouraged to visit board meetings. Check the events calendar for dates and locations.
Can I volunteer? Absolutely! YSC is run by volunteers!! Email any board member or questions@yukonsoccer.net and let us know how you are willing to help. We need volunteers to coach, field marshal, work the concession stand, work on fields, donate time/effort/money, and much more!
What is the difference between competitive and recreational? Recreational players are assigned to teams simply by signing up. Coaches are volunteers. Competitive soccer teams are formed by tryouts with professional coaches and include monthly training fees. Competitive soccer tryouts are available for players aged U11 and older. Read more about our competitive program here.
What is the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and what role do they play for soccer in the United States? US Youth Soccer (USYSA) is the largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body for soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer is a nationwide body of over 600,000 volunteers and administrators, and over 300,000 dedicated coaches, most of whom also are volunteers. US Youth Soccer registers over 3,000,000 youth players between the ages of five and nineteen. US Youth Soccer is made up of 55 member State Associations(ours is OSA); one in each state, and two in California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. US Youth Soccer is non-profit and educational organization whose mission is to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition. Their job is also to make it fun, and instill in young players a lifelong passion for the sport.
What is the Oklahoma Soccer Association (OSA) and why is it important that our soccer club be affiliated with them? The Oklahoma Soccer Association (OSA) is the aforementioned soccer association for the state of Oklahoma. They are responsible for promoting soccer and the formation of soccer clubs all over the state. It is through affiliation with OSA that soccer clubs throughout Oklahoma have the ability to form relationships with other soccer clubs in the state, thus giving clubs the flexibility to form traveling competitive teams, traveling recreational teams. In addition, OSA affiliated clubs can host and attend both recreational and competitive tournaments and apply to host state tournaments. Non-affiliated clubs cannot do anything outside of their own club.