San Mateo AYSO Region 36  P.O. Box 5316, San Mateo, CA 94402 650-341-4112

Frequently Asked Questions in San Mateo AYSO

General:

OK.  How do I register?

Information on registration locations is found on the website or at the AYSO telephone number listed above.  Families are encouraged to pre-register and print their own registration forms through the national eAYSO website.  These forms must be brought to one of the Open Registrations listed on the website.  Open Registration can only be done in person. 

Late registration is only done through the mail.  Since registration is first-come, first-served, the use of the Open Registration process is encouraged.

Volunteers (coaches, referees, etc.) have an online early registration option and can register their children at a discounted rate.  Please check the website if you are interested in volunteering.

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

San Mateo AYSO endeavors to provide a quality soccer experience for all eligible players.  Families who are unable to afford the registration expenses should contact the Regional Commissioner during the open registration times.

Will I be on the same team as my brother? 

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.

How do I request to be placed on a team with team practices on specific days?

Practices can be any day of the week but are typically Monday through Friday, and are at the convenience of the coach.  There is no way to assign players to coaches based on practice day preferences.

I am a single mother and cannot drive to practices, and need like my child to play with her friend.  What can I do?

Attach a note to your registration form describing your needs and circumstances.  The regional coordinators, when developing the teams, may be able to accommodate your request.  Please note that the coordinator 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 12 and older divisions, balancing of the teams is important and special requests may be more difficult to honor.)

Jimmy 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 parents. There is always someone who will 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 the schedule. 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.

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

Since you got your Player Registration Form mailed in as directed, then you are on the wait list the appropriate division.  Late registrants for divisions which have not reached their capacity are placed on teams soon after receipt of the form.  If you did not promptly hear back, the division is probably full and are on the wait list.

Every attempt is made to allow all players to play.  The total number of players in each division is determined based on the number of trained coaches available and the number of players registering during the open registration period.  With player and coach numbers, and the requirement that teams have a few substitute players yet be small enough to allow 3/4 play, a number of teams are developed.  Except for coaches and referees who complete their training in time, all players are processed on a first-come first-served priority basis.  Every player is registered that we have trained coaches and teams for.

Parents tend not to un-register their kids when they move from the area or decide not to play, so the region generally does not know who is not going to play until the initial telephone calls are made. If your wait-listed child can be placed on a team, you are most likely to receive a call starting in the second week of August.

I hope this helps. You may call the main number at 650-341-4112 and leave a message, but they likely will have little additional information until mid- to late- August.

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.  See the Regional Guidelines or here for information on refunds.

I have moved - how do I transfer my son to the new region?

Every region in AYSO conducts their own registration for the upcoming season.  Transfers are not possible, however refunds are.  See the Regional Guidelines or here for information on refunds.

If you have moved to another city and have already registered, you may still participate in the San Mateo program if you desire.  Unless you are living in a nearby city attendance at the practices and games may be difficult, and your child will probably have a more positive experience in the local program. Informing the new region that you have already registered in San Mateo and that you have just moved may help avoid additional expenses often charged in the Late Registration process.

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. Please leave a message at 650-341-4112 for additional information.

Are there coed teams?

No. There are not any co-ed teams in any division. 

What other soccer expenses can I anticipate this year?

The registration covers all player expenses, including 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 obtain snacks for the team at one game during the season.