Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the soccer options in Clarke County?
There are two main choices: Recreational Soccer &
Travel Soccer (ODSL). The recreational league is open to all registrants
and we aim to allow everyone to play a minimum of 50% of all games, regardless
of experience/skill level. The travel program is more elite, based on
tryouts. Recreational Levels for U14-U19, belong to the Suburban
Friendship League (SFL), as Clarke County cannot field enough teams at that age
level to provide season long competition. For U14+ up, Clarke Recreational
teams will play surrounding County teams (4 games here at the Park and 4
'Away').
When do fields close and how can I find out?
The Clarke County Parks and Recreation Department determines when the fields
need to close (always with thunder/lightening, often with heavy rain) and CCYSA
disseminates that information via the hotline & field conditions email (provide
your email on the registration form and you’ll get these automatically). Coaches
can use their discretion to cancel a practice or jointly agree to cancel a game
if the fields are open, but they feel the weather is too beastly. Communication
to players and the referee coordinator is the responsibility of the coaches, in
this situation. In general, however, soccer is an outdoor sport and the player
should dress for the weather. Rain, cold or heat are not of themselves factors
that cause cancellation of a game. If fields are closed, the hotline is updated
by 7:30am on weekends and by 3pm on weekdays. Once fields are closed, they do
not reopen that day. Hotline: 955-9002
Does CCYSA make up cancelled/rained out games?
Not all cancelled games
are rescheduled, especially at the younger levels. If both teams involved wish
to reschedule a cancelled game, they must notify the CCYSA representative and
the Referee coordinator of their desire to reschedule and a proposed date/time.
Once the game is rescheduled, the coaches will notify team members. Rescheduled
games will take priority over practices for field access, but all impacted
parties must be notified in advance. Some seasons will have an entire
weekend dedicated for making up rainouts.
Why are the soccer division age breakdowns Aug to July instead of being in
line with the school age breaks? The soccer
breakdowns are driven by Virginia Youth Soccer, not Clarke County. But, if your
child is on the edge of a break and wishes to play up with their grade, please note
this on the registration form. Players may play up a level on request, but
older children may not play down a level.
When & where are practices held?
Practices will be held Monday to Friday from either 5-6pm or 6-7pm.
The U6 teams practice one night a week. All other levels practice two nights a week. The practices will
be held either at the Clarke County Parks & Rec or at Johnson Williams Middle School.
Each parent is responsible for getting their children to the practices & games.
The practice days & times are determined by the coach, therefore, the actual
practice days for your team will not be known until teams are assigned.
What equipment is needed for each player?
Each player should come to practice and games prepared to play. Shin guards are
mandatory for all players. They should also bring soccer shoes (molded soles),
socks, a ball, a water bottle and dress for the weather. Shirts will be provided
for games and must be worn for games. Long sleeve shirts can be worn under the
team shirt. You may be able to obtain needed equipment through our Equipment
Exchange program. U6 players will receive a free soccer ball, as part of
their registration.
When will I find out which team my son/daughter has been assigned? The
teams are finalized after late registration & after the coaches' meeting, which
includes setting of
practice day(s)/time(s). Coaches will notify team members in the weeks following
that meeting. The CCYSA website will be updated with team information & practice
schedules, as well as game schedules.
How are Teams Assigned? [.pdf]
How many seasons are there & when do
I need to register? There are 2 seasons each
year (Fall & Spring). Registration for the Fall season is usually held in
June & July, with the actual season running from late August to end of October.
Registration for the Spring Season is usually held in January & February, with
the season running from late March to early June. Each season consists
of 7 or 8 games per team, held on Saturdays, and 2 nights a week of practices
(except our Under 6 division, which practices only 1 night a week). When
open, Registration is offered online or through the mail with the registration
form (on the "Forms" page of this site - Linked at top of this page).
Where can I find a copy of the rules? The rules can be found on the USYouthSoccer website, under small sided games. Click here to link to the site.
Who can Sponsor a team & How? Anyone (business or family) can sponsor a team. There is a form under the "forms" tab or it can be marked on your registration form, if you have a child playing with us. Your business or name of choice (assuming nothing offensive) will be printed on the team shirts & posted on our website. You will also receive an invitation to our picnic and a team picture plaque as a thank you. Payment of the sponsorship fee can be made by check or online (home page has a button).
