Frequently asked Questions for Recreational Players
When does the recreation season start? The 2010 season begins with Saturday games on Sept. 11 and goes through Nov. 16th.
When do practices start? We will kick off the season with our Recreational Week during the week of August 23. Please see calendar of events for dates, times and location for your division.
When do I register for Recreational Soccer?
Walk in registration is March 27, 2010. Check the registration page for exact times and location. All players registered at the walk-in registration on March 27 are guaranteed a space on a team and also have the opportunity to sign up for our discounted Spring Break camp and ONE summer camp. Registration will continue up until the season begins and/or teams are full. If you miss or are unable to attend the walk-in registration on March 27, you may mail in your registration packet. Please go to our website at: www.lightningsoccerclub.com, click on the 2010 Recreational Registration icon and follow directions.
What do I need to bring to Recreational soccer sign ups?
If you are new to the league, bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport. A returning player will not need this since we have one on file.
What happens if I forget to register on time?
You can still download the registration packed off our website, complete, and mail into the office. Registrations received after June 1 will be charged a $20 late fee.
I would like to be a coach, assistant coach, or team parent. What should I do?
Every year we need more coaches, assistants and team parents. The league depends on parents to fill all these positions. Be sure to fill out the volunteer opportunities form attached to the registration packet letting us know which spot you would like to fill. For coaches and assistants, our Division Coordinators will be your source of information. We only form teams for the number of coaches we have. All other players will be placed on a waitlist until another coach comes forward.
What is required to be a coach?
First, we ask you to attend the coaches meeting in July. The 2010 requirements for coaching are set by our parent organization, California Youth Soccer Association. Each coach must go through the risk management (fingerprinting) process. If you have already been through the fingerprinting process, you do not need to do it again. Coaches are also required to have either the YM1 or YM3 Coaches license. Our Director of Coaching, Michael Duggan will instruct the YM1 class on Friday, August 13 from 6 to 9 PM at Stagecoach Park. For detailed information, contact our Director of Recreation.
What is required to be a team parent?
The team parent is the liaison between the Coach and other parents. The team parent usually puts the team roster together, assigns the snack schedule, disperses the picture day information and/or planning the “End of the Season Party”. In addition, the coach may make other requests, such as asking her (him) to make a few phone calls reminding parents and players of practice times, game changes, etc. Also, we ask all team parents to attend the team parent meeting which will be held during Recreational Week.
I would like to sponsor my child’s team. Who do I contact?
The registration fees do not completely cover the costs of running the soccer league. The league needs team sponsors to help cover the additional cost to run the recreational league. Team sponsorships are $300.00. Complete a sponsor sheet when you come to walk in registration, or download one off the website and mail it in to the address on the form. You can also contact our sponsor coordinator by going the administration page on our website.
How will I be placed on a team?
Considerable effort is made to balance the teams and provide competition that is enjoyable to both players and parents alike. Players are placed on teams using the following criteria:
- Balance between olders and youngers on each team
- Requests to play for a certain coach or with a friend or neighbor
- By school and/or location
Ok…so how many practices will there be?
Each team will typically practice one day per week. We have approximately 75 coaches who volunteer each year. Depending on their work or personal schedules, coaches usually pick the best day, time and location that will fit into their schedule. Typically a practice lasts 1 hour.
How will I find out what team I am on?
Coaches will receive their rosters at the Coaches meetings which are held at the end of July. Your coach should contact you by the first week of August.
Can I make a request at sign up?
Yes, you may request to play for a certain coach or friend/neighbor. Please write your request on top of the CYSA Registration form.
Can I be on a team with all my friends?
Probably not. We will do our best to honor at least one of your requests. However, we cannot guarantee placement with all of your friends. Our most important goal in making placements is balancing the teams to provide competition that is enjoyable for everyone involved.
Why can’t I choose who I want to be on a team with?
Unfortunately, when players and/or parents start choosing up teams, the teams can become unbalanced. Volunteer coordinators spend a tremendous amount of time putting teams together to ensure a positive, successful experience for all players.
How can I help?
There are many ways for parents to help. The Carlsbad Lightning soccer club’s recreational program is run by a large group of volunteers. We invite you to join us for a memorable experience, assuring a great season for our kids. Some volunteer positions start and finish before the season starts, some may last the season, and some positions involve simply one event. Please review and complete the Volunteer Opportunities form in the Registration Packet and bring it to walk-in registration on March 27.
What are my responsibilities as a parent?
You are responsible for getting your child to practices, games, and other team functions on time (for games, this often means at least 30 minutes prior to game time) and picking up your child promptly afterwards.
