Do I Have to Come to an In-Person Registration?
You are required to come to an in-person registration if any of the following are true:
1. You need to pay with cash or check.
2. If any of your players need to verify their ages. Note that you can scan or take a photo of the birth certificate and either email it to registrar @ ayso894.net, or upload it to the website during the registration process. Images are deleted after they are verified.
3. If you are a new volunteer, you must verify your identity in-person.
Otherwise, you can register and pay online and do not need to attend an in-person registration.
Registration Age Breakdown
AYSO will be changing from a school year registration to a birth year registration in order to align with other American youth soccer program provider's interpretation of the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives.The date of age determination for registration is December 31 of the year AFTER the Membership Year (MY, which runs August 1-July 31), so for MY2023, the division in which the child will be placed is determined by their age on December 31, 2024. If a player turns 9 in calendar year 2023, that player would be in 10U during MY2023 (Fall and Spring). A 10 year old who turns 11 within 2024 would be in 12U, and so on. 5U is designed for 4 & 5 year olds. The player must be 4 years old by the date of the first Region activity for a given season. 
For more information about this change click here to be redirected to the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives website.What equipment does my child need?
Mandatory:
- Shinguards covered completely by socks
Recommended:
- Soccer cleats
- Soccer ball (See the Season Information Page for what size ball your child should have)
All players must have shinguards covered completely by socks during all games and practices. It is the coach’s responsibility to enforce this during practice and the referee’s during a game. THIS WILL BE ENFORCED. The entire shinguard must be completely covered by socks. No exceptions.
Cleats are not required, but recommended for 10U and higher. Tennis shoes are acceptable.
Cleats should be specifically designed for soccer. Soccer cleats won’t have rough or sharp edges. The referee has the final say on what is safe for games and the authority to ask a player to remove unsafe or improper equipment.
What about uniforms?
In the Fall, each player will receive a uniform which includes shorts, a jersey and socks. In the Spring, an 894-logoed t-shirt is provided.
What about pierced ears, jewelry, hair beads, etc.?
No jewelry of any kind may be worn by players during games or practices. It is the coach’s responsibility to enforce this during practice and the referee’s during a game. THIS WILL BE ENFORCED. If you or your child isn’t willing to remove such items then they won’t be able to participate. This is in accordance with Law 4 of the IFAB Laws of the Game.
Hard hair beads are permissible, but must be secured in a pony tail or bun to avoid hazards to other players, in a manner acceptable to the Coach or Referee. Hair beads that are close to the scalp may be a hazard to that player, but will be permitted.
What about Band-Aids or tape covering newly pierced earrings?
Covered earrings are still dangerous to your player and others. If you or your child aren’t willing to remove such items then the child can’t participate.
Players on a team, on the field? Soccer Ball size? Game duration?
*Regions may adjust players if needed, depending on player numbers.
**Player must be 4-years-old by the time the first game begins.
5U and 6U play Jamboree-style, meaning the teams may (and usually do) change from week to week. Assigned teams begin at 8U.
How to I get announcements?
Either of the following:1. Join our announcement mailing list by sending email to [email protected].2. Like us on Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ayso894 What’s the best way to get field updates or field closures?
1. The registration confirmation email contains a season-specific code to text to 84483 (RainedOut). 2. Monitor the field status on this website's home page.3. Watch for field updates on Facebook (AYSO Soccer Monrovia (894))When and where will games and practices be?
Your coach will let you know the details for your team. For 5U & 6U, practices are on the same day as games (always on Saturday mornings). For 8U and up, practices are held once or twice a week, usually on a M/Th or Tu/Fri combination, with 5PM and 6:15PM start times (often alternating). The 8U games are scheduled to begin right after 5U/6U sessions end. Games are usually on Saturday, unless prior arrangements for a team have been made. See the registration page for the season to find out the exact dates.Practice/Home Game Field Locations
5U-8U - Endeavor Elementary School Field, 1997 Old Railroad Bed Rd, Harvest, AL
5U-8U - Madison Crossroads Community Center, 11329 Pulaski Pike, Toney, AL 35773
10U - Asbury Harvest Church Field, 8089 Wall Triana Hwy, Harvest, AL
12U - Harvest Baptist Church Field, 8999 Wall Triana Hwy, Harvest, AL
14U - Calvary Baptist Church Field, 126 Douglass Rd NW, Huntsville, AL
16U-19U - Madison Crossroads Community Center, Toney, AL.How much playing time will my child get?
In AYSO every child plays at least half a game. In our region, every child must play 3/4 of the game before anyone plays the entire game. We encourage participation in all practices, as well as games. Practices are very important for the team to bond and learn new skills.What does the U stand for in 5U?
5U means players were 5 years old and under as of December 31 looking ahead of the Membership Year. Our Membership Years run from August through July of each calendar year. 6U is 6 years and under; 8U is 8 and under, etc.Can I play on a team with my friend? What if I have to ride with someone?
Friend requests are not honored. We may honor carpool requests for younger ages, with good justification, if we believe the request will not adversely affect team balancing. “Balanced teams” is an AYSO core philosophy. Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because it’s more fun and a better learning experience when teams of similar ability play. It allows for each player to gain the experience of a wide variety of teammates of different skill levels.What is the Build Out Line?
The build out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting. It will be used for the 10U division only.
When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play. Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed). After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal. The opposing team must also move behind the build out line during a goal kick until the ball is put into play.
What about goalkeeper punts or drop kicks?
In 10U, if a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.
Can I request a specific coach?
No. The only person guaranteed a certain coach is the coach’s child. Only one assistant coach will be figured into the placement of players.Can I bring pets to the practices or games?
We know your pet is another valued member of your family. But because others may have allergies or be scared of animals, AYSO Region 894 does not allow pets on our fields. It is AYSO's goal to make the soccer season as safe as possible for you, your family and even your pets. That's why we ask that you to leave your beloved family pet at home.What about drugs, alcohol, tobacco or electronic cigarettes?
Not allowed on or around the fields.Who is the coach?
Coaches are parents. They are volunteers. They are usually a parent of one of the players on the team.How do I become a coach?
Visit How to Become a Coach or contact the Coach Administrator at coach [at] ayso894.net.Do I have to volunteer?
No, but if you want your child to play then you really need to take a coach and/or a referee clinic to help you understand the game of soccer better and to be able to help your child become a better player. It will bring you and your child closer together. Kids love to brag “MY PARENT IS THE COACH.”What if there isn’t a coach for my child’s team?
All teams MUST have a coach, so if a parent doesn’t come forward to coach then the team MAY dissolved and these children might not have an opportunity to play. Once again, you can become a coach and get close to your child. It will give you a chance to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
But I don’t know how to coach! That’s fine! We will train you the AYSO way and give you the knowledge you need to be a coach.
I don’t have the time! If you are going to be at your child’s games and practices each week to watch then you’re there already, so you might as well do it for your kid.Do I have to obey the Referee?
YES! The center referee is the final authority at the field from the time they step onto the field until they leave. They have the authority to send off players, coaches and spectators, and to terminate the game if they deem it necessary.How do I become a Referee?
Visit the Referee Page or contact the Referee Administrator at ref [at] ayso894.net.Who is paid in AYSO?
AYSO is an all-volunteer organization. No one is paid except at the National Headquarters in California and then it’s only a few full-time people. Everyone in our region volunteers their time so the kids will be able to play soccer. Please remember no one is paid, and all coaches, referees, the Regional Commissioner and the Board are giving freely of their valuable time so your child will have the opportunity to play soccer.What about yelling at the coaches, referees?
This is not allowed. Only positive feedback is allowed. Things like "Good job Johnny, nice pass" or "That's okay you'll get it next time.” Spectators can be asked to leave the fields if the get out of hand. Please be kind and make your child proud of you. After all, you are there for your child, so make them proud.What if my question was not answered?
Send your question to [email protected].