Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not find answers here, feel free to write to [email protected].
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Q: How do I register my child for the Rondout Soccer Club (RSC)?
A: While registration is open, click on the Register Now button in the upper right corner to create an account, and then select I am a parent or guardian to complete your child or children's registration. It's that simple.
Q: Is there limited spaces for children to register?
A: Yes, RSC is entirely volunteer run. Space is limited to the number of coaches and volunteers to safely provide an enriching soccer experience. Register early to ensure there is space available on the teams for your child. Also, consider volunteering to coach so we are able to accommodate more teams.
Q: How much does it cost to register a player?
A: The fee for the RSC program is $40. AYSO National charges an annual registration fee of $25 each calendar year (2024-25). Sports Connect charges a $2.75 service fee. If you have several children registered, you will receive $10 off for each sibling registered in the program. The Playground Program (3 year olds) is $20.
Q: Do I need to volunteer for my child to play?
A: It is not a requirement that you volunteer. However, remember that we rely on volunteers, especially coaches, to keep the club going, and there are many ways to help out that require very little time.
Q: Are scholarships available?
A: If you need assistance to cover a portion of the registration fees, please send an email to [email protected].
Q:How do Age Divisions work? Why can't I adjust my child's division?
A: See our Age Division FAQ.
Q: What days are practices held?
A: It varies by season. In the Fall and Spring all practices take place Tuesdays or Thursdays or both. Practice times are chosen by each head coach at the start of the season. Click on the League Schedule tab for the overall important dates and Posted Schedules to see the current for specific teams.
Q: When are the games?
A: In the Fall and Spring, games for all divisions are played on Saturdays, between 9:00 - noon. They last between 30 - 50 min depending on age division.
Q: When will I know which team my child is on?
A: We publish the rosters by early September for the Fall season and early April for the Spring. There is currently no Winter Program.
Q: Where do we play games?
A: All games are held at Marbletown Park on Tongore Road.
Q: What equipment do I need? If I don't have it, can you help with that?
A: See our Equipment FAQ.
Q: Is there a minimum playing time for each child during a game?
A: As a rule, every player in an AYSO club team is guaranteed to play one half of each game unless he/she shows up to the game after halftime or too late to be substituted in for enough playing time. It is the policy of RSC that every child plays three-quarters of the game before a player plays a full game. Because of the nature of the numbers of kids on a team, this may not be possible for every individual game. Exceptions to this policy include a player that is consistently late or not showing up for training sessions, being disruptive to the team, or being disrespectful to the coach, their teammates or their opponents. In cases such as this, the coach has the right to play that player only one-half of a game.
Q: As a head coach, can I pick my assistant coach?
A: Yes. When you register, indicate you want to be a Head Coach. Your assistant needs to register as an Assistant Coach. As a head coach, you are allowed to pick the assistant coach – the assistant cannot pick the head coach. Send your request to the Coach Administrator at [email protected].
Q: What are the responsibilities for assistant coaches?
A: The duties of an assistant coach vary from team to team. Also, the number of parents that help out will also dictate the duties that are shared. Sometimes, the assistant coach is the one that runs most of the practices while the head coach focuses on the administrative aspects of the team. On most teams, the assistants are requested to attend as many practices as possible. For the safety of the children, 2 adults must be present at each practice.
It is critical that the head coach and assistant coach work out an arrangement that both suits them and maintains the best environment and enthusiasm level for the team. Some teams have their assistants because the head coach cannot attend all of the team functions. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact the Coach Administrator at [email protected].
Q: How do I find out of a game is canceled due to weather or unsafe fields?
A: You will receive an email from the league by 430pm on a weekday or 8am on Saturday if activities are cancelled. If you do not receive an email, games/practices are on.
Q: What do we do if it rains?
A: See above question. Assume the game will be played unless you hear otherwise. At the field, only the Referee has the ability to abandon (cancel) a match.
Q: Can casts or braces be worn while playing or practicing?
A: No casts or splints are allowed at any time in a game or training session. This includes anything whose purpose is to prevent a bone or joint from moving. No player who recently had to wear a cast or splint can practice or participate in a game until the player has a signed release by their doctor and parents. A brace, whose purpose is to protect a joint but allow movement may be allowed if in the opinion of the Referee, they are soft, like an Ace bandage, they are padded and they have no exposed sharp edges or exposed metal ribs which might catch another player. Soccer is a contact support. We wish to ensure that it is safe for the players, their teammates, and their opponents. The Referee always has the final decision.
Q: When are the monthly Board Meetings?
A:Typically the third Friday of the Month in the evening. As the schedule periodically changes and the location varies, please contact our Regional Commissioner for details as to the next date and location as well as to receive the agenda ([email protected]).
Q: Can I request a specific Coach?
A: After registering, you can email the Regional Commissioners to request a specific Coach. We can't make any promises that you child will be placed on that team, but we will do our best to make as many accommodations that we can.