Question: When is registration?
Answer: Registration for the Fall Recreation league will begin April 1, registration forms will be posted closer to that date.
Question: What is the cost and are scholarships available?
Answer: See the home page for more information
Scholarships are available; please ask for an application at the walk-in registration or download from registration page.
Question: What is the youngest age a child must be in order to register?
Answer: Players must be 4 years old by July 31, 2013 to qualify for the U6 group.
Question: When does the season start?
Answer: The Fall season begins in mid-August and ends before Thanksgiving.
Question: What equipment do I need?
Answer: Each child needs cleats, shin guards, soccer socks, water bottle and a soccer ball for practices. Soccer balls come in different sizes; #3 for U8, #4 for U10 & U12, #5 for U14 and up. Many sporting goods stores and others offer soccer supplies. Ask your coach or contact the club if you have further questions.
Feb 05 – U.S. Soccer Federation Statement on Head Injuries in Soccer and Padded Headgear
An emerging issue in the world of soccer is the use of padded headgear by players to prevent concussions. There have been a number of conflicting claims and reports about the medical benefits and risks of this headgear, and USSF has received a number of inquiries from its members about whether use of headgear is either appropriate or recommended.
USSF’s Sports Medicine Committee has reviewed a great deal of scientific literature relating to head injuries in soccer and the safety benefits of padded headgear. After careful review, the Sports Medicine Committee finds no evidence that wearing this sort of headgear is beneficial to players, and is concerned that it might actually lead to more injuries.
The Sports Medicine Committee’s conclusion is based upon an understanding of the mechanism by which concussions occur in soccer and other sports. Concussions are frequently caused by the force by which the head and neck snap back after impact, with the brain impacting on the inside of the hard skull – not the actual force of the impact. These injuries are common in American football and hockey despite elaborate helmets and padding. Padded headgear designed to decrease impact will not reduce the prevalence of these types of concussions.
The Sports Medicine Committee is also concerned that the use of headgear in soccer may alter the game in ways that would be detrimental. For example, players may develop a false sense of security, play more aggressively, and not learn proper technique – thus potentially increasing the frequency of concussions. As an example, head and neck injuries have increased in ice hockey and football since the introduction of helmets in those sports.
Yet another concern with this equipment is that parents and coaches are using headgear to return players to play who have already suffered a concussion. Headgear should not be a substitute for proper medical evaluation and treatment of concussions, and should not be used to hasten return to play after a concussion.
Again, the Sports Medicine Committee is concerned that this headgear gives players a false sense of security. Ironically, the major push for use of headgear has been within the community of players least likely to need head protection. There appears to be a significant increase in the use of headgear by youth players 12 and under, even though players at this level are the least likely to engage in play that would lead to concussions.
USSF issued a memorandum last year indicating that players may be permitted to wear headgear as long as the referee does not have reason to believe it is dangerous to the player or other players. USSF stands by this statement. However, this should not be taken as an indication that USSF recommends use of this equipment to prevent concussions. To the contrary, USSF is concerned that there are some experts that believe that use of this headgear may make the game less safe, and USSF intends to continue to monitor this issue. Further, members of the Sports Medicine Committee have also been informed that FMARC, FIFA’s sports medicine committee, has concluded that this headgear does not tangibly improve safety for players.
Finally, USSF has received inquiries as to whether it is appropriate for USSF members to pass rules requiring use of headgear by players. Such a rule is impermissible. USSF Bylaw 104 states that FIFA Laws of the Game shall apply to soccer games that occur under the purview of USSF. FIFA Laws of the Game, Law 4, provides a specific list of mandatory equipment (including jersey, shorts, socks, shoes, and shin guards). Headgear is not on this list, and it is not within the authority of USSF’s members to amend the Laws of the Game in this way.
Concussions in sports are significant injuries that USSF takes quite seriously. In addressing this issue, USSF recommends that an effort be made to obtain proper medical evaluation of head injuries. USSF also believes that this issue can be addressed through further research, a focus on proper technique, and responsible officiating of soccer games.
Question: When will I hear from my coach?
Answer: Coaches will contact team members by the middle of August. Please be sure your contact information is correct.
Question: How often are practices held?
Answer: Each volunteer coach chooses his practice time and field and will let the players know this information when he/she contacts them in mid August. Most practices are held Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday for one hour in local practice fields. Some coaches vary the times and days.
Girls and Boys have separate teams. Games are on Saturdays; game-times will vary. We try to form teams based on the neighborhood.
Under 6 teams do not practice during the week.
Games on Saturdays have the following structure: ½ hour practice followed by ½ game time.
Question: What is Comp (formerly Division 3) soccer?
Answer: Two levels of competition exist – a competitive league (Division 3) and a recreational league. Only Comp teams require a try-out. For more information see Comp info page.
Question: How do I contact the league?
Answer: See the contact information page.
Question: What is the refund policy?
Answer: All refund requests must be in writing. Requests received before August 31st will be refunded less a $32 processing fee.. NO REFUNDS AFTER September 1st.
Question: Can I request a coach or team?
Answer:
We do not take special team, friend or coach requests.
Please review our Team Formation Policy.
Question: Can I switch teams?
Answer: It is the league policy not to make changes in the rosters once the teams are created. We try our best to make balanced, neighborhood teams and cannot accommodate each family’s busy schedules or requests.
Question: What happens if my child does not get on a team?
Answer: Very rarely we cannot accommodate all players due to lack of coaches or players to complete a team. In this case we will refer the parents to clubs that have room for their children. The parent will register with the other club and a refund will be issued from Mid-County.
Question: How can I volunteer to coach, help or become part of the Mid-County Youth Soccer Club Board of Directors?
Answer: Please contact us and we will give you the information you need to become part of our great club.