Frequently Asked Questions

Teams and Game and Practice Schedules

Who is the coach of my child's team?
After the division coordinator has made all the team assignments (which should be complete about 2 weeks before the first game), the coach should contact you. If this hasn't happened, you can log in to the database to find out. But don't do this yet! Read the following first to see how to interpret the results.
  • If all the data entry is complete, it will display the Coach's name, e-mail, and telephone number.
  • If the coach contact information is "Unavailable", contact the appropriate division coordinator (these are all listed on the Contact Us page)
  • If the Registered On field doesn't have a date, contact the Registrar, because there's a problem with the registration.
Okay, now that you've read the above, log in to eAYSO then press the parents button, then the Click Here button next to "See player ID, Team assignments and Team Coach information"
My child didn't get placed on a team with his friends or his favorite coach; what can I do?
Unfortunately, we have constraints on how we create our teams. We have over 1600 players, and almost 200 teams, and try our best to create balanced teams and find a coach for every team. Many players get placed on teams without any of their current friends, and nearly all still enjoy pratices and games, and frequently make new friends.
I haven't gotten the informational e-mail messages that others have gotten, what should I do?
Make sure your e-mail is in the system, by logging in to eayso.org, then choosing Parents, then Update Family & Player contact information, then contact the registrar (listed on the Contact Us page) to let him know you've updated it. Also, contact the coach with the updated e-mail address.
Where are games and practices held?
In the Spring, some games for children over 14 years old are held outside the Oak Park area. All other games are held in the Oak Park area. Each season, Oak Park AYSO gets field permits for a number of different fields in and around Oak Park. These permits determine which fields we are allowed to use and the times we are allowed to use them. The fields we have available change from season to season. Your coach will have the specific information for your team.

Most of the fields we use are part of the Park District of Oak Park . The Park District's field map has directions to their fields. Other fields we sometimes use are Elmwood Park High School, and Rhodes School in River Grove.

When are games and practices held?
Practice times are determined by the coach - typically, teams practice once or twice per week. Nearly all games are played on saturdays. U-10 and up teams may have a few weekday evening games during the season. Your coach will have the specific schedule for your team. The first game in fall takes place the first saturday after Labor Day.
The weather is bad. Are we playing today?
Yes, unless either the coach cancels or the Park District closes the field. See our rain and storm policy.

Equipment

What equipment will my child need?
Shoes and shinguards must be provided by the parent and worn at every practice and game. Ordinary gym shoes are allowed. If cleats are purchased, ensure that they are soccer cleats - cleats designed for other sports are not allowed. Shirt, shorts, and socks constitute the uniform, which is covered by the participation fee, and must be worn at every game (outside any other clothing, like sweatshirts, etc.). Most coaches also require that players bring a soccer ball to practice and bring water to both practices and games.
Division Ball size
U08 3
U10 - U12 4
U14 - U19 5
May players wear sweatbands, bandanas, scarves, jewelry, casts, medical alert bracelets, glasses, mouthguards, hats, protective equipment, gloves, etc.?
Players may not wear jewelry of any kind (taping over earrings is NOT acceptable), hard hair fasteners or casts. Prescription eyeglasses are allowed as long as they are securely affixed. Mouth guards are allowed. The referee is generally the sole judge of whether or not other items may be worn based on the referees assessment of the particular item and its function. For more details, see the Frequently Asked Questions section near page 62 of the AYSO Guidance for Referees and Coaches.

Soccer Terms

What does Unn mean?
These age divisions are defined on divisions.
What does [some soccer term] mean?
The San Andreas CA AYSO club has written a glossary that has definitions many soccer terms.

AYSO Organization

Why is this called Region 697?
AYSO is divided into over one thousand regions nationwide. These are the most local parts of AYSO and have their own organizations, boards, volunteers, etc., but run under the rules established by the national organization. Regions are grouped into areas (dozens of regions in each), and areas into sections. The sections then comprise the national organization. Region 697 is in area F of Section 6. Area F is comprised primarily of regions within the city of Chicago, and Section 6 covers Illinois, Wisconsin, most of Minnesota, and part of Iowa. See our Links page to see about the various bodies that govern our soccer.