Hampton Soccer Club - Help: Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is my son or daughter in?

A player's age is determined as the July 31 preceding the beginning of the playing year (fall and then spring). This age determines the age group for the full playing year. Teams are grouped by age such that the age of the team roster reflects the age of the oldest player.

Example:

If a player is born on 3/5/1997, he is 11 years old for the 2008-2009 playing year. This places him in Under 12. If another player is born 12/19/1997, he is 10 years old for the 2008-2009 playing year. If both of these players are on the same team in the fall or spring, then the team might be an Under 12 team, but it cannot be an Under 11 team because at least one player is already 11 years old as of July 31.

What are the team rosters?

A team roster is a list of the players and coaches on a team. Team rosters in the U6, U8 and U10 age groups are not formal. Players need only to be registered with the club and coaches need only show proof that they have submitted to a criminal background check in the past two years. Once a player turns 10 and moves into U12 (which includes U11), he will need to be on a formal roster that is presented to the referee at the beginning of each game. To be on a formal roster, a player needs to provide a valid proof of birth and a valid player pass when the roster is submitted to the State Registrar. Any coach that wishes to be on the roster needs to provide a valid coach pass and show that they have submitted to a criminal background check in the past two years.

What is a player pass?

The player pass is an identification card which proves that a player is in the correct age group and on the correct team. When a player registers for the season, the Club Registrar will computer-generate a player pass with basic player information on it. The Club Registrar will then provide the age group commissioner with the pass and it becomes the commissioner's responsibility to have the pass completed by the player. The player must sign the card (in cursive in pen) exactly how the name appears on the pass. The player must also provide a 1-1.5" square face picture that must be glued (not taped or stapled) onto the pass.

How is a roster formalized (for U11 and older age groups)?

After the commissioner determines who is to be on a given team, the Club Registrar will computer-generate a roster in the required format with the required information. The commissioner then collects proofs of birth and player passes for all players on the roster and gives everything to the Club Registrar. The Club Registrar then takes the roster, proofs of birth, player passes, and any other required information to the PA West Soccer on the appointed date to meet with the State Registrar. The State Registrar confirms that the birthdates on the roster and player passes are in agreement and that all other information is in order, and then places an official sticker on each player pass, coach pass, and the formal copy of the roster.

What if there is a problem with the roster or a player or coach pass?

If a player or coach on the roster does not have valid proof of birth or a valid pass, or some other problem when the Club Registrar meets with the State Registrar, they will get 'lined' off the roster. This means that the State Registrar will draw a line through their name on the roster and not place a sticker on their pass.

Can this be fixed?

Yes, but not easily. To add a player to an already-formalized roster, the club registrar needs to prepare a new computer-generated roster with the same information as the prior roster, except that additional players are added in a space below the rest of the players. The Club Registrar will then take the old stickered roster and the required information for the new players and/or coaches to the State Registrar. The State Registrar will keep the prior roster and place a sticker on the new roster and return it to the club registrar.

How are teams divided up?

In U6 through U10, the commissioners form the teams and are instructed to place players as equitably as possible and accomodate as many individual requests as possible. The team formation for U11 and older age groups is much different. Each team in these older age groups must be classified to play within a particular division. Players are divided into teams of similar skill and ability and then the teams are classified accordingly. The division with the fiercest competition is 3B, with division 4 being less competitive, and division 5 being the least competitive. The process of forming teams at this level is based on a combined effort of the commissioner and any other qualified individuals involved in the evaluation process.

What evaluation process (for U11 and older age groups)?

For division 4, the evaluation process is typically limited to coach evaluations from prior seasons. However, if there is a desire to field a division 3B team, the Club will conduct tryouts. This typically occurs only once per year, usually at the end of May. For tryouts, the Club will involve a number of qualified individuals to rate and rank players to assist in the determination of teams. However, a player's ability is not the sole determining factor. Many factors go into this process and vary based upon the pool of players from which to choose. For example, it may make sense to field a 'pure U12' team instead of a mixed 'U11/U12' team, meaning that all players are 11 years old instead of having both 10 and 11 year olds. The willingness to commit to an entire playing year and attendance on prior teams also factor into the selection of teams. In the end, it is a subjective process that reflects the best opinion of those involved.

Age Group: Under 6

Age requirement: Has turned four but has not yet turned six as of the July 31 prior to the beginning of the Fall/Spring playing year.

Gender: Teams are mixed.

Times: Each Saturday from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. The first half hour is practice, the second half hour is game.

Location: The main Hampton soccer field adjacent to the Hampton Community Center.

Equipment: Each player is provided a complimentary shirt. Soccer cleats are encouraged but not required. Shin guards are required. The Club provides practice balls and other equipment to each coach, which is to be returned at the end of the season. Each player should bring a water bottle and teams in this age group typically have each player's family take one turn bringing a (reasonably healthy) snack and drink for the team to share at the end of each game.

The Play: Each team has approximately 10 players which practice together. For the games, the team is broken in half. Depending upon the number of players available from week to week, games may be 3 v 3 or 4 v 4. There may be substitutions. There are no goalies and parents and coaches are encouraged to try to keep the ball in play, rather than stopping play to kick the ball in too often. There are no referees. Each coach is responsible for making any necessary calls. Each Hampton team will play another Hampton team.

What Else: Each team is responsible for covering the concession stand for one time during each season, from 9:50 – 11:20. The person in charge of the concession stand will open it at approximately 9:45 and volunteers from the U8 boys age group will relieve the U6 volunteers at approximately 11:15 so that a responsible adult is always present. Please be sure to take with you everything you brought, including any water bottles or wrappers. Also be very careful in the parking lot, as hundreds of young children are roaming around.

Age Group: Under 8 Boys / Under 8 Girls

Age requirement: Has turned six but has not yet turned eight as of the July 31 prior to the beginning of the Fall/Spring playing year.

Gender: Teams are split into boys and girls.

Times: Games are each Saturday from 11:30 – 12:30 AM for boys and from 12:45 - 1:45 for girls. Practices are typically during one night of the week and are determined by each coach.

Location: Games are played on the main Hampton soccer field adjacent to the Hampton Community Center. Practices are usually held at the Four Seasons Banquet Center on Hardt Road. We rent this facility from the owners, so please respect their property.

Equipment: Each player is required to have a Hampton Soccer Club uniform, soccer cleats, and shin guards. Soccer Club uniforms can be purchased during the registration process for a fee. They include shorts, socks, and two jerseys. The Club provides practice balls and other equipment to each coach, which is to be returned at the end of the season. Each player should bring a water bottle and teams in this age group typically have each player's family take one turn bringing a (reasonably healthy) snack and drink for the team to share at the end of each game.

The Play: Each team has approximately 10-12 players which practice together. For the games, the team is broken in half. Depending upon the number of players available from week to week, games may be 4 v 4 or 5 v 5. There may be substitutions. There are no goalies and balls are kicked in bounds, not thrown in. There are referees who are responsible for calling the games. Please note that this is the age group where new referees are trained and no intimidation of referees will be tolerated. Each Hampton team will play another Hampton team.

What Else: Each team is responsible for covering the concession stand for one time during each season, from 11:15 – 12:40 for boys and from 12:35 - 1:50 for girls. The U8 boys volunteers will relieve the U6 volunteers at approximately 11:15 and volunteers from the U8 girls age group will relieve the U8 boys volunteers at approximately 12:35 so that a responsible adult is always present. Please be sure to take with you everything you brought, including any water bottles or wrappers. Also be very careful in the parking lot, as hundreds of young children are roaming around.

Age Group: Under 10 Boys / Under 10 Girls

Age requirement: Has turned eight but has not yet turned ten as of the July 31 prior to the beginning of the Fall/Spring playing year.

Gender: Teams are split into boys and girls.

Times: Games are each Saturday at various times, typically ranging from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Players should arrive at least 20 minutes prior to each game. Games last approximately one hour. Practices are typically during one night of the week and are determined by each coach.

Location: Home games and practices are usually played on the Hampton Meadow soccer field adjacent to the Hampton Swimming Pool. Away games will be at the fields of various other local community soccer clubs, such as Fox Chapel and North Hills. Some travel will be required, but directions will be provided to each such venue.

Equipment: Each player is required to have a Hampton Soccer Club uniform, soccer cleats, and shin guards. Soccer Club uniforms can be purchased during the registration process for a fee. They include shorts, socks, and two jerseys. The Club provides practice balls and other equipment to each coach, which is to be returned at the end of the season. Each player should bring a water bottle. Some teams in this age group may have each player's family take one turn bringing a (reasonably healthy) snack and drink for the team to share at the end of each game.

The Play: Each team has approximately 12 players and play two 25 minute halves in a 6 v 6 or 7 v 7 format. There will be substitutions, as permitted by referees. Ideally, each game will have two line judges and a center referee. Some games may be between two Hampton teams, but most will likely be against teams from other community soccer organizations.

What Else: Please be sure to take with you everything you brought, including any water bottles or wrappers.

Age Group: Under 12 Boys / Under 12 Girls

Age requirement: Has turned ten but has not yet turned twelve as of the July 31 prior to the beginning of the Fall/Spring playing year.

Gender: Teams are split into boys and girls.

Times: Games are each Sunday at various times, typically ranging from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. Players should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to each game. Practices are typically during one night of the week and are determined by each coach.

Location: Home games and practices are usually played on the main Hampton soccer field adjacent to the Hampton Community Center. Away games will be at the fields of various other local community soccer clubs, such as Fox Chapel and North Hills. Some travel will be required, but directions will be provided to each such venue.

Equipment: Each player is required to have a Hampton Soccer Club uniform, soccer cleats, and shin guards. Soccer Club uniforms can be purchased during the registration process for a fee. They include shorts, socks, and two jerseys. The Club provides practice balls and other equipment to each coach, which is to be returned at the end of the season. Each player should bring a water bottle.

Roster and Player/Coach passes: At the start of each game, a formal roster and player and coach passes are presented to the head referee. Only players and coaches who are on the roster and who have valid passes are allowed to play. The coach keeps the roster and all passes for the season.

The Play: Each team may have no more than 16 players and play two 30 minute halves in a 9 v 9 format. There will be substitutions, as permitted by referees. Ideally, each game will have two line judges and a center referee. Opponents will be other teams in the same division (3B, 4, and 5). Some games may be between two Hampton teams, but most will likely be against teams from other community soccer organizations.

Age Group: Under 14 Boys / Under 14 Girls

Age requirement: Has turned twelve but has not yet turned fourteen as of the July 31 prior to the beginning of the Fall/Spring playing year.

Gender: Teams are split into boys and girls.

Times: Games are each Sunday at various times, typically ranging from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. Players should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to each game. Practices are typically during one night of the week and are determined by each coach.

Location: Home games and practices are usually played on the main Hampton soccer field adjacent to the Hampton Community Center. Away games will be at the fields of various other local community soccer clubs, such as Fox Chapel and North Hills. Some travel will be required, but directions will be provided to each such venue.

Equipment: Each player is required to have a Hampton Soccer Club uniform, soccer cleats, and shin guards. Soccer Club uniforms can be purchased during the registration process for a fee. They include shorts, socks, and two jerseys. The Club provides practice balls and other equipment to each coach, which is to be returned at the end of the season. Each player should bring a water bottle.

Roster and Player/Coach passes: At the start of each game, a formal roster and player and coach passes are presented to the head referee. Only players and coaches who are on the roster and who have valid passes are allowed to play. The coach keeps the roster and all passes for the season.

The Play: Each team may have no more than 18 players (as many as 22 may be on the roster, but no more than 18 may dress for a game) and play two 35 minute halves in an 11 v 11 format. There will be substitutions, as permitted by referees. Ideally, each game will have two line judges and a center referee. Opponents will be other teams in the same division (3B, 4, and 5). Some games may be between two Hampton teams, but most will likely be against teams from other community soccer organizations.

Age Group: Under 19

Age requirement: Has turned fourteen but has not yet turned nineteen as of the July 31 prior to the beginning of the Fall/Spring playing year. Under 19 includes a wide range of ages because the turnout is typically pretty low. If there are not enough players to form a team, all registered players will receive full refunds.

Gender: Teams are typically mixed.

Times: Games are each Sunday at various times, typically ranging from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. Players should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to each game. Practices are typically during one night of the week and are determined by each coach.

Location: Home games and practices are usually played on the main Hampton soccer field adjacent to the Hampton Community Center. Away games will be at the fields of various other local community soccer clubs, such as Fox Chapel and North Hills. Some travel will be required, but directions will be provided to each such venue.

Equipment: Each player is required to have a Hampton Soccer Club uniform, soccer cleats, and shin guards. Soccer Club uniforms can be purchased during the registration process for a fee. They include shorts, socks, and two jerseys. The Club provides practice balls and other equipment to each coach, which is to be returned at the end of the season. Each player should bring a water bottle.

Roster and Player/Coach passes: At the start of each game, a formal roster and player and coach passes are presented to the head referee. Only players and coaches who are on the roster and who have valid passes are allowed to play. The coach keeps the roster and all passes for the season.

The Play: Each team may have no more than 18 players (as many as 22 may be on the roster, but no more than 18 may dress for a game) and play two 45 minute halves in an 11 v 11 format. There will be substitutions, as permitted by referees. Ideally, each game will have two line judges and a center referee. Opponents will be other teams in the same division (3B, 4, and 5) to the extent possible due to the small number of teams in this age group. Games will likely be against teams from other community soccer organizations.

I heard that a fourteen year old was allowed to play on an Under 14 team. What's that all about?

Due to the significant drop off in player numbers between U14 and U19, a club may have a U15 team in the fall season if certain criteria is met. If you have players who are 14 years old as of the July 31 preceding the playing year, and who also are in eighth grade, they may play on a U15 team in the U14 age group. Because the players are actually U15 players, the team must be a U15 team. However, the team plays against other U14 teams instead of playing in the U19 age group. This is only allowed in the fall season and the Club Registrar must receive a waiver from PA West Soccer.

My son or daughter is close to the age cutoff and wants to play with friends that are in a different age group. Can they play in a different age group?

The Club does allow the occasional player to play up to his or her next age group, but reserves the right to deny requests. There are several considerations the Club takes into account when making this decision. These considerations include how close the player is to the age cutoff, the school grade they are in, their size, the reason they want to play outside of their age group, and the number of teams and available roster spots. The Club does not want to have a player who wants to 'play up' take the last spot over a player who is in the correct age group (this is especially true on the more competitive Division 3B teams). When a commissioner is filling teams, he or she gives priority to those of the correct age who are registered by the given deadline. If a player is allowed to play up to the next older age group, the parents must sign a playup consent form that can be found on the website and include it with their registration form (no notary is required, although there is a spot for a notary signature on the consent form).

What is involved in preparing for the soccer season and why is registration closed six weeks before the first game?

Hampton Soccer Club volunteers work very hard to prepare for the soccer season. There is much more involved than simply splitting up teams and hitting the field. Here’s a summary of the process...

Six weeks before first game...

Registration is closed and the Data Manager sends final lists of registrants are sent to each applicable age group commissioner. Player and coach passes are generated by the Data Manager for the older age groups which require formal rosters.

Commissioners organize teams and assign coaches. Commissioners will try to set teams to the optimal size to ensure that there are enough players on each week but not so many players that the amount of play time will suffer (subject to roster maximums). Commissioners may accept late registrations to the extent that it does not interfere with the optimal team size. Commissioners may also recruit players that did not otherwise register in an effort to fill teams which otherwise have too few players.

Three to four weeks before first game...

Commissioners in U11 and older age groups make sure that all of their players have valid proof of birth and player passes and that all of their coaches have valid coach passes and have submitted information for a criminal background check in the past two years. Commissioners in U10 and younger age groups make sure that all coaches have submitted information for a criminal background check in the past two years.

The Club Registrar receives all information from the Commissioners and works with the State Registrar at PA West Soccer to register each player and coach, and formalize the rosters and player and coach passes.

PA West Soccer sets the appointment date and time for each of about 50 soccer clubs in the month preceding the season. This date for Hampton has typically been approximately three weeks prior to the first game. Any rosters not completed at this time may be mailed to PA West for processing as time permits, but this is not recommended because of the availability of the State Registrar, the potential mail delays and any errors that may occur when the Club Registrar is not there in person to double check the State Registrar’s work and answer questions that may come up.

Two weeks before the first game...

Team practices (except for U6) have typically begun. Players may still be accepted in the U10 and younger age groups if the commissioner decides that there is room on a team. The Club Registrar will mail player lists for any remaining U10 and younger players to the State Registrar at PA West Soccer.

I am registering late, but I know there’s a team that could fit one more player and HSC won’t let my son or daughter play!

While that may be true, it’s not fair to i) the Hampton Soccer Club volunteers who have lives of their own and want to get on with playing the game, to have to add players to a team and register another player with PA West Soccer, or ii) the players who were on the team when it was determined to be at it’s optimal size and face the possibility of having more players, thereby giving them less time on the field. If the player had been registered on time, perhaps an additional team could have been formed instead of maxing out the number of players on each existing team.

What is your refund policy?

A player withdrawal can cause a problem for a team if it leaves too few players. However, the Club recognizes that some players do need to withdrawal for various reasons. If a refund is requested prior to the 'late' deadline, the Club will generally provide a full refund. If a refund is requested after the 'late' deadline but before the date when practices are scheduled to begin for the season, a refund is generally given, equal to the fee paid less the applicable PA West registration fee and any other fee the Club may incur. Refunds requested after the start of the season are typically only granted in the case of injury, and are also net of any applicable PA West registration or other fee. Refunds are paid by the Club Treasurer, who mails a check to the mailing address of the family requesting the refund. In lieu of a refund, a credit may also be held to the next season if desired.

A word on the referees...

Just as the players in the younger age groups are learning, the referees in these younger age groups are learning as well. New referees begin in Under 8 and move up as they feel able into the older age groups. Most of the referees are kids not much older than the players. Intimidation of the referees will not be tolerated. They are there to enforce the rules to the best of their abilities and sometimes their decisions may not be popular. These rules are not Hampton Soccer Club rules, but instead are rules of US Youth Soccer. The referees do not make the rules, but instead are there to enforce them. Please direct any problems with a referee to your coach or commissioner, but do not confront the referee.

Indoor soccer and tournaments

Coaches often learn about opportunities to play soccer outside of the regular fall and spring soccer seasons. For example, many coaches choose to take their teams indoor over the winter months to play at PISA or another venue. This play lies outside of the jurisdiction of Hampton Soccer Club (and by extension PA West). Some tournaments are sanctioned by PA West and require stickered rosters to participate, but some are not. Regardless, HSC encourages its coaches to invite all of their players and to also work with other HSC coaches to ensure that all players have the opportunity to play with their own team. HSC asks that players check with their own coach before committing to playing for another team.