Welcome to the Dye Clay YMCA Soccer Program!
Below are the common questions we receive from the families in our program. The First Coast YMCA started providing youth soccer back in the 1980's, in that time our biggest take away is that kids play soccer to have fun....that's it. Therefore our #1 goal is that the player has fun in our program.
BASIC PROGRAM Q&A
Q: Can I still register my kid for soccer?
A: "On-time" Registration ends on February 1st. After this date there is a $20 late registration processing fee per child. It takes 24 to 48 hours to be placed on a team. We do our best not to turn away any kid that wants to play. Many times throughout the season positions open and you can be placed on a team even if you enroll after we start.
Q: How do you determine a players age?
A: For our Spring 2020 Season - The age cut off date is 9/1/2019. We allow players in our league to play up one division. Players are NOT allowed to play down a division. This is to keep our divisions fair and equal play. The rule that allows you to play up a division is so that friends may play together that may be off by a few months or if you would just like a little more competitive play. Players must be 2 years of age by February 24th to play.
Q: What day & time are practices?
A: Practice days and times times are set by our volunteer coaches and available field space. The average practice starts between 5 PM and 6 PM. We collect your preferred practice information during registration. First practices of the Spring season start the week of February 24th.
Q: What time are games?
A: That depends on total registration. This seasons game schedule will be posted by March 2nd. Normally games are played on Friday evenings starting at 5:30pm and ending by 7:30 pm and on Saturday starting at 8:30 am and ending before 2pm.
Q: Where are games and practices.
A: All practices are held at the Dye Clay Family YMCA - Located at 3322 Moody Avenue. Our soccer fields are located directly behind our facility with parking located on either side of the main building. Most of your Child's games will be held here as well.
Q: How much does it cost.
A: Members $76*
Non Members $141*
Both prices include the full required uniform for games and the end of the season award.
* Financial Aid is available to those that qualify.
Q: Will have have to travel to different fields for games?
A: In short: U8 and under, no. U10 and above, more than likely. In length: This depends on total registration. For a healthy league you want at least 4 teams in a division. This is so each team play each other twice for the season. We will add games for U10 and above with other local YMCA's if we do not have enough teams in house to have a full schedule of games.
Q: How do I find out information like my coach, practices or game schedules?
A: We use a program called Playerspace to communicate with such a large league. Playerspace is a sports communication and league management portal that we use to enhance and improve the overall communication and scheduling for our soccer league. All teams, players, coaches and volunteers will be active users in Playerspace in conjunction with their YMCA registration. Once registered, all users will have access to all league schedules and information.
Q: I am having troubles with how to use Playerspace.
A: Playerspace is the system we use to communicate with the 450 families in our program. It will always have the most up to date information. This includes your child's team, coach, practice times and game times. The following site is available to help parents on how to navigate the system. http://www.playerspace.net/parents-participants-help
Q: When do I get my child's Jersey?
A: Jersey's are issued the week prior to first league game to your child's coach. They will pass them out to their teams.
Q: What is included in my registration?
A: 8 games/sessions, Jersey, Player Award & Fun, not in that order.
Q: Does my child need shin guards and/or cleats?
A: Shin guards are required for all players. You can find them for $10 at Target, Walmart, or a sporting good store. Nothing fancy, they will stink at the end of the season. Cleats are not required but at some point if your child likes soccer you will need them. We highly recommend them wearing them.
Q: What is the Weather Policy?
A: Below is our cancellation guidelines for Soccer.
Here is the information on how to utilize our weather hotline (Rainout Line) in the case of inclement weather on the day of your teams practice / game.
Phone:
You can call our weather hotline at 904-637-1266
Website:
You can visit our weather hotline on the web at http://rainoutline.com/search/dnis/9046371266. Through the website you can also sign up for email / text message notifications to be notified instantly of any changes.
Smart phone app:
On your iPhone / Android phone search “Rainout line” in your app store.
Once the application is downloaded, in the app search “First Coast YMCA” and add it to your favorites.
Know before you go, utilizing our rainout line will help communicate game cancellations due to weather or field conditions before you head out to the fields.
GAMES:
We play in the rain (the kids love it, parents and my staff not so much.)
We only cancel game and practices if there is lighting, thunder and/or standing water on more than 25% of our fields. If light rain only, we are going to play. Calls will be made early in the morning (7 AM to 7:30 AM) for a full day closure or if we will cancel on a game by game basis. Game by game will be called 1 hour before your game time. There may be some weekends that the 8:30 AM to 11 AM games play and the rest of the day does not.
Q: What first-aid do you provide?
A: We have first-aid kits on site. ALL staff has been CPR certified and couple have more advanced training. We call 911 for any major injuries. If you child has any severe condition please inform me as well as their coach. Communication with us is key.
Q: What are the basic rules in each age group? (Including what size ball for your child.)
A: (LINK COMING SOON)
Q: Can I play my child up or down in a division?
A: It is common for a child to play up one level in a recreation league in the younger divisions. I would speak to us if this is something you are concerned about. We are pretty even in all our younger divisions so everyone is nervous about moving up. This does not go away as your child gets older. My goal is that they are having fun playing soccer, fair and safe.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: Refunds are given. There is a $25 non-refundable administration fee to help cover the cost that are accrued once a child registers for the program. Refunds must be requested prior to March 1st 2020 for the Spring League.
YMCA Registration & Playerspace Q&A
Q: I have multiple children in your program, I see one's schedule on PlayerSpace but not the other?
A: This one is tricky, as it depends on what type of device your using on the format. You are looking for your profile button, should be your first name and last initial with a blank picture, unless you set one up. Click your name and within your profile you will see "You have 2 kids" or "My Children", click either of those to toggle between your children or view a parent master which will show both.
Q: There's two parents and we both would like to receive emails.
A: Once you feel your child is locked into their Team for the season. Please email me at: clevine@fcymca.org - In the subject line please put "ADD FAMILY - Your last name". Please provide me first name, last name and email address you would like added. This must be done by email and come from the email on file for the person who registered the player into our program. If you could include your child(s) team names it will help me expedite the request. Please note if your child changes teams, please send me a request to update.
Q: Why do I need an YMCA account & a Playerspace account?
A: The YMCA system is used for registration and collecting funds, this system is called Daxko. The YMCA Soccer Program uses Playerspace so that you have convenient 24/7 online access to league information such as schedules, practice times, team information, standings and event specifics.