FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION

Registration dates and times for the upcoming season are determined by the Board of Directors after the previous season ends.  Open Registration dates for WSA’s spring program will be published on the website by January 1 and Open Registration dates for the fall season will be published by July 1.  We encourage parents to read the FAQ’s to become familiar with WSA’s policies and programs, before registering.  Parents must complete the online form prior to the registration date, present the ORIGINAL birth certificate and view the uniform samples to properly size the player.  There will be an active link on the Registration page when the online form is available for parents to complete.  Cash or check payment, uniform sizing and the presentation of the child’s original birth certificate must be done at a registration opportunity

Due to field space restrictions and volunteer resources, WSA must limit enrollment in its programs.  Therefore, there may be no reminder notices sent regarding Open Registration opportunities.  Open Registration dates for WSA’s spring program will be published on the website by January 1 and Open Registration dates for the fall season will be published by July 1.  If you missed the Registration opportunities, you may place your child on the Wait List if/when it is available on the Registration Page.  Emails and appeals sent via the Contact form or to Directors regarding late registration, will not receive a response.

Participants in the U5 – U14 age groups will receive two jerseys, shorts, socks and a participation award at the end of the season.  MiniWee participants will receive a jersey, ball and medal.  The registration fee also covers field usage and maintenance at some facilities, insurance, volunteer background checks as well as other operational costs (e.g. field lining, equipment, etc.). 

No refunds will be made for cancellations due to inclement weather, illnesses, injuries or other circumstances beyond our control. 

Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another.

Please click this link to view what is required to register a child in our program.  It is not necessary for you to bring your child to registration, and you may have someone register your child–on your behalf–if you will not be available to attend one of the registration opportunities.   Only a parent or legal guardian may sign a participant’s registration.  If you will be sending someone else to register your child, please click the above link to download a waiver and for additional information.  Cash or check payment, uniform sizing and the presentation of the child’s original birth certificate must be done at a registration opportunity.

WSA allows parents to complete the form online prior to each registration opportunity.  The link to complete the form online will become active on the Registration page when it is available, and the form will be available until midnight prior to each Saturday’s Open Registration opportunity.  Parents who complete the form online, can pick up the printed registration form at the Forms station at Registration and this will expedite the registration process.  Cash or check payment, uniform sizing and the presentation of the child’s original birth certificate must be done at a registration opportunity.

Westchase Soccer Association (WSA) abides by the Florida Youth Soccer Association’s (FYSA) and US Youth Soccer’s birth date verification process required for all participants.  Effective July 1, 2012 the State of Florida passed a bill that requires parents/legal guardians of youth athletes in sports organizations to complete a Concussion Informed Consent as part of their registration paperwork.  As a result, Westchase Soccer Association must ensure the registration form is signed by a parent, or legal guardian, whose name appears on the child’s birth certificate, so we no longer accept passports.  For insurance purposes WSA scans and retains a copy of the original legal birth certificates on file to prove eligibility for age groups.  WSA cannot accept registration without the ORIGINAL birth certificate at the time of registration.  If you have not yet applied for a legal birth certificate for your child, or you have to retrieve it from a bank vault, please ensure you do it in advance so you will have it by the registration date published on our website.  WSA does not have the volunteer resources to grant additional opportunities for parents to provide the original birth certificate.

There is a link on the Registration page to determine your child’s eligibility for an age group.  Eligibility for an age group is based on the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) age division cutoff date, not the date the season or program begins. The FYSA age division cutoff date covers a full calendar year.   Therefore, participants in the spring season will remain in the same age division for the fall season. 

Children who are inexperienced, with lesser skills, small stature or those with birth dates close to the cutoff date are not permitted to play in a lower age group.

Participants in the U5, U6 and MiniWee age groups do not require a Skills Assessment.

If your child is new or did not participate last season and they will be playing in the Under 7, Under 8, Under 10, Under 12 or Under 14 age groups, they must participate in a 15-minute Skills Assessment session in order to be placed on a team.   Returning participants who did not participate in the game when the end of season assessment was conducted, will have to participate in a skills assessment prior to the next season.  All U6 participants who advance to the U7 age group must participate in a mandatory skills assessment the first time they are registering for the U7 (or older) age group.  Due to the mandate for WSA to limit enrollment, based on field space restrictions, exceptions will not be made for children who do not participate in skills assessment.  This applies to all new and some returning players.   Please visit the Skills Assessment page for details.

There are only three reasons that WSA allows placement of two or more players on the same team: 

  1. The players are siblings who are in the same age group (or one is playing up).  Siblings are defined as children who have at least one parent in common (as listed on the birth certificate or adoption papers).
  2. The players are the sons or daughters of the (U5 – U14) Head Coach and Assistant Coach.
  3. The players are in the MiniWee program (limited to one participant request per player).  

Requests, that meet the above criteria, must be made at registration and must be written on the Registration forms for the children involved in the requests, and/or written on the Coaches Volunteer Applications.   All requests must be reciprocal to be honored and both volunteers must be in good standing with the league (e.g. valid certification, etc.).  Due to the administration involved, requests made via email and/or after registration, will not be honored. 

While we encourage carpooling, there have been too many cases where parents have also abused the carpooling and hardship issue…so please don’t even ask, we won’t honor these types of requests for team placement! 

Requests to switch to another team due to conflicts, transportation or other issues, will not be honored.  The game schedules are created using a software program so there is always the possibility that all siblings may have games at the same time and they may be held at two different locations–we  are unable to accommodate requests to adjust the schedule or for children to switch teams to resolve scheduling conflicts.  If you are a single parent or a family where one parent may not be available on game days, we recommend you do not register multiple children (who are in different age groups) in our programs to avoid disappointment due to scheduling conflicts.  Refunds will not be issued because families cannot, or will not, adjust their schedules for practice or game times or because the league will not accommodate a specific coach/team request or car pool request. 

Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another.

We have limited volunteer resources to handle administrative tasks and a tight timeline to organize the league.  This includes registration so we are unable to accommodate requests to register participants outside the designated registration periods.  If you will not be available for either of the registration dates/times, you may send a friend or relative to register your child.  Only a parent or guardian may sign a child’s registration form.   If you will be sending someone to register your child, you must include a waiver.  Please provide that individual with the information required (see What To Bring To Registration) and give them a pair of the child’s shorts and a T-shirt to bring to registration for uniform sizing.    Cash or check payment, uniform sizing and the presentation of the child’s original birth certificate must be done at a registration opportunity.

Please check the “Coach” box on your child’s registration form. You may download a Volunteer Application form from the Coaches’ Corner of our website.  ALL sections (including SSN#) must be fully completed and a copy of the Driver’s License must be included in order for us to perform background checks.  Please bring the completed form and copy of Driver’s License with you to registration or upload it with the online registration form or the link on the Coaches’ Corner.  There will be volunteers at the Coach’s station during each registration opportunity to offer assistance and guidance to new volunteers.

All Volunteer Applications must be received by the Final Registration date in order for WSA to meet its deadlines for background checks and team building.  If you will not be registering a child but would like to coach, please contact WSA. 

Note:  Activities may be scheduled on religious holidays or may conflict with personal activities.  Due to the tight timelines and vendor deadlines involved with organizing the league, we are unable to accommodate requests to reschedule events and/or adjust game schedules.

Yes, the registration fee will be discounted $10 for each additional sibling.  This discount is available for siblings only, and is not available for cousins, friends, or those living in the same household.  Due to those who have abused this privilege, proof may be required for the discount. The sibling discount is not available for late registration. 

The game schedules are created using a software program so there is always the possibility that all siblings will have games at the same time and they may be held at two different locations–we are unable to accommodate requests to adjust the schedule or for children to switch teams to resolve scheduling conflicts.  If you are a single parent or a family where one parent may not be available on game days, we recommend you do not register multiple children (who are in different age groups) in our programs to avoid disappointment due to scheduling conflicts. 

WSA is a non-profit organization and its success is due to the service of its volunteers.  It was founded by volunteers and is administered by a volunteer board of directors.  While none of its current Board members have children who participate in the league, every Board member/Director is a volunteer.  There are a variety of tasks that can be done to help; all are part-time, some are short-term, some are longer-term commitments, but each one is VERY important with helping to make WSA the best it can be for the children. It is expected that parents will commit to volunteer for at least one of the many volunteer activities available–there is something for everyone. Volunteering to be a Team Parent, bringing snacks or other tasks associated with your child’s team is great.  However, there are important volunteer tasks required to operate the league, such as coaching, refereeing, field lining, and many administrative roles (making phone calls, registration, etc.) that we need parents to perform. Click here to view non-coaching Volunteer Opportunities.  The WSA league runs on the efforts and enthusiasm of its volunteers.

In order to meet the vendor’s deadline for uniform delivery, teams are formed immediately after Skills Assessment is completed.  If you missed registration and would like your child to be placed on a Wait List, please click on the Wait List link if/when it is available on the Registration page.  You will be contacted and offered a late registration opportunity if a spot becomes available on an age-appropriate team.  A late registration fee will be in effect ($80 – MiniWee, $110 U5 – U14 age groups) and the sibling discount will not be available.  Late registration fees are non-refundable.

No the WSA league is not restricted to Westchase residents. 

Due to limited field space and volunteers (Head coaches and referees) we must limit enrollment in our programs.  In the best interest of the league, we feel that offering the convenience of online registration will result in an increase in the over-enrollment we already experience in our programs every season.   

WSA allows parents to complete the form online, prior to each registration opportunity.  The link to complete the form online will be active on the Registration page when it is available and the form will be available until midnight prior to each Saturday’s Open Registration opportunity.  Parents MUST complete the form online and pick up the printed registration form at the Forms station at Registration.  Cash or check payment, uniform sizing and the presentation of the child’s original birth certificate must be done at a registration opportunity.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SKILLS ASSESSMENT

WSA has a tight schedule to organize the league.  There is no make-up date for children who are unable to participate on the designated Skills Assessment date for the season.  Since WSA must limit enrollment due to field space and volunteer resources (e.g. coaches), children who do not participate in the Skills Assessment may not be placed on a team.    If you cannot re-arrange your schedule or make other arrangements for your child to participate on the scheduled Skills Assessment date, we recommend you do not register your child in our league to avoid disappointing them. 

WSA realizes that there will always be illnesses and emergencies that come up which prevent children from participating in a Skills Assessment session.  While we were sympathetic and accommodating in the past, many parents have abused the “personal/family emergency” among other excuses.  WSA received complaints from parents who informed us that some parents were less than honest when using the illness and emergency excuse.  This placed WSA in an awkward position because children (whose parents did not provide an excuse) were not included in the program while other children were kept in the program because their parent provided what appeared to be a legitimate excuse.  It only takes a few to ruin it for everyone else and since WSA has no way of validating a legitimate excuse, we do not want to be in a position where we have to make a judgment.  WSA also received complaints from coaches and parents that our leniency (by making exceptions) compromised the integrity of the team-balancing. 

If a child has never participated in a Skills Assessment session (i.e. WSA does not have a score from a previous season), they will not be assigned to a team.  Children must be assessed with other children in the age group; WSA cannot conduct an assessment of a child on their own.  Based on our experience, parents’ and coaches’ assessment of players’ skill levels have not always been objective or accurate so it is not used for skills assessment.  

The Board’s policy is that a refund will not be issued to those who do not participate in the mandatory Skills Assessment–this applies to new and returning participants, regardless of how long they have participated in WSA programs over the years.    This is to avoid the “no shows” who deprive children from the Wait List an opportunity to take their spot.  WSA cannot conduct Skills Assessment for an individual child; children must be assessed in a group of no less than 6 participants.

Exceptions may be reviewed by the Board on a case-by-case basis.  One factor that will be taken into consideration is whether the child’s parents are active volunteers, who have made a commitment toward helping with the operation of the league during past seasons.  Being a Team Parent and providing snacks or hosting parties for the team do not qualify.  Volunteer tasks such as coaching, refereeing, field set up/lining, and administrative assistance (e.g. registration, etc.) are examples of tasks that must be done to operate the league every season.   Volunteers must be in good standing in order for requests for exceptions to be considered.

Important Note:  When WSA program enrollment must be limited, the WSA Board feels it would be unfair to randomly remove children who participated in a Skills Assessment session, to exempt those who were unable to participate due to illness, emergency or exception.

You may sign up for a Skills Assessment time during any Registration opportunity.  Sessions are conducted by age group so the session times will vary based on your child’s age group.  WSA has a tight schedule to organize the league and there is no make-up date for children who are unable to participate on the designated Skills Assessment date for the season.  WSA cannot conduct Skills Assessment for one individual and there must be a minimum of six children per session. Please ensure you check your calendar before signing up for a session for your child because it may be difficult to reschedule it after registration is closed.  Please visit the Contacts page to inform WSA if your child will not be available to participate in the skills assessment time they were scheduled to attend.

WSA is not obligated or responsible for sending any reminders regarding Skills Assessment appointments.   If you forget the time your child is scheduled, the Skills Assessment schedule will be published on our website by noon on the Friday prior to Skills Assessment.  It is the responsibility of  parents/guardians to ensure the child keeps their appointment time and wears the mandatory safety equipment:  soccer cleats and shin guards.  

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure their child arrives at the check in desk 10 minutes PRIOR to their skills assessment start time.   If the child is not wearing the mandatory safety equipment—shin guards covered by socks and soccer cleats—they will not be permitted to participate in the skills assessment.  Shin guards and soccer cleats are mandatory safety equipment for all soccer activities.  This is mandated by the Florida Youth Soccer Association and US Youth Soccer.   

If you do not wish your child’s information to be included in the Skills Assessment schedule on our website, please contact WSA no later than 48 hours after registration. 

Participants must arrive 10 minutes prior to their session time to check in and warm up.  Sessions are approximately 15 minutes are run on time.  If a child is late there may not be sufficient time to assess their skill level.  Sessions are conducted by age group so children must participate in the session they signed up for at registration.  WSA cannot conduct Skills Assessment for one individual and there must be a minimum of six children per session.  There is no make-up opportunity for children to be assessed and children cannot participate in other age group sessions.

Children who arrive late for their session and cannot be properly assessed, will not be assigned to a team.  Parents will receive a refund minus an administrative fee. 

Participants must arrive at the check-in station 10 minutes prior to their session START time to check in and warm up.  Sessions are approximately 15 minutes are run on time.  If a child is late there may not be sufficient time to assess their skill level.  Sessions are conducted by age group so children must participate in the session they signed up for at registration.  WSA cannot conduct Skills Assessment for one individual and there must be a minimum of six children per session.  There is no make-up opportunity for children to be assessed and children cannot participate in other age group sessions.

Children who arrive late for their session and cannot be properly assessed, will not be assigned to a team.  

Since children develop and learn at different rates, we cannot predict the rate of improvement by the end of the season.  Some players improve significantly, some a little, some none at all.  Prior to the end of each season, all U7-U14 participants are assessed during a game (by WSA’s Skills Assessment team).  If a child did not participate in that game, or their assessment score varies significantly from the coaches and/or the beginning of the season, the participant will be required to participant in a skills assessment session the next season they register. 

WSA must manage enrollment to reduce the overflow parking onto neighboring communities surrounding the park.  This means limiting the number of participants on a team.  Exceptions will not be made for returning participants to be exempt from the mandatory skills assessment.  Coaches’ or parents’ assessment of the participant will not be used to allow a returning participant to be exempt from skills assessment.   WSA realizes that illnesses and emergencies may prevent a child from participating in a mandatory skills assessment.  However, if there is limited enrollment in an age group, the WSA Board feels it would be unfair to randomly remove a child who participated in the mandatory skills assessment in order to make an exception for a returning participant to be placed on a team (unless the participant’s parent is needed as a Coach).  When possible, children who did not participate in the skills assessment for their age group, may be offered a spot on a team in an older age group (providing there is room available in that age group).  Children cannot play down an age group.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PARTICIPATION

The U5-U14 season is approximately 10 weeks—this could change from season to season depending on holidays and other events.  The spring season begins in March and ends with the last Saturday game played one week prior to the Memorial Day weekend.  The fall season begins in September and ends with the last game played the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  The MiniWee program is a five-week program with sessions held on Saturdays only; it begins several weeks after, and ends one week before, the U5-U14 programs. 

Specific dates for programs will be published on our website each season along with the registration dates and times.  No refunds will be made for cancellations due to inclement weather, illnesses, injuries or other circumstances beyond our control (e.g. scheduling issues, personality conflicts, etc.). 

Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another.

At the beginning of the U5-U12/U14 season, the first two Saturdays will consist of practices held at the game location.  Weekday practices will be determined by your child’s coach based on their own personal schedule and field space availability.  Weekday practices will begin the week after the first Saturday practices of the season.  Coaches are volunteers and will select their team practices at the Coaches’ meeting which will be held approximately one week before the start of the season.  Therefore, WSA is unable to provide a response to inquiries regarding which days/times their child’s team will conduct weekday practices. 

Most teams play either Saturday morning or Saturday afternoon, depending on the number of teams per age group and the field space availability.  In fall seasons, the U14 teams may play on a week night–at a lit facility–if there is not sufficient field space within Westchase for games to be scheduled on Saturdays.  

If you have transportation or scheduling issues that may prevent your child from participating in games, as a courtesy to the coaches and team, it is recommended that you do not register your child in the league.   This includes parents who register multiple children in our programs.  The game schedules are created using a software program so there is always the possibility that all siblings will have games at the same time and they may be held at two different locations–we are unable to accommodate requests to adjust the schedule or for children to switch teams to resolve scheduling conflicts.  If you are a single parent or a family where one parent may not be available on game days, we recommend you do not register multiple children (who are in different age groups) in our programs to avoid disappointment due to scheduling conflicts.  MiniWee participants do not play games and do not have practices.  They have instructional sessions on Saturdays. 

Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another.

The Florida Youth Soccer Association and US Youth Soccer have changed the age group cutoff date to be consistent with soccer leagues across the country and for teams participating internationally.   The change to calendar year age groups will reflect the calendar year, or Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.  This means participants will remain in the same age group for both the spring and fall seasons in the current year. 

To be in line with the other 208 countries that register youth players by their year of birth. The change will also make it easier for American club teams to play internationally. Age groups in other FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) nations are determined by the year in which a player is born (i.e. calendar year).

US Youth Soccer programs will change to Calendar Year beginning with the 2016-2017 season. U.S. Soccer has mandated that all play move to the Calendar Year by August 2017.

No, due to the size of our league, all our teams are co-ed. 

Due to limited field space, games and practice locations may not be determined until the season begins.  Please visit the Fields page for the location of games and practices.  We cannot guarantee that all games or practices will be held in the Westchase community because we are dependent on the Hillsborough County Parks & Rec. Department for field space and field space is extremely limited.  No refunds will be made for cancellations due to inclement weather, illnesses, injuries, scheduling conflicts or other circumstances beyond our control.

Our goal is to provide a safe, structured and fair environment in which young players can have FUN and enjoy playing and learning the game of soccer. There are no win/lose records kept during the season. Coaches are required to play all players 50% of each game during the season, providing the player participates in all practices. 

In order to participate in games, children MUST:

  • Wear the WSA league-issued uniform (including the shorts and socks issued by WSA this season)
  • Wear soccer cleats and shin guards (which must be entirely covered by socks). 
  • Participate in the team’s practices.

In order to guarantee 50% playing time for participants, WSA may have to limit enrollment in its programs based on the volunteer resources available.

Every U5-U14 participant must have a soccer ball of their own to bring to every practice.  We recommend you write the name on the soccer ball in case it’s left at the field after a practice or a game.  You should only buy a proper type soccer ball not a toy ball.  Refer to the chart below to purchase the correct size ball based on your child’s age division:

Age Group

Ball Size

U5, U6, U7, U8

Size 3 ball

U10, U12

Size 4 ball

U14

Size 5 ball

MiniWee participants will receive a size 3 ball, which will be distributed by the team’s MiniWee Assistant, at their first MiniWee session.

EVERY youth soccer player is REQUIRED to wear shin guards to every practice and game for leg protection from accidental kicks–no exceptions. You can purchase shin guards in the sports department of most local major retail department stores.  Shin guards must be:
  1. Covered entirely by the player’s socks.
  2. Made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substances).
  3. Worn to provide a reasonable degree of protection.

Outdoor soccer cleats are required.  The studs on the bottom of the cleats help players make quick twists and turns and provide traction, especially during wet conditions.  Children can NOT wear football, baseball cleats or any other style of shoe where the cleats protrude out from the sides or front. 

Parents take turns providing snacks and drinks for players and may be required to contribute toward an end-of-season party for the team and coach/assistant appreciation gifts.  It is recommended that parents purchase black shorts and black soccer socks for MiniWee participants.

You should hear from your child’s coach the Monday prior to the first Practice Saturday or MiniWee session.  If you do not hear from a coach, you may find out your child’s team assignment and the coach’s contact information by visiting our website.  Team assignments, team schedules and a coaches list will be published on our website by the Wednesday prior to the first Saturday Practice or MiniWee session.  If a parent does not wish their child’s team assignment to be published on our website, they must inform WSA no later than 48 hours after registration.  Do not email us for coaching information, team assignments or schedules—please check your spam folder(s) and the website for this information.  We encourage parents to ensure our domain westchasesoccer.org is added to your “Safe Senders” list so you do not miss important information. 

Participants may play and practice ONLY with their assigned team—this is an insurance requirement.  Requests to switch players to another team will not be honored and coaches do not have the authority to trade/switch players, so please do not ask. 

WSA and its coaches recognize the fact that players have other interests, talents, and commitments. Coaches are committed to making practice sessions as consistent and pre-scheduled as possible. This should allow enough flexibility to afford players the opportunity to pursue other interests.  However, if your child is already enrolled in other activities that may conflict with soccer practices, we recommend that you do not register your child in our league as practice schedules will be determined by the volunteer coaches based on their own personal schedules. Requests to switch to another team, or refunds, due to conflicts or transportation issues, will not be honored. 

No refunds will be made for cancellations due to inclement weather, illnesses, injuries or other circumstances beyond our control. Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another.

  • Shin guards and outdoor soccer cleats are mandatory!  Participants will not be allowed to practice or play in a game or MiniWee session without them.  This is for the safety of the participants.
  • Participants in the U5 – U14 age groups will be given a complete uniform kit (home and away jerseys, shorts and socks).  Players are required to bring both jerseys (home/away) to EVERY game—this way if one team is short on players, teams can share players.   Players MUST wear the full uniform kit issued by WSA this season and cannot wear uniforms from past seasons or shorts and socks of their choice.  This will be strictly enforced.  Uniform sizes are final once the uniform order has been placed.  In order to keep the costs downs, WSA does not order extra uniforms so we cannot accommodate requests to change uniform sizes.  It is important for parents to size their child at registration for a new uniform.  
  • MiniWee participants will receive a team jersey.  Parents should purchase black shorts and black socks for the participant to wear during sessions.
  • Children may wear comfortable clothing of their choice during practices.  However, shin guards must still be covered entirely by socks.
  • Soccer cleats must be flat soled or having molded rubber or plastic cleats. Metal or screw-in type cleats are prohibited.
  • No watches, necklaces, sunglasses, earrings or other jewelry, including fitness trackers, shall be worn during practice or games.  Hard casts are not allowed.  These are safety mandates from the Florida Youth Soccer Association.
  • Bring water to every practice and game.
  • Bring the appropriate size soccer ball to every practice and to warm up before games.  The approved ball sizes are:

Age Group

Ball Size

U5, U6, U7, U8

Size 3 ball

U10, U12

Size 4 ball

U14

Size 5 ball

MiniWee participants will receive a size 3 ball, which will be distributed by their coach, as part of their player package.

  • When medically indicated, bring inhalers, anaphylactic kits, or other meds to the fields.
  • Players should arrive on time for practices and arrive 15 minutes before games to warm up and for equipment check before games.

The U5 – U14 practices and games will begin several weeks before the MiniWee program begins.  If you have not been contacted by a coach, it may be that your email address or telephone number was illegible or incorrectly transcribed.  Team assignment and coaches’ contact information will be published on our website by the Wednesday prior to the first Saturday Practice or MiniWee session.  Parents may contact coaches directly if they have any questions. 

For insurance reasons, only registered players are eligible to participate in WSA practices and games

There are requirements for coaches, participants and spectators on game days.

Participants’ requirements for games:

  • Wear the FULL UNIFORM KIT provided by the league (this includes the shorts and socks issued by WSA this season).  If a child is missing the shorts or socks, they may remain on the sideline with the team until the parent returns with the correct uniform.  Parents should contact WSA, ASAP, if they need to purchase additional uniform items.  The items must be purchased from WSA’s uniform vendor so advance notice and payment is required for orders.
  • Wear soccer cleats (no football or baseball cleats) and shin guards must be covered entirely by the socks.
  • Children cannot play with jewelry (including watches or activity trackers worn on wrists), sunglasses, hats and hard casts are not allowed.  These are safety requirements mandated by the Florida Youth Soccer Association and USA Soccer.
  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to game time to warm up and for the referee to check in players to ensure they are properly dressed (league-provided uniform, shin guards, soccer cleats, no jewelry, casts, etc.)

Spectators:

  • Absolutely NO parents, coaches or spectators behind the goals.
  • No parents, spectators or player siblings allowed on the technical side with the team and coaches. 
  • No one is allowed on the fields or on the technical side of the field during halftime for any reason.
  • No coaching or instructions from parents/spectators during games.  Parents/spectators may encourage players but NO coaching.
  • Parents are not allowed on the field for any reason.  In the case of an injury requiring parental assistance, the referee will direct the coach to get the parent.

Players and spectators are kept separate to aid the coach and referees in team management. It helps the coach to have all the players in one place. It helps the player to understand that instructions should come from the coach during the game and he/she should not have the distractions of family around.  For safety and security reasons, parents are not allowed on the coaches’ side of the field.  Only those who have been approved to coach (i.e. passed the background check and selected by WSA) are allowed on the coaches’ side of the field.

This is first and foremost a safety issue. Children have been injured, not to mention goals scored or not scored, because of the distraction of people behind the goals.  No one other than the participants on the field (i.e. spectators, coaches, etc.) is permitted near the goals during games.

Team parents are the communication link between the coach and the team. They pick up the team’s uniforms for the coach, hand out the newsletters and photo packets and organize the snack schedule, end of season party and coaches’ appreciation.  Let your child’s coach know if you are interested in being a Team Parent.

No, we do not have a schedule of practices because it is dependent on the coach’s personal schedule.  As a parent, sometimes you may have to re-arrange your schedule for the season, which is about 10 weeks.  Children cannot switch teams or practice with other teams and coaches are not authorized to permit this.  Participants must attend their team’s practices in order to get their guaranteed 50% playing time in games.   If your child is involved with other activities that do not have a flexible schedule, we recommend that you do not register your child in our league as practice schedules will be determined by the volunteer coaches based on their own personal schedules.  Requests to switch to another team, or refunds, due to conflicts or transportation issues, will not be honored.

Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another.

Once registration and skills assessment is completed, team building is done by the Director of League Development and a player has an obligation to remain with his/her team for the season.  Players must practice and play games only with their assigned team.  Coaches do not have the authority to approve or authorize any moves.  It is us not up to coaches where children are placed.  Players will not be allowed to switch teams because it will impact another child and may affect the team balancing.  Requests to switch to another team, or refunds, due to conflicts or transportation issues, will not be honored. 

The game schedules are created using a software program so there is always the possibility that all siblings will have games at the same time and they may be held at two different locations–we will not honor requests to adjust the schedule or for children to switch teams to resolve scheduling conflicts or for any other issues.  If you are a single parent or a family where one parent may not be available on game days, we recommend you do not register multiple children (who are in different age groups) in our programs to avoid disappointment due to scheduling conflicts. 

Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another. 

We realize that sometimes plans change, and every season we get requests for refunds. In order to keep our fees as low as possible, we do not build in extra fund into the fees to cover the expenses incurred for players whose parents request refunds after registration.  Due to varying levels of costs, advance purchasing requirements for equipment and uniforms, other fees paid to governing bodies, and the overall organizational costs, refunds will not be considered after these costs are incurred.  Injuries are a part of all sports at any level and are not generally considered as a reason for a refund, except if requested by the deadline published on the website.  Payment for one season cannot be applied to another season because costs are incurred every season for each participant (e.g. new (different) uniforms, insurance for participants and coaches, etc.). 

No refunds will be made for cancellations due to inclement weather, illnesses, injuries, scheduling conflicts, other issues or circumstances beyond our control (e.g. the child does not wish to participate). 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COACHING

Every season we need Head Coaches.  As WSA grows so does our need for more volunteers.  WSA is a non-profit, volunteer organization. Without volunteers WSA would not be the success that it is! We depend on volunteer coaches, most importantly Head Coaches, who are mostly parents to make this program successful.  The Under 5 and Under 6 age groups must have both a Head Coach and an Assistant assigned to every team.  Every Coach and Assistant volunteer must complete Hillsborough County mandatory coach certification and training.  Details regarding the course offerings are available at the Coaches’ Corner of the website.

It is important to note that WSA is a VOLUNTEER organization so we do NOT GUARANTEE that the team your child is assigned to will have a Head coach.  There is also no guarantee your child will be assigned to a team unless their parent is an active volunteer. Many parents volunteer each season to be an Assistant Coach but not enough sign up to be the Head Coach.  If we do not have sufficient Head coaches, teams may be eliminated and refunds will be issued to those participants.  We do not have the volunteer resources to recruit Head coaches after the final registration date by contacting parents so refunds will be issued by mail to the parents of those children who have not been assigned to teams.  Don’t disappoint your child…volunteer to be a Head Coach!

If you sign up to coach, your child will be automatically assigned to your team.  You may download a copy of the Volunteer Application form from the Coaches’ Corner of our website.  ALL sections, including your social security number (which is mandatory), must be completed and a copy of your Driver’s License must be included for us to perform a background check.   You may bring the completed form and copy of your Driver’s License with you to registration or email it to WSA; however it must be received by the Final Registration date in order for WSA to meet its deadline for background checks to be performed.  WSA also has a deadline for determining whether to issue refunds if there are not sufficient coaching resources.   Please check the “Coach” box on your child’s registration form.   If you will not be registering a child and wish to coach, please complete the form and email it, along with a copy of your driver’s license, to WSA by the Final Registration date published on the website—or drop it off during a registration opportunity. 

All volunteers who work with youth must complete coach certification and concussion training—by the deadline—refer to the link on the Coaches’ Corner.  This training is mandatory in order to be in compliance with Florida Statutes and the Hillsborough County Athletic Dept.  The deadline for all training requirements to be completed and proof submitted to WSA is usually the Friday prior to the Skills Assessment date.

Note: Soccer activities may be scheduled on religious holidays or may conflict with personal activities–due to the tight timelines and vendor deadlines involved with organizing the league, we are able to accommodate requests to reschedule events and/or adjust game schedules, Picture Day, etc.

If you sign up to be a MiniWee Assistant, your child will be automatically assigned to your team.  You may download a copy of the Volunteer Application form from the Coaches’ Corner of our website.  ALL sections, including your social security number (which is mandatory), must be completed and a copy of your Driver’s License must be included for us to perform a background check.   You may bring the completed form and copy of your Driver’s License with you to registration or email it to WSA; however it must be received by the Final Registration date in order for WSA to meet its deadline for background checks to be performed.   Please check the “MiniWee Assistant” box on your child’s registration form.   If you will not be registering a child and wish to volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Application and email it, along with a copy of your driver’s license, to WSA by the Final Registration date published on the website or drop it off during a registration opportunity. 

The commitment to be a MiniWee Assistant is very minimal because WSA’s MiniWee Coach is paid to run the first 30 minutes of each MiniWee session (which are held on five Saturdays only).  All MiniWee Assistants must complete mandatory concussion training per Florida Statutes.  The MiniWee Assistant (one assigned per team) will assist the MiniWee Coach during the first 30 minutes and will be left to run a scrimmage during the last 15 minutes of the session.   A MiniWee Assistant Handbook will be provided to guide you with the tasks required.  Sessions will be held on Saturdays only and it is expected that the MiniWee Assistant will be available for all five Saturdays of the program.  Depending on the number of teams, team session times usually begin between the hours of 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and team session times will change from week to week as the schedule rotates.  MiniWee Assistants must have a flexible business/personal schedule.

U5 – U14 Head Coaches may select one Assistant.  Requests will be honored providing both volunteers are in good standing with the league.  If both the Head Coach and Assistant have busy travel schedules, we recommend you don’t team up together.  Only authorized Coaches and Assistants may work with the children during games and practices so other parents cannot help, run practices or be on the technical side of the field if both the coach and assistant are not available.  The WSA Board’s policy is that coaches may not select more than one Assistant because there may not be enough Assistant volunteers. 

One MiniWee Assistant will be assigned to each MiniWee Team.  However, two MiniWee Assistants may request for their teams to be paired up so their teams’ MiniWee sessions will be scheduled for the same time.

At the Coaches’ Meeting, WSA will provide you with a coaching handbook, a curriculum for the age group, as well as equipment for your team.  All volunteer coaches and assistants must complete Hillsborough County mandatory coach certification–this training provides valuable information, drills and tips regarding coaching.

Teams are created and developed on the premise of fairness to promote FUN over winning at all costs.  Head coaches and Assistants will automatically have their child/children assigned to their team.

Teams are created by an electronic team-building program and coaches are not involved in the team-building or selection process.  U5 and U6 teams are created by balancing the teams based on age and gender.  Under 7 – Under 14 age groups are balanced based on gender and Skills Assessment scores.  While team-balancing is not an exact science, we try to create evenly matched teams.  Therefore, we do not have teams with children with like skills (e.g. advanced players or beginners) all on one team because the level of competition would not make it enjoyable for the children.

Although MiniWee teams are initially built by age and gender, teams are then manually adjusted to meet all reciprocal requests for children playing together. U5 – U14 Coaches may not request players (other than their own child or the child of one Assistant).   Requests from parents for a specific coach will not be honored.  The game schedules are created using a software program so there is always a possibility that siblings may have games at the same time at two different locations–we will not honor requests to adjust the schedule or for children to switch teams to resolve scheduling conflicts.  WSA recommends that single parents, or families where one parent may not be available on game days, not register multiple children in our programs to avoid disappointment due to scheduling conflicts.  Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another.

All the more reason to sign up to be a Head Coach!  U5 – U14 Head Coaches will determine the weekly practice day and time for their team based on their own personal schedule.  Practice selection will be done at the Coaches Meeting and will be on a first-come basis.  Weekday practices will begin the week following the first Practice Saturday.  Equipment and curriculum guides for the age group will be provided by WSA as well as a Coach’s Handbook.  MiniWee teams do not have practices.

The Head Coach sets the week day practice day/time for his/her team.  Practice selection will be done at the Coaches’ Meeting on a first-come basis.  Head Coaches will receive an age-appropriate curriculum to provide guidance with running practices. Coaches will instruct the children on the basic skills and rules of the game geared toward the age level and skill level that the children display so it is important that children attend their own team’s practices.   Children must participate in the team’s practices in order to be guaranteed 50% playing time during games.

MiniWee teams do not have practices.  Requests from parents to switch to another team due to scheduling conflicts, transportation issues (or any other issues) will not be honored.

If the coach’s schedule does not permit him/her to be flexible and accommodating, a refund will not be issued if the team’s practice time conflicts with a parent’s schedule.  Children cannot switch teams or practice with other teams and coaches are not authorized to permit players to practice or play with another team.  Participants must attend their team’s practices in order to be guaranteed 50% playing time in games.   If a child is involved with other activities that do not have a flexible schedule, we recommend that parents do not register their child in our league.  WSA is unable to accommodate requests from parents to switch to another team due to conflicts, transportation issues (or any other reason).  Please do not contact WSA with these requests.

Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another.

The organizers of the league arrange for volunteers to line the fields every week.  The first teams to play on a field on Saturday are responsible for setting up and anchoring the goals (one per team), and the last teams to play on a field on Saturday are responsible for returning and locking the goals (one per team).

Games will be played on Saturdays unless field space restrictions or extenuating circumstances force us to schedule games on other days.   The game schedules are created using a software program so there is always a possibility that siblings may have games at the same time at two different locations.  We are unable to accommodate requests to adjust the schedule or for children to switch teams for any reasons (e.g. scheduling conflicts, transportation, or any other issues).  WSA recommends that single parents, or families where one parent may not be available on game days, not register multiple children in our programs to avoid disappointment due to scheduling conflicts.

At the U5-U14 Coaches’ Meeting and MiniWee Assistant meeting, coaches and MW Assitants will receive copies of the game schedules for distribution to their team’s parents.   The game schedule will also be published on our website no later than the Wednesday prior to the first Saturday of the season.  The U5-14 season begins at least one month before the MW season begins.  

The U5 through U14 programs consists of two Saturday practices followed by 8 Saturday game days.  Weekday practices will begin the week following the first Saturday practice.  The MiniWee program runs for five Saturdays–there are no weekday practices.

The game schedules are created using a software program so there is always a possibility that siblings may have games at the same time at two different locations–we are unable to accommodate requests to adjust the schedule or for children to switch teams to resolve scheduling conflicts or other issues.  WSA recommends that single parents, or families where one parent may not be available on game days, not register multiple children in our programs to avoid disappointment due to scheduling conflicts.   Weekday and Saturday soccer activities may be scheduled on religious holidays and/or may conflict with personal activities–due to the tight timelines and vendor deadlines involved with organizing the league, we will not be able to accommodate requests to reschedule events and/or adjust game schedules, Picture Day, etc.  WSA is unable to accommodate requests from parents to switch to another team due to conflicts or transportation issues (or any other issues).

After registration is completed, WSA orders the uniforms for all the teams and shipment is expected before the first game day.  Coaches will be asked to send a team representative to pick up the uniforms from a designated distribution location.  Since many parents are reluctant to volunteer, WSA has to do the best with the limited volunteer resources available for uniform distribution.  We do not have the volunteer resources to deliver the uniforms to coaches or allow coaches/teams to pick up at their convenience from someone’s home.  Coaches do not have to pick up the team’s uniforms; if they are not available, they may send ONE parent from the team or a friend or neighbor.  WSA encourages parents to volunteer to help their child’s coach with this taks.  Coaches will be responsible for distributing the uniforms to their team the week prior to the first Saturday game day.

If threatening weather arises, or there is excessive rain, practices should be cancelled.  The decision to cancel practice will be up to the coaching team.  Parents are expected to remain with their child at practices.

The rule of thumb is that games will be played in the rain as long as there is no lightning.   Coaches & Assistants must refer to the Lightning Procedures and use the 30-30 rule to determine the threat of lightning in the area.  Referees will make the decision during games and WSA’s MiniWee Coach will make decisions for MiniWee sessions.  Parents are expected to bring players to the field on game days because the decision regarding whether the game will be played will be made at the field.  Refunds will not be issued due to inclement weather, illnesses, injuries or other circumstances beyond WSA’s control.

Yes, there are requirements for coaches, participants and spectators during games.

Coaches and Assistants must:

  • Wear the Photo ID Badge issued by WSA.
  • Wear the WSA Coach’s jersey issued by WSA for the current season.
  • Remain on their half of the technical field during games.  Coaches and assistants cannot go past the center line of the soccer field.  No coaching is allowed behind the goals.

Participants’ requirements for games:

  • Wear the FULL UNIFORM KIT provided by the league (this includes the shorts and socks issued by WSA this season).  If a child is missing the shorts or socks, they may remain on the sideline with the team until the parent returns with the correct uniform.  Parents should contact WSA, ASAP, if they need to purchase additional uniform items.  The items must be purchased from WSA’s uniform vendor so advance notice and payment is required for orders.
  • Wear soccer cleats (no football or baseball cleats) and shin guards must be covered entirely by the socks.
  • Children cannot play with jewelry (including watches or activity trackers worn on wrists), sunglasses, hats and hard casts are not allowed.  These are safety requirements mandated by the Florida Youth Soccer Association and USA Soccer.
  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to game time to warm up and for the referee to check in players to ensure they are properly dressed (league-provided uniform, shin guards, soccer cleats, no jewelry, casts, etc.)

Spectators:

  • Absolutely NO parents, coaches or spectators behind the goals.
  • No parents, spectators or player siblings allowed on the technical side with the team and coaches. 
  • No one is allowed on the fields or on the technical side of the field during halftime for any reason.
  • No coaching or instructions from parents/spectators during games.  Parents/spectators may encourage players but NO coaching.
  • Parents are not allowed on the field for any reason.  In the case of an injury requiring parental assistance, the referee will direct the coach to get the parent.

Players and spectators are kept separate to aid the coach and referees in team management.   It helps the coach to have all the players in one place.  It helps the player to understand that instructions should come from the coach during the game and he/she should not have the distractions of family around.  Coaches must enforce this rule–this is also a safety requirement because only individuals who have been approved to coach (i.e. passed the background check and fulfilled the Hillsborough County and Florida law requirements) are allowed to work with the children and/or be on the technical side of the field.

Participants in the U5, U6 and MiniWee age groups do not require a Skills Assessment.

If your child is new or did not participate last season and they will be playing in the Under 7, Under 8, Under 10, Under 12 or Under 14 age groups, they must participate in a 15-minute Skills Assessment session in order to be placed on a team.   Returning participants who did not participate in the game when the end of season assessment was conducted, will have to participate in a skills assessment prior to the next season.  All U6 participants who advance to the U7 age group must participate in a mandatory skills assessment the first time they are registering for the U7 (or older) age group.  Due to the mandate for WSA to limit enrollment, based on field space restrictions, exceptions will not be made for children who do not participate in skills assessment.  This applies to all new and some returning players. 

Sorry but WSA does not have an office or the administrative resources to handle these requests.   If a child’s parent(s) cannot attend any registration opportunities, they may complete a waiver and ask a friend or relative to deliver the waiver and payment at any registration opportunity.

WSA only accepts cash or checks (payable to Westchase Soccer or WSA).