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Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

Great Soccer Played Here!

What division should I register my child for?

Spring 2026 – Divisions by Birth Year (Core)

Division	Birth Year
6U	2021
6U	2020
8U	2019
8U	2018
10U	2017
10U	2016
12U	2015
12U	2014
14U	2013
14U	2012
16U	2011
16U	2010
18U	2009
18U	2008

Fall 2026 – Divisions by Grade / School Year (Core)

Division	Typical Grade in Fall 2026	Birthdate Range
5U	Pre-K (age 4)	8/1/2021 – 7/31/2022
6U	Kindergarten	8/1/2020 – 7/31/2021
7U	1st Grade	8/1/2019 – 7/31/2020
8U	2nd Grade	8/1/2018 – 7/31/2019
10U	3rd–4th Grade	8/1/2016 – 7/31/2018
12U	5th–6th Grade	8/1/2014 – 7/31/2016
14U	7th–8th Grade	8/1/2012 – 7/31/2014
16U	9th–10th Grade	8/1/2010 – 7/31/2012
19U	11th–12th Grade	1/1/2007 – 7/31/2010

Spring & Fall 2026 – Divisions by Grade / School Year (Extra)

Division	Typical Grade in Fall 2026	Birthdate Range
9U	3rd Grade	8/1/2017 – 7/31/2018
10U	4th Grade	8/1/2016 – 7/31/2017
11U	5th Grade	8/1/2015 – 7/31/2016
12U	6th Grade	8/1/2014 – 7/31/2015
13U	7th Grade	8/1/2013 – 7/31/2014
14U	8th Grade	8/1/2012 – 7/31/2013

Can players wear Jewelry?

Jewelry + Soccer = Not a Match
Player safety is a top priority in AYSO. That’s why we follow AYSO National Guidelines and FIFA Law 4 when it comes to equipment—and yes, that includes jewelry.

The Rules (straight from the top):
* AYSO National Guidelines: “Players shall not wear anything that is dangerous to either themselves or other players…”
* FIFA Law 4: No jewelry—necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc. Tape-over tricks don’t count. Everything must come off.

What this means for you:
Please plan ahead—make sure earrings and other jewelry are removed before practices and games. Referees can’t let players on the field until it’s handled.

We know some of this jewelry may be new or special, but safety comes first. These rules exist to protect every single player out there. Let’s keep the focus on soccer, not on sparkles!

Are pets allowed on the Fields?

🐾 No Pets on the Fields 🐾

As much as we love our furry friends, pets are NOT allowed on our fields—ever.

That means no dogs at AYSO practices or games, even if they’re leashed, even if they fit perfectly on your lap, or even if they’re the “best-behaved dog in the world.”

Games and practices can’t start until pets are off the field.

This isn’t just our rule—it’s SAMLARC’s. If pets keep showing up, we risk losing our permits altogether. Let’s keep the fields safe, fun, and pet-free so the kids can play!

Are blowouts allowed?

AYSO is about fun, player development, and good sportsmanship—not lopsided scores. Games are most enjoyable and instructive when they’re competitive. A 7-goal differential is considered a blowout and is not acceptable. Coaches are responsible for preventing games from becoming one-sided and should apply strategies before the score reaches a 5-goal difference.

Coach Responsibilities
If your team is ahead, work with the opposing coach to agree on a plan that keeps the game fun and balanced. In addition, challenge your players and keep everyone engaged by:

* Rotating goal scorers into defense or goal (or subbing them for a quarter)
* Giving scoring chances to players who haven’t scored yet
* Requiring 5 passes before attempting a shot
* Ensuring all players touch the ball before a goal
* Playing back to the goalkeeper before moving forward
* Taking only shots from outside the penalty box
* Requiring shots with the weaker foot
* Playing with 1 less players

Why It Matters
These strategies ensure the trailing team stays motivated and the leading team continues to grow by facing new challenges. Blowouts harm the experience for all players.

Consequences
Coaches who allow repeated blowouts without effort to manage the game may face suspension or a deduction of standings points for unsportsmanlike conduct.

What is Silent Saturday (Weekend)?

Silent Weekend is an AYSO tradition used nationwide to give kids the chance to just play and have fun—like the old schoolyard days when games were about playing, not sideline noise or pressure.

Objectives

* Let players enjoy the game with less outside interference.
* Show that kids can succeed with limited instruction.
* Help parents/coaches realize constant direction is distracting.
* Give players space to trust their skills and instincts.
* Build leadership and teamwork as players rely on one another.
* Support referees by reducing sideline interference.
* Remind adults how loud games have become by taking a break from it.

Guidelines

Spectators
* Cheer positively (goals, saves, effort).
* No coaching or yelling during play.
* Applause, clapping, rally towels, and pom-poms are encouraged.
* No horns, whistles, or noise makers (per AYSO National).

Coaches
* U8 & Younger: Normal coaching applies.
* U10 & Up: In-game coaching is not allowed. Speak before the game, at halftime, and with players on the bench. Use silent periods to observe and plan future teaching moments.

Players
* On the field: communicate, support, and direct each other.
* On the bench: act as the “12th player,” helping teammates with what you see from the sideline. (This should come from players, not coaches telling them what to say.)

Referees
* Give coaches a friendly reminder before the match and ask them to manage their sidelines.

Where does my registration fee go?

What is the refund policy?

Fall Season:

If you decide you will not be playing soccer during the Fall season, please submit your Refund Request as soon as possible. Most people know early on that they are moving, playing in another league, etc. yet wait until the last minute to submit their refund request. The impact to team balancing is a big problem when over 150 players or so drop after players have been assigned and teams are balanced.

Refund requests prior to July 1st are subject to a $25.00 administration fee. This fee will be subtracted from the refund amount issued. Please send in your refund request as soon as you know you will not be playing.

Fall refund requests from July 2nd through August 15th are subject to a $50 administration fee. Request received after August 15th will not be honored. Notices made to the coach or any other person will not be recognized. Refund are usually made to the credit card used to register, if not possible, then refund checks will be issued after September 30th.

Spring Season:

If you decide you will not be playing soccer during the Spring season, please submit your Refund Request as soon as possible. Most people know early on that they are moving, playing in another league, etc. yet wait until the last minute to submit their refund request. The impact to team balancing is a big problem when over 150 players or so drop after players have been assigned and teams are balanced.

Refund requests prior to January 15th are subject to a $25.00 administration fee. This fee will be subtracted from the refund amount issued. Please send in your refund request as soon as you know you will not be playing.

Spring refund requests from January 16th through February 1st are subject to a $50 administration fee. Request received after February 1st will not be honored. Notices made to the coach or any other person will not be recognized. Refund checks will be issued after February 28th.

NOTE: The National AYSO membership fee of $25.00 is not refundable. That fee goes directly to the National Office of AYSO.

To request a refund, send an email to the Treasurer, [email protected], and copy the Regional Commissioner, [email protected]

Are there financial aid options?

Financial Aid Policy

EACH FAMILY WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO THE REGION IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

It is the goal of Rancho Santa Margarita AYSO Region 630 to make available financial assistance to families in need. The amount of assistance varies depending on family circumstances. In order to cover the region's hard cost, there will be a minimum payment per player. (minimum is determined by the current season costs)

The Regional Commissioner will review the application and award the scholarships based on family needs in combination with available regional funds. It is the Region’s intent to ensure that each child has the opportunity to play soccer.

For those family requesting financial assistance the following requirements must be fulfilled:

The player (if over 12 years old) is required to be a referee, or
For those recipients not old enough to referee, their parents will be required to fulfill a volunteer position as either a head coach, active referee or a board member.
When approved, you will be given a code to use at checkout.
Pay the approved amount per player to cover uniforms, pictures, awards, and/or administrative costs incurred.
If you received a scholarship in the Fall or current Spring season, you must volunteer in the above mentioned roles. Your volunteering will be considered for future scholarship requests.

We understand that many families are having financial difficulties and we are more than willing to accommodate as many families as possible, but we ARE a volunteer organization. Therefore, these families who are receiving financial aid will be required to volunteer in a capacity more than team parent. The region reserves the right to determine the amount of scholarship to grant. Failure to fulfill these requirements could result in future requests for scholarships being denied.

I understand and agree that in return for receiving financial assistance, I will fulfill my volunteer requirements. If I do not volunteer, I understand that I may be required to pay back the financial assistance provided and that I will not qualify for future financial assistance. Email your request to [email protected].