If this page doesn't give you the answers that you're looking for, contact one of our Board Members.
General Questions
Q: How do I get my child enrolled in soccer?
Registration will usually occur a week or two before the season begins. Announcements will be made in the Virginia Mountaineer and at county schools. If you need information regarding registration, please call our Regional Registrar, Angie Mutter at 935-5204.
Q: When is soccer season?
A: Soccer teams all over the country play in the spring and fall. We usually schedule our fall season in September and October, and our spring season from April to June.
Q: How are team assignments made?
A: Team assignments are made according to the age of the player on July 31st of the playing year (fall to spring), their experience playing soccer, and their gender. Our teams are co-ed: boys and girls play together on the same team. We try to form teams that are as equal as possible. We do make some exceptions for coach's children, siblings and for geographic considerations (we wouldn't put a child in Council on a team that practices in Hurley).
Q: Can I choose my child's coach or team?
A: Unless you are coaching a team, you cannot choose your child's team. One of the benefits of coaching is that your own child automatically is assigned to your team. Players from different schools are often assigned to the same team, which has resulted in a very positive experience with kids making new friends and reducing rivalries between schools.
Q: How do I get involved as a volunteer?
A: We hope that all parents become involved as volunteers with BCSA. There are many, many jobs that can be helpful to kids from coaching and refereeing to working as a team parent or taking a turn selling concessions. We always need extra help on Registration nights and organizing special events (tournaments, awards day, soccer camp, etc). We also have Board positions available and invite volunteers to attend Board Meetings to help the league grow and improve. Contact Angie Mutter to become more involved or to find out more about a specific job.
Questions Parents May Have
Q: What if my child gets hurt? What if I become injured while coaching or refereeing?
A: We pay special attention to safety and require that players wear protective gear (shin guards), fields are inspected for hazards, and players are trained to play the game safely. However, injuries occur in soccer as with any sport. First aid kits are a part of each coach's gear.
Q: What if I cannot afford to pay the registration fees for my child to play?
A: We have scholarship money set aside to help several children from each district of the county. We ask that you try to pay part of the fees, which are $30 per child per year. Contact Registrar Angie Mutter if you need financial assistance.
Q: Does the registration fee pay for the uniforms?
A: The registration fee pays for the use of the uniform, which is the jersey (shirt) and socks. You must return the full uniform after each season has ended.
Q: What equipment do I need to buy?
A: We encourage each player to have the following items at each practice and game:
* Soccer ball - these come in three sizes: size 3 is for children under 8 (U-6 and U-8), size 4 is for children 8 through 11 (U-10 and U-12), and size 5 is for the teenagers; kids can play with a "wrong-size" ball but they are often more comfortable with a ball that is appropriately sized for them
* Shin guards - a shin guard must cover the entire shin (the base of the leg to just under the knee); there are two basic styles, with one of them pulled on like a sock, and the other wrapped around usually with hook-and-loop (Velcro) fasteners
* Shorts - the uniform provided is a shirt and socks; players need a pair of black or dark blue shorts for games (any "play clothes" will be fine for practices)
* Shoes - many of our players play in sneakers or tennis shoes although a few do have soccer cleats; we do not allow baseball cleats or sandals/flip-flops for practices or games
* Refillable water bottle - we usually have stoppage times in practices and games to allow players a chance to rehydrade
Questions Coaches May Have
Q: How can I be helpful as a coach if I know nothing about soccer?
A: Very few of our BCSA volunteers have prior soccer experience coaching. We provide training for coaches and referees each season (if necessary) and we have coach assistants that can come to your practices and help with more technical instruction for the kids. Contact Coach Administrator Scott Boone at sboone@asl.edu for more information on becoming a coach! There is nothing more fulfilling than helping a child learn to play soccer.
Q: Where are soccer practices held? Many other sports require daily practices. Will I be responsible for everyday soccer practices?
A: Another benefit of becoming a coach is that you can choose where and when you practice. Most teams practice once or twice a week. We have permission to practice at many of the county schools and parks.
Questions Referees May Have
Q: How do I learn more about becoming a Soccer Referee?
A: Beginner and advanced referee training is held yearly. Kids from 11 to 13 can be Assistant Referees. Anyone 14 years and older is eligible for the Regional Referee training. Referees volunteer and are not paid in this organization. They are provided with a uniform, equipment, and a free snack at the concession stand, in return for a commitment to referee on available game days. Contact Angie Mutter, Referee Trainer at mutterhousehold@aol.com for more information.
Questions About the Web Site
Q: What if there's a broken link on the BCSA web page? Can I ask to add a favorite soccer site to the links page?
A: Send any corrections or additions to the BCSA Webmaster. Links will be added as appropriate.
Q: Do you have a privacy policy? What information is collected from me when I visit the BCSA web site?
A: Our legal notices page, which includes our privacy policy, can be found here.