Q: Why is registration so early?
A: Our registration dates do seem a bit early and here is why. In order for us to start the league there are a number of steps that must occur (We want to do this right). Firstly we must be able to identify how many players we have by having them registered. Once registration is done we can build the teams, as well we can now recruit Coaches and Refs, from the families to coach the teams and Ref the games, once we have the coaches and refs identified we can run them through the clinics. As well we need to order uniforms, nets, balls etc. all of which can take 5 weeks to arrive. Once the equipment arrives we need to get it sorted and out to the coaches, who are now trained, have teams, a schedule and a field to play on, all done by the 1st of April.
We can do all of the above except register players, so it is up to you! pass the word and lets play Soccer!
Q: Where will games be played?
A: Games will played across the Boundary on School fields.
Q: When will games be played?
A: Games will be played on Sunday mornings. We have tried various other schedules over the years and nothing really compares to Sunday mornings.
Q: When and where do we have practices?
A: Practices are organized by the Coach, who also books field time for the practice.
Q: How do you build the teams?
A: The teams are built locally, taking into consideration where the players go to school and who their friends are. Coaches are recruited from that group. For example a U7 team from Christina Lake would have it’s players from Christina Lake, a Coach from Christina Lake, and practice in Christina Lake, but play against teams from across the Boundary, some at home some away. Obviously there will exceptions.
Q: How do you choose your Coaches?
A: Our Coaches are volunteers, they apply to the league to be a coach, their application is reviewed, they complete a Criminal Record Check specific to working with children, they take a training course sanctioned by BC Soccer and are then appointed into a position as Coach.
Q: What if nobody wants to be a Coach?
A: The whole BYSA relies on dedicated volunteers giving their time, so that we may have a league. If nobody steps up to volunteer as a Coach then there will be no team.
Q: Do you have to have previous Coaching experience or know a lot about soccer to be a Coach?
A: Absolutely not, our Coach training program is extremely comprehensive, any person who takes our program will be fully prepared and confidant in the role of Coach. Some of our better coaches come with no experience, the science of coaching has taken a dramatic turn in the past while and having no previous experience can be an asset to training new coaches.
Q: What age do you need to be to be a Coach?
A: 16 is the minimum age.
Q: Who pays for Coach training?
A: The BYSA pays for all coach training, which will be held in the Boundary area.
Q: Do players have to wear cleats and shin guards?
A: Yes, shin guards and cleats (or approved field athletic shoe) are mandatory.
Q: What other equipment must a player provide?
A: The league provides the jersey (with a $50 deposit received to ensure return, the deposit can be a cheque that will not be cashed unless jersey is not returned), the player must supply, shin guards, footwear, socks and shorts.
Q: Is there insurance?
A: A large portion of your fees goes back to BC Soccer, included in the many services we receive from BC Soccer there is an insurance and liability package that all members of the BYSA are covered with. For particulars of the coverage go to the BC Soccer web site.
Q: Why does my team have to travel out of town to play a team from my area?
A: On the surface it may seem a bit odd but the thing of it is,,,,,there are quite a few kids that have siblings that play in other divisions, thus causing carpooling issues and forcing parents to choose between one child or the other, there are coaches that have the same dilemma, so it gives them the chance to watch their other kids play, from a reffing point it easier to cover more games with less refs as they can do back to back games, also we have some of our older kids reffing younger games that precede or follow their game; the lower divisions rely on each other to play their rotational drills, as well from a kids perspective having all the teams at the same field creates that jamboree feeling that gives them a bit of rush and makes em feel they are involved in more than just their game,, which they are,,, as they are a part of a club that gets together once a week to play some soccer in their or a neighboring community. It is important to look at this from a much larger view than just getting the games done, most towns are a short drive, and well worth the visit every now and then, as a league we receive a fair jolt of $$$ from all the areas and it would not be correct to be seen as avoiding playing games there. (not that we want to!) As an association we are striving to build the league from the Boundary perspective, and not from one town versus another, it is a hard battle but one we believe is worth it, if we want to build a strong league from Rock Creek to Christina Lake then we need to play games in all the areas or we will cease to have teams to play against, this no doubt may take years. So if one child watching from the sidelines happens to watch you play and signs up for soccer the next day or next spring because they want to be a part of it all, then we have no doubt won a big victory.
Q: My son is a great player, why does he have to sit out, especially when we are losing a game?
A: BYSA believes all kids are great players and therefore all players get equal play time regardless of scores (not kept) or (perceived) talents. Although many parents believe that their child is the next great Canadian soccer star, the reality is probably not, we cannot in good conscience sideline anyone to promote a single player or dream. It is important that kids have dreams and set goals to strive for, but it is equally important that adults understand the limitations of some of those dreams and assist their child in appreciating the greater value of playing with all involved equally as a team.