FAQ
How do I know what U-age to register for?
Basically, whatever age the child is on 7/31/XX, where XX is the current year, is the official age of your player. So if your child will be 10 on May 31, 2010, you have a U10 player. If your child will be 10 on August 5, 2012, you have a U9 player. SportsSignUp, our online registration software, figures this out for you. If you would like to see a chart of birth years, visit http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/leagues/birthyear.cfm
Why was U9 for the rec league eliminated?
This change was discussed at the past two general membership meetings to gauge opinion. Since there was very little opposition, the board approved the change for several reasons. At the rec level, a three-year age spread , as is the case for the U7-U9 group, is too large. Many of the U9 players dominate and dwarf their U7 teammates, which is not ideal for either age player. The U9 players are ready to tackle the next set of soccer skills that rec does not address. They are ready for more. This change will help the club develop more balanced teams as well as help the players develop better, more age-appropriate, skills.
Why is travel so much more expensive than rec?
Starting this year, U9 and U10 travel is just $40 more than rec ($100 per player), so it is hoped more families will be able to participate. Travel soccer costs more than rec for several reasons:
- the season is longer, starting with indoor clinics and gym time which cost money to rent
- MYSA charges substantially more for competitive players and competitive teams than rec players and teams
- travel games have paid referees
- the club pays for outside coaching help for travel teams and coach development
My player is old for his grade. Can he play with his classmates?
Unfortunately, no. Players are allowed to play on an older team, but older players are not allowed to play down. But don't let this stop you from playing! These kids meet new friends and this common issue has never been a problem.
Why have registration fees increased?
- MYSA (Minnesota Youth Soccer Assn) have increased across the board
- CRSC uses a substancial amount of gym time for training. The club now pays the school district facilities usage fees for the use of its gyms.
- In order to have a full-sized soccer field to play on, CRSC has entered into an agreement with CCLS to lease and maintain their field.
- The club has utilized paid coaches on several travel teams when parent volunteers have failed to materialize.
- Travel teams are now tiered based on age to better reflect the costs associated with running those teams.
If there is ever a question about where your fees are going, please review the current budget in the "about CRSC" menu. If you have any questions about it, don't hesistate to contact a board member to discuss.
What is the difference between Rec and Travel?
Rec is an in-house league for players U5-U8. Players meet two times per week for an hour. During that time, part is skills training and part is game play. There are no refs and score is not kept. The focus is ball touch and fun. Each rec player receives a soccer jersey as part of their registration fee. Rec begins the week after Memorial Day and ends with a Jamboree on the weekend of Rails to Trails.
Travel is a competitive league for players U9-U18. Registration deadlines are much earlier due to the dates the club must register their teams with MYSA for the upcoming season. The travel season usually begins in March with indoor clinics and rolls into either indoor or outdoor practices, depending on the weather. There are 10-12 games in a season which begin in early May and end the first or second week in July. Some teams will continue with post season play that could last until the end of July. Game nights are dependent upon the age and level of the team and are either Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday after 5pm. Half the games are played in Watertown and half are played in other West District towns. There is actually very little "travel" involved. Practices are held 2-3 times per week and are usually on the same night as games are played. For example U12 C3 girls play on Monday/Wednesday nights. A typical mid-season week would include a game on Monday and practices on Wednesday and Saturday. If no games were scheduled that week, you would have three practices: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Are there a lot of weekend time commitments?
Plan on one weekend practice, though the younger teams will often make this optional. Teams are also expected to play in one weekend tournament during the season, but can play in more if they like. This is left up to each individual team and is usually decided by the manager, based on a majority of parent opinions.
Are there any extra costs for travel soccer?
Yes. Every player will need a uniform consisting of a white jersey, a gold jersey, black shorts and black socks. A set costs $40. The club makes a commitment to keep jerseys for three years unless they become unavailable, so order them with growing room. Tournaments fees are also extra and, depending on the number of players, usually cost between $20 and $25 each.