Participation in Spring Select requires an increased commitment from both parents and players, including attendance at all practices and games as well as a sense of responsibility toward coaches and other team-mates. Many Spring Select teams will choose to compete in tournaments. These tournaments include travel and both Saturday and Sunday matches. The team is financially self-supporting, so fund-raising will be required for each player and parents are expected to participate. Teams are also required to provide a 4-person referee crew and team volunteers.





SPRING SELECT PLAYER & COACH CRITERIA

SPRING SELECT PLAYERS:
To be eligible to participate in the Select program a player must be registered, and must have participated, in the prior Fall Season, having played no less than 50% of regular season games. Special consideration will be made for players who were injured, had illnesses, or relocated during the season. There will be a tryout session open to all Region 50 players that meet these requirements. Players are required to play in the same division for Spring Select as they participated in during Fall Season. Players cannot play "up".

The number of teams that will be formed in each division varies from year to year. This will primarily depend on the number of qualified and experienced volunteer coaches and the number of skilled players that apply. The Regional RC and Spring Select Coordinator reserve the final decision on the number of formed teams in each division.

COMMITMENT: A high level of commitment is expected from the coaches, players, and the parents. Select is for motivated and enthusiastic players. Other obligations MUST be disclosed, and while some players are involved in other sports, most Select coaches require that training sessions and games take AT LEAST equal precedence with other activities. Parents are required to volunteer with referees and field marshal duties, as well as volunteer help with the annual Citrus Classic Tournament.

 
SPRING SELECT COACHES:
All interested coaches who meet the following prerequisites are eligible to apply and must submit an online application prior to the deadline. Coaches must:

• ·         Have coached in the current Fall Core season in the division they are applying for.
• ·         Have current  AYSO Safe Haven, CDC concussion, Cardiac Arrest training, SafeSport, Finger printing and Background check completed.
• ·         Be certified to coach in the division he/she is applying for and have 1-year experience.
• ·         Be a current registered AYSO volunteer.
• ·         Be in good standing with Region 50 with no previous disciplinary issues.
• ·         Be able to provide/maintain a minimum of 4-referees for referee assignments.
• ·         Be able to follow the Redlands Spring Select guidelines and AYSO Philosophies.
•     Submit a coach questionnaire to be reviewed by the Spring Select Committee, which will be used to make the coaching selections.

COMMITMENT: A high level of commitment is expected from the coaches, players, and the parents. Select is for motivated and enthusiastic players. Other obligations MUST be disclosed, and while some players are involved in other sports, most Select coaches require that training sessions and games take AT LEAST equal precedence with other activities. Parents are required to volunteer with referees and field marshal duties, as well as volunteer help with the annual Citrus Classic Tournament.

Spring Select Head Coaches are free to choose their Assistant Coach. However, the Assistant Coach must meet the same certifications as the Head Coach and required by the guidelines. 




LEAGUE GAMES & TOURNAMENTS

The Spring Select regular season usually runs from early March through June. The season is typically comprised of 10-12 league games, half of which are at home (Redlands) and the rest of the games are away in surrounding AYSO Regions like Beaumont, Hemet, Menifee, and Upland just to name a few. Travel time can be up to 1-hour each way. While most games are on Saturday, there is a possibility that games may be scheduled during the week and Sundays. There are also Spring Select playoffs at the conclusion of the season and those dates are T.B.D.

In addition to regular season games, Spring Select teams will also compete in AYSO Soccer tournaments. Each team is self-funded, so teams will need to fundraise money to pay for tournaments. Players and parents are expected to help fundraise for these tournaments most of which are located around Southern California and Nevada. Most tournaments require game play on Saturday and Sunday. Redlands Spring Select teams must play and provide volunteers for the annual Redlands Citrus Classic Tournament that is held in June.




FAQ’s

Q: What is AYSO Spring Select?
A: The AYSO Select program is an All Star team made up of the top players in each division. It is an amazing opportunity for players to improve their skills and develop in a more competitive environment beyond the Fall season. This is a TRAVEL TEAM  that plays games in Redlands and at other AYSO regions. The teams stays together for a 6-month long duration.

Q: How are players selected for Spring Select?
A:  Players must be nominated by their Fall head coach. Additionally, coaches can scout and recruit players from the current Fall Core season. The head coach may field a team based solely on the player nominations (from Fall coaches) or can elect to have a tryout with those players as well. Players selected should be the top players in their division.

Q: How are coaches selected?
A: All interested coaches who have coached in the Fall and meet the Spring Select coaching prerequisites, must fill out an online application PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE. Prospective Coaches and assistant coaches must be current registered volunteers who have completed the appropriate coaching certification for the division he/she is applying for and have at least 1-year of experience in the division applying for. Coaches must also have current AYSO's Safe Haven training, and the CDC concussion training. Coaches be in good standing with Region 50 with no prior disciplinary issues. Coaches must provide and maintain a certified 4-referee team that will referee other Select games. The Select Committee reviews all applications and the RC approves the final decision. The RC, Select Coordinator, and Select Committee reserve the right to approve or deny coaches. Coaches should be able to attend all scheduled games and other team commitments.

Q: If my child is chosen to play in Spring Select, what should I expect?
A: As a parent you can expect Spring Select coaches to follow the same 6 Philosophies of AYSO:

• ·         Everyone Plays
• ·         Balanced Teams
• ·         Open Registration
• ·         Positive Coaching
• ·         Good Sportsmanship
• ·         Player Development

All players will play a minimum of 75% of each game. Teams will have a 2 weekly practice sessions, 1-1.5hrs per session, and one or  two game per week. Games may be on Saturdays & Sundays and sometimes both. Spring Select teams will play in Ayso Tournaments. Tournaments will have 3-4 games spread across 2 -days, on Saturdays & Sundays. For league and tournament play, parents should expect to drive to away games to play Spring Select teams from nearby regions. Drive time can be up to 1-hour. Players must be able to attend ALL home and away games and practices. The Spring Select season requires a high level of commitment from coaches, players & parents. Parents should be prepared to volunteer on behalf of the team including refereeing and helping setup/ takedown fields as well as other assignments. If parent volunteers fail to meet obligations, such as providing referees, the team may not be allowed to play. including playoffs and tournaments. Additionally, the parent of each player must take the regional referee course before the start of the season.

Q. How long is the Spring Select season?
A. The commitment is from January to June. Teams will participate in preseason tournaments (January or February) followed by league play (March-June). FYI, there will be league games during the Redlands Unified Spring break period, so please aware of that.

Q: How much does Spring Select registration cost?
A: The price for registration varies each season and this is due to several factors. However, the costs will be more than the Fall Core season. Spring Select registration fees include regional costs, uniforms, field rental fees, and other miscellaneous costs. Teams participating in additional tournaments may also incur entry fees, lodging, transportation, and food costs, which are the responsibility of each family and not covered by registration fees.  However, teams will have opportunities to fundraise for tournaments and other add-on items as well. Many Select teams will also fundraise to purchase items such as warmups, backpacks, etc. This will make everything affordable for everyone.

Q. Do parents still have to volunteer like they do in the Core Program?
A. Yes, parents and team volunteers will be required to help volunteer during the Spring Select season. Teams will be responsible for accumulating volunteer points and referee points. The parent from each player must take the regional referee course prior to the start of the season.

Q: Who can I contact if I have any other questions?
A: For other questions or concerns, please email the Spring Select Coordinator or Regional Commissioner.