Why do you need birth certificates?
For insurance/liability reasons WSA must have copies of participants' legal birth certificates on file to prove eligibility for age groups. WSA cannot accept registration without it.  A legible copy of the legal birth certificate must be left with WSA at the time of registration.  It you have not yet applied for a legal birth certificate for your child, please ensure you do in advance so you will have it by the registration date published on our website.

Can I request that my child play with another player or specific coach?
Requests to play together will only be honored for MiniWee participants and are limited to one (reciprocal) request per participant.  Only U5 – U12 players who are siblings or are the sons or daughters of the Head Coach and one Assistant Coach will be allowed to play on the same team by request--providing both volunteers are in good standing with the league (e.g. valid certification).  All requests must be made at registration and it must be written on the Registration forms/Coaches Volunteer applications for the children involved in the requests.   Due to the administration involved, requests made via email and/or after registration, will NOT be honored.  Our goal is to make teams as evenly matched as possible.  WSA will not honor requests for a specific coach.  Requests to switch to another team due to conflicts or transportation issues, will not be honored. The game schedules are created using a software program so there is always the possibility that all siblings will have games at the same time and they may be held at two different locations--we will not honor requests to adjust the schedule or for children to switch teams to resolve scheduling conflicts.  If you are a single parent or a family where one parent may not be available on game days, we recommend you do not register multiple children (who are in different age groups) in our programs to avoid disappointment due to scheduling conflicts.  Refunds are NOT provided because families cannot, or will not, accommodate their schedules to practice or game times and refunds are not provided because the league will not accommodate a specific coach/team request or car pool request.  Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another.

What age group does my child fall into?
There will be information or a link on the Registration page to determine which age group your child falls into for the current season.  Eligibility for a age group is based on the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) age division cutoff date, not the date the season or program begins. The FYSA age division cutoff date covers an academic year (August - July of the following year); therefore, participants in the Spring league will remain in the same age division as the past (Fall) season.  Note that children with advanced skills for their age are only permitted to "move up" one age group but the request must be made at the time of registration and parents are expected to submit a Volunteer Application to be the Head Coach of their child's team.  Parents/guardians must notify one of the payment processors at the time of registration and they will be provided with the appropriate form for the request.  The final decision will be up to WSA and parents will be contacted ONLY if the request will not be honored.  Children who are inexperienced, with lesser skills, small stature or those with birth dates close to the cutoff date are not permitted to play at a lower age group.

Can we request placement of two or more players together on the same team for carpooling or other hardship reasons?
There are only three reasons that WSA allows placement of two or more players on the same team: 

1)       the players are siblings who are in the same age group (or one is playing up).  Siblings are defined as children who have at least one parent in common (as listed on the birth certificate or adoption papers).

2)       the players are the sons or daughters of the (U5 - U12) Head Coach and Assistant Coach

3)       the players are in the MiniWee program (limited to one participant request per player)*  

Requests, that meet the above criteria, must be made at registration and must be written on the Registration forms for the children involved in the requests, and/or written on the Coaches Volunteer Applications.   All requests must be reciprocal to be honored and both volunteers must be in good standing with the league (e.g. valid certification, etc.).  Due to the administration involved, requests made via email and/or after registration, will NOT be honored. 

While we tried to be accommodating in the past, during our Spring 2006 season our Directors and some coaches were harassed throughout the season by individuals who were part of a group of nine who wanted their children to play together.  Even though we offered refunds after explaining that we could not place all the children together but would place a maximum of two per team, only one parent took the refund and the others decided to keep their children enrolled.  Unfortunately, our Directors continued to be subjected to abusive emails throughout the season by some of the parents from that group so WSA has had to adopt a strict policy now regarding requests to play together.  During Spring 2009, WSA also received numerous complaints from, and regarding, large groups that requested to be on the same team.  As a result of complaints, additional administration and other related issues, WSA has changed the policy for MiniWee requests to play together to a limit of one per participant.

While we encourage carpooling, there have been too many cases where parents have also abused the carpooling and hardship issue…so please don't even ask, we won't honor these types of requests for team placement!  Requests to switch to another team due to conflicts or transportation issues, will not be honored.  The game schedules are created using a software program so there is always the possibility that all siblings will have games at the same time and they may be held at two different locations--we will not honor requests to adjust the schedule or for children to switch teams to resolve scheduling conflicts.  If you are a single parent or a family where one parent may not be available on game days, we recommend you do not register multiple children (who are in different age groups) in our programs to avoid disappointment due to scheduling conflicts.  Refunds are NOT provided because families cannot, or will not, accommodate their schedules to practice or game times and refunds are not provided because the league will not accommodate a specific coach/team request or car pool request. Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another.

What if I am out of town during registration?
We have limited volunteer resources to handle the administrative tasks involved with organizing the league.  This includes registration so we cannot accommodate requests to register participants outside the designated registration periods.  If you will not  be available for either of the registration dates/times, please send a friend or relative to register your child.  Provide them with the information required (see What To Bring To Registration) and give them a pair of your child’s shorts and a T-shirt to bring to registration for uniform sizing.  

What if I don't have a computer and/or internet access to visit your website for important information such as Registration dates, etc.?
Hillsborough County Public Libraries have free internet access.

Who do I contact if I would like to coach a team?
You may download a Volunteer Application form from the Coaches’ Corner on our website.  ALL sections (including SSN#) must be fully completed and a copy of the Driver's License must be included in order for us to perform background checks.  You can bring the completed form and copy of Driver's License with you to registration or email it to the email address listed on the form; however it must be received by the Final Registration date in order for WSA to meet its deadline in order for background checks to be performed.    You must also check the "Coach" box on your child's registration form.   If you will not be registering a child but would like to coach, email us.  Note:  Activities may be scheduled on religious holidays or may conflict with personal activities--due to the tight timelines and vendor deadlines involved with organizing the league, we will not be able to accommodate requests to reschedule events and/or adjust game schedules, Picture Day, etc.

Do families enrolling more than one child get a discount?
Yes, the registration fee will be discounted $10 for each additional sibling.  This discount is available for siblings only, and is not available for cousins, friends, or those living in the same household.  Due to those who have abused this privilege, proof may be required for the discount. The sibling discount is not available for late registration.  The game schedules are created using a software program so there is always the possibility that all siblings will have games at the same time and they may be held at two different locations--we will not honor requests to adjust the schedule or for children to switch teams to resolve scheduling conflicts.  If you are a single parent or a family where one parent may not be available on game days, we recommend you do not register multiple children (who are in different age groups) in our programs to avoid disappointment due to scheduling conflicts. 

What type of parental involvement does WSA have?
WSA is a non-profit  organization and its success is due to the service of its volunteers.  It was founded by volunteers and is administered by a volunteer board of directors.  While none of its current Board members have children who participate in the league, every Board member/Director is a volunteer.  There are a variety of tasks that can be done to help; all are part-time, some are short-term, some are longer-term commitments, but each one of them is VERY important with helping to make WSA the best it can be for the children. It is expected that parents will commit to volunteer for at least one of the many volunteer activities available--there is something for everyone. Volunteering to be a Team Parent, bringing snacks or other tasks associated with your child's team is great.  However, there are important volunteer tasks required to operate the league, such as coaching, refereeing, field lining, and many administrative roles (making phone calls, registration, etc.) that we need parents to perform. Click here for a list of Volunteer Opportunities.  This is YOUR club and it runs on YOUR efforts and enthusiasm.

Do you offer late registration?
Teams are formed immediately after Skills Assessment in order to meet the vendor's deadline for uniforms.  If you would like your child to be placed on a waitlist, please click on the waitlist link if/when it is available on the Registration page.  You will be contacted if a spot becomes available on an age-appropriate team.  A late registration fee will be in effect ($80 – MiniWee, $100 U5 – U12 age groups) and the sibling discount will not be available.  Late registration fees are non-refundable.

Do participants have to be Westchase residents in order to register?
Currently our league is not restricted to Westchase residents.  We pay usage fees when we use private field space in the CountryWay subdivision and we pay a usage fee for the Westchase Swim & Tennis Activity room.   

How do I become a coach?
If you sign up to to coach, your child will be placed on your team.  You may download a copy of the Volunteer Application form from the Coaches’ Corner on our website.  ALL sections (including SSN#) must be completed  and a copy of your Driver's License must be included for a background check to be performed.   Bring the completed form with you to turn in when you register your child.  You will also need to check the "Coach" box on your child’s registration form.  Volunteer Application forms will also be available at registration.   All Volunteer Applications must be fully completed and received, along with a copy of the Driver's license, by WAS by the Final Registration date.  There are no qualifications for one to volunteer to coach. We only ask that you be dedicated to the kids of WSA! It's just that easy.  If you will not be registering a child and wish to coach, please send us an email.
 
U5 – U12 Head Coaches will determine the weekly practice days and times for their teams based on their own personal schedules.  Equipment and curriculum guides for the age group will be provided by WSA as well as a Coach's Handbook.  The Player Development Officer (PDO) will also be available to provide one-on-one training on how to conduct a practice.  Note:  Activities may be scheduled on religious holidays or may conflict with personal activities--due to the tight timelines and vendor deadlines involved with organizing the league, we will not be able to accommodate requests to reschedule events and/or adjust game schedules, Picture Day, etc.

MiniWee—the commitment to be a MiniWee Assistant coach is very minimal because the Player Development Officer (PDO) will be the Head Coach and will run the first 30 minutes of the MiniWee sessions (which are held on five Saturdays only).  MiniWee Assistant Coaches will assist the PDO during the first 30 minutes and will be left to run the last 15 minutes of the session after receiving guidance/instructions from the PDO.   The role of the MiniWee Assistant Coach is more administrative.  A MiniWee Assistant Coach Handbook will be provided to guide you with the tasks required.  Note:  Activities may be scheduled on religious holidays or may conflict with personal activities--due to the tight timelines and vendor deadlines involved with organizing the league, we will not be able to accommodate requests to reschedule events and/or adjust game schedules, Picture Day, etc.

Can I request a team that holds practice on certain days or what if I have practice day restrictions?
No, we do not have a schedule of practices because it is dependent on the coach’s personal schedule.   We do not have volunteer resources to contact every coach to request a practice schedule for 500+ kids.   In addition, planned practice schedules may change at the beginning of the season due to field availability, or even during the season due to the coach's requirements.   As a parent, sometimes you may have to re-arrange your schedule for the season which is approximately 10 weeks.  A refund will not be issued if the team’s practice time conflicts with your schedule and requests to be reassigned to another team will not be accepted.  Children cannot practice with other teams and must attend their team’s practices in order to get their guaranteed 50% playing time in games.  If your child is involved with other activities that have set schedules which may conflict with soccer practices, we recommend you do not register your child in our program this season.  Requests to switch to another team due to conflicts or transportation issues, will not be honored.  Refunds are NOT provided because families cannot, or will not, accommodate their schedules to practice or game times and refunds are not provided because the league will not accommodate a specific coach/team request or car pool request. Due to the up-front costs related to facilities, fields, equipment, uniforms, administration and insurance, etc., once a player is registered, no refunds will be issued after the refund deadline published on the website and payment made for one season cannot be credited/applied to another.

Can I register my child on-line?
Due to limited field space and volunteers (Head coaches and referees) we must limit enrollment in our programs.  In the best interest of the league, we feel that the convenience of online registration will result in an increase in the over-enrollment we already experience our programs every season.   

Does my child have to attend the mandatory Skills Assessment?
If your child will be playing in the Under 7, Under 8, Under 10 or Under 12 age groups, they must attend a 15-minute Skills Assessment session in order to be placed on a team.  This applies to all new and some returning players.  Participants in the U5, U6 and MiniWee age groups do not require a Skills Assessment.

What if my child will not be available or is ill or there is a family emergency on the date that Skills Assessment is scheduled?
Since we have to limit enrollment due to field space and volunteer shortages (e.g. coaches), children who do not participate in the Skills Assessment may not be placed on a team.    If you cannot re-arrange your schedule or make other arrangements for your child to participate on the scheduled Skills Assessment date, we recommend you do not register your child in our league to avoid disappointing them.  WSA realizes that there will always be illnesses and emergencies that come up which prevent children from participating in a Skills Assessment session.  While we were sympathetic and accommodating in the past, many parents have abused the "personal/family emergency" among other excuses.  WSA received complaints from parents who informed us that some parents were less than honest when using the illness and emergency excuse.  This placed WSA in a an awkward position because children (whose parents did not provide a excuse) were not included in the program while other children were kept in the program because their parent provided what appeared to be a legitimate excuse.  It only takes a few to ruin it for everyone else and since WSA has no way of recognizing a legitimate excuse, we do not want to be in a position where we have to make a judgment.  WSA also received complaints from coaches and parents that our leniency (by making exceptions) compromised the integrity of the team-balancing.  If a child has never participated in a Skills Assessment session (i.e. WSA does not have a score from a previous season), they will not be assigned to a team.  Children must be assessed with other children in the age group; WSA cannot conduct an assessment of a child on their own.  Based on our experience, parents' and coaches' assessment of players' skill levels have not always been objective or accurate so it is not used for skills assessment.   The Board's policy is that a 50% refund will be issued to those who do not participate in the mandatory Skills Assessment--this applies to new and returning participants, regardless of how long they have participated in WSA programs over the years.    This is to avoid the "no shows" who deprive children from the WaitList an opportunity to take their spot--we cannot conduct Skills Assessment for one individual.  Exceptions may be reviewed by the Board on a case-by-case basis.  One factor that will be taken into consideration is whether the child's parents are active volunteers who have made a commitment toward helping with the operation of the league during past seasons.  Being a Team Parent and providing snacks or hosting parties for the team do not qualify.  Volunteer tasks such as coaching, refereeing, field set up/lining, and administrative assistance (e.g. registration, etc.) are examples of tasks that must be done to operate the league every season.  

Important Note:  When WSA programs must be limited, the WSA Board feels it would be unfair to randomly remove children who participated in a Skills Assessment session, to exempt those who were unable to participate due to illness, emergency, etc.

How do I sign up for, or change, a Skills Assessment session?
You may sign up for a Skills Assessment time during any Registration session.  WSA cannot conduct Skills Assessment for one individual and there must be a minimum of six children per session. Make sure you check your calendar before scheduling a session for your child because it may be difficult to reschedule it after registration is closed. WSA is not obligated or responsible for sending any reminders regarding Skills Assessment appointments.   If you forget the time your child is scheduled the Skills Assessment schedule will be published on our website 24 hours prior to the sessions.  If you do not wish your child’s information to be included in the Skills Assessment schedule on our website, please inform us via email no later than 24 hours after registration.  It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to ensure the child keeps their appointment time and wears the proper equipment. 

What is the purpose of Skills Assessment?
Skills Assessment is used to help us try to create evenly balanced teams.   It’s more fun for players when teams are of, or close to, equal ability.  While creating evenly balanced teams is not an exact science, we would appreciate your cooperation by ensuring your child participates in their Skills Assessment session.  Failure to participate in Skills Assessment may result in the child not being placed on a team and 50% of the registration fee will be refunded--this applies to new and returning participants (regardless of the number of seasons they have participated in WSA programs).  Parents are encouraged to write the child's appointment time on the registration handout in the space provided for the Skills Assessment appointment.   WSA is not obligated or responsible for sending any reminders regarding Skills Assessment appointments.   It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to ensure the child keeps their appointment time and wears the proper equipment.  If parents forget the time their child is scheduled, the Skills Assessment schedule will be published on our website 24 hours prior to the sessions. 

Sessions will be approximately 15 minutes so parents should not leave their child unattended.   WSA cannot conduct Skills Assessment for one individual and there must be a minimum of six children per session.  A Skills Assessment team conducts assessment of the players in order to maintain consistency with the scoring.   Skills Assessment scores will not be revealed to parents or coaches; the score will be used by the Director of League Development as part of the electronic team-building. 

Participants must wear cleats, shin-guards, bring water and arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled time for check-in in order to help ensure sessions run on time.  If a child shows up for a Skills Assessment session without the required equipment, they will not be allowed to participate and will be considered a "no show".  A 50% refund will be issued because they will not be placed on a team. There is a maximum of 10 players per session and sessions are organized by age group.  If a participant is late for their session, there may be no other sessions for the child's age group so they will be considered a "no show" and will not be assigned to a team.  Skills Assessment cannot be conducted for one individual.

Why do returning players have to attend Skills Assessment?
Since children develop and learn at different rates, we cannot predict the rate of improvement by the end of the season.  Some players improve significantly, some a little, some none at all.  There are too many factors that can affect a child’s rate of improvement so this is why some returning participants must be re-assessed prior to each season.
 

Can my child play in an older age group?
Age group eligibility is based on the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) age division cutoff date, not the date the season or program begins. The FYSA age division cutoff date is July 31 and covers an academic year (August - July of the following year). Therefore, in the Spring season, children remain in the same age group as the previous Fall season--this is consistent with other soccer leagues in Florida.  Children cannot play down an age group but parents may request to have their child play up an age group.   In order for the request to be considered, parents must complete a Request to Play Up form which includes an application and agreement to be the HEAD Coach of the child's team.  Requests must be submitted by Final Registration and the final decision will be up to WSA.   Children in the U7 – U12 age groups must also participate in a mandatory skill assessment for the age group they wish to play up to and failure to participate in skills assessment will result in the child not being placed on a team.  Requests may not be considered if enrollment is limited in an age group--that is, to be fair, children who are eligible for that age group based on their birth date will be given priority. The final decision will be up to WSA.  If, for any reason, the parent rescinds their agreement to be the Head Coach of their child's team, the child may be assigned to an age-appropriate team IF there is a spot available on a team. 

Requests to play up to the MiniWee program will not be considered even if the parent agrees to be a MiniWee Assistant.  It has been our experience that 99% of these volunteers do not continue coaching when their child moves on to the U5+ groups.  Parents also complained because their child remains in the MiniWee age group for more than two seasons (since they started early) which resulted in requests to move the child up to the U5 age group.   

Note to Parent/Guardian:  The WSA Board feels it would be unfair to remove children who are eligible for an age group (based on their birth date as per the Florida Youth Soccer Association cutoff date), to allow children whose parents want the convenience of having children on one (or a specific) team, or for children with advance skills to play up to that age group.   If there are not enough Head coaches for the age division or if enrollment must be limited in an age group, preference will be given to children whose parents/guardians are active Head coaches or to the children who belong in the age group based on the birth date eligibility for the season.   Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and approval will be at the sole discretion of WSA.  

Can I get a refund if my child is ill, injured and cannot (or will not) participate during the season?
We realize that sometimes plans change, and every season we get requests for refunds. In order to keep our fees as low as possible, we do NOT build in extra fund into the fees to cover the expenses incurred for players whose parents request refunds after registration.  Due to varying levels of costs, advance purchasing requirements for equipment and uniforms, other fees paid to governing bodies, and the overall organizational costs, refunds will not be considered after these costs are incurred.  Injuries are a part of all sports at any level and are not generally considered as a reason for a refund, except if requested by the deadline published on the website.  Payment for one season cannot be applied to another season because costs are incurred every season for each participant (e.g. new (different) uniforms, insurance for participants and coaches, etc.).  No refunds will be made for cancellations due to inclement weather, illnesses, injuries or other circumstances beyond our control (e.g. the child does not wish to participate).