Frequently Asked Questions (in general)
Please scroll down for FAQs specific to In-Town and Travel programs.
Uniform Kit FAQs
What does the new ASA In-town uniform kit include?
For U-7 and U-8 players (1st & 2d graders) the kit includes a gold jersey, shorts, socks and a size 3 soccer ball. For all other in-town players, the kit includes a gold jersey, a white jersey, shorts and socks.
Do I have to pay anything extra for the new uniform kit?
For all players registered by August 1, 2010, the uniform kit is included in the registration fee. Any players registering for the Fall 2010 season after August 1, 2010, will be required to purchase their uniform kit separately for $20 at the JL Coombs store located on Main Street in downtown Andover.
How will I recieve the uniform kit?
Beginning in mid-August, the uniform kit will be available for pick-up (for those who registered by August 1, 2010) or purchase (for those who registered on or after August 1, 2010) at the JL Coombs store located on Main Street in downtown Andover. The JL Coombs staff will have a list of all players registered as of August 1, 2010, simply identify your player to them and you will be provided with the appropriate uniform kit. The soccer balls included with the kit for U-7 and U-8 players will be distributed by your child's coach in early September and will not be available at the JL Coombs store. Any player not registered by August 1, 2010, will not be on the list of players provided to JL Coombs and will be required to separately purchase a uniform kit for $20 from JL Coombs. JL Coombs accepts cash and all major credit cards.
When is the best time to pick up my player's uniform kit at JL Coombs?
The best time to pick up at JL Coombs is Sunday, between the usual Sunday store hours of noon and 5pm. On Sundays, downtown traffic is light; regular store business is slower; and parking on Main Street (right in front of the store) is often available.
What other times can I pick up at JL Coombs?
If Sunday isn't convenient, uniform kits can be picked up during regular store hours the rest of the week, 9:30am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday.
Is there any way to receive the uniform kit without going to the JL Coombs store?
Yes, ASA will be running a special uniform pick up stop at a place TBD the evening of Monday, August 30, 2010. Details will be announced via the ASA weekly e-mail blast in mid-August.
Will I be able to re-use the uniform kit in future seasons?
At this time it is expected that the uniform kit will be an optional purchase in future seasons and that uniform kits may be re-used or handed down to younger siblings, etc. It is expected that a uniform kit (jersey shorts, socks) will be mandatory for all players in future seasons but, as has historically been the case with the ASA t-shirt uniforms, hand-me-downs and recycling of used uniform kits will be encouraged. ASA's uniform policy is subject to change and may be revised as our experience with the new uniform kit develops.
Will I be able to purchase extra uniform pieces, socks or shorts?
Yes, ASA expects to make extra uniform socks and shorts available as a separate, optional purchase as the JL Coombs store located on Main Street in downtown Andover, while supplies last.
Will I be able to pick a favorite number for my child's jersey?
No. The JL Coombs staff has been requested by ASA not to provide any choice of jersey numbers. Jersey numbers have no practical significance in our In-Town program. The challenge of distributing over a thousand uniform kits is complicated enough without attempting to satisfy jersey number requests. You are welcome to trade jerseys with friends, teammates, etc., however, please don't ask the JL Coombs staff to pick a special number for you. Thank you for your understanding.
What does JL Coombs get out of this?
JL Coombs receives no payment in connection with its distribution of pre-ordered uniform kits and is undertaking this significant task as a service to the Andover soccer community. JL Coombs receives a very modest, 10% fee for any ASA items purchased at their store (including uniform kits and pieces, as well as, ASA Gear). Much of that payment goes toward their credit card processing fees. All net profits from the sale of ASA Gear at JL Coombs goes to the ASA Fields Fund. If you happen to buy a sharp pair of shoes while you're in the store, I'm sure the folks at JL Coombs won't mind.
Is it ok for me to get really upset if I need to wait a few minutes to pick up my child's uniform kit at JL Coombs?
Please see FAQ answer above. JL Coombs is taking on this task primarily as a community service. They were selected as ASA's retail partner, based partly on their excellent customer service and helpful staff. However, distributing over a thousand uniform kits in a 3 week period is a major undertaking. Please have patience during the kit distribution process, meet some other members of the ASA community who may be waiting with you, check out some cool shoes or ASA logo gear. If you want to minimize any waiting time, PLEASE PICK UP YOUR KIT EARLY in the process and not the Friday night before the first game.
What about travel uniforms?
There will be no changes to the travel uniform distribution process. Players will receive travel uniforms directly from their team's coach at one of their first practice sessions.
Does ASA sell other soccer clothing or gear?
ASA stocks several items of "ASA Gear" for purchase at the JL Coombs store located on Main Street in downtown Andover, including warm-up jackets, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, ball bags, etc. All net profits from the sale of these items benefits the ASA Fields Fund.
General FAQs
Why do I register for Fall soccer in April when Spring games have just begun?
Travel assessments are held annually in early May for team placement in the Fall season. Fall registration begins in mid April because all travel players must be registered prior to assessments. In-town players have the opportunity to register in April for the upcoming Fall season, but can wait until mid June to register (before late fees apply).
Does ASA have a safety policy?
Please click here to view our safety policy.
What is ASA’s thunder and lightning policy?
If there is any lightning or audible thunder, coaches should clear the entire field immediately. Play should not resume until 30 minutes after last thunder/lighting. Players and coaches should take shelter in cars - NOT under trees. Safety comes first.
What is ASA's cancellation policy?
ASA does not cancel games due to rain or inclement weather. Soccer is a game traditionally played in the rain and can be quite enjoyable (for the players anyway). The ball travels quicker and rain can make a late spring or early fall game refreshing instead of sweltering. At other times, a long-sleeved shirt under the uniform jersey (synthetic materials are best) and some light cotton gloves keep hard-working players comfortable. ASA cancels games based on severe weather, such as, high winds; thunder/lighting; heavy rain/snow; or steady rain combined with cold temperatures that present a risk to player safety. ASA also (and more frequently) cancels games due to poor field conditions, that present a real risk to player safety or a likelihood of unacceptable damage to our limited and over-taxed athletic fields.
How does ASA decide whether field conditions are playable?
First, the large majority of ASA fields are owned and controlled by the Town of Andover. If the Town closes the fields, the fields are closed. Use of Town fields by ASA or any of its teams during such a closure period puts ASA's field access at risk and may subject ASA to sanctions from the Town. In addition to Town field closures, ASA makes it own determination of playability. When conditions are questionable, a group of dedicated ASA volunteers known as the "Rain Men" rise before 6am and physically inspect field playing conditions. The "Rain Men" report their findings to ASA's Field Chair. In consultation with other ASA Board members, the Fields Chair makes a determination of whether and what ASA programs will be closed for the day. For logistical reasons, ASA does not generally make this determination on a field by field basis, unless particularly unusual conditions are present at a specific location.
Why would fields be playable and open for ASA's travel program but not for the In-Town program?
Player safety is the paramount concern in making field closure decisions, regardless of the program affected. However, the primary fields designated for ASA's travel program tend to have better drainage than those fields that host our small-sided, In-Town program. Therefore, it is not unusual for travel fields to be safe and playable while many of the in-town spaces are not. It is ASA's general policy to cancel all in-town games if more than 50% of the in-town fields are unplayable.
What can I do to help improve the fields situation?
Many cancellations are driven by poorly drained fields and concern over field damage. Improvements to existing fields and expansion of athletic field space would appreciably reduce the frequency with which ASA is forced to cancel for these reasons. Please support both Town and ASA led efforts to improve and increase athletic field space in Andover.
Who do I notify if my child decides not to play soccer and I need a refund?
In-town registration fees can be refunded prior to the second game. The amount refunded will be equal to the registration fee less all ASA expenses (insurance, field use fees, etc.). After the second game, no refunds will be provided unless there are extenuating circumstances. Late fees are non-refundable. If teams are formed, please notify your coach, the age group coordinator, and the registrar if your child is withdrawing from soccer and requesting a refund.
There are no refunds for travel registration fees after January 1st for the Spring season. There are no refunds for travel registration fees after July 1st for the Fall season. Prior to these dates, refunds will be equal to the registration fee less all ASA expenses (insurance, field use fees, etc.) Late fees are non-refundable. If teams are formed, please notify your coach, the travel director, and the registrar if your child is withdrawing from soccer and requesting a refund.
What size soccer ball does my child need?
U7 and U8: Size 3 Ball
U9, U10, U12: Size 4 Ball
U13 – Up: Size 5 Ball
I just bought tickets to an ASA event. How do I get my tickets?
You will be notified when ASA has received the tickets. Typically tickets are held at a board member’s house for pickup.
I think I can apply for a reimbursement for a training session, licensing or tournament. What is the procedure?
All license fees are 100% reimbursable through ASA – no cost for any ASA coaches! For reimbursement on training, licenses or tournaments, please forward the following to martyhorkan@yahoo.com
Name
Address
Phone Number
Receipt
Proof of completion
In-Town Soccer FAQs
My child is interested in soccer. How many games are there? What is the time commitment?
In-town players practice once per week (depending on age, range from 1 hour to 1 ½ hours per practice) with weekly games on Saturdays. The first game in the Fall season typically starts the Saturday after school begins and ends in early November. The Spring season typically begins early/mid April and ends in mid June.
Can my 4 (or 5) year old play soccer?
Andover Soccer is available to players in 1st grade and older. Town of Andover Department of Community Services (DCS) offers soccer for younger players. Please visit www.andoverma.gov for their recent catalog.
Our family does not live in Andover, but my child attends private school in Andover. Can he/she play soccer with ASA?
Non-residents who attend schools in Andover, as well as children of Andover teachers, are welcome to play soccer with ASA.
I would like to volunteer to coach/assistant coach. How do I register?
ASA is a volunteer organization and all help is greatly appreciated. When registering your player, in the Guardian Information section, you will have the opportunity to volunteer. Click the appropriate position you wish to volunteer for. If you are already set up in the system, you do not need to do anything else. You will be contacted by the age group coordinator when teams are formed. If you are not in the system, you will receive an email from the registrar requesting your date of birth and given instructions to complete the required CORI form.
Can I request a specific coach or to have my child placed on a team with a friend?
ASA cannot honor requests for specific coaches or team placement. We honor all documented religious and medical conflicts and do our best with carpooling requests, but we cannot satisfy every schedule request.
Can I request to have my child placed on a team with other players from the same school?
One of the factors used for building the in-town teams is based on the school the child is enrolled at. Each team usually includes several players from 2 or 3 schools so that there will be some familiar faces and also the opportunity to make new friends.
Why is my child on a different team/have a different coach than last season?
Rosters are changed each year. Competitive balance is critical to the goal of a fun and safe development within the leagues. Players should have the opportunity to experience many coaches by playing under different coaching styles, as well as meet new players and make new friends.
What clothing and supplies are needed for games and practices for my In-Town player?
- Shinguards – must have to play or practice
- Soccer Socks: Intown players can wear any color or style
- One pair of game shirts- white and gold
- Soccer Cleats are not required, but suggested
- Mouth Guards are recommended
- Personal Water bottles – labeled with name
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Jewelry of any kind (including watches) may not be worn during games or practices, except for Medic-Alert bracelets.
Travel Soccer FAQs
What are expectations of parents and players when playing Travel soccer?
Click here for expections.
How much do travel uniforms cost?
Travel uniforms (usually shirt, shorts, socks, and practice shirt) are included in the travel registration fee. New uniforms are issued every September to be used for the current Fall and upcoming Spring season. New players registering for Spring only will be issued new uniforms in April.
Do I need to select a uniform size for my travel player if the current uniform still fits?
Yes. Travel team rosters change from year to year and new uniforms are issued to ensure that players do not wear duplicate uniform numbers. Occasionally, uniform styles are discontinued by the manufacturer and ASA is not able to purchase the same uniforms for new players so styles may change from year to year.