Frequently Asked Questions
Uniform Kit FAQs 
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What does the new ASA In-town uniform kit include?
The in-town uniform kit includes a gold jersey, a white jersey, shorts, and socks. Youth sizes run true to size, adult sizes run about half to a full size larger than true sizing.
How do I purchase the new uniform kit?
TBD
Who needs to purchase the new uniform kit?
In-town players new to the Fall 2011 season are expected to wear the new ASA uniforms. Returning Spring 2011 players do not need to purchase the uniforms again. Please re-wear the spring uniforms.
Will I be able to re-use the uniform kit in future seasons?
The uniform kit (jersey shorts, socks) is 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 (In-town only can be reused). 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 while supplies last.
Will I be able to pick a favorite number for my child's jersey?
No. 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 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 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 TOP
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).
What are the age eligibility requirements for participation in Andover Soccer?
For Fall 2011 and Spring 2012
U6 Little Kickers - born 8/1/05 - 7/31/06 or in kindergarten
U7 intown – born 8/1/2004 – 7/31/2005 or in 1st grade
U8 intown – born 8/1/2003 – 7/31/2004 or in 2nd grade
U9 intown – born 8/1/2002 – 7/31/2003 or in 3rd grade
U10/U11 intown – born 8/1/2000 – 7/31/2002 or in 4th grade or 5th grade
U11 travel – born 8/1/2000 – 7/31/2001 regardless of grade OR born after 7/31/2001 and in 5th grade
U12 travel – born 8/1/1999 – 7/31/2000 regardless of grade OR born after 7/31/2000 and in 6th grade
U13 travel – born 8/1/1998 – 7/31/1999 regardless of grade OR born after 7/31/1999 and in 7th grade
U14 travel – born 8/1/1997 – 7/31/1998 regardless of grade OR born after 7/31/1998 and in 8th grade
U16 travel (spring only) – born 8/1/1995 – 7/31/1997 regardless of grade OR born after 7/31/1997 and in 9th grade (choose U14 or U16)
U18 travel (spring only) – born 8/1/1993 – 7/31/1995 regardless of grade OR born after 7/31/1995 and in 11th grade (choose U16 or U18)
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 andoversoccertreasurer@gmail.com
Name
Address
Phone Number
Receipt
Proof of completion
In-Town Soccer FAQs TOP
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 kindergarten and older.
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 TOP
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.