Frequently Asked Questions

What ages are accepted for the EYSA?
We accept girls from age 5 to 16 and boys from age 5 to 15. This is based on their age as of September 1st of the current year.

What does my child need to play in the EYSA?
All players must wear shinguards, covered by socks. Soccer cleats are recommended, but not required regular sneakers can be worn. No football or baseball cleats are allowed, the toe cleat is dangerous in the game of soccer. The team shirt must be worn at each game, no alterations are allowed to the t-shirt (do not cut off the sleeves, add a name to the back, etc.).

How often do teams practice?
Coaches are asked to limit practices to twice a week. The time and location are at the volunteer coach's convenience.

When does the season begin and end?
Practices can begin in May, games begin in June and end by the end of July, with a few age groups spilling over into the first week in August.

What if I miss sign-ups?
It may still be possible for your child to play. If there is an opening in your child's age group we can arrange a late registration. You need to contact us at 835-2185 or contact an area director to inquire about openings. Late registrations will only be offered spots where they exist. You may not be able to get on a team in your area or with a particular coach or player.

Can players wear earrings or other jewelry during a game?
For the safety of all players, no jewelry is to be worn by any player. That includes pierced earrings, they must be removed for the duration of the game.

Can a player participate if they are wearing a cast?
No orthopedic casts are allowed.

What is the policy regarding game cancellations?
Games will be called by the referee if conditions are too dangerous to play.
If a referee spots lightning during a game, he/she will call the game at that time. Subsequent games will be decided upon when the actual game time arrives.
Occasionally a game may be called off ahead of time if excessive rain has caused the field to be under water and dangerous to play on. Under those circumstances, the Area Director will let the affected coaches know.
If a coach feels they need to cancel a game due to an inadequate number of players, they need to inform their area director of that decision prior to game day so the opposing team can be made aware of the situation.

What is the EYSA Philosophy?
The Erie Youth Soccer Association is a volunteer organization with the primary objective to bring summer soccer to as many participants as possible. Our Association promotes the teaching of soccer to our youngsters in an atmosphere that is noncompetitive, fun and helps our participants become the best they can be. We do not honor individuals or teams in our Association. We encourage you to support all players efforts and to promote good sportsmanship and fair team play.

What is the EYSA Civil Behavior Policy?
Erie Youth Soccer Association conducts a developmental youth soccer program where players are expected to learn basic skills and the rules of the game. As a part of the program, players are also learning how to conduct themselves as responsible youth. To that end, EYSA expects that only the most civil behavior will be practiced on the soccer field by players, parents, referees, coaches, other spectators and officials. It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure that they use a polite, courteous manner in their interaction with others and to follow the spirit as well as the letter of the EYSA rules. It is also the responsibility of the coach to remove one of his or her players from a game if the coach believes that the player's behavior is not meeting the standards. A referee has the responsibility to speak to any player, coach or spectator if he or she believes that their behavior is inappropriate, and to eject any individual from the game should the warnings not be heeded. The EYSA field general or other EYSA official has the responsibility as well to monitor these behaviors and take appropriate action; including speaking to the referee if the official is not practicing civil behavior.