VIP Player FAQ
Q: My child is 16 years. Is s/he too old to play?
A: Players ages 4 through 18 (4 years of age by July 31 prior to the start of the playing season) can participate.
Q: My child has several disabilities. How do I know if s/he will be able to participate in the VIP program?
A: The VIP program is open to any individual with a disability who cannot successfully participate on a non-VIP program soccer team. Players with multiple disabilities, including physical and mental impairments, can and do successfully participate in the VIP program. If it is determined that placement on a VIP team is not appropriate for your child, VIP administrators will work with you to place your child on an appropriate team.
Q: Can I bring my child to see if s/he likes the program before I register?
A: Yes, you are welcome to attend a practice before committing your child to the program.
Q: My child is easily overwhelmed. Will s/he be able to sit out whenever s/he needs to?
A: Players are allowed to sit out whenever they want. VIP volunteers encourage and work to help the VIP player feel comfortable.
Q: What is my role as a parent?
A: One parent or a parent designee must be present for each player at every practice. Parents may remain at the sidelines or join in on the field, whichever is more appropriate for your child. We also ask parents to help us encourage the players to participate in the activities as much as possible.
Q: Since I have my other children with me when I bring my VIP child to practice, can they join in on the practice?
A: The VIP practice is only for children with special needs. We encourage you to register siblings for their own AYSO team.
Q: How structured is the program?
A: The coach initiates activities to build skills and physical strength. VIP volunteers tailor the activities to best suit each individual VIP player. Flexibility is an inherent part of the VIP program, given the wide ranges in age, abilities, and stamina of the VIP players.
Q: What is the registration fee and what does the fee cover?
A: The annual fee is $80. The program meets one hour on Saturday afternoons during both the Fall and Spring soccer seasons . The fee covers uniforms (jersey, shorts, and socks) and operational expenses (including equipment, supplies and park permits). Financial assistance is available to ensure that all interested players can participate. For assistance with financial aid, contact Lisa Leib (see below).
Q: How do I register my child?
A: Register your child online through www.eAYSO.org. Do NOT pay online. Print out a copy of your player registration form and sign the form. Send the form, together with a check payable to AYSO in the amount of $80 (or agreed upon fee if receiving financial aid) to Registrar-VIP Program, AYSO Region 418, 4507 N. Ravenswood, Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60640. Please do NOT bring your registration form or check to the field.
Q: The VIP Program is three weeks into the season and I just learned about it. Is it too late to sign my child up?
A: You may register your child at any time during the season. Please be aware that we cannot prorate the cost of the program for late registration or missed weeks.
Q: Do I need to go out and buy my child cleats or a ball?
A: Players should wear cleats or athletic shoes and shin guards. Each week every playershould also bring a soccer ball, a water bottle and a back-up snack. Occasionally the snack provided does not meet the player’s dietary needs or sometimes a snack may not be provided at all.
Q: In the event of bad weather, will practice be cancelled?
A: Wecancel games due to: (1) lightning, driving rain, or other conditions making play dangerous or impractical; or (2) ground so wet that play will damage the fields. We don't cancel merely because it's raining or snowing. Check the AYSO field report at http://www.ayso418.org, or by calling (773) 929-KICK.
For further information, contact Lisa Leib, VIP Program Administrator, at lleib@eqrworld.com or 773-871-7761.
8/09
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