Frequently Asked Questions –Starters
What is Starters?
Our Starters program introduces our youngest players to the soccer basics through fundamental activities, games and fun soccer challenges. Parent volunteers work to create a positive learning environment with maximum participation, lots of repetition and, of course, as much fun as possible.
How are teams formed?
Our youngest teams are formed by random draw. Once the kindergarten teams are formed, teams typically stay together as they progress through the program, provided coaches return. If a coach does not return, a new coach is recruited, or a team is broken up and moved to other teams with coaches.
Can my child play on the same team as his best friend, neighbor, cousin, etc?
SAY Rule 8 - Legal Team, #3 Player Draw: Players shall be assigned to teams in a manner that provides no advantage to any one team over another. Assignment of new players and those who have moved up from a lower age division shall be by blind draw or some other method that results in teams being balanced in ability level. This is one of the most basic rules of SAY and must be enforced by each district.
How long are practices/games?
The program will meet once a week for an hour of soccer basics, games, and challenges.
How many kids are on each team?
Depending on how many kids register, there are usually about 10 kids on each team. Approximately 10 teams of 10 players.
What to bring to each practice?
Each participant should bring the following items: size 3 soccer ball, shin guards, and water. Most instructional players wear soccer cleats, but they are optional. we recommend that your child wear shoes that are most comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions –Instructional
What is Instructional
Our Instructional program prepares your child for the next level. There will be more enhanced drills, some light emphasis on placement, and larger goals. Fun is still the main goal here!
How are teams formed?
Our youngest teams are formed by random draw. Once the kindergarten teams are formed, teams typically stay together as they progress through the program, provided coaches return. If a coach does not return, a new coach is recruited, or a team is broken up and moved to other teams with coaches.
Can my child play on the same team as his best friend, neighbor, cousin, etc?
SAY Rule 8 - Legal Team, #3 Player Draw: Players shall be assigned to teams in a manner that provides no advantage to any one team over another. Assignment of new players and those who have moved up from a lower age division shall be by blind draw or some other method that results in teams being balanced in ability level. This is one of the most basic rules of SAY and must be enforced by each district.
How long are practices/games?
The program will meet once a week for an hour of soccer basics, games & challenges.
How many kids are on each team?
Depending on how many kids register, there are usually about 10 kids on each team. Approximately 10 teams of 10 players.
What to bring to each practice?
Each participant should bring the following items: size 3 soccer ball, shin guards, and water. Most instructional players wear soccer cleats but they are optional. I would recommend that your child wear shoes that are most comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions - Recreational Soccer
What kind of soccer club is Madeira Youth Soccer?
Madeira Soccer is a recreational soccer club serving children and teens, from age 3 up through age 18.
What is recreational SAY soccer?
The purpose of recreational soccer is to provide an opportunity for the participants to have fun, learn the sport and develop life skills including a lifelong love of the game.
How are teams formed?
Our youngest teams are formed by random draw. Once the kindergarten teams are formed, teams typically stay together as they progress through the program, provided coaches return. If a coach does not return, a new coach is recruited, or a team is broken up and moved to other teams with coaches.
Can my child play on the same team as his best friend, neighbor, cousin, etc?
SAY Rule 8 - Legal Team, #3 Player Draw: Players shall be assigned to teams in a manner that provides no advantage to any one team over another. Assignment of new players and those who have moved up from a lower age division shall be by blind draw or some other method that results in teams being balanced in ability level. This is one of the most basic rules of SAY and must be enforced by each district. Any random choice method is acceptable.
Can my child play on the same team as his/her same sex sibling?
Yes, if the same sex sibling is in the same playing level. For example, 8yr. old and 9yr. old siblings can play together because they are both considered Wings players. Please refer to the registration forms for playing level ages.
We have a very busy schedule and can only practice on a certain night. Can I request a certain practice night?
No. Practices are determined by the coach after teams have been formed so there is no way to know a coach's practice night until after the season has started. If you have a practice concern, you may contact Madeira Rec Soccer to see if any accommodations can be made.
How do I know what age group my child belongs in?
Cincinnati Hills SAY Soccer sets the age brackets for the league. Please see the AGE DIVISIONS page on our website.
What other districts participate in Cincinnati Hills SAY Soccer?
The following districts participate in the Cincinnati Hill SAY Soccer League. They are, Deer Park, Eastgate, Fairfax, Indian Hill, Madeira, Mariemont, Reading & Terrace Park.
How many games are played per season?
League games vary between 8 and 10 games per season depending on age group.
Is there a minimum amount of time my child will get to play?
Yes. SAY Soccer requires that all children play at least 2 quarters of a game.
This may not always be possible if a child arrives to a game late or leaves early. If you suspect this may be the case, we ask that parents work this out with the coach beforehand.
How many players are there on a team?
Each player must play 2 quarters of a game. This means that the maximum number of players on a team cannot be more than double the maximum number of players allowed on the field at any one time. Therefore, team size varies with age group. Madeira wants every child to play more than 2 quarters so we generally aim somewhere in the middle in hopes every child will play at least three quarters.
Madeira tries to create teams with enough substitutes to give children adequate breaks during the game. But sickness, vacation, school and other events may leave a team with minimal or no substitutes allowing some or all players to play an entire game.
Are scores kept?
Scores are only kept at the older age-groups. Scores are not kept for the Instructional and Starters (U8).
Scores are kept for the Under 10's (U10) and up.
Where can I see current standings / scores?
Scores are not kept for the Instructional and Under 8's (U8).
Scores for older age groups (U10 and above), as well as current standings, can be found here.
http://www.cincinnatihillssaysoccer.org/standings.asp
Are there any tournaments?
There is one tournament a year and that is held at the end of the fall season. Teams are seeded based on how well they did during the Fall Season.
Do I have to pay for the CHSS Tournament?
No. The CHSS Fall tournament is part of your Fall registration fee.
Can my team play in other tournaments?
Yes. But we leave the registration and organization into these extra events entirely up to the coach and/or parents. Also, any fees for the additional tournaments are the complete responsibility of the parents.
Where are practices and home games held?
Practices and home games will either be at McDonald Commons or Sellman (Middle School).
What days and times will my child practice?
Practice days and times will be set by the coach. Your coach will call/email you with these date/time of the first practice/parent meeting. If you have problems with the day or time, please address these with your coach.
When do the season games begin and end?
Spring season typically begins the first week of April and goes through to the last week of May.
Fall season typically begins around Labor Day and goes through to Halloween.
When do practices begin?
Spring practices typically begin late March.
Fall practices typically begin mid-August.
What other equipment does my child need?
- Soccer Ball
- Passers-Size 3 ball
- Wings & Strikers-Size 4 ball
- Kickers & above-Size 5 ball
- Shin guards
- Soccer Socks
- Soccer Shorts
- If you are Passers (U8) through Seniors (U19) soccer shorts are now provided as part of the uniform (see "Uniform Policy" section above).
- Shoes
- If cleats are not available in smaller size for the instructional age-gym shoes are acceptable.
- Baseball or football cleats are not permitted.
- Water Bottle
Bring enough water for all practices & games. Madeira also recommends that your child(ren) drink adequate water throughout the day. Many cases of heat stroke and heat related illnesses are a result of a child's lack of hydration before practice or games.
When can I expect to receive a game schedule?
Cincinnati Hills SAY Soccer publishes these game schedules generally 10 days before the first game. Your coach will forward this schedule on to you. Also, this schedule will be posted on this website.
What about snacks or drinks?
Your coach will send out a snack and drink schedule that will identify which parents are responsible for each item on each game.
Please make sure your child has adequate water during the game. Drinks/Snacks are typically not handed out until the end of the game.
Remember: try to keep those snacks healthy!
How long are games?
Games are divided into four quarters, with breaks between each quarter. The half time break is the longest. The length of the quarters varies based on age. For example, U14 age group plays 15-minute quarters. See your coach for more information.
What about rainouts?
For cancellation of home games check the "Field Status" link at the top left of the screen. If the fields are Green and say Open then the game is on. If they are Red and say Closed, then the game is cancelled. You coach should also call or email you as well.
For cancellation of away games, field status is posted at, http://www.cincinnatihillssaysoccer.org/. Like home games, your coach should also call or email you to confirm the cancellation.
For rained out home or away games you coach should contact you concerning the rescheduling of that game.
What about REFUNDS?
We do not offer refunds once registration closes. We form teams and order uniforms the very next day. Your registration fee goes towards uniforms, coach supplies and our SAY National fees. If you sign up, and change your mind once you see your coach, practice day, etc., then you will NOT receive a refund.