Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about
Palm Bay Youth Soccer Registration
How do I register?
#1 Online Registration During open registration you can register at ANYTIME online (until the last registration deadline of that season) at www.pbysoccer.com, click on the REGISTRATION tab for the electronic form you need to fill out. You are required to fill in all fields and complete all of the steps online. The final page must be printed, signed by the parent and mailed to PO Box 111358 Palm Bay, FL 32911. If you choose not to use the Paypal link for payment please be sure to include payment (check or money order) when mailing the signed form. In addition, if the player has not played before, a copy of the birth certificate or passport is needed and can be mailed in with the signed form. IF all these conditions are NOT met, then your player is NOT registered and will not be placed on a team.
#2 Mail – During open registration, forms can be downloaded at our website: www.pbysoccer.com. Click on the REGISTRATION tabfor the registration form. Please download the form, fill out, and mail to: Palm Bay Youth Soccer PO Box 111358 Palm Bay, FL 32911. Be sure to complete the entire form and sign it. When mailing, please be sure to include any additional requirements i.e., copy of birth certificate or passport, and be sure to include payment. Players will not be placed on teams until payment has been received.
#3 Onsite – ONSITE Registration is available for ALL players U5-U19. Onsite registration dates will be posted on the website and will be held at Palm Bay Regional Park at the soccer complex, Concession Stand. You can download the form from the website or one will be provided at time of registration. Be sure to bring a copy of any additional requirements i.e., copy of birth certificate or passport, and payment. Players will not be placed on teams until payment has been received
DO NOT WAIT! If you register after the deadline you will go on the dreaded waiting list and may not get to play this season. There will NOT be any guaranteed team placement with LATE registration. .
IS my player old enough to play?
For the Fall season a player must be 4 prior to August 1 to play in Under 5's (U5). To begin playing in the Spring season, children must be 4 by March 1 to play in Under 5's (U5).
What about age groups?
Age divisions are open to players UP TO a certain age. For example, a player turning 14 before 8/1 must advance to the next division (in this case, U-15/16, a dual age division). A player turning 14 on or after 8/1 may continue to play in the U-14 division. See Age Calendar within the REGISTER webpage for more information. (AGE CALENDAR ISN’T THERE RIGHT NOW – MAYBE WE SHOULD INCLUDE IT RIGHT HERE AS WELL. THE ONE IN THE BYSL HANDBOOK IS LAST YEARS OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE PASTED IT IN)
What is the difference in age groups for skills or abilities?
The following is a brief description of the 'training ladder' being developed by our coaches and the PBYS Board of Directors:
• U5/6 soccer is a form of pre-soccer with the emphasis on fun. Sometimes called 'bumble bee ball' there's lots of running and jumping and kicking and running. It's a lot of fun to watch.
• U7/8 begins introducing basic ball mastery skills in the form of special practice
games and activities. Simple, easy games develop simple, easy to learn skills.
• U9/10 builds on the basics with a slightly broader range of 'touch' skills. Teamwork begins to be a small factor. Players begin to develop confidence in their abilities and try out their skills or a few new moves during games.
• U11/12 continues to expand on the 'good habits' learned in previous seasons.
Learning to shoot, juggling techniques and moves is a big part of training. Teamwork is becoming more of a factor.
• U13/14 emphasizes teamwork along with a range of more advanced ball mastery skills. Players start to learn that the game is really played with their brains. This often comes as a big surprise to everyone!
• U15/16 concentrates on teamwork and fast attack small group tactics. Skills training continues in earnest as players begin to hone and take pride in their 'personal moves'.
• U19 is all about teamwork, fast attack tactics and game strategy. Players at this age level are often 'hard-core' and have been playing 10-15 years. Most will be playing to stay in shape for their high school teams. Some will be on their way to college teams next season.
First time player or new to PBYS?
You must provide proof of age. A copy of a birth certificate or a passport (must have English translation on the actual document) will be fine. We have to send it to Florida Youth Soccer so please bring only a copy! We will also ask for any allergies, or medical conditions that the coach will NEED to know. Please be forthcoming with any information that will provide the coach with the best possible information not only for safety reasons, but for better understanding of your players’ needs.
What is a Players Pass?
A player pass is a small card with your child’s picture and information from Florida Youth Soccer. Player passes are required for traveling or competitive teams. These types of teams require valid player passes - no pass, no play - that's the state rules. However, if your child will be playing on a competitive or Dual-rostered, at any age, they will need a photo for their passes. You will need to provide a current small wallet or passport type photo if your child will be playing on a traveling team. A Players Pass shows the referee that you belong on the field and are adequately covered by insurance and that club’s requirements. It is the responsibility of the COACH to add the player’s picture to the player’s passes he has in his possession at the start of the season.
What kind of equipment will they need?
A. Shinguards that fit - don't buy them to grow into! These are REQUIRED to be worn at every PRACTICE and every game – no EXCEPTIONS!!!!
B. A water bottle (preferably with only water in it and their name on it).
C. A practice ball (with their name on it). Sizes are:
#3 - U8 and under
#4 - U9 thru U12
#5 - U13 & up
Balls are sized to appropriate for the size of the children in the age group.
When purchasing a ball, please look for the size on the ball to ensure buying the correct size for your child.
D. Soccer cleats (without the toe cleat, no football or baseball shoes or sneakers). Referees will not allow players to participate with football or baseball cleats.
Again, buy to fit, not to grow into. Their feet are the business-end of this game so take care of them. Players with shoes that are two sizes too big because their size was sold out will not have a good experience with soccer. Some stores are stocking 'starter kits' which include soccer cleats, shinguards, and ball. These kits tend to quickly sell out.
Where and when will games be played?
All U5, U6, U7, and U8 games will be played at Palm Bay Regional Park located on the West end of Malabar Road. U10, U12, U14, U16, U18 are in traveling divisions and will play away games at other venues around the area. With exceptions such as tournaments, special events, or scheduling conflicts, games will be played on Saturdays. Sunday games are only scheduled when schedules, or fields, are overloaded.
Where and when will practices be held?
We encourage all coaches of recreational and competitive teams to practice at Palm Bay Regional Park. Some Recreational teams may practice offsite at churches, schools, other soccer fields, or elsewhere. In many coaching circumstances, a full field is not needed. Your coach will be contacting you about practice and game schedules.
How do I get on a specific team?
The club does not guarantee any special requests for team assignments. You can make a note on the registration form to play for a specific team or coach, but there are no guarantees.
Will there be a late registration period?
Registrations accepted on or after the deadline go to the waiting list and are assigned to teams on a first-available basis. No special requests can be fulfilled from the waiting list.
Can my player play up in age?
It is highly recommended that no player move up more than 1 age group. For example, a player advancing from U10 to U11/12 is entering a dual age division and may be as much as 3 years younger than the oldest player on the team. To play up would put the player at an extreme disadvantage in terms of size, endurance & maturity putting that player in an unnecessary safety risk. The kids need to play, not spend their best learning years as occasional substitutes on older, bigger teams. If a player does have the ability and requires a greater challenge to keep having fun, then they should be trying out for their age group competitive team.
What is the refund policy?
Players dropping out will be entitled to a refund of registration fees as follows:
100%--Prior to formation, or rostering, of teams – (including late fees if applicable)
100% less fees paid to FYSA, BYSL and (uniform if applicable)-After formation of teams (between rostering and first game) -
0% --After season begins (first game) - depending upon the withdrawal situation.
What does it cost?
PBYS has three soccer seasons per year- Fall, Winter and Spring. For the Recreational Program you will pay for the season you are registering for (Fall or Spring). For the Competitive Program tryouts are required and once the player has made the team the fall registration fee covers the fall and spring seasons within the soccer year.
Registration fees are:
RECREATION PROGRAM Spring 2008
U5, U6, U8----------------------$65.00 (club fee, uniforms, and individual trophy included)
U10, U12, U14, U16, U19 --$80.00 (club fee, uniforms, and individual trophy included and 2 team MLS training sessions)
COMPETITIVE PROGRAM Fall 2007 and Spring 2008
$350.00 (Registration fees to FYSA, BYSL, referee fees, 2 sets of uniforms, weekly team MLS training sessions) for more information about our Competitive program please contact our Director of Comp at: DirectorOfComp@pbysoccer.com
Additional Fees that may apply:
DUAL REGISTRATION (inside or outside club) FYSA Fees (COS) $ 25.00
TRANSFER FEE FROM RECREATIONAL TO COMPETITIVE FYSA Fees (COS) $ 25.00
LOST OR MISPLACED PLAYER PASS REPRINT FEE (FYSA fee) $25.00
LATE FEES ARE $20. No guarantees on team placement.
I want to help out. What can I do, who do I talk to?
Almost every position is a volunteer position in PBYS. See a Board Member, our contact information is posted under the Directors tab on the website or stop in at the Concession stand for more info. Join US! Help the club, help your family, finally, help the SPORT of soccer.
Got a question or need more info?
email me at: registrar@pbysoccer.com
