FAQ
Fall Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does fall registration open? When does it close?
Online registration typically opens in May, and we send out an email announcement to all club members shortly after it opens.
To be notified simply create a Blue Sombrero member account by following the link at www.irvingtonsoccer.com.
Beginning in early to mid August registration begins closing by age group as team rosters fill.
We strongly encourage interested families to register as early as possible.
When will we know who our coach is and what team we are on?
Rosters and coaching assignments are finalized by late-August.
Coaches will contact their teams at this time to announce practice schedules and other team information.
What is the team formation policy?
Players and parents can request a specific team, team-mate, or coach during the registration process.
Priority is given to returning players from the previous fall season team roster.
When additional space is available, players from other ISC teams of the same age whose teams are not participating in the current season will be added to the team's roster with the coach's consent.
New players who did not play with ISC in the previous season will be allowed to join teams where space remains.
Within each of these groups, priority will be given based on registration date.
When there are enough new players and/or returners whose teams are not participating in the current season, ISC will form new teams and recruit coaches as needed.
Where will our team be practicing? When will practices start? What days and times?
ISC teams use Irving Park and the Irvington School field for our team practices.
We have access to these fields Mon-Fri 4-7pm during the fall season. Practice slots are typically 4-5:30pm and 5:30-7pm.
Teams typically begin practicing sometime in ate August, at each coach's discretion.
ISC teams typically practice once or twice per week depending on age level and coach availability.
Your coach will notify you of your team's practice schedule as soon as it has been decided, which is usually late August.
What league do we play in? Who will we be playing against?
ISC is an independent non-profit youth soccer club affiliated with Portland Youth Soccer Association (PYSA).
ISC teams participate in PYSA's fall and spring recreation soccer leagues for boys and girls U7-U14 (grades 1-8).
We compete against other PYSA-affiliated rec soccer clubs in the Portland area, including neighboring teams from Hollywood Soccer Club, Laurelhurst Soccer Club, Rose City Soccer Club, North Portland Soccer Club, Northeast United Soccer Club, and others.
There are a total of 17 recreational soccer clubs from across Portland who participate in PYSA league play.
For more information visit www.portlandyouthsoccer.com.
When does the season begin and end? When are the first games?
The Fall PYSA season consists of 7 games and games are on Saturdays.
Games begin in early September and run through October.
When will game schedules be available?
Game schedules are typically published by PYSA one to two weeks before the first game of the season.
As soon as they are available all the coaches will be notified and will forward that information to their teams.
We know everyone is eager to get their game schedules.
With over 800 teams participating in PYSA's fall league, game scheduling is a complex task.
Thanks in advance for your patience.
What does it cost to play?
$90 per player (1st Grade through 8th Grade)
Players who do not already have an ISC jersey, shorts, and socks also need to purchase one at Tursi Soccer. Previous year's jerseys, shorts, and socks can be re-used.
What is my registration fee used for?
A portion of the registration fees go to PYSA to cover the cost of game fields, referees, game scheduling and other administrative functions, coaching education programs, and liability insurance.
The remainder is used by the club to pay for equipment, practice field rental, and other operating costs.
How does ISC's financial aid program work? How can I tell if I qualify?
ISC wants everyone in our community to be able to experience the joy of playing soccer. To help enable this we offer 50% off registration fees to qualifying families.
Families who are in need of financial aid should email the club registrar at registrar@irvingtonsoccer.com.
How do I get a uniform? Is there an additional cost?
New jerseys can be purchased from Tursi Soccer at Rose City Futsal East (5010 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97213).
It is recommended that you order your uniform online in advance.
During the online order, you can select in-store pick-up or delivery.
Previous year's jerseys can be reused.
Tursi also offers a 15% discount to ISC members on additional in-store gear purchases (such as cleats & shin guards).
What other equipment will my player need?
ISC jersey, shorts and athletic socks, soccer cleats, and shin guards.
PYSA regulations require that socks completely cover the shin guards.
Football and baseball cleats are not permitted under PYSA rules.
While each player is not required to have their own soccer ball it is helpful in order to allow players to practice on their own.
Does ISC have a cleat exchange?
ISC encourages families to donate cleats they have outgrown and check our cleat exchange inventory for used cleats before purchasing new.
Our cleat exchange is usually located on a volunteer family's front porch prior to the start of the season.
We will send out an email announcement over the summer when it is available.
How do I find out more about the rules, regulations and game format for PYSA recreational play?
Visit the PYSA website at www.portlandyouthsoccer.com.
What is the club's policy on pierced ears?
PYSA safety regulations prohibit jewelry of any kind on the field, including pierced earrings.
We strongly encourage you to avoid getting new piercings shortly before or during the soccer season to allow new piercings to heal properly before studs are removed.
What is the club's policy on roster sizes and playing time?
PYSA recreational soccer is all about giving everyone the opportunity to play soccer, not sit on the bench.
It is therefore the league's policy that everyone plays at least 50% of each game, and to this end rosters are capped at no more than twice the number of players on the field.
In ISC we try to keep our rosters well below this maximum if possible, while balancing the desire to include as many interested players as we can accommodate.
Do we practice or play in the rain?
Generally yes, although it is at each individual coach's discretion whether to cancel a practice due to weather.
Games will be played as scheduled unless Portland Parks closes fields due to excessive rain.
While uncommon, this does occasionally happen. If this occurs PYSA will notify effected teams immediately.
Unless you have been told that your game has been cancelled you should assume it will be played.
What is the birth date cutoff for my child's age level?
For the purposes of PYSA registration eligible players for a specific age level are those with birthdays beginning August 1st and ending July 31st and associated with the corresponding grade level (eg U7 is first graders, U8 is second graders, etc).
Can my child play "up" a year?
While PYSA strongly encourages players to participate with their own grade level peers, players are sometimes allowed to play up one year on an exception basis with a coach's agreement.
We find, however, that most kids enjoy playing with their friends and classmates of the same grade.
When do we start playing with real goals, goalies, and referees?
PYSA rec league teams graduate to fixed goals, goalkeepers, and paid referees beginning at U9 (3rd graders).
With the presence of referees they also begin learning more advanced rules of the game such as offsides.
What does it take to be a coach? I'm willing to help coach my child's team but have never done it before.
ISC is always looking for volunteer parent coaches; no experience required.
Our volunteer coaches are what make the club possible.
The main requirements are enthusiasm and willingness to give your time.
Existing knowledge of the game of soccer is helpful but not essential.
ISC and PYSA will provide all needed equipment and introductory training, and support you as needed during the season.
In addition there are unlimited additional resources available on the internet and elsewhere for coaches who want more.
Time commitment is primarily leading weekly practices (1-2 per week in late afternoon or early evening) and weekend games.
Head coaches are encouraged to enlist one or more other parents to help as assistant coaches.
All coaches are required to register with ISC / PYSA and pass a standard background check.
ISC picks up all costs of registration, insurance, and equipment for our volunteer coaches.
To register as a coach go to www.irvingtonsoccer.com and follow the registration link or contact our registrar at registrar@irvingtonsoccer.com with questions.
What other ways can I get involved with the club or my child's team?
Many coaches appreciate having help from other team parents, either as assistant coaches or as a team manager to help with various administrative matters that may come up.
In addition, ISC is always looking for interested parents to join our Board of Directors or volunteer for other roles in the club.
Please contact the club president at president@irvingtonsoccer.com to discuss your interest and learn more.
How does one become a referee for PYSA games?
PYSA referees must be at least 14 years of age and have completed the PYSA referee training program.
For more information see the referee section of www.portlandyouthsoccer.com.