What is the refund policy? 

Cascade Soccer club is a non-profit volunteer organnization and keeps fees in line with our costs. When a player registers to play for our club, we are required to obtain insurance that covers their practices and game play. Once we pay this fee, it is non-refundable. We also pay a fee to register our players into a state-wide database.

We will honor requests for refunds, but we are required to cover our costs and will have to withhold an amount to cover our insurance and registration fees. Currently, those costs are about $15. Any refund we process will be subject to the $15 fee.

Refunds may also be prorated based on when the player withdraws. We will refund 100% of the fee (less the $15 cost) before the season starts. After the start of the season, the refund will be prorated.

At what age can my child play soccer?

Small Sided soccer (formerly called Modified soccer) is open to players who are not older than 10 years old as of July 31, 2006. U-5 teams (U stand for Under, as in Under-5) consist of players who are no older than 5 years old as of July 31, 2006. Players who will be no older than 4 as of July 31st, 2006 may play if they are able to compete with players who are on average one year older. Check with the Small Sided soccer director if you have a younger child who wishes to play.

Recreational and Select Soccer is open to players who will not be older than 18 as of July 31, 2006. Teams are available from the U-11 to the U-19 level.

Can my child play at a higher level (higher age bracket)?

This decision is best made depending on the child’s ability and size. A request to play at a higher level is reviewed by the Small Sided Soccer Director, The VP of Player Development, and/or Board of Directors and is governed by the rules of the Washington State Soccer Association. The club retains the right to refuse a player from playing on an older team if it is deemed in that child’s best interest, or if playing on an older team is deemed unsafe.

How do I determine what age my child should be playing at?

Refer to the Age chart to determine the lowest level your child can play at. He or she can player at a higher level if it is appropriate.

Why do I need to provide a birth certificate for my child to play soccer?

There are three reasons:
1) Providing an equal playing environment.
2) Washington State Youth Soccer Association (WSYSA) requirements
3) Insurance and Liability

We require a birth certificate to confirm the age of the player so that he or she can be placed on an age appropriate team. Players learn best in an environment with players of equal skills. While it is not always possible to place your child on a team with players of equal skills, it would be unfair to have him or her compete against older players who are usually more advanced. Your child may continue to play soccer as they grow older and may eventually join a competitive team where proof of eligibility is required. Many tournaments require proof of age before a team can be allowed into the tournament. Once your child’s birth certificate is on file with us, you will not be asked to provide another copy in the future.

This is also a requirement for all players playing within our parent organization, WSYSA, therefore is a requirement for all clubs affiliated with WSYSA.

Another important reason we require a birth certificate is for insurance and liability purposes. We cannot allow an older player to compete against your son or daughter as this may increase the chance of injury.

My son/daughter will be playing soccer for the first time. What equipment will he or she need?

Every player will need age-appropriate shin guards, socks, shorts and a jersey. Properly fitted shin guards completely cover the front of the lower leg (the shin) and end approximately one inch below the knee cap. Molder soccer cleats are recommended for all children. No baseball of football cleats should be used. Depending on the level of play, a jersey may be provided by our club (Small Sided soccer and recreational soccer). Your coach will provide more information.

We just signed up to play. When will the first practice be?

If you signed up for Small Sided or Recreational soccer, a coach may not have been assigned to the team yet. Once a coach has been assigned, you will be contacted by the coach and given a practice schedule.

If your son or daughter is playing on a select team (try-out process), you will work directly with the coach that selected your son/daughter for the team. Select teams will often have extended practice schedules and may pay for lighted fields.

How is my child assigned to a team?

Once registration is closed, coaches and players will be assigned to teams. The coach or Small Sided Soccer Director will then contact the parents to advise them of their child’s placement.  If you want your child to play with a friend, or for a specific coach, send us an e-mail and we will make an effort to meet your request. However, players cannot be guaranteed a spot on a specific team

Can my child wear jewelry while playing?

For the safety of the players, Washington State Youth Soccer Association (WSYSA) forbids the wearing of any jewelry during practices and games. This includes rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets (including the Lance Armstrong type), etc. WSYSA also forbids the use of hair pins, wooden hair beads, hats with hard bills or hats with loose parts. Medical Alert medals taped to the body are acceptable.

Do we play in the rain or cold weather?

While the decision to allow your son or daughter to play on a given day is ultimately up to the parent, soccer is a year round sport and is played whenever conditions are not deemed to be unsafe. Games are not played during lighting storms or when field conditions are not safe (ice, snow, standing water).

What are the rules for Small Sided soccer (formerly Modified Soccer)?

Generally, Small Sided soccer is played on a smaller field, with smaller nets, and fewer players on the field at one time. This increases a child’s “touches” with the ball, improving their skills over a period of time. Some parents may remember playing 11 a side when they were younger but the Small Sided format has proven to develop a player’s skills faster, while increasing their participation and enjoyment of the game. A complete set of rules can be found at http://www.tusksoccer.org/doclib/GRJSA%20MOD%20Rules%202004%20Final.pdf
A modified set of rules can be found at http://www.cascadesoccerclub.org/home.php?layout=1082

What is the "Dairy Farmers of Washington President's Cup"?

The President's Cup is the WSYSA State Championship Tournament exclusively for recreational teams. The tournaments preliminary games are held within each respective District in October and November. The Semi and Final Championship games are usually held the first or second weekend in December at various venues throughout Washington State. More information can be found at http://www.wsysa.com/state_cup/2004Presidents.asp

What is the "Fred Meyer Commissioner's Cup"?

Of the three WSYSA State Championship Tournaments, this tournament is the intermediate level of competition. The entrants are primarily District (select), WSYDL and Premier Division III teams.

The preliminary games begin in early January, with the semi finals in late February and final games the first two weekends in March. Please note that all preliminary games are held throughout Washington State, in both Eastern and Western Washington , so winter travel during this tournament is expected. Teams winning the Fred Meyer Commissioners' Cup do not advance to Regional competition. More information can be found at http://www.wsysa.com/state_cup/2005Commissioners.asp

What is the "US Youth Soccer Washington State Championship"?

Of the three WSYSA State Championship Tournaments this tournament is the highest level of competition. Teams compete in the US Youth Soccer Washington State Championships for the right to represent Washington State at the US Youth Soccer Far West Region IV Championships.

The preliminary games begin in early January, with the semi finals in late February and final games the first two weekends in March. Please note that all preliminary games are held throughout Washington State, in both Eastern and Western Washington, so winter travel during this tournament is expected. More information can be found at Washington Youth Soccer.