Competition Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS COMPETITIVE SOCCER?
Competitive soccer is designed for those players who wish to play soccer at a higher level of competition. Teams are often referred to as traveling teams because they play games out of town. There are two different levels of play for competition teams, Class III (designed for teams just starting in the program) and Class I (the highest level of recreational soccer). Teams range in age from Under-10 to Under-19 and include both boys and girls teams. Class III teams generally have the same 2 year age gap as Home League, so there will be teams for Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16. The exception is the older group, which is Under-19. Class 1 teams are usually ‘age pure’ meaning there are divisions for Under-10, -11, -12, -13, -14, -15, -16, -17, -18 and Under-19.

HOW ARE COMPETITIVE TEAMS CHOSEN?
Coaches apply each year for a competitive team. The DYSL Board of Directors approves the list of coaches, who then hold tryouts. Every player may try out for a team. After the try out process, coaches will contact each player to inform him or her if they have made a team.

WHO DO THE COMPETITIVE TEAMS PLAY?
For the most part, the competitive program is run by DYSL’s parent organization, the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA). The DYSL is a part of District IV, which encompasses most of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. District IV consists of 14 leagues with locations ranging from Union City to Benicia and includes Oakland, Hayward, Lafayette/Orinda, Walnut Creek and Concord, plus the East Diablo Soccer League in Oakley/Brentwood. Leagues and schedules are made up by the district and usually include a ten game schedule with approximately half of the games out of town.

HOW LONG IS THE COMPETITION SEASON?
Most competition teams play throughout the year. The main league season runs from early September to mid-November of each year. In addition, teams in the age groups Under-14 and below play a winter season (the older kids are off so they can play high school soccer). Teams in the spring begin preparations for both tournaments and the upcoming season.

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF COMPETITION PLAYERS?
First, it must be understood that playing competitive soccer requires a higher commitment level than recreational soccer. This additional commitment is both from a time and dedication standpoint, and a financial one. Teams often travel to out of town tournaments and games. Most teams practice throughout the year. Second, unlike the home or recreational leagues, competitive soccer is comprised of the best players available and not all players will have sufficient skill levels to play at this higher level. The coaches of each team make the final decision on who to carry on their roster.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO PLAY COMPETITIVE SOCCER?
The 2010 registration fee is $200. This includes insurance, league games, practices and referee costs for the fall season. Cost to play winter ball varies but is usually $25 per player. There are other costs as well. For example, a second sets of uniforms (an absolute necessity at tournaments), warm-up suits and team bags are purchased by the team. The costs of tournaments is borne by each team. The league pays for one tournament each year and there is a cost in gas, lodging and meals for out of town tournaments. Some coaches or team parents hold fund raisers to pay for these additional costs.

WHAT IF MY CHILD DOES NOT MAKE A COMPETITIVE TEAM?
Any player that does not make a competitive team will be placed back into the home league program and any difference in cost will be refunded.

HOW CAN I DETERMINE IF A TEAM IS AVAILABLE FOR MY CHILD?
The Competition Page on this lists each of the coaches and the age groups for which we anticipate having teams. You can either 1) contact the coach directly; 2) contact the Competition Director, Jim Bonwell at jbonwell@pacbell.net; 3) inquire at normal league registrations or; 4) contact us through this website. We encourage you to make contact with the appropriate coach and discuss any questions you may have about how the team is managed.

IF I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS MY CHILD’S COACH, WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
We always want to hear from you without respect to the news being great or not so great. Initially you should discuss any issues with the Competition Director, Jim Bonwell, who can be contacted at jbonwell@pacbell.net.