Spring Select is a separate, competitive season for teams comprised of players selected by a region designated coach. Spring Select is an opportunity for a player to improve his/her skills in the competitive environment of Area 12D and large AYSO sanctioned tournaments. A limited number of teams are formed in divisions 10U-19U depending on coach availability, qualification and interest. Spring Select teams are typically formed in November/December preceding the Spring Select season, which normally runs from February through early May.
General Program Information
The core philosophies of AYSO and the overall goal of maintaining a child-friendly environment are maintained during the Spring Select Season; however, Spring Select differs from the regular fall season program in the following ways:
- The number of players able to participate is limited by available coaches
- Spring Select is a program in which players are invited by coaches to participate on his/her team. Applicants are not guaranteed placement and may be rejected for multiple reasons, including but not limited to skill level, attitude, and prior behavior(s).
- A greater commitment by the players and parents is required as play includes regular and sometimes extensive travel.
- The cost of participation in Spring Select is significantly higher as travel and lodging costs are often incurred in addition to custom uniforms, and various registration, referee and tournament entry fees.
- Each team must be self funded through fundraisers and per player fees.
Persons interested in coaching a spring select team must complete a Select Coach Application and receive approval by the Coach Administrator and Regional Commissioner. The Regional Coach Administrator will work with input from relevant Regional Board members to forward coaching recommendations to the Regional Commissioner for final approval. In all cases applicants must be a current volunteer in AYSO Region 225, have coached in the applicable division during the primary season immediately preceding the Spring Select season, have age-appropriate coach training, and maintained a clean disciplinary record.
Player Selection
Once a coach is selected, he/she is given some latitude in selection of players. The Regional Board encourages all coaches to hold open try-outs in order to allow players to exhibit his/her interest, commitment, and skills. Coaches are under no obligation to rely solely on try-outs and may opt to select players he/she has identified and the best Spring Select prospects during the primary season. Additionally, coaches are encouraged to respect the judgment of coaching peers by reviewing coach specific player nominations carefully and clarifying any questions with said peers.
AYSO Region 1654 recognizes that the high level of commitment and sportsmanship expected of players, coaches, and parents involved in the Spring Select program may unfortunately exclude some highly skilled players. A player must have played at a minimum half of the regular fall season matches in order to be eligible for Spring Select. Limited exceptions may be granted in cases of injury or other significant reasons as long as the applicant does not displace another potential candidate.
Players who have played up in the next age division during the preceding primary season may try out for that division's Spring Select team. The exception being that 8U players may not play up into the 10U division for Spring Select play in accordance with AYSO National Rules.