Stafford Area Soccer Association

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SASA?
Who are members of SASA?
How is the league organized?
Who do I talk to if I have a question or problem?
What equipment does my child need to play?
What uniform will my child wear?
How are teams formed?
How many players are on a team?
How do I find out about registration sessions?
Can I request a specific team?
Can I register late?
What do I do if I need to request a refund?
What happens if a game is cancelled?
How do I access my team’s schedule?
What happens if there’s an incident at a SASA event?
How many games are played during a typical season?
Will my child play in every game?
Are games scores published?
How can I get involved in helping the league?
What is Soccerplex?

What is SASA?

SASA is the Stafford Area Soccer Association. The purpose of SASA is to interest and unite Stafford county and surrounding area residents by promoting participation in the game of soccer and teaching the principles of sportsmanship, good health habits, character, athletic skills, social well-being, and team spirit. SASA provides opportunities for all levels of soccer players from the recreational (our Recreation Division) - to the developmental (our Classic Division) - to the advanced, competitive (our Travel Division).

Who are members of SASA?

Membership in SASA consists of players currently registered in SASA, their parents or guardians, currently registered coaches and assistant coaches and current league officers of SASA. A General Membership meeting is held annually during which a report on the status of SASA is given and elections to select officers to the Board of Directors are held.

How is the league organized?

SASA is run by volunteers who are committed to the mission of SASA and contribute their personal time and energy in helping SASA achieve its mission. An executive Board of Directors is voted on at the General Membership meeting. Directors serve one year terms (from 1 January through 31 December) and cannot serve in the same position for more than three consecutive terms.

The SASA President is the presiding officer of the Executive Board which consists of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Travel Division Director, Classic Division Director, and Recreation Division Director. Other positions assist the Board in their functions to include Directors of Coaching, Complex Development, Facilities and Equipment, Volunteerism, and Public Relations; Registration; Scheduling; and CIO.

Who do I talk to if I have a question or problem?

Prior to the start of a given season, general answers to questions (registration dates, qualifying birthdates, fees, season dates, latest news) can be found on the SASA Web site and by contacting the SASA Operations Manager at sasaoperations@staffordsoccer.com. For Division-specific questions, contact the appropriate Division Director or Age Group Coordinator. Refer to the Contact Us page for contact information.

During the season, your coach should be the first source for information. If the coach doesn’t have the answer, he or she will contact the appropriate League official.

What equipment does my child need to play?

The beauty of soccer is that it requires little equipment to be fully enjoyed. SASA requires that shin guards be worn by all players during games and practices. Tennis shoes or soccer shoes may be worn, however soccer cleats are the recommended footwear. No metal cleats may be used. Multipurpose or baseball cleats may be used provided the center toe cleat has been removed. SASA uses a size 3 soccer ball for U6 and U8 leagues; a size 4 ball for the U10 and U12 leagues, and a size 5 ball above U12.

What uniform will my child wear?

The standard SASA shirt and socks are required by all players at all games, except goalkeepers who wear shirts that are distinctive in color and appearance from other players. The standard uniform consists of one blue (home team)and one white shirt,(away team) one pair of blue shorts, and one pair each of white and blue socks. Available for purchase at The Soccer Scene, 397 Garrisonville Rd #101(next to Vinny’s) Stafford, Va. Additional replacement pieces available for purchase as well. The socks must completely cover the shin guard.

Click Here for uniform pricing info

How are teams formed?

SASA teams are formed within each age division on the basis of geographic location. Returning player rights will be in effect in the season for players who wish to return to the same team on which they played in the Fall. For new players, including players that did not play the previous season and players moving up to the next senior age division, returning rights do not apply and these players will form a pool from which to be assigned on the basis of age and geographic location.

How do I find out about registration sessions?

Registration is conducted through an on-line registration system. Announcements of registration dates, times and fees can be found on the SASA Web site and in selected advertisements in the Free Lance-Star. In addition, KickPoints, the official SASA newsletter, will provide advance notice of upcoming registration events.

Can I request a specific team?

Returning rights are granted for players desiring to return to the same team on which they played in the previous season. Any special requests for placement must be made at the time of registration. Parents may request that their child not play for a specific coach or with specific other players in the league. These requests will receive favorable consideration. Other special requests must have compelling circumstances to receive favorable consideration. The decision to approve these requests rests with the appropriate Assistant Commissioner whose decision is final.

Can I register late?

Each league will form a waiting list for potential players who desire to play in SASA. The waiting list will be kept by the each Age Group Coordinator in the order that requests are received. Late registrants will be notified of any available roster openings. A late registration fee will be assessed. Late registrants lose their returning rights and may not be able to play on a team within their geographic area.

What do I do if I need to request a refund?

Prior to the start of the season, refunds of registration fees, less an administrative fee of $5.00, may be requested and will be authorized for any reason. Requests for refunds will only be granted for hardships or events beyond the control of the parents or guardians. After the season has started, Admin fee of $18.00 will be deducted.Contact the appropriate Division Director or Age Group Coordinator for refund requests.

How do I access my team’s schedule?

On the left hand side of the Home Page, there is a link labeled "SIGN IN TO YOUR FILE". Click this link. That brings you to a screen that again asks you to "click here". That brings you to the Sign In Page. Please enter your username and password. You may then select the current seasons information to obtain Roster and Schedule info.

What happens if a game is cancelled?

In the event of in climate weather or other circumstances, postponement or cancellation of SASA events including games, practices, and pictures will be announced on the SASA Web site and on the Game Cancellation Hotline, 657-2010. Announcements will be made as soon as possible to allow coaches to notify their teams. Makeup games, if feasible, will be rescheduled at the first opportunity.

What happens if there is an incident at a SASA event?

SASA requires that players, parents, guardians, coaches and spectators behave in a sportsmanlike and disciplined manner at all SASA activities. Parents and coaches sign a Code of Ethics during the registration to reinforce this requirement. In the unfortunate event that an incident requiring disciplinary action occurs, each coach has been provided with an Action Report for documenting the event and the surrounding circumstances. The Action Report is handled by the league Division Director who investigates the incident and then submits a report to the Director, Rules and Discipline, who convenes the Rules and Discipline Committee. This Committee will review the information to date, prepare initial findings and make a recommendation to the President for a final course of action.

How many games are played during a typical season?

SASA conducts its soccer programs during the Fall and Spring seasons. For age groups that have end of the season tournaments, U12 and above, the regular season is 8 games. For those leagues without a tournament, the season is 8 games.

Will my child play in every game?

As a general guideline, SASA is committed to ensuring each player receives an equal amount of playing time in every game. Recreation and Classic Team sizes are structured to afford an opportunity for each player to play three-quarters of each game.

Are game scores published?

Official game scores will be maintained by the league for the U12 and above age groups on the Recreation Division and league standings may be posted on the Web site. In an effort to emphasize the recreational, fun aspects of playing soccer in SASA, no official scores are kept for the U6, U8, U10 age divisions. No scores are maintained for the developmental Classic Division.

How can I get involved in helping the league?

There are many opportunities to get involved in SASA. Sign up to volunteer through the Web site during the registration process.

What is Soccerplex?

Soccerplex represents a significant undertaking for SASA and is the future of our league. SASA has purchased 120 acres of lands and is in the process of raising funds to plan, develop and equip, almost 20 soccer fields in one location to play games and host tournaments. A Capital Campaign committee has been formed and all fund raising activities the league has announced are for the purpose of completing Soccerplex. Go to this page on our Web site for the latest information and what you can do to help.

For questions or issues not addressed here, please email Lynda Compton, Operations Manager