Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Club's philosophy?

We exist for the benefit of all children, and we want them to have fun.
All players are encouraged to play to the best of their ability through positive reinforcement.
Recreational Teams - Every child gets equal playing time regardless of ability. The only exception to this philosophy is that if your child does not attend team practices at least once a week, he/she will play in every game, but will not be subject to the equal playing time requirement.
Travel Teams - Due to the competitive nature of the Travel Program, every child plays in every game, but equal playing time is not a Travel Team requirement.

Q: What are the Recreational Program fees?

For U5 - Spring only is $45. This includes a jersey and end of year medallions.
For U6 and above - Spring 2008 fees: $70 for club fees (includes end of year trophies) and a $35 uniform charge for a total of $105. Returning Fall 2007 player fees are $70 (no uniform)

Q: When is Registration?

Spring 2008 Registration begins 1/1/08 and ends 1/31/08.

Q: How are age groups assigned?

The registration system does not allow you to select your child's age group, it is assigned automatically by birthdate.
The "U" in our age groups stands for "u"nder as of 9/1/07. For example - if your child is 9 years old as of 9/1/07, he/she would be assigned to U10.

Q: READ THIS QUESTION CAREFULLY - Is there any more paperwork required?

For all players:
There is one form to be completed, an Emergency Medical Release Liability Waiver Form, available HERE.
This form must be filled out in duplicate, and one copy sent to the club no later than 2/10/08 in one of the following manners:

1) Fax to 847-458-4691
2) Scan and email as an attachment to waiver@alithsa.org
3) Mail to: ALITHSA, PO Box 365, Algonquin, IL 60102
After your form is received, you will be sent a confirmation email.
VERY IMPORTANT - Your child will NOT be assigned a team until the club receives this form. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
The other copy is to be turned into your coach at your first practice.
Failure to return this form will not result in a refund.

Q: I registered and sent in the required form, when will I hear from my child's coach and what the practice/game schedule will be?

Our Coach's meeting is in Mid-March. At that time rosters, equipment and game schedules will be distributed. You will receive all information within a week after the meeting.
Please do not contact us before the coach's meeting requesting team assignments or schedules, as we will not give out the information until after the meeting.

Q: If my child changes his mind about playing, can I get a refund?

NO REFUNDS are possible after you have registered.
Make sure you and your child understand the commitment involved. The games start the first week of April and the season ends in early June.
If you are considering participating in both ALITHSA soccer and any other sport such as AAYO (baseball), football or hockey, be aware that you will experience many scheduling conflicts. Although it may seem possible to participate in both sports simultaneously, we strongly discourage this practice.

Q: When does the Spring 2008 season start and end?

U6 starts 4/7/08, U5 starts 4/11/08, and all other age groups have their first game 4/5/08. With the exception of U5 and U6, you will start practicing a week or two before these dates.
Our season runs for 8 weeks. Travel runs for 10 weeks.

Q: When and where are the Spring 2008 games played?

U5 and U6 - Presidential Park (Algonquin). U5 will play and practice on Friday evenings, U6 plays either Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs (both days) depending on team assignment. U5 and U6 practice starts at 5:30 with games following immediately at 6:00. Both age groups will be finished by 7pm.
U7 and U8 - Holder Field - Algonquin - Saturdays
U10 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park - Lake in the Hills - Saturdays
U12 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park - Lake in the Hills - Saturdays
U14 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park - Lake in the Hills - Saturdays
HS Girls - Sunset Park - Lake in the Hills - Sundays
IMPORTANT - U10 teams and all higher levels play away games in the far Northwest Suburbs. This means that you could travel anywhere in the area, sometimes up to an hour away.
The above field assignments are subject to change

Q: When and where are my practices?

Practice times and locations are at the discretion of your individual coach. All of us are volunteers with full-time jobs and/or other family responsibilities, so they will typically be held in the late afternoon or early evening on weekdays. Please contact your coach for further information.
All players are expected to attend at least one practice session per week. If they are unable to attend, please let your coach know ahead of time. If your child repeatedly misses designated practice sessions, he/she will no longer be subject to the equal playing time requirement, as that would not be fair to the rest of the team that does make the effort to attend practices.

Q: Where are the parks located?

All game field maps and directions can be found HERE.

Q: Can my child wear eyeglasses or jewelry?

If your child wears eyeglasses, they must wear safety goggles over them or wear prescription sports eyeglasses.
No jewelry is allowed. This includes earrings, starter earrings, necklaces, bracelets (including Livestrong) or metal hair clips. The only exception to this rule are Medic Alert necklaces or bracelets. These bracelets or necklaces may be worn, but only if fastened securely to the body with tape.
All hair control devices must be soft to the touch. No knotted devices will be allowed.
All casts, splints, and braces shall be covered by some kind of soft material and must be approved by the referee prior to the start of the game.

Q: Is there any equipment I need to purchase?

U5 players must supply their own black shorts, black soccer socks, shin guards and SOCCER (not baseball) shoes.
Age groups U6 and above - A full uniform is supplied, so you only need to supply your own shin guards and soccer shoes.
Please remember to bring your own ball to practices, we will provide the game ball.
If your child wears glassess, you must supply him/her with prescription sports goggles or Safety Goggles to wear over the glasses.

Q: Are there any restrictions as to what the players can wear?

Layers may be worn UNDER the uniform (including long sweatpants). Hoods must be tucked into the jersey during play.
No jewelry or loose-fitting eye-glasses. If your child wears glasses, they must wear safety goggles over them, or wear sports eyeglasses.

Q: Can my child "play down" a level?

We do not allow a child to play in a lower age group than what his/her birthdate would allow.

Q: Can my child "play up" a level?

We require every ALITHSA player to play at least one season at the proper age level before this can be considered. The season must be immediately preceding the season for which you want your child to move up.
If you feel your child is ready to move up ONE level, your current coach and the Recreational Director must be in agreement that it would be appropriate, and then the President makes the final determination.

Q: How are teams created?

We try to honor special requests, but with over 1000 players, we offer NO guarantees.
Teams are created randomly every Fall. It has always been ALITHSA policy to keep the children on the same team from Fall to Spring.
We do not rate players or draft in the recreational league.
ALITHSA does not re-balance teams during and/or between seasons.

Q: What is the criteria for my child to switch teams?

Switching teams is very rare, and at the sole discretion of the Recreational Program Director and Club President - not your desired coach.
On the very rare occasion that a team switch request is honored, you will be assessed a $25 jersey replacement fee.
We will NOT switch teams for any of the following reasons:
1. You or your child do not get along with your current coach or other players (this is part of a child's learning experience - dealing with differing personalities).
2. Your child's best friend is on another team.
3. The team is the same as last season's team and you would rather be on a winning team this season
4. Because it would be easier to carpool.
5. As a single parent you can't be in two places at once
6. The practice location and/or time is not convenient
7. Scheduling conflicts with other sporting activities. PLEASE NOTE - ALITHSA soccer and other sports do not mix well - it will present MANY scheduling conflicts, regardless of what team you are assigned.
We will not do for you something that we are not prepared to do for every other parent and player in ALITHSA. Switching a child creates a domino effect. It may be better for you, but now another player must be moved and possibly inconvenienced.

Q: Where and when are the Academy (skills) training sessions?

The Academy (Skills) training will be at Holder Field every Monday and Friday evenings during the regular season.
U6 - U8 will attend on Friday's, 5:30 - 6:30 PM . The first session is to be announced and will run for 8 consecutive weeks.
U10 and up will attend on Monday's from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. The first session is to be announced and will run for 8 consecutive weeks.
Goal-keeper training will be held on Friday evenings, directly after the U6 - U8 skills training, from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Goal-keeper training will run for 8 consecutive weeks and will be open to rec. and travel players.

Q: Do you run background checks on Coaches?

ALITHSA runs annual background checks on EVERY volunteer - Board Members, Coordinators, Coaches, Asst. Coaches and team moms are all included. If felonies against a child, any assault, battery or drug-related convictions appear in this background check, the volunteer is not allowed to participate.
If you have any questions or comments regarding background checks, please send an email to Gerry Guilbeault at gerry@alithsa.org. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.

Q: What should the coaches do if a strong team is dominating a game?

If a team appears to be dominating the game, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, the leading coach should put his strongest players on defense or rest them on the sidelines for a short time to allow others to gain game experience.
Whenever a team has a 4 goal lead, the leading team should reduce their players on the field by one, or the other team may add a player. When the differential becomes 2 goals, the normal number of players will return to the field.

Q: What can parents do about problems with coaches and officials?

If you have a problem with any coach, contact your age group coordinator first, as most problems are easily resolved at that level. Be sure to include date, time, field and coach name if possible. If you have a problem with a Coordinator, contact Todd Drake. If you are still not satisfied, contact Gerry Guilbeault. All contact emails are on the Contact Us page of the ALITHSA website.
Our referees range in age from 12 and higher. They have a very tough job, and we must support their decisions during the game. If you want to dispute a call, please mention it to your coach, NOT the referee.

Q: What happens if a parent or coach gets "out of hand"?

Please remind the parent or coach of the "code of conduct form" they read and acknowledged at registration. All comments directed towards the field should be words of encouragement and praise, not criticism. If the parent or coach continues to be a problem, any board member, group coordinator, coach and/or referee has the authority to ask that person to leave immediately and the offending person shall be immediately found to be in possible violation of ALITHSA's "ZERO-TOLERANCE" policy. If the offending person refuses to leave, the referee has the authority to end play immediately, issue a red card if appropriate, and the offending team will forfeit the game.
Any Coach or player that receives a red card or two yellow cards in the same game is subject to an immediate 2 game suspension and a Disciplinary Committee Hearing to determine if it is in the best interest of the Club that the person be allowed to continue to be an active participant.
Parents are subject to the same requirements as coaches and players, and although a red card will not be issued to a parent, Disciplinary Committee action will be forthcoming.
The Disciplinary Committee is composed of the President, Recreational Director, Travel Coordinator, one Travel Coach and one Recreational Coach. The offending person/people are encouraged to attend and present their side of the story.
All decisions by the Disciplinary Committee are immediate, final and not subject to appeal.

Q: What is ALITHSA's "ZERO-TOLERANCE" policy?

ALITHSA maintains a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy for abusive parents, players and coaches. Any form of abusive language, gesture or behavior directed towards any player, parent, coach, coordinator or referee is UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR, and will be dealt with accordingly. ALITHSA reserves the right to suspend and/or expel any person found to be in violation of the zero-tolerance policy.
If a substantiated violation of the ZERO-TOLERANCE policy occurs, the ALITHSA President has the authority to immediately reprimand, suspend, or expel the offender. In accordance with our Constitution, the offending person has an opportunity to appeal to the Disciplinary Committee. The Disciplinary Committee has the authority to uphold the President's decision, overrule or make it more severe without any further discussion or Board Consideration. Any decision made by the Disciplinary Committee is final.
Starting with the Fall 2004 season, The IYSA, NISL and IWSL (we are members of all) have implemented the same ZERO-TOLERANCE policy that we have always had in ALITHSA. The difference is that if any parent, coach, player, etc. is found in violation of this policy there will be a $200 fine for the offending person, and a $1000 fine assessed to the club. Any fines paid by ALITHSA on behalf of any coach, player or parent will be considered monies due ALITHSA by that individual. The family members of that particular adult will NOT be allowed to participate in any ALITHSA activity until the club is reimbursed in full.

Q: What are the safety rules?

Suspend playing/practicing IMMEDIATELY if there is ANY LIGHTNING. Players may not return to the field until at least 20 minutes have elapsed since the last bolt of lightning has been seen.
Shin guards are mandatory (under socks) for games and practices.
No jewelry may be worn for games or practices.
Regular eye glasses are allowed - but only if securely fastened and covered by goggles. We strongly suggest purchasing sports glasses instead.
Hoods may not be worn during play - they must be tucked inside the jersey.
Jerseys must be tucked into shorts.
If there is an injury on the field, we always err on the side of caution, and play will stop while the injury is assessed. We will call an ambulance anytime a head injury is suspected.
NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO HANG FROM OR SIT ON TOP OF THE GOALS! Although they are securely anchored and/or counterbalanced, don't tempt fate! Accidents can happen at any time.

Q: What are the weather cancellation guidelines?

It is the Age Group Coordinator's decision as to whether or not a game should be cancelled due to inclement weather.
You will typically play in rain, but at the first sight of lightning, games or practices will be suspended or cancelled - the age group coordinator does not need to be contacted in this situation.

Q: How do I register my child?

The only way to register is online at this website, by credit card. We do not offer walk-in or mail-in registration.

Q: What does my registration fee cover?

Game balls, cones, first aid kits and ice packs for every team, IYSA fees, liability insurance, nets, goals, corner flags, publicity, website fees, on-line registration costs, general printing, telephone expense, room rental for the monthly Board meetings, payment of referees, striping paint, weekly labor costs for striping our 15 fields, coaching clinics, Tuesday/Friday training sessions, annual contributions to the Villages of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills, semi-annual Coach's meetings, and background checks on all coaches.

Q: How do I submit an email address change?

Please send an email to info@alithsa.org with your new email address. Make sure you include your child(rens) names.

Q: I still have questions, who should I contact?

Send an email to your age group coordinator, found on the Contact Us page of the ALITHSA website. Please be patient while awaiting a response, we are all volunteers with full-time jobs and/or other family responsibilities.

Home Page Recreational Program Travel Program Registration Parent Participation Rec Schedules NRSL Schedules Travel Schedules FAQ Medical Waiver Form Maps to Parks Incident Report Form Volunteer Recognition Referee Information The Laws of the Game ALITHSA Constitution Board Meeting Minutes Contact Us		Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the Club's philosophy? We exist for the benefit of all children, and we want them to have fun. All players are encouraged to play to the best of their ability through positive reinforcement. Recreational Teams - Every child gets equal playing time regardless of ability. The only exception to this philosophy is that if your child does not attend team practices at least once a week, he/she will play in every game, but will not be subject to the equal playing time requirement. Travel Teams - Due to the competitive nature of the Travel Program, every child plays in every game, but equal playing time is not a Travel Team requirement. Q: What are the Recreational Program fees? For U5 - Spring only is $45. This includes a jersey and end of year medallions. For U6 and above - Spring 2008 fees: $70 for club fees (includes end of year trophies) and a $35 uniform charge for a total of $105. Returning Fall 2007 player fees are $70 (no uniform) Q: When is Registration? Spring 2008 Registration begins 1/1/08 and ends 1/31/08. Q: How are age groups assigned? The registration system does not allow you to select your child's age group, it is assigned automatically by birthdate. The "U" in our age groups stands for "u"nder as of 9/1/07. For example - if your child is 9 years old as of 9/1/07, he/she would be assigned to U10. Q: READ THIS QUESTION CAREFULLY - Is there any more paperwork required? For all players: There is one form to be completed, an Emergency Medical Release Liability Waiver Form, available HERE. This form must be filled out in duplicate, and one copy sent to the club no later than 2/10/08 in one of the following manners: 1) Fax to 847-458-4691 2) Scan and email as an attachment to waiver@alithsa.org 3) Mail to: ALITHSA, PO Box 365, Algonquin, IL 60102 After your form is received, you will be sent a confirmation email. VERY IMPORTANT - Your child will NOT be assigned a team until the club receives this form. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! The other copy is to be turned into your coach at your first practice. Failure to return this form will not result in a refund. Q: I registered and sent in the required form, when will I hear from my child's coach and what the practice/game schedule will be? Our Coach's meeting is in Mid-March. At that time rosters, equipment and game schedules will be distributed. You will receive all information within a week after the meeting. Please do not contact us before the coach's meeting requesting team assignments or schedules, as we will not give out the information until after the meeting. Q: If my child changes his mind about playing, can I get a refund? NO REFUNDS are possible after you have registered. Make sure you and your child understand the commitment involved. The games start the first week of April and the season ends in early June. If you are considering participating in both ALITHSA soccer and any other sport such as AAYO (baseball), football or hockey, be aware that you will experience many scheduling conflicts. Although it may seem possible to participate in both sports simultaneously, we strongly discourage this practice. Q: When does the Spring 2008 season start and end? U6 starts 4/7/08, U5 starts 4/11/08, and all other age groups have their first game 4/5/08. With the exception of U5 and U6, you will start practicing a week or two before these dates. Our season runs for 8 weeks. Travel runs for 10 weeks. Q: When and where are the Spring 2008 games played? U5 and U6 - Presidential Park (Algonquin). U5 will play and practice on Friday evenings, U6 plays either Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs (both days) depending on team assignment. U5 and U6 practice starts at 5:30 with games following immediately at 6:00. Both age groups will be finished by 7pm. U7 and U8 - Holder Field - Algonquin - Saturdays U10 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park - Lake in the Hills - Saturdays U12 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park - Lake in the Hills - Saturdays U14 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park - Lake in the Hills - Saturdays HS Girls - Sunset Park - Lake in the Hills - Sundays IMPORTANT - U10 teams and all higher levels play away games in the far Northwest Suburbs. This means that you could travel anywhere in the area, sometimes up to an hour away. The above field assignments are subject to change Q: When and where are my practices? Practice times and locations are at the discretion of your individual coach. All of us are volunteers with full-time jobs and/or other family responsibilities, so they will typically be held in the late afternoon or early evening on weekdays. Please contact your coach for further information. All players are expected to attend at least one practice session per week. If they are unable to attend, please let your coach know ahead of time. If your child repeatedly misses designated practice sessions, he/she will no longer be subject to the equal playing time requirement, as that would not be fair to the rest of the team that does make the effort to attend practices. Q: Where are the parks located? All game field maps and directions can be found HERE. Q: Can my child wear eyeglasses or jewelry? If your child wears eyeglasses, they must wear safety goggles over them or wear prescription sports eyeglasses. No jewelry is allowed. This includes earrings, starter earrings, necklaces, bracelets (including Livestrong) or metal hair clips. The only exception to this rule are Medic Alert necklaces or bracelets. These bracelets or necklaces may be worn, but only if fastened securely to the body with tape. All hair control devices must be soft to the touch. No knotted devices will be allowed. All casts, splints, and braces shall be covered by some kind of soft material and must be approved by the referee prior to the start of the game. Q: Is there any equipment I need to purchase? U5 players must supply their own black shorts, black soccer socks, shin guards and SOCCER (not baseball) shoes. Age groups U6 and above - A full uniform is supplied, so you only need to supply your own shin guards and soccer shoes. Please remember to bring your own ball to practices, we will provide the game ball. If your child wears glassess, you must supply him/her with prescription sports goggles or Safety Goggles to wear over the glasses. Q: Are there any restrictions as to what the players can wear? Layers may be worn UNDER the uniform (including long sweatpants). Hoods must be tucked into the jersey during play. No jewelry or loose-fitting eye-glasses. If your child wears glasses, they must wear safety goggles over them, or wear sports eyeglasses. Q: Can my child "play down" a level? We do not allow a child to play in a lower age group than what his/her birthdate would allow. Q: Can my child "play up" a level? We require every ALITHSA player to play at least one season at the proper age level before this can be considered. The season must be immediately preceding the season for which you want your child to move up. If you feel your child is ready to move up ONE level, your current coach and the Recreational Director must be in agreement that it would be appropriate, and then the President makes the final determination. Q: How are teams created? We try to honor special requests, but with over 1000 players, we offer NO guarantees. Teams are created randomly every Fall. It has always been ALITHSA policy to keep the children on the same team from Fall to Spring. We do not rate players or draft in the recreational league. ALITHSA does not re-balance teams during and/or between seasons. Q: What is the criteria for my child to switch teams? Switching teams is very rare, and at the sole discretion of the Recreational Program Director and Club President - not your desired coach. On the very rare occasion that a team switch request is honored, you will be assessed a $25 jersey replacement fee. We will NOT switch teams for any of the following reasons: You or your child do not get along with your current coach or other players (this is part of a child's learning experience - dealing with differing personalities). Your child's best friend is on another team. The team is the same as last season's team and you would rather be on a winning team this season Because it would be easier to carpool. As a single parent you can't be in two places at once The practice location and/or time is not convenient Scheduling conflicts with other sporting activities. PLEASE NOTE - ALITHSA soccer and other sports do not mix well - it will present MANY scheduling conflicts, regardless of what team you are assigned. We will not do for you something that we are not prepared to do for every other parent and player in ALITHSA. Switching a child creates a domino effect. It may be better for you, but now another player must be moved and possibly inconvenienced. Q: Where and when are the Academy (skills) training sessions? The Academy (Skills) training will be at Holder Field every Monday and Friday evenings during the regular season. U6 - U8 will attend on Friday's, 5:30 - 6:30 PM . The first session is to be announced and will run for 8 consecutive weeks. U10 and up will attend on Monday's from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. The first session is to be announced and will run for 8 consecutive weeks. Goal-keeper training will be held on Friday evenings, directly after the U6 - U8 skills training, from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Goal-keeper training will run for 8 consecutive weeks and will be open to rec. and travel players. Q: Do you run background checks on Coaches? ALITHSA runs annual background checks on EVERY volunteer - Board Members, Coordinators, Coaches, Asst. Coaches and team moms are all included. If felonies against a child, any assault, battery or drug-related convictions appear in this background check, the volunteer is not allowed to participate. If you have any questions or comments regarding background checks, please send an email to Gerry Guilbeault at gerry@alithsa.org. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence. Q: What should the coaches do if a strong team is dominating a game? If a team appears to be dominating the game, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, the leading coach should put his strongest players on defense or rest them on the sidelines for a short time to allow others to gain game experience. Whenever a team has a 4 goal lead, the leading team should reduce their players on the field by one, or the other team may add a player. When the differential becomes 2 goals, the normal number of players will return to the field. Q: What can parents do about problems with coaches and officials? If you have a problem with any coach, contact your age group coordinator first, as most problems are easily resolved at that level. Be sure to include date, time, field and coach name if possible. If you have a problem with a Coordinator, contact Todd Drake. If you are still not satisfied, contact Gerry Guilbeault. All contact emails are on the Contact Us page of the ALITHSA website. Our referees range in age from 12 and higher. They have a very tough job, and we must support their decisions during the game. If you want to dispute a call, please mention it to your coach, NOT the referee. Q: What happens if a parent or coach gets "out of hand"? Please remind the parent or coach of the "code of conduct form" they read and acknowledged at registration. All comments directed towards the field should be words of encouragement and praise, not criticism. If the parent or coach continues to be a problem, any board member, group coordinator, coach and/or referee has the authority to ask that person to leave immediately and the offending person shall be immediately found to be in possible violation of ALITHSA's "ZERO-TOLERANCE" policy. If the offending person refuses to leave, the referee has the authority to end play immediately, issue a red card if appropriate, and the offending team will forfeit the game. Any Coach or player that receives a red card or two yellow cards in the same game is subject to an immediate 2 game suspension and a Disciplinary Committee Hearing to determine if it is in the best interest of the Club that the person be allowed to continue to be an active participant. Parents are subject to the same requirements as coaches and players, and although a red card will not be issued to a parent, Disciplinary Committee action will be forthcoming. The Disciplinary Committee is composed of the President, Recreational Director, Travel Coordinator, one Travel Coach and one Recreational Coach. The offending person/people are encouraged to attend and present their side of the story. All decisions by the Disciplinary Committee are immediate, final and not subject to appeal. Q: What is ALITHSA's "ZERO-TOLERANCE" policy? ALITHSA maintains a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy for abusive parents, players and coaches. Any form of abusive language, gesture or behavior directed towards any player, parent, coach, coordinator or referee is UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR, and will be dealt with accordingly. ALITHSA reserves the right to suspend and/or expel any person found to be in violation of the zero-tolerance policy. If a substantiated violation of the ZERO-TOLERANCE policy occurs, the ALITHSA President has the authority to immediately reprimand, suspend, or expel the offender. In accordance with our Constitution, the offending person has an opportunity to appeal to the Disciplinary Committee. The Disciplinary Committee has the authority to uphold the President's decision, overrule or make it more severe without any further discussion or Board Consideration. Any decision made by the Disciplinary Committee is final. Starting with the Fall 2004 season, The IYSA, NISL and IWSL (we are members of all) have implemented the same ZERO-TOLERANCE policy that we have always had in ALITHSA. The difference is that if any parent, coach, player, etc. is found in violation of this policy there will be a $200 fine for the offending person, and a $1000 fine assessed to the club. Any fines paid by ALITHSA on behalf of any coach, player or parent will be considered monies due ALITHSA by that individual. The family members of that particular adult will NOT be allowed to participate in any ALITHSA activity until the club is reimbursed in full. Q: What are the safety rules? Suspend playing/practicing IMMEDIATELY if there is ANY LIGHTNING. Players may not return to the field until at least 20 minutes have elapsed since the last bolt of lightning has been seen. Shin guards are mandatory (under socks) for games and practices. No jewelry may be worn for games or practices. Regular eye glasses are allowed - but only if securely fastened and covered by goggles. We strongly suggest purchasing sports glasses instead. Hoods may not be worn during play - they must be tucked inside the jersey. Jerseys must be tucked into shorts. If there is an injury on the field, we always err on the side of caution, and play will stop while the injury is assessed. We will call an ambulance anytime a head injury is suspected. NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO HANG FROM OR SIT ON TOP OF THE GOALS! Although they are securely anchored and/or counterbalanced, don't tempt fate! Accidents can happen at any time. Q: What are the weather cancellation guidelines? It is the Age Group Coordinator's decision as to whether or not a game should be cancelled due to inclement weather. You will typically play in rain, but at the first sight of lightning, games or practices will be suspended or cancelled - the age group coordinator does not need to be contacted in this situation. Q: How do I register my child? The only way to register is online at this website, by credit card. We do not offer walk-in or mail-in registration. Q: What does my registration fee cover? Game balls, cones, first aid kits and ice packs for every team, IYSA fees, liability insurance, nets, goals, corner flags, publicity, website fees, on-line registration costs, general printing, telephone expense, room rental for the monthly Board meetings, payment of referees, striping paint, weekly labor costs for striping our 15 fields, coaching clinics, Tuesday/Friday training sessions, annual contributions to the Villages of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills, semi-annual Coach's meetings, and background checks on all coaches. Q: How do I submit an email address change? Please send an email to info@alithsa.org with your new email address. Make sure you include your child(rens) names. Q: I still have questions, who should I contact? Send an email to your age group coordinator, found on the Contact Us page of the ALITHSA website. Please be patient while awaiting a response, we are all volunteers with full-time jobs and/or other family responsibilities.