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 Fall 2010 - Spring 2011 Recreational Program fees?

Single season participation fees will be $140.00 per season. This includes your registration fee and purchase of a full (jersey, shorts, socks) uniform. Registration will only be available for the fall season. Spring registration will begin in January. If you register again in the spring, you will not be required to purchase a uniform again (although you will have the option in case of a growth spurt!). If you choose not to purchase a spring uniform, spring registration will be $105.00.
To encourage more volunteer participation, ALITHSA will offer a $20.00 rebate (each season) for volunteer participation. We are currently seeking a club secretary, winter program coordinator, registration coordinator, events coordinator, age group coordinators, head coaches, assistant coaches, uniform coordinators and field maintenance participants. We will be adding additional volunteer opportunities as we can identify and formally define them. Volunteers will be assigned as needed in specific areas, so please be flexible.

Q: When is Registration?

Fall 2010 Registration begins 6/1/10 and ends 6/30/10.
Spring 2011 Registration begins 1/1/11 and ends 1/31/11.

Q: How are Fall 2010/Spring 2011 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 9/1/10. For example - if your child is 9 years old as of 9/1/10, he/she would be assigned to U10.

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

Our Coach's meeting is held a few weeks after the close of registration. 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. Fall games start the first week of September and run through late October. Spring games start the first week of April and run through 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 season start and end?

Our fall season runs for 8 weeks starting in early September, firm dates TBA. Travel runs for 10 weeks.
Spring also runs for 8 or 9 weeks, starting in April. Dates TBA.
With the exception of U5 and U6, you will start practicing a week or two before these dates.

Q: When and where are the games played?

THE FOLLOWING FIELD ASSIGNMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME
Skills Training will be at Presidential Park in Algonquin, details to be announced
U5 and U6 - Presidential Park, Algonquin during the week
U7 and U8 - Sunset Park, LITH - Primarily Saturdays
U10 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park, LITH - Primarily Saturdays
U12 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park, LITH and Presidential Park, Algonquin - Primarily Saturdays
U14 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park, LITH and Presidential Park, Algonquin - Primarily Saturdays
HS Girls - Presidential Park, Algonquin - Sundays
IMPORTANT - U10, U12, U14 and High School age group levels play away games in the Northwest Suburbs. This means that you could travel anywhere in the area, sometimes up to 45 minutes away. ( Huntley, Marengo, Hampshire, Dundee, Cary )
As always, if you need further assistance please email the appropriate Age group coordinator for you child's age.

Q: When and where are my practices?

Practice times and locations are at the discretion of your individual coach. All ALITHSA Coaches are volunteers with full-time jobs and/or other family responsibilities, so practices will typically be held in the late afternoon or early evening on weekdays. Your coach will provide 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 metal, plastic or 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 or football) 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 approved 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 approved 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?

ALITHSA generally does not approve parent requests for players to "move up" an age division with very few exceptions. A promotion of a child is done on a case-by-case basis and given specific careful consideration.
Consideration for promotional transfer starts with a formal request from the parent to ALITHSA. The requested applicant's body of work is judged by a board committee including the ALITHSA President, the Director of Coaching, the Director of Recreation, and the Age Division Coordinator, with input from the child's coach.
If in the rare instance ALITHSA does allow a transfer, it is for that season only and not a permanent move into the next upper age division.
Note that ALITHSA does not approve promotion moves on the basis of convenience.

Q: How are teams created?

We try to honor special requests, but with over 1000 players, we offer NO guarantees.
Teams are created 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 fall and spring 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: 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 Annette Milligan at annette@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 Annette Milligan. 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 approved safety 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 prior to the start of play. Once a game has begun, it is up to the game officials to determine continuation. If both coaches agree in cancellation (no makeup game) then they may choose to indicate the cancellation to the game officials.
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.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the parent to make sure their child is in a situation in which they are comfortable having them play. If inclement weather has you concerned, please contact your coach and let them know your player will not be participating that day.

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 fees to the Villages of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills, semi-annual Coach's meetings, administartion fees and background checks on all coaches.

Q: How do I submit an email address change?

Please go to the account you set up at the ALITHSA registration website at http://alithsa.bonzidev.com/frameset.php, click on member login, enter your user name and password, and click on the appropriate member profile you want to edit.

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 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 Fall 2010 - Spring 2011 Recreational Program fees? Single season participation fees will be $140.00 per season. This includes your registration fee and purchase of a full (jersey, shorts, socks) uniform. Registration will only be available for the fall season. Spring registration will begin in January. If you register again in the spring, you will not be required to purchase a uniform again (although you will have the option in case of a growth spurt!). If you choose not to purchase a spring uniform, spring registration will be $105.00. To encourage more volunteer participation, ALITHSA will offer a $20.00 rebate (each season) for volunteer participation. We are currently seeking a club secretary, winter program coordinator, registration coordinator, events coordinator, age group coordinators, head coaches, assistant coaches, uniform coordinators and field maintenance participants. We will be adding additional volunteer opportunities as we can identify and formally define them. Volunteers will be assigned as needed in specific areas, so please be flexible. Q: When is Registration? Fall 2010 Registration begins 6/1/10 and ends 6/30/10. Spring 2011 Registration begins 1/1/11 and ends 1/31/11. Q: How are Fall 2010/Spring 2011 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 9/1/10. For example - if your child is 9 years old as of 9/1/10, he/she would be assigned to U10. Q: I successfully registered, when will I hear from my child's coach and what the practice/game schedule will be? Our Coach's meeting is held a few weeks after the close of registration. 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. Fall games start the first week of September and run through late October. Spring games start the first week of April and run through 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 season start and end? Our fall season runs for 8 weeks starting in early September, firm dates TBA. Travel runs for 10 weeks. Spring also runs for 8 or 9 weeks, starting in April. Dates TBA. With the exception of U5 and U6, you will start practicing a week or two before these dates. Q: When and where are the games played? THE FOLLOWING FIELD ASSIGNMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME Skills Training will be at Presidential Park in Algonquin, details to be announced U5 and U6 - Presidential Park, Algonquin during the week U7 and U8 - Sunset Park, LITH - Primarily Saturdays U10 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park, LITH - Primarily Saturdays U12 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park, LITH and Presidential Park, Algonquin - Primarily Saturdays U14 Mixed and Girls - Sunset Park, LITH and Presidential Park, Algonquin - Primarily Saturdays HS Girls - Presidential Park, Algonquin - Sundays IMPORTANT - U10, U12, U14 and High School age group levels play away games in the Northwest Suburbs. This means that you could travel anywhere in the area, sometimes up to 45 minutes away. ( Huntley, Marengo, Hampshire, Dundee, Cary ) As always, if you need further assistance please email the appropriate Age group coordinator for you child's age. Q: When and where are my practices? Practice times and locations are at the discretion of your individual coach. All ALITHSA Coaches are volunteers with full-time jobs and/or other family responsibilities, so practices will typically be held in the late afternoon or early evening on weekdays. Your coach will provide 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 metal, plastic or 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 or football) 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 approved 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 approved 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? ALITHSA generally does not approve parent requests for players to "move up" an age division with very few exceptions. A promotion of a child is done on a case-by-case basis and given specific careful consideration. Consideration for promotional transfer starts with a formal request from the parent to ALITHSA. The requested applicant's body of work is judged by a board committee including the ALITHSA President, the Director of Coaching, the Director of Recreation, and the Age Division Coordinator, with input from the child's coach. If in the rare instance ALITHSA does allow a transfer, it is for that season only and not a permanent move into the next upper age division. Note that ALITHSA does not approve promotion moves on the basis of convenience. Q: How are teams created? We try to honor special requests, but with over 1000 players, we offer NO guarantees. Teams are created 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 fall and spring 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: 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 Annette Milligan at annette@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 Annette Milligan. 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 approved safety 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 prior to the start of play. Once a game has begun, it is up to the game officials to determine continuation. If both coaches agree in cancellation (no makeup game) then they may choose to indicate the cancellation to the game officials. 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. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the parent to make sure their child is in a situation in which they are comfortable having them play. If inclement weather has you concerned, please contact your coach and let them know your player will not be participating that day. 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 fees to the Villages of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills, semi-annual Coach's meetings, administartion fees and background checks on all coaches. Q: How do I submit an email address change? Please go to the account you set up at the ALITHSA registration website at http://alithsa.bonzidev.com/frameset.php, click on member login, enter your user name and password, and click on the appropriate member profile you want to edit. 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.