Frequently Asked Questions

A: Yes but being placed on a team is not guaranteed. Once registration closes we assess how many kids per age bracket registered and determine how many teams per division we can support. This quantity of teams is then submitted to the league and is locked at that point. If we receive registrations after the deadline, the child will be placed on a roster if there is room. If the rosters are full, unfortunately, the child will have to wait until the next season to play.

Q: I registered my child, when will I hear from my coach?

A: For the Fall season, teams are normally drafted in the beginning of July and coaches notify their teams by the end of July. For the Spring season, teams are drafted in late February and players are notified in early March. If you know your coach and would like to contact him/her, there is a Coach contact list on the information page for the current season.

Q: How many practices will there be per week?

A: For both Spring and Fall, each coach is allocated field time for 2 practices per week. Depending on the coach, each team will have 1-2 practices during the week. If you know your coach, you can view what timeslots they have been assigned on the information page for the current season. Once the season starts, coaches may opt to reduce practices. In October, once the sun begins to set early, practices are curtailed and eventually halted.

Q: Where/when are the practices held?

A: Practices are held at either the school fields directly adjacent to Duffy/MacKinnon Schools or on the town fields directly behind the schools on Lafayette St. Depending on the age of the children and the coach, practices will run from 1-2 hours. Also, depending on the coach's schedule, practices will normally begin around 6pm.

Q: Where are games played?

A: Home games are played on the same fields that we practice on (Duffy/MacKinnon). If your child is playing recreation (RVSL), away games may be played at Dover, Rockaway, Mt Arlington, Mine Hill, Jefferson, and Boonton/Mt. Lakes. If your child is playing travel soccer, the towns will change from season to season depending on flighting.

Q: How much does registration cost?

A: Please visit the registration page for the current season to see the applicable fees (left-hand menu). The Spring fee is normally $5 less per child since there is no award ceremony (or trophies), no opening day ceremony and no fundraiser for the Spring Season.

Q: What do I need to buy and what does the club provide?

A: The club will provide uniform shirt, shorts and socks (Fall only). The shirt and shorts must be returned at the conclusion of the season. Parents will need to buy their child soccer shin guards, soccer cleats (baseball/football cleats can not be used), and a sports bottle to bring to practices & games. It is recommended that you buy your child a ball but not required. Ages 6-7 should use size 3, ages 8-11 should use size 4, 12 and above should use size 5 balls. NOTE: No jewelry is allowed to be worn during practice or games (including ear rings)!

Q: How long is the season?

A: The Fall season begins with practices in August. The Fall Opening day is the first Saturday after Labor Day. Games are played for the next 10 consecutive Saturdays ending in early/mid November. The Spring season begins with practice in late March (weather/field condition permitting). The Opening Day for the Spring Season is usually in mid-April. Games are played on the next 8-10 Saturdays (season length is sometimes weather dependent).

Q: How old must my child be to start playing soccer?

A: A child must turn 6 years old by December 31st of that year in order to play for the Wharton Soccer Club.

Q: What do I need to do to coach or volunteer?

A: First you should visit our Volunteer page and fill out the online form indicating how you would like to help the club. In order to coach you must first take the Rutgers SAFETY class (3hrs). The Rutgers class is non-sport specific and deals with coaching children, practice safety, etc. The Wharton Soccer Club also encourages soccer specific training, which is called the F License course. For complete coaching info, visit our Coaching Page.

Q: What do I need to do if I want to referee?

A: Visit our Referee page and fill out the online form. This page will fill you in on the requirements of becoming a referee.

Q: Can my child play soccer and another sport at the same time (baseball, softball, football, cheerleading, etc.)?

A: Yes they can. The Wharton Soccer Club does not prohibit players from playing other sports during the same season. Playing two sports will undoubtedly cause conflicts. Resolution of those conflicts must be worked out between the parents, player and respective coaches on a case by case basis.

Q: How can I get the latest Wharton Soccer information?

A: Please join our Club email distribution list. All the latest info is emailed to this list and it is the best and easiest way for parents, coaches and players involved with the Wharton Soccer Club to receive news. As always, all information will be posted on our website.

Q: What Division would my child play in? What's the difference?

A: The age/play breakout per division for recreation soccer is as follows:

AA Division: 14-17 years old C Division: 8-9 years old

A Division: 12-13 years old D Division: 7 years old

B Division: 10-11 years old E Division: 6 years old

AA, A & B Divisions play 11 player vs. 11 players, boys and girls play on separate teams and these games are played on a full size field.

C, D, & E Divisions play 8 players vs. 8 players, teams are comprised of both boys & girls and games are played on a 2/3rds size field

Q: Can I request that my child be on a specific team? a specific coach? on the same team as a friend?

A: Yes, on the registration form write your special request on the margin of the form. If your request can be accommodated, it will.

Q: My child is a very good player for his/her age, can I move him/her up a division?

A: Yes, that decision is up to the parents. However, this option should be pursued with caution. It is recommended that a player practice with the older team several times and then the coach and parents can decide appropriate final team placement.

Q: What's the difference between recreation soccer (RVSL) and travel soccer (MCYSA)?

Travel is a more competitive level of soccer. Typically tryouts are held with only the best players selected.
Due to the increased level of competition, it is expected that the players skills will improve accordingly.
Travel soccer normally requires both a Spring and Fall commitment to play.
Travel soccer can be more expensive. Registration fees are similar, however, depending on your coach, players may be asked to split the cost of playing in tournaments.
Travel soccer most likely will require further travel distances to away games. Each season teams are placed in 6 team flights. You play each team home and away. While we participate in a Morris County league, depending on what teams end up in your flight, you may need to travel to towns farther away than those in RVSL.
Recreation soccer games are played on Saturday, while Travel soccer games are played on Sunday afternoons.

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This page last updated July 02, 2008