This FAQ was created as a starting point for parents, coaches, and other interested parties to our most frequent line of questioning. To facilitate improved navigation, we've bucketed the questions into various categories. If your question does not appear below, please not hesitate to contact us.
General Information about Our Club and Programs:
What is the history of Vernon Soccer Club?
Vernon Soccer Club was started in 1974
How many youth athletes and coaches are involved?
Vernon Soccer Club was comprised of hundreds of players and volunteers. Vernon Soccer Club is the largest youth sports organization in Vernon.
I’d like to join as a volunteer, where do I sign up?
One of the club’s most valuable assets is the volunteer base which gives a tremendous amount of support to the club. There are several roles you can take as a volunteer and based upon your interests we can certainly find a matching part.
Interested in being a coach? Contact our Recreation Director.
Want to be involved in event planning or the Board of Directors? Contact the Club President.
Unsure of what you’d like to participate in but want to give back to the community, introduce yourself at the next board meeting (see the calendar on the home page for schedule). All of the Vernon Soccer Club’s board meetings are open to the public. In fact, the club very much appreciates your continued feedback. We hope to see you at the next meeting.
Questions about Registrations, Rosters, and the Refund Process:
How do I register for the upcoming season, and what forms of payment are accepted?
Keeping up with the times, our process has moved online which allows us to better track registrations throughout the year and eliminating paper forms. The club accepts credit and debit card payments for our fees, however, we understand some individuals might still prefer writing a check. Check payments are still accepted with more information available at the completion of the online registration form.
When do I need to register my child to play in the Spring and Fall seasons?
Registration for the Spring season begins and ends. Fall soccer registration is open between and closes.
Why are late fees charged when the season doesn’t begin until almost 2 months later?
A successful season relies on several individuals working year-round, which includes purchasing equipment, supplies, insurance, etc for our players and coaches in advance and in bulk. To the extent the club needs to purchase items beyond our normal registration dates, we often lose the competitive pricing of advance orders. Our late fees are used to motivate timely registrations as it is difficult to create teams when players do not register promptly. Late fees generally start on March 1st for the spring season and August 1st for the fall season for our recreational team. Late fees generally start immediately after initial tryouts conclude for competitive teams as teams have been formed. In all cases you should refer back to the registration offerings for the given year which will outline all costs and dates.
I’ve seen U-## listed for teams, how do these age brackets work for youth soccer?
Age banding is important to youth soccer for several reasons including safety, enjoyment of the game, and the overall development of the player. In an example, you might see a U-13 designation signifying that the players in that division are “under 13”. Meaning all players must be no older than 12 years as of August 1st of that year. Still confused, don’t worry; more information can be found within the Registration section of our website.
What is Vernon Soccer Clubs' refund policy?
The club fully understands that while soccer might be the passion of one youth other, especially our very young players, might attend the first practice and understand that soccer is not for them. Subsequent to the first practice the club incurs nonrefundable expenses on your child’s behalf; therefore we’ve established a tiered refund policy to appropriately cover these costs and keep registration fees to a minimum:
Prior to the end of the final registration date – a 100% registration fee refund will be processed less a 20% refund fee ($10 minimum).
Late fees and processing fees are non-refundable.
Swag merchandise is custom produced and non-refundable once your order is placed unless otherwise noted.
After the final registration date– no refund will be processed with the exception of extenuating circumstances (i.e. health condition/injury).
All further questions related to refunds should be directed towards the Registrar.
Questions Related to Stipends and Other Number Crunching Items:
Why does the club issue stipends or credits to certain individuals?
While there are a countless number of volunteers who donate their time to the club (for which we are ever thankful); certain responsibilities in the organization require specialized skill sets and/or a significant number of hours on a daily basis. For these individuals, the club issues stipends or credits to attract and retain these individuals. Further details are located in the club’s annual report.
I was an In-House Division director this season, how do I receive credit from the club?
Each of the division directors is entitled to a waiver of registration fees for one child. Should a director have paid for a registration that should otherwise be waived, the Club Treasurer will credit the individual back at the close of the fiscal year. Further questions should be directed to the Club Treasurer here.
My family is currently facing financial hardship, is their financial assistance available?
We understand that sometimes our fellow neighbors might encounter difficult times and in order to continue to develop the youth of our town, we offer financial assistance to families on an ad-hoc basis. Eligibility is granted on a per-season basis and covers registration fees only. Equipment and Travel Uniforms are not included in the assistance program. The number of families receiving financial assistance is contingent on the funds available at that time.
The application process for financial assistance is strictly confidential. A family should be prepared to share a copy of the family’s most recent tax filing, proof of eligibility of free or reduced school lunch programs, and a copy of a current pay stub. Inquiries can be directed to the Registrar or Club President.
How are my child’s registration fees used by the club?
Registration fees are the club’s primary source of income and we understand that every member is interested in how those fees are used. A detailed breakdown of fees can be found within the club’s annual report.
What does Vernon’s status as a non-profit organization mean?
In legal terms, Vernon Soccer Club is a tax-exempt entity recognized by the federal government as an organization that promotes amateur sports competition while combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency. Most charitable organizations fall into this classification which is favorable as these types of organizations are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions from supporters.
I heard about a scholarship available from RHS, where does my child apply?
The club will generally provide two $500 scholarships to the youth of Vernon through the VSC
Questions Related to Coaching:
Why become a VSC coach?
Becoming a VSC coach is a great opportunity to become active in the Vernon community by teaching the game of soccer and life lessons to our youth players. The VSC will provide every coach with the resources and help needed to become a quality coach regardless of previous coaching experience. Past and present coaches have shared that coaching with VSC is a rewarding experience.
How do I become a coach?
You can contact several people, for rec soccer you would contact either the boys or girls rec director. For comp soccer, you would contact the comp director.
What educational resources are available for VSC coaches?
There is a section under "For the Coaches" that has plenty of educational resources to assist both rec and comp programs.
Does the organization utilize outside coaches to assist with programs?
The VSC may supplement our coaches for our rec soccer programs and camps.