Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my child to play?
To register, go to our registration page. PLEASE NOTE! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are conducting all registrations online this season. Register any time through our new reigistration site.
When is opening day?
Opening Week is scheduled to begin as early as Wednesday, September 9, 2020 for U-5 - HS divisions. U-4 training will begin on Friday, September 11, 2020. The Adult league will begin Sunday, September 13, 2020.
How long does the season last?
The season runs for the entiretly of the months of September and October for Youth and U-4 players. The adult league continues into mid-November.
What time do games begin?
The U-5, U-6, U-7, U-8, U-10, U-12, and MS divisions play games on Saturdays with several weeknight games. Saturday games can begin as early as 9:00 am. Weeknight games will begin as early as 6:00 pm.
U-4 program is Friday's only beginning at 6:00 PM at Headley Park.
Middle School Coed games are played on Thursday evenings and Saturdays. Middle School Girl games are played on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays. A game schedule will be given to your coach with exact games times and locations.
High School games are played on Sunday afternoon. A game schedule will be given to your coach with exact game times and locations.
Our Adult division will play games on Sunday afternoon at either 1:00 pm or 2:45 pm.
When and where is practice?
The practice schedule is set by the team coach. Teams can begin practice as early as Monday, August 17, 2020. Teams generally practice one to three times per week until games begin and one to two time per week once games begin. U-4 does not practice. U-4 "plays" on Friday only. Teams will practice at various approved parks around Gahanna. Practice locations are provided to coaches at the coaches meeting.
Where are games played?
U-4, Rec. Minor (U5 - U8) and most Rec. Major (U10 - HS) games are played at Headley Park, 1031 Challis Springs Dr, Gahanna, OH 43230. A schedule will be given to your coach with your game location and time. U-12, Middle School and High School divisions will play at Headley Park or travel for an away game.
How much are the registration fees?
U-4 basic registration fee is $30. All other divisions basic registration fee is $50. All participants, regardless of residency status, pay a $15 participation fee that GSA collects on behalf of the City of Gahanna. Registration fee does not include uniform fees. A $20 (per family) volunteer opt-out fee will be applied each season should you choose not to volunteer. Additional fees might be applied if applicable.
What is a non-resident fee?
The City of Gahanna imposes and collects a $20 per player fee for Non-Residents of Gahanna. The fee is NOT based on your ZIP CODE. It is based on the actual location of your residence. If you live in a neighborhood that is in Columbus or some other community, you must pay the fee EVEN THOUGH your zip code says Gahanna. On the contrary, some neighborhoods that are actually IN Gahanna are not assessed the fee even though they have a New Albany zip code. The rule of thumb: If you pay Gahanna Income Taxes and/or a Gahanna Water Bill, you are more than likely considered a Gahanna resident.
Who do I make my check payable to?
Gahanna Soccer Association or GSA. Checks can be mailed to GSA P.O. Box 307121 Gahanna, OH 43230
Do I need to purchase a uniform?
All divisions are required to purchase a uniform with the exception of U-4. A youth uniform package consists of: a reversible jersey, 1 pair of shorts and 2 pair of tube socks for $50. An adult uniform package is $60 and consists of a reversible jersey, 1 pair of shorts and 2 pair of pro socks. ALL players are required to purchase shin guards and all players with the exception of U-4 are required to purchase cleats. GSA sells the uniform, however, we do not sell shin guards or cleats. The uniform is good from season to season as long as it fits and is in good condition. You do not need to purchase a new uniform every season. Single items can be purchased as well.
$30 youth jersey
$35 adult jersey
$15 youth shorts
$17 adult shorts
$5 youth tube socks
$7 adult pro socks
GSA uniform sale dates: Tuesday, August 25, 2020, Wednesday, August 26, 2020, and Thursday, August 27, 2020. All dates are from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the GSA office located at Headley Park, 1031 Challis Springs Dr, Gahanna, OH 43230.
Can my child remain on the same team as last season?
Players entering the U-5, U-7, and U-10 age groups this year will be placed on new teams. Players moving to U-6 or U-8, and players entering their second (or higher) year of U-10, U-12, Middle School, or High School will return to their previous team.
NOTE: Forms received after 7/5/2020, new players, players that request to change teams and players that did not play in the fall, will be placed in the draft (NO EXCEPTIONS). The league reserves the right to place players on teams in order to maintain a competitive balance across all teams in a division.
How do I know what team my child is on?
The U4 parent meeting will be Saturday, August 15, 2020 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM. The coaches will have their preseason meetings on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at the following times:
- U5 & U6 from 10 - 11 AM
- U7 & U8 from 11 AM - 12 PM
- U10, U12, MS & HS from 12 - 1:00 PM
GSA asks coaches to call their players by Wednesday, August 19, 2020. If you have not heard from a coach by then, you should e-mail your child's name to info@gahannasoccer.com and GSA will provide the information to you. At that point, you may contact the coach directly. All meetings will be held in the GSA office at Headley Park 1031 Challis Springs Dr, Gahanna 43230.
What is the non-volunteer fee?
The $20(per family) non-volunteer fee is applied for any family that chooses to opt out of volunteering at GSA each season. GSA relies on our volunteers throughout the season and can not operate without them. Please consider volunteering a small amount of your time this year to help us remain successful.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities are listed on the volunteer registration page on the GSA website. Our most needed volunteers are, of course, coaches. We also need many volunteers throughout the season to help in our concession stand. If you chose to volunteer you will be emailed volunteer opportunities through SignUpGenius throughout the season.
Can my child play on a team with his/her friend?
- In order to honor a teammate request, both players must request each other. Both players will be placed on a new team together.
- Teammate requests can only involve two (2) players. No teammate requests involving three (3) or more players will be honored. No requests for specific coaches will be honored. Coaches cannot request specific players or assistant coaches.
What happens if games are cancelled?
If games are cancelled due to weather, there are multiple actions that GSA will take to ensure that the message gets out to our members:
- Website
The GSA website will be updated to indicate that the fields are closed. There will be a large yellow or red banner indicating if it is a partial closure (yellow) or full (red).
- Recorded Message
If you call the GSA office at 614-855-0506 the information about which divisions are cancelled will be stated on the recorded message.
- SLI Notify
GSA will activate it's automated calling system, SLI Notify, which will call all of our members at all phone numbers we have on record to report cancellations and field closures.
If neither the website nor recorded message states games are cancelled, and no automated call is received, then games are not cancelled. The website, phone message, and automated call will not change or be activated to indicate games are on; only if games are cancelled. GSA will attempt to notify members of cancellations no less than one hour before games are scheduled to begin.
Please be aware that GSA's policy on closures does not override the referee's ability to cancel a game if he or she feels that the field conditions are too poor to play safely. GSA attempts to evaluate the condition of the fields anywhere from 2-4 hours before games begin. If games are not cancelled and field conditions deteriorate more quickly than expected, then it is left to the referee's discretion to determine if each individual game will be played.
What division will my child play in?
Division placement is based on date of birth. Based on the player’s age as of August 1, 2019. Players can play-up 1 birth year except in U7. However no players shall be allowed to play up from rec. minor (U4 - U8) to rec. major (U10 - HS). A parent’s written request to GSA PO Box 307121, Gahanna, OH 43230 or email to info@gahannasoccer.com is required with all requests to play-up. NO EXCEPTIONS OR CHANGES will be made. Please see the Age Placement page for a full listing.
Can my child play in GSA while playing for a club/school team?
That depends. Players participating on a school-sponsored soccer team are not allowed to participate in GSA under Ohio High School Athletic Association rules while they are in-season with their school team. They may play in the off-season with certain restrictions (max 5 players from same school on a non-school team) if they are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors, and intend to return to their school team the next season. Seniors have no restrictions on playing in the off-season as they are no longer considered to be part of the school team once their senior season has concluded.
A player on a club team may participate in GSA if they have also registered with GSA and have been rostered to a team. However, this is strongly discouraged as players of club calibre can have a large impact on the game.
What equipment does my child need to play soccer?
All players are required to have shin guards and a uniform* to play in games. Additionally, every player should have soccer cleats and a ball that is appropriate for his or her age group. U-4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 use a size 3 ball; U-10 and 12 use a size 4 ball; and Middle School, High School, and Adult teams use a size 5 ball. Players should have comfortable, weather appropriate clothing for wearing to practices as well.
*U-4 players are not required to wear a uniform though many prefer to do so.
What is GSA's refund policy?
Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to the Registrar, either by postal mail (Gahanna Soccer Association, PO Box 307121, Gahanna, OH 43230) or by email to info@gahannasoccer.com. Requests made prior to the close of registration will be honored and credit will be given minus a $15 process fee, less any late fees. The player's uniform may also be returned for a full refund if it is still in new condition and has not been worn for any training, game, or other activity. Due to COVID-19, we are not currently accepting any uniform returns. Requests for refund made after registration closes will only be granted if the reason is deemed "hardship" and is at the discretion of the President. Examples of "hardship" circumstances are a debilitating injury or illness or relocation to a distance not feasible for participation since the close of registration. Should the refund request be granted, credit will be applied to the credit card used for payment, or by check from Gahanna Soccer Association if the original transaction is over 90 days old or payment was made via cash or check.
What is GSA's jewelry policy?
The following items are prohibited from being worn at both practices and games. Referees will not allow players to participate while wearing disallowed items.
- Earrings
- Facial Piercings
- Necklaces
- Bracelets (any material)
- Hard hair bands, barrettes, or pins
Exceptions
- Medical Alert necklaces and religious emblems may be worn, but they must be taped securely to the chest
- Medical alert bracelets may be worn but must be taped securely to the skin
There are no exceptions other than those mentioned above. Failure to remove prohibited items will disqualify a player from the game until he or she has removed said item(s). GSA will not refund any portion of registration fees for a player missing games due to being unable, or unwilling, to remove a prohibited item.
