A: Mandatory check-in is required for several reasons.  Most important, Friday night check-in provides both the team and the state staff an opportunity to resolve any problems prior to the team taking the field.  This is a national competition; therefore, it’s extremely important that every team be in compliance with the rules of the competition prior to their first game of the State Cup.  Once the competition begins, errors can’t be corrected.  We would also like to utilize the services of our volunteers on Saturday morning to complete the final set-up arrangements at the fields as well as assisting the teams and referees in getting to the appropriate fields in order to get the games underway on schedule.  In addition, we hope to prepare the teams for what they will face when they reach the USYSNC Southern Regionals this summer. 

Q:  How can I assure that my assistant coach and manager gets a Sideline Pass to be on the team sideline?

A:  All teams will be limited to a maximum of four (4) adults on the sideline, all of whom must have a Sideline Pass.  Sideline Passes will be prepared prior to the team’s arrival at the State Cup for adults who are in compliance with all state rules.  The adult must be properly registered, have a valid Adult Participation (Kidsafe) Pass, and have a coaching license.  Team managers will be provided with the necessary form to request the Sideline Passes for their team.  Prior to preparing the Sideline Pass, the State Staff will verify that the designated individuals record show that they have both a valid Kidsafe status and a coaching license.

Q:  Will adults who are not listed on the roster be allowed on the team sideline?

A:  If the request is provided early enough for the State Staff to verify that the individual has a valid Kidsafe Pass and a coaching license, a Sideline Pass can be prepared for the individual.  If verification cannot be completed, the non-rostered adult will not be allowed on the team sideline.

Q:  Where do I get a copy of my Penalty Point Report?

A:  Through the Affinity program and your team account, you are able to see the cards issued to your team during the spring competition.  A report will be generated for the Tournament Coordinator to use in continuing to track and additional cards issued to players / coaches.  If you have any questions or concerns about the points awarded to members of your team, please contact the District Coordinator of the USYSNC Competition.

Q:  Who receives awards?

A:  Medals will be presented for all places.  All teams are strongly encouraged to show good sportsmanship – attend the awards ceremony to be recognized and to congratulate the other teams for their achievements and the good competition.

Q:  Is there anything special required of the teams who will advance to represent South Texas at the USYSNC Southern Regionals?

A:  Immediately after the awards ceremony, the first place team in Under-14 through Under-19 age groups will be directed to meet with a member of the State Staff to complete the advancement process.  All players should remain on site.  The first step in the process will be the signing of the “Blue” Regional Roster.  It will speed up the process if the coach or manager will request that the players line up in alphabetical order prior to approaching the table.  They will be instructed how and where to sign multiple copies of the Regional roster.  All players should remain in the area until the signing is complete; since no errors are allowed on the roster, it will be necessary to restart the process if there are mistakes with the signatures.  After the roster signing, the players will be released.  The State Staff member will require a brief meeting with the person designated to handle the Regional paperwork for the team to review key items that must be handled on behalf of the team.

Q:  What happens if the weather is bad?

A:  Every effort will be made to play the games including relocation to other fields or adjustment of game times.  Decisions will be made as early as possible; however, this is Texas where you never know what to expect weather-wise – it could be raining at one complex and dry just across the street.  A contact list of cell phone numbers will be provided to the Site Coordinator and State Staff at the event so that contact can be made as quickly as possible.