1. How can I help?
The role of the parent is central to our organization. Volunteers make WHYSA successful. WHYSA needs a variety of volunteers, including: coaches, field painting crews, program coordinators, and board members. There are always opportunities for dedicated parents who wish to help the program. Interested in volunteering? Contact the WHYSA Board President, John Boone, at [email protected] today.
2. Can you tell me how players are placed on teams after they have been registered?
In U-6 through U-10, the commissioners form the teams and are instructed to place players as equitably as possible and accommodate as many individual requests as possible. The team formation for U11 and older age groups is much different. Each team in these older age groups must be classified to play within a particular PA West division. The process of forming teams at this level is based on a combined effort of the commissioner and any other qualified individuals involved in the evaluation process.
3. Does WHYSA allow younger players to "play up" with an older age group?
Yes. There are times when - as an exception - younger players can “play up” with a team at a higher age level at the request of a parent or guardian. Younger players can also "guest roster" for a single game with a team at a higher age level. The WHYSA policy on playing up and guest rostering can be found on our Documentation page.
4. I'm interested in refereeing for WHYSA. Can you point me in the right direction?
Yes. Go to Become a Referee. Referees can earn up to $65 per game depending upon the age group of the kids playing.
5. What clearances do I need to volunteer with WHYSA?
In short, volunteers must provide the following:
- State Police Criminal Record Check
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance
- If PA resident for at least the past 10 years, a complete and notarized volunteer affidavit
-or-
If PA resident for less than the past 10 years, FBI Criminal Background Check
For help, see the PA West page RISK MANAGEMENT that explains how to obtain the necessary clearances.
6. Are the WHYSA board meetings open to the public?
Yes. The public is welcome to attend all meetings. Meetings are held at the Forest Hills Borough Building, 4400 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Meetings begin at 7:30 PM. Enter the borough building through the library entrance.
2024 meeting dates: Feb 18, Mar 10, Apr 14, May 19, and Jun 9.
7. I want to coach a WHYSA team. What do I need to do?
Get the required PA clearances for coaching at all levels at WHYSA. For help with getting your clearances, see PA West's Risk Management page.
Earn your coaching credentials. The Grassroots module is preferred for every coach. For coaching "travel soccer", the Grassroots module plus any online (7v7, 9v9, 11v11) is required. See PA West's proposed minimum coaching education requirements and PA West's guide to Becoming a Coach.
Complete SafeSport training. Information and how to access and navigate the SafeSport website can be found on PA West's SafeSport page.
8. Will WHYSA reimburse me for the cost of a coaching course?
WHYSA will reimburse you for half of the cost of a course. To get reimbursed, please send your U.S. Soccer receipt and proof of certification to: [email protected].
9. I was told PA West provides an accidental medical insurance policy on all participants. Where can I find more information about this?
PA West does provide accidental medical insurance policy on all its participants. Please go to PA West's Insurance page for details and instructions on how to complete a claim.
10. Can WHYSA provide help to families, parents, or guardians who need it?
Yes. Our goal is to make sure every kid who wants to play the game can. If you need any assistance (including financial aid) getting your player on the field, contact your coach or email the club at [email protected].
