PROGRAM QUESTIONS

How long as NYS been around?

For over 20 years, National Youth Sports (NYS) has organized and managed youth sports leagues from across the nation, from Florida to California. And we are still expanding!

Learn more about National Youth Sports

Learn more about Francises

What makes NYS different?

NYS is an affordable sports league run by actual sports performance specialists. We refuse to offer the same old boring sports program. Creativity and innovation are highly encouraged in our youth sports programs.

In addition to offering the most popular youth sports in one location, NYS leagues also offer girls volleyball and softball, non-competitive 8-Man tackle football and competitive 11-Man tackle football. Sports offered vary by location.

What is the age range of players?

Age divisions vary by sport, season and location. Some sports allow players to participate as early as 3-years-old or as late as 16-years-old.

More advanced players may play up into the next age division if their age is within one year of the next division’s age range. Players are not allowed to move down in a younger division. Age cut off is September 1 or August 1, depending by your league area’s preference.

What if my child has never played sports before?

At NYS our program is designed with every skill level in mind. From the beginner to the advanced athlete, everyone gets equal playing time. All teams are formed to ensure a balanced team on every level.

My child is special needs. Can he/she play with NYS?

Yes! NYS ensures that special needs participants have a positive sporting experience. Please discuss your specific needs with the League Director to ensure the best placement.

Does NYS give out awards to the participants?

All Year Sports (AYS) works exclusively with participating NYS leagues to provide parents with the opportunity to purchase end-of-season trophies and photo keepsakes. Each trophy style and photo theme are custom to each sport, change from season to season. Trophies, medals, and some photo products can be personalized with the player’s name and team name.

By allowing parents to purchase trophies themselves, it keeps our operating expenses down which allows us to pass those savings on to our parents. AYS also donates a portion of the proceeds from photo and trophy sales back into NYS.

Learn more about Photos and Trophies.

REGISTRATION

What does the registration fee cover?

All registration fees pay for the operation of the league. They cover game jersey*, liability/medical/property insurance, Saturday facility/field rentals, site directors/officials and other administrative expenses.

The NYS league is sponsored by a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization and receives no government funding or subsidization. Also there is no additional fundraising required such as selling candy bars, etc.

Items NOT covered are photo packages, participation trophies, and in some areas Photo ID. Visit your local league area page for more information.

Game jersey is included, unless otherwise stated under sport description.

Is there a discount for multiple children?

We purposely price our registration fee substantially lower than our competitors in order to make our program affordable for everyone. Contact your local league about registration specials in your area.

How do I register?

  • Register online.
  • Mail or hand deliver the printable registration form to your local NYS office. Make checks payable to NYS.
  • Attend a Registration Event.

Now that I’ve registered, what’s next?

Parents MUST attend the Parent/Team meeting. More information and meeting times are listed under the Important Dates section of your local league area page. Parents will be expected to be involved with their child’s team.

TACKLE: Attend Certification Event. More information and meeting times listed under Important Dates section on your local league area page.

Unable to make the meeting? An appointed coach should contact you by the following Tuesday after the meeting with team details. If you do not hear from a coach by that Tuesday evening, please call our office.

What is the Parent/Team Meeting?

The Parent/Team Meeting (PTM) is where you meet your team mates and appoint a volunteer coach, schedule practices, and get your game schedule. This is also the perfect time to present questions to your League Director. PTMs are scheduled one week before the start of the season.

Learn more about volunteer coaching

Can I cancel my registration and get a refund?

Partial refunds or full credit to a future season may be available, options vary by league. Refunds can be requested within 30 days of purchase. National Youth Sports has committed resources for the duration of the season based on enrollment after the registration deadline. Check with your local league about refund policies and registration deadlines.

GAMES

How long is each season?

NYS typically operates four seasons a year: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Season length is determined by each local league and can vary in length.

Check with your local league for season dates.

When are the games played?

All games are played on Saturdays. Game times and days may vary based on availability of fields and gymnasiums.

Where will the games be held?

Game locations and maps are located on your local league area sports pages. Locations can also be found on game schedules.

What should I bring to the game?

Parents are encouraged to always bring bottled water for use during the game and snacks for after the game. If your game is held outdoors, sunblock protection is suggested. Location accommodations vary, it is recommended that you bring a chair as there may be very limited or no seating.

How do I find out if a game is cancelled due to inclement weather?

Generally, game cancellations will be announced on Facebook. Please be sure to like us on Facebook.

Thunder and lighting means auto cancellation. Rain may cause cancellation. It is up to each individual facility whether we may use their fields during rain or not. Contact with your local sports coordinator about cancelled games and possible makeup games. Check online, prior to game day, for current game schedules.

Will there be a makeup game if a game is cancelled due to the weather?

We will do our best to make up any cancelled games. However, as we are renting our fields and courts, several factors are out of our control and re-scheduling may not always be possible.

COACHING

Who will be coaching my child’s team?

We believe in family involvement that require parents to participate in the operation of their child’s team by volunteering to coach or assist with practices or other operational duties.

How to volunteer to be a Coach:

  • Sign up on your local league’s printable registration form.
  • Check the box marked Coach or Assistant Coach when registering online.
  • Appoint yourself at the Parent/Team Meeting.
  • Call your local NYS office.

Does NYS assign coaches?

No. There are many vital roles to assist your team and those positions are filled by volunteer parents. NYS offers a pre-volunteer section on the registration form, but many times we utilize the Parent/Team Meeting (PTM) to assign coach roles after we have put the team together.

Any team with a coach is the result of a parent indicating on their child’ registration form of their willingness to help.

Does NYS provide any coaching materials?

Yes. We want you to have a positive coaching experience. Practice guides and rules can be found online, on your league’s sports pages.

Coach packets will be distributed at the Uniform Passout Event. Check your local league area page for dates and locations for this event. Coach packet content vary by league, but generally contain:

    • Team roster
    • Game schedule
    • Practice packet
    • Rules
    • Code of Conduct paperwork
    • Photo order evenlopes*
    • Photo schedule*
    • Trophy order form*
    • Coupons*

*At participating locations.

What are the benefits of coaching?

Coaching is key to developing character in children and about helping players achieve personal goals as well as team goals. Every coach is a role model. Your team will be more apt to achieve their goals and become great athletes when given the proper direction.

We like to reward all volunteer coaches who attend an AYS Photo Night! As the Head Coach, you will receive a complimentary wood Coach Plaque complete with your team photo! All coaches will also receive a free 5×7 “Coach Shot” with their child.

TEAM & PRACTICE

How are the teams formed?

Teams are formed by age, closest school or zip code proximity. Area coordinators have authority to adjust league age divisions as necessary. NYS has the right to add players to any team until the maximum amount of players is met.

We do our best to honor friend and coach requests.

Can my child play on the same team with a friend, sibling or particular coach?

Yes. When you register your child for the season, simply list the name of the friend, sibling or coach in the request field. We will do our best to accommodate your request although we cannot make any guarantees.

Coach and friend requests must be in the same age group.

Does NYS schedule practices?

No. Each team decides practice times and locations, allowing for 1 to 3 practices per week. Practice times and locations are determined at the Parent/Team Meeting by the appointed coach.

Does NYS provide practice facilities?

No, NYS does not provide practice facilities and they are not guaranteed. Indoor and lighted practice facilities may be available at an additional cost. Requested practice times cannot be honored.

We encourage all teams to utilize daylight hours, HOA parks, or neighborhood green areas to conduct practices to avoid additional costs.

EQUIPMENT

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE ANY EQUIPMENT?

Yes. To keep registration fees low, NYS does not provide sports equipment. Each player is provided an official NYS jersey, unless otherwise stated in the sports description. Players may wear shorts or sweats of any type so long as it doesn’t have cargo pockets or belt loops.

The following equipment will need to be purchased based on sport:

  • OUTDOOR SPORTS: Appropriate footwear includes rubber cleats or sneakers.
  • INDOOR SPORTS: Gym shoes must be worn at all times.
  • BASEBALL/T-BALL: Each player receives an official NYS hat in addition to the NYS jersey. Each player is required to have a baseball glove. Protective cups are recommended.
  • BASKETBALL: Mouth guards are highly recommended.
  • FLAG FOOTBALL: Each player is required to wear a mouth guard at all times during the game.
  • SOCCER: Each player is required to wear shin guards at all times during the game.
  • TACKLE FOOTBALL: Well fitted helmet, shoulder pads, mouth guard and padding required.
  • VOLLEYBALL: Knee pads are recommended.

Check with your local league for additional equipment requirements.

DOES NYS SELL EQUIPMENT?

Equipment purchases vary by league. Call your local office to find out what is offered in your area.

PHOTOS & TROPHIES

I’m in an Elite League, what comes included with my league registration?

TROPHIES Please check with you local league about Elite League trophies.

PHOTOS Elite League participants may receive a single Memory Mate that includes a 3×5 Individual Photo and a 5×7 Team Photo. Participants MUST attend one of the available Photo Nights posted online at nysonline.org.

Elite teams are not bound to the designated Elite Photo Night and may reschedule to another available photo night if needed. Make up shoots for missed attendance will not be made.

Please note that Elite League participants use a different photo order form that is identified as “Elite League Only.”

Printable Elite photo order form

You can call our office at 623-486-7480 or email us at AllYearSports@NYSonline.net if you need to reschedule.

Products for Elite League participates vary by league. Please check with your local NYS office to see what’s included with your registration.

*Elite League offered at participating locations only.

Are tournament trophies or photos included?

Tournament registration inclusions are determined by your local NYS office and vary by location.

Some leagues have tournaments with trophies associated, but it may require an additional cost.

Please check with your local NYS office to see what’s included with your tournament registration.

Should I include sales tax for Photos or Trophies?

No. Taxes are included in the product price.

Can I order photos or trophies online?

For Trophies: Yes! Online orders are available for trophies!

We currently cannot accept photo payments online.

May I use one check to pay for all of my children?

PHOTO Yes, you may use one check to pay for all of your children. Please remember to make a note on each order form letting us know which form contains the payment. Please also write your check number on each order form the check is covering. On your check’s memo line, write the names and team numbers of each of the children.

TROPHY Yes, if your children play on the same team, you may use one check to pay for all of your children. It is common practice to appoint one team representative to handle the payment for trophies. That representative is then responsible for submitting the trophy order and providing one form of payment for the entire team.

If your children are on the same team, you can conveniently order all their trophies online too!

Can I post-date a check?

No. We handle a large amount of orders daily and cannot guarantee that your post-dated check will be noticed and held until the date specified on the check. We are not responsible for any fees incurred due to insufficient funds.

If a check is returned to us, a $25 fee will be added to your total payment. You will not receive your products until both the fee and order are paid in full.

What if I have a problem with my order?

You can call our office at 623-486-7480 or email us at AllYearSports@NYSonline.net.

You will have to contact us within 90 days of receiving your product to make a claim. Issues concerning corrections, missing or damaged products will become void after 90 days, and would need to be repurchased.

I received a damaged product, what can I do?

We can fix it! Please email us an actual photo of your damaged product. Email to: AllYearSports@NYSonline.net.

Please provide your league area, team number, and player name.

Once we see proof of your damaged product, we can then mail you out a replacement. Please include your mailing address in your email.

How can I order more photos or trophies after I’ve received them?

Simply download and complete the Photo or Trophy order form.

Here are your options for submitting your new order:

TROPHIES:

For credit card orders:

    • Please visit our online trophy ordering site!

For cash, check or money orders:

  • Mail trophy form and payment to: All Year Sports Trophy | 8550 N. 91st Avenue #49 | Peoria, AZ 85345.
  • No phone orders.
  • Do not drop off new photo orders at the NYS office.
  • Taking a photo of your trophy form via cell phone will not be an accepted format for submission. Please fax, scan or hand-deliver your trophy order form.

PHOTOS:

    • Do not drop off new photo orders at the NYS office.
    • Email your photo order form to AllYearSports@nysonline.net

*Elite League offered at participating locations only.

PHOTO NIGHT

How should I prepare for Photo Night?

  • Please have your team at the shoot 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Use this time to prep your players: Tuck-in jerseys, use the bathroom, fix hair, wipe faces, fix belts, tie shoes, etc.
  • Coaches, upon arrival, please check-in with the AYS Representative at the front table. Provide us with your team number and the correct spelling of your team name.
  • Please keep the team together, or know of every player’s whereabouts, as you wait for your scheduled time.
  • Coaches and parents, please make sure to keep your players quiet. Photo shoots are an exciting experience and noise levels can get very loud. Everyone needs to be able to hear our photo staff and their instructions. Players need to be able to hear their name when being called for their Individual photo.
  • Have your photo order form filled out prior to the shoot. Check with your coach for your team number and correct spelling of the team name.
  • We ask parents to fill out separate order forms for each of their children. We are trying to make it common practice to have each player take an individual photo so we can have their photo on file. This is important for various reasons including identification purposes and future purchases with more product options.
  • Payment must be paid in full by the scheduled time. We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards. If paying with cash, please bring exact change, as change will NOT be available at the shoot. Make checks payable to AYS. No starter checks or post-dated checks. There is a $25 fee for any returned check.
  • Left-handed players will need to bring their own baseball glove.
  • Please, NO personal cameras during the photo session. The flash from your camera will disrupt our photo equipment or cause our lights to misfire.
  • Coaches, please be sure to bring ALL members of the team to Photo Night for the Team Photo, even if some members are not ordering photos.

If you need to reschedule, please call our office at 623-486-7480 or email us at AllYearSports@NYSonline.net.

What happens at a Photo Night?

  • Teams need to be at the shoot 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time.
  • Coaches will check-in with the AYS Representative at the front table, providing their team number and team name.
  • The coach will then collect all the team’s order forms to be turned-in to the AYS Representative at your scheduled time.
  • Players will line up from shortest to tallest.
  • Coaches will inform the Team Photographer of how many players and how many coaches will be in the Team Photo.
  • Coaches can help the Team Photographer by sending in one player at a time into the photo area, to be posed for the Team Photo.
  • Coaches will need to keep their team focused and listening to the Team Photographer for instructions. A minimum of 3 photos, or more, will be taken.
  • After the Team Photo, players can line up for their Individual Photo. Keep Coach’s children in the back of the line, as they will be getting a photo with their coach.
  • Players taking Buddy Photos need to be kept together.
  • Players need to stay quiet to listen for their name for their Individual or Buddy Photo.
  • Each Individual, Buddy and Coach photo will have a minimum of 2 photos taken, or more, if needed.
  • All players on the team should remain close to the Photo Area until all players’ photos have been taken. It is also for the players’ safety that the Coach knows of each player’s whereabouts at all times.

What can cause a photo shoot to run late?

  • Missing players. Players not kept with their team during the waiting period.
  • Players arriving late.
  • Not having photo order forms filled out prior to shoot.
  • Players goofing around and not listening to the photographer’s instructions.

As a parent, why am I not allowed in the Photo Area?

In order to create a smooth shooting experience, we ask that only coaches and players be allowed in the Photo Area. It becomes a safety issue, both to players and our equipment, if the Photo Area gets overcrowded.

Please do not call out to your child during their photo session. We need the players to be looking at our camera and listening to our photographer for instructions. This will also help to keep the overall noise level down.

As a coach, do I receive anything special?

Yes! We like to reward all volunteer coaches who attend a Photo Night!

All coaches will receive a free 5×7 “Coach Shot” with their child. You can also substitute this “Coach Shot” for an alternate 5×7 product: Individual 5×7 of your player, Team 5×7, or Buddy 5×7 of your player with their friend or sibling.

As the Head Coach, you will receive a complimentary wooden and engraved Coach Plaque complete with your team photo!

Be sure to have all members of your team at the photo night for your Team Photo!

What if I lost my order form?

Both Photo and Trophy Order Forms can be downloaded from nysonline.org. They are listed on your league area’s main page, any of the sports pages, or in the photo & trophy page.

We also provide extra order forms at the shoot. Please arrive early to fill out your order form before your scheduled time.

Can I bring my own prop to the photo shoot?

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your own sporting equipment or prop for your photo.

We provide a variety of sporting equipment to the shoot for players to use in their photos. We will not have baseball bats available, however, only baseball gloves.

Left-handed players will need to bring their own baseball glove.

Baseball bats: Baseball bats are a safety issue. We will only allow players to pose with a baseball bat if they can control and hold the bat without swinging it. We don’t want our equipment or staff to be in harm’s way due to a player carelessly swinging a baseball bat. A baseball glove will be substituted if the player cannot hold the baseball bat properly.

May I fill out one photo order form for all of my children?

No, a separate form needs to be completed for each player. You may pay for all the photos with one check, but each player needs their own order form. Please make note on your check’s memo line of each player and their team number the check is covering. Also write the check number on each of their photo order forms.

We are trying to make it common practice to have each player take an individual photo so we can have their photo on file. This is important for various reasons including identification purposes and future purchases with more product options.

May I have my children pose together for Photos?

Yes, your children may pose together. This is called a “Buddy Photo”. Please fill out the section on the order form to list the “Buddy” your child wishes to pose with.

Please note that posing with the coach is not considered a “Buddy Photo,” so coaches should not be listed in the Buddy Photo section. If you wish to have a photo with the Coach, then mark the “Coach” circle on the order form.

The Buddy doesn’t have to be on the same team or registered in the league.

What if I forgot to mark my order to use the Buddy Shot?

Any order not marked for Buddy will use the individual photo that was taken. A new order will need to be made and purchased if you wished to have the Buddy picture instead.

Can I use a Buddy Shot for any photo product?

No, some photo products are not designed for Buddy Shots and are identified on your order form. The “Individual Only” products include Photo Magnets, Magazine Covers, Trader Cards, Digital Copies and certain Season Specials, i.e. Calendars.

Please refer to the current photo order form to see what products allow for Buddy Shots.

May I make substitutions or customize a Photo Package?

No. Substitutions may not be made in packages. Photo packages cannot be customized.

How is payment handled for Photos?

Each parent pays for their own child’s photos by placing their payment inside the Photo order form envelope and sealing the envelope. Bring your Photo Order envelope and payment to your Photo Night.

If you printed an order form from online, then bring your completed form and payment to the Photo Night. We will have extra order forms available at the shoot, where will can adhere your printed form to the outside of the envelope and you can then place your payment inside and seal the envelope.

We accept cash, checks and Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards. Please make checks payable to AYS. No starter checks please. There is a $25 fee for any returned check. Please bring exact change, as change will NOT be available at the shoot.

When is payment due for Photos?

Payment is due at your scheduled time at Photo Night.

Is there a separate sitting fee for Photos?

No. The sitting fee is included in the product price.

Can I view my photos before I receive them?

No. Due to high volume and short turnaround time, photo proofs will not be available prior to receiving them.

Can I order plaques without photos?

Yes! You can call our office at 623-486-7480 or email us at AllYearSports@NYSonline.net with this request and we can give you a quote.

What if I’m unhappy with my photos?

We have a couple of options for you.

First, we can email you a set of proofs of each photo we took at photo night for you to review. If you deem another photo to be better, then we will edit it, reprint your order and mail it out to you. Please include a mailing address when you respond with your preferred photo choice.

If you weren’t happy with the photo proofs we emailed, then you can attend the next available photo shoot in your area. Our photo events run seasonally, coinciding with the NYS playing season. If our photo season is over, then you will have to wait until the next NYS season to get your reshoot. Please bring your photo order and the jersey worn from the previous season to the reshoot. Whole teams will need to make an appointment. Individual retakes will not have to schedule an appointment and can instead stop by anytime, at any one of our available photo shoots for that season.

To discuss more options, please call our office at 623-486-7480 or email us at AllYearSports@NYSonline.net.

What if I didn’t attend Photo Night and want to order photos?

Because we schedule photo nights to accommodate the NYS playing season, our options are limited when it comes to makeup shoots.

If our photo season is over, then you may have to wait until the next NYS season to get your makeup shoot. Please bring the jersey that was worn from the previous season with your photo order.

Whole teams will need to make an appointment. Individual retakes will not have to schedule and can stop by anytime at any one of our available photo shoots for that season.

To discuss more options, please call our office at 623-486-7480 or email us at AllYearSports@NYSonline.net.

TROPHY

How is payment handled for Trophies?

We ask that the whole team submit just one Team Trophy order form that identifies each player’s trophy style and engraving specifications. Although the order form is for the entire team, we do prefer to accept only one form of payment.

Ordinarily, the team will designate one representative to collect payment from the entire team, and then that representative will provide a single payment that equals the grand total of the order. Providing a single payment, instead of multiple payments from each parent, reduces the chance for mistakes when we process the order.

We take trophy orders online! Visit our online trophy ordering site!

If paying by check, make checks payable to AYS. No starter checks please. There is a $25 fee for any returned check. Mail your check and order to All Year Sports Trophy | 8550 N. 91st Avenue #49 | Peoria, AZ 85345.

Or you can drop off your trophy order and payment to your local NYS Office.

Taking a photo of your trophy form via cell phone will not be an accepted format for submission.

Does my team have to order the same trophy style?

No. Each player can pick the trophy style of their choice.

Can I choose more than one trophy style?

Yes! You can purchase as many trophies in as many styles as you desire.

How do I submit my trophy order form?

We have various options for submitting your Trophy Order Form. You can either:

For credit card orders:

    • Please visit our online trophy ordering site!

For cash, check or money orders:

  • Mail trophy form and payment to: All Year Sports Trophy | 8550 N. 91st Avenue #49 | Peoria, AZ 85345.
  • Or you can drop off your trophy order and payment to your participating local NYS Office.
  • No phone orders.
  • Taking a photo of your trophy form via cell phone will not be an accepted format for submission.
    Please fax, scan or hand-deliver your trophy order form.

Can I submit my own Trophy Order Form, separate from team?

We handle a high volume of trophy order forms at one time. It is best if the team submits only one Trophy Order Form listing the order preferences for each player on the team. Submitting your order with the team will reduce the chance of your individual order getting overlooked, double-charged, or duplicated.

What if I forgot a player on my original trophy order?

Simply download and fill out a Trophy order form for your sport and league area, found at nysonline.org.

Write and circle “ADD-ON” next to the new player.

Then submit your Add-on order form, as indicated on your trophy order form.

You could also order the individual trophy using our convenient online trophy ordering site!

We received the wrong trophy style, what can we do?

We can fix it! Please email us an actual photo of the product you received. Email to: AllYearSports@NYSonline.net.

Please provide your league area, team number, and team name.

If it’s only one person on the team that received the wrong trophy, then we will mail their replacement trophy directly to the customer. A mailing address will need to be provided.

If the entire team’s order was incorrect, replacement trophies will be shipped to your local NYS office. Please bring the incorrect trophies you received to the NYS office to be exchanged.

DIGITAL COPY

Can I get a Digital Copy of my photo?

Yes! We have options for you.

You can purchase your Digital Copy at a discount when you order one of our photo packages. You can also order it separately from our al a carte section.

Please include your email address on your Photo Order form. Please write clearly.

Digital copies are available for Individual photos only.

Can I order a Digital Copy of the Team Photo or Buddy Photo?

No. At this time, the team photo or buddy shots are not avaialble to purchase as digital copies.

Digital copies are available for Individual photos only.

Please contact us if you are interested in getting your Coach Shot as a digital copy.

How do I get my Digital Copy?

First, we send you an email confirmation. We want to make sure that we have the correct spelling of your email on file before we send out your child’s photo.

Then, reply to the confiramtion email to let us know you have received it.

After your email has been confirmed, we will send you your high-resolution JPEG image at the end of the NYS season.

Please Note: If you’ve already confirmed your email in a previous season, you may not receive a new confirmation email for new seasons. Please let us know, however, if you have not received your digital copy.

What if I haven't received my email confirmation for my Digital Copy?

  • The confirmation email may have wound up in your spam folder.
  • Or it may be that you have unsubscribed from our email list.

Please contact us if you haven’t yet received your confirmation email.

You can call our office at 623-486-7480 or email us at AllYearSports@NYSonline.net.

My email is confirmed, what happens next?

If you’ve already confirmed your email in a previous season, you may not receive a new confirmation email for new seasons. 

If you don’t have an accounting issue, then your Digital Copy will be emailed out to the same address you confirmed with us.

You will receive a high-resolution JPEG.