Travel Soccer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Rockaway Township Soccer Association Travel Soccer Division provides an opportunity for players who want a more competitive soccer experience and who are willing to make a commitment to improving their soccer skills and knowledge of the game.  Frequently asked questions are listed below.  If you have any questions you'd like answered, or added to this FAQ, please email webmaster@rtsa.org.

Q. Should my child play travel soccer?

A. The travel program seeks players who want a more competitive soccer environment and who will make a commitment to improve their skills and knowledge of tactics and strategy.  Players are chosen on the basis of their current soccer skills, general athletic ability, and willingness to commit to a more demanding program.  Players with good soccer skills or good general athletic ability and with dedicated and supportive parents are encouraged to try out for positions with RTSA travel teams.

Q. Can my child play travel soccer only in the fall or only in the spring?

A.  No.  Travel soccer teams play both in the fall and spring seasons.  When your child accepts a position on a travel team, he or she is making a commitment to that team for both seasons.

Q. Is my child good enough to make a team?

A. Soccer teams are fairly large - usually 11-14 players for under age 10 and 14-18 players for age 10 and over.  While cuts do occur at some age groups, the vast majority of children who try out will make a team.  If there are enough children in any age group to form more than one team, both "A" and "B" level teams will be formed.  Our league flights teams based on ability, so all teams will find an appropriate level of play.

Q. How do tryouts work?

A. Try-outs are held each spring to re-form teams for the following fall / spring seasons.  Those trying out are evaluated on their ability to perform a series of soccer skills and then grouped for small-sided (4v4 to 8v8) scrimmages.  Player are ranked by a combination of outside evaluators and the travel team coach.

Q. Who chooses the players?

A. The RTSA Head Coach, with the assistance of the travel tryout committee determines who will be on the team roster based on a combination of the results of the tryouts and a pre-evaluation by the team coach of the players that they are familiar with.  The team head coach chooses the number of players that will be on the team.

Q. Who chooses the team coach(es)?

A. Team Head Coaches are nominated at the March RTSA monthly meeting and selected by the RTSA membership at the April meeting.  Assistant coaches are chosen by each teams' Head Coach.  It is suggested that anyone who is interested in becoming a travel coach start attending association meetings well before the March date.

Q. How do I become a voting member of the RTSA?

A. Anyone who has attended 6 of the previous 12 monthly meetings of the RTSA is a voting member.

Q. Where do RTSA teams play ?

A. Teams compete in the Morris County Youth Soccer Association (MCYSA). Each age group is divided into flights, usually consisting of six teams each; the strongest teams are in the first flight, and the weakest are in the lower flights. At the season's end, teams with the best records move up to higher flights, and teams with the poorest record move down.  The goal of the league is to flight all teams so that they can play 10 competitive games.

Q. How long is the season?

A. Practices for the fall season usually begin in lmid to late August.  League games begin the week after Labor Day, and the season ends in November.  In the spring, practices begin in March (weather permitting), and games run from April through June.  Teams play 10 games in each the fall and spring seasons.  Most teams also attend one or two tournaments each season and some play in indoor tournaments or leagues during the winter.  During the winter months, teams are also given one hour of gym time each week for indoor training.  All travel players are expected to participate in both the fall and spring seasons as well as indoor training.

Q. What time commitment is involved?

A. Teams usually have two 90 minute practices and one game each week during the season.  Players are expected to attend all practices and games.

Q. What about playing time?

A. Playing time is not guaranteed; it depends on many factors including the age level of the team, the game situation, and the ability level of the players on the team.   The ultimate decisions about individual playing time and team playing time policy are made by each team's head coach.

Q. How far do you have to travel to play league games?

A. Half of the games are home games and played in Rockaway Township.  The rest will mostly be in the Morris County area, usually within a 30-45 minute drive.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. The RTSA registration fee for each player is $155 per year (fall and spring seasons).  Players must buy their own uniforms (jerseys, shorts, and socks), which may cost from $60 to $100 (You do not need to purchase a new uniform each year).  Most teams also play in a tournament or two each season.  Some teams also hire trainers.  The total cost will vary depending on the desires of the team.  The only fixed cost is the uniform and the registration fee.

Q. What if I can't afford the fees?

A. The RTSA would like every child in Rockaway Township to have an opportunity to play travel soccer.  Please contact our registrar / vice president, Laura Kaufman ( 973.983.1431 ) to discuss your situation.  All information will be held strictly confidential.

Q. How can I help the team?

A. Teams need more than coaches to survive and thrive.  Every team needs a Manager, who is the team's chief administrative officer. The Manager ensures that player passes, game cards, and S.A.G.E. representatives are present at all games; retains medical release forms; prepares phone trees; prepares league and tournament registration materials; and ensures that information is disseminated to players and parents.  The team also needs a Treasurer to ensure that fees are paid, to write checks, maintain the checking account, and coordinate team funds.

Q. What do I do to register?

A. Online registration is available at the RTSA website during the late winter and spring by clicking on "Online Registration" link on the left side of the website.  You will also need a birth certificate and a small photo of your child.   All forms must be signed and the medical release form must be notarized .