Frequently Asked questions
What is the difference between the intramural program and the travel program? The intramural program is a fun, instructional program that offers equal playing time and a skills-based, less competitive environment for younger players to develop and learn. This program is held at Somerton and other local area gyms such as Loesche and Comly Elementary Schools.
The travel program offers more advanced skill training and higher-intensity play and may require driving to other locations in Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties for games. Playing time is dictated by league rules in the NEPL, and in the other travel leagues it is earned at practices and will be awarded at the coaches' discretion. Questions about playing time should be addressed with the coach.
The travel program offers more advanced skill training and higher-intensity play and may require driving to other locations in Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties for games. Playing time is dictated by league rules in the NEPL, and in the other travel leagues it is earned at practices and will be awarded at the coaches' discretion. Questions about playing time should be addressed with the coach.
How do I register? Complete information on the registration process and any fees due can be found on the Registration page.
When are tryouts for travel sports? Tryout information for each travel sport season generally follows the below guidelines, but you should check the website frequently for schedule updates and changes.
- Baseball/ Softball - Tryout schedule posted in late February, tryouts begin in March
- Boys & Girls Soccer - Tryout schedule posted in late June, with tryouts starting early July
- Football - Workout schedule posted in early July, workouts begin mid to late July or first week of August, depending on age
- Boys & Girls Basketball - Tryout schedule posted in mid-October, tryouts begin late October or early November
What is Somerton Youth Organization's policy on playing "up" instead of a player's actual age group? At Somerton, players are required to try out and play on the team that is age- or grade- appropriate as specified by the tryout information on the website for that specific sport. Players who try out at the wrong age group and make the wrong team will not be permitted to participate in the season. Coaches will double check their sign-in sheets and registration forms to ensure that every player is age- or grade- appropriate. Other than the following exceptions, no players are permitted to play "up" for any reason:
Since SYO's travel program begins at age 7/ 2nd grade, first graders and younger are permitted to try out for the age 7/ 2nd grade team; however, in subsequent years, those players must again tryout for the age 7/ 2nd grade team until such time as they are age- or grade- appropriate to move up to an older team.
Players who were age- and grade- appropriate to participate with a specific travel team in the past IF the league in which our travel teams participates makes an adjustment to their age determination date that would allow that player to play "down." These players are "grandfathered" to the older team and can elect to play on either team. This does NOT apply to first graders who played previously on an age 7/ 2nd grade team.
If no travel team exists at a particular age- or grade- level, players at that age-/ grade- level may try out for the travel team one year older.
Since SYO's travel program begins at age 7/ 2nd grade, first graders and younger are permitted to try out for the age 7/ 2nd grade team; however, in subsequent years, those players must again tryout for the age 7/ 2nd grade team until such time as they are age- or grade- appropriate to move up to an older team.
Players who were age- and grade- appropriate to participate with a specific travel team in the past IF the league in which our travel teams participates makes an adjustment to their age determination date that would allow that player to play "down." These players are "grandfathered" to the older team and can elect to play on either team. This does NOT apply to first graders who played previously on an age 7/ 2nd grade team.
If no travel team exists at a particular age- or grade- level, players at that age-/ grade- level may try out for the travel team one year older.
When do intramural programs normally begin? Program information for each intramural sport season generally follows the below guidelines, but you should check the website frequently for schedule updates and changes.
Coach-pitch Baseball/ Softball & Teeball - Information posted in mid- to late- March, programs begin in April
Boys & Girls Soccer - Program schedule posted in mid- to late- August, programs begin the week after Labor Day
Cheerleading - Information posted in mid- to late- July, program begins in August
Boys & Girls Basketball - Information posted in mid- to late- December, program begins the first week of January
Coach-pitch Baseball/ Softball & Teeball - Information posted in mid- to late- March, programs begin in April
Boys & Girls Soccer - Program schedule posted in mid- to late- August, programs begin the week after Labor Day
Cheerleading - Information posted in mid- to late- July, program begins in August
Boys & Girls Basketball - Information posted in mid- to late- December, program begins the first week of January
How are travel teams selected? Travel teams are selected each year at open tryouts. Rosters do not carry over from one year or season to the next so that all players have a fair opportunity to be selected for the appropriate travel team for their ages and skill levels. Our travel coaches are expected to select the best players for each team each year.
Will there be second teams offered for travel sports? If interest levels and numbers allow, secondary teams will be offered for players who are not selected for primary teams at travel tryouts. Secondary teams may be comprised of players from two consecutive age groups and will compete in leagues that will enable them to learn, develop, and have a successful positive experience. If there is not enough interest to form a secondary team, players will be referred to the intramural program, and their travel fee will be refunded.
What happens with my registration fee if my child is not selected for a travel team? If a child is not selected to a travel team, the per sport fee will be refunded or can be applied to intramural fees, whichever the parents prefer.
How should I handle a problem I have with my child's coach? Most issues between parents and coaches can be resolved with a private, civil, objective conversation between the parents and coach. Parents should try to avoid having a conversation immediately after a game or practice if they are upset or angry, and instead should wait a few hours or a day to "cool off" in order to have a productive conversation. If a solution cannot be reached as a result of this conversation, the parents may then raise the issue with the Sports Commissioner or Athletic Director.
