FAQs
Q: Do I have to have a YMCA membership to participate?
A: Yes. The child that plays the sport must have a current YMCA membership from the time of registration through the last game of the season in order to play. Youth sports participants are encouraged to participate in other activities in addition to sports to take full advantage of their membership.
Q: When and where are the practices for each sport?
A: Mel Korum YMCA uses various Puyallup School district facilities. Practices take place on the same time and day each week. The practice time and location is determined on what is available and by what is best for the coach. Practices will not start later than 7:30pm.
Q: When and where are games?
A: At this time all our games take place on Saturdays. If possibly we try to have all our games at the YMCA. Depending on what season it is there may be games at various Puyallup school districts (such as Emerald Ridge High school or Hunt Elementary). The locations for this will be on the game schedule for each season.
Q: If I want to be on a specific team how do I do that?
A: We no longer honor coach requests but we have moved to a new system. We now ask that the coaches request kids by using our team request form. To be on a specific team you must communicate to your coach that you would like to be on his/her team so that he made include you when he/she fills out the team request form and be added to the priority registration list. If you do not make it during priority registration you can still register for that coach if they have space on their team.
Q: I am interested in coaching a team, what does that entail?
A: Generally we say that coaching requires approximately 4 hours a week during each season. 1 hour for each practice, 1 hour administrative work (planning the practice, phone calls, etc), and 1 1/2 to 2 hours for game days. We ask our coaches to teach their players age appropriate skills and game fundamentals by using pervious knowledge and experience or by utilizing our practice plans. Coaches are required to be present at each practice and game and if they are unable to do so they are to find a sub that can fill in for them while they are gone (this could be an assistant coach or parent). Coaches are to uphold the YMCA values and to encourage the players to practice the Y values.
Q: If I am unable to practice on the days that my assigned team has practices what do I do?
A: You are now able to choose your practice day and time upon registration. If you register online please make sure to note the day and time that you choose. If you register at the branch you will receive a practice card with your practice day and time on it.
Q: When do we get our shirts?
A: Shirts are handed out the coaches by our officials on the first day of games prior to the start of your team’s first game.
Q: How will I know what team my player is on?
A: You will choose your practice day and time or coach. If the team you sign up for is a "coach needed" team then you will be contacted when a coach has been found or if we were not able to find one. Most coaches will contact you before the first practice. If they don't please show up to practice anyways and make sure they have all of the correct contact information.
