OMM Frequently Asked Questions

What is OMM?

We are a not for profit program started in the 1960’s to provide a recreational soccer experience for children. From that initial start with one or two teams we have grown into a program annually offering recreational soccer to over 2100 children, travel soccer for more than 600 children, and recreational sports activities including soccer to more than 100 children with special needs.

Who manages all this?

We are a volunteer run league with a small executive board and larger general board of volunteers who work year round. Board members are listed on our website.

If I have a problem or question how can I contact the league? Email.

As noted we are a volunteer run league and the office is not open daily. Email is checked every day, throughout the day- registrar@ommsoccer can be used for general inquiries. Messages left on the phone line may not be picked up or answered in a timely fashion. We do have a volunteer in the office each Monday afternoon from 4:30-5:30, but email is always the best way to reach us.

My child’s coach seems nice, but she/he would like to be on a team with a friend- can we switch teams?

No. Teams are formed by a computer draft using ratings supplied by the coach your child had last season (new participants are given the average rating for the age group unless they stand out in some way- i.e. played travel soccer or never played before). In the interest of balanced team formation and fairness (if we can not do for all, it would be wrong to do for some) we do not accept placement requests.

How did the league decide how many children are on my child’s team?

When registration closes, the league looks at how many children are registered in each age group and determines the number of teams that division will have. In some cases that number is a bit higher or lower than we might find optimal. If your child is on a team where the numbers are on the low side and you know of someone who wants to still sign up, you can contact the league (registrar@ommsoccer.org) and get information on how they can register and join your team.

My child is not sure they want to participate - what should we do?

If they are nervous because they are participating for the first time: encourage them and let them know it’s normal to be nervous – just as they might be on the first day of school, but that you will be there to support them and that they will be making a number of new friends and having some great experiences. Let your coach know and see if you can meet him or her a few minutes before the other players arrive at practice, so that your child can be more comfortable. If the coach is aware that your child is feeling some shyness, they can be attentive to the issue and be more supportive. It’s important to let children know that they can handle these types of challenges, and with adult support, overcome them.

For older players who are now changing their minds about participating: remind them that they made a commitment by signing up, and that they should see it through. Remind them that there are others depending on them – their teammates and coaches (*this is true- in many divisions players that drop are not replaced and the team will be playing shorthanded). Let the coach know so that he or she can try and address the issue and give more extra attention and support. Again you are showing your child that they can successfully work through an issue or problem. Of course there are situations- injuries, illness, and the like when a player can no longer participate, if that is the case let the league know via email. Our refund policy is on the website- refund amounts are based upon the date of withdrawal.