FAQ
I am a new athlete, what do I need to do first?
The first step is to complete and submit an Athlete Application, available at www.BecomeAnAthleteSONC.org. Once you have submitted a complete application, you may register for any available sports. You do not need to wait to be approved, but you MUST submit a complete application before registering.
Do I need a physical exam to participate?
No, as of October 7, 2024, medical exams are NO longer required as part of the Athlete Applicaiton process. Click here to learn more about applying.
Do I need to register for a program even if I have been a member for many years?
Yes, all athletes MUST register, regardless of how long they have been a member of the program or team.
If I want to play more than one sport in a season with the same program, do I need to register for each sport?
Yes, you must register for each sport, each season, even if the sports are with the same program. Unless you want to register in two different counties for different sports in the same season, the registration forms will allow you to register for more than one available sport and program within the same county.
If my Athlete Application is not current and has expired, can I still register?
NO, you MUST complete and submit a new/renewal application to SONorCal FIRST before registering for a sport.
If you register without a current, approved application on file with SONorCal or without submitting a COMPLETE application, you will be removed from the registration list and will be required to register once you have submitted an Application.
SONC kindly asks that you refrain from registering without an application as it will only delay the registration process for you and others.
If you are unsure of your application status, you can complete a Status Check Inquiry form here. SONorCal Staff will reply within 3 business days with your status.
My Athlete Application will expire during the sport season I want to register for. Can I still register?
Yes, but you should renew your Athlete Application as soon as possible in order to maintain eligibility throughout the season, including for all practices and the Regional and/or Championship* competition.
Athletes whose Athlete Application expires during the season will NOT be allowed to continue to participate in practices or register for the Regional or Championship* competitions until they renew their Athlete Application and receive approval from SONorCal offices.
To renew/apply, please visit www.BecomeAnAthleteSONC.org.
*Championships are currently offered for Spring (Bocce, Swimming, Tennis, and Track & Field) and Fall Sports (Soccer). Teams/individuals must meet qualifying criteria.
How do I check my Athlete Application Status?
Visit bitly.com/SONC-Status-Check to complete the form and receive a reply within 3 business days.
What happened to the Training Calendars SONorCal used to have?
A number of factors went in the decision to remove training calendars, including:
Challenges in securing facilities ahead of Training Calendar publication
Last-minute changes in practice schedules
Ineligible athletes attempting to attend practices, consuming volunteer coach and athlete practice time
Desire to have a universal system to provide access to athletes to register, regardless of if new or returning
Head coaches/team managers will provide practice information to participants once they are registered.
Why is SONorCal using a Registration System? I used to be able to just show up to practice.
SONC implemented a Registration System in order to provide all athletes with a simple and clear method to register for a sport/program, as the system utilized before (trying to connect athletes to teams/coaches) was very labor-intensive for volunteer coaches and staff and was not effective based on the increasing number of athletes SONorCal aims to serve.
Athletes may still contact their "regular" coach/program about practices, but they ARE required to register for the sport. Coaches/Staff can assist athletes who have trouble registering using the new system. You may email LetsPlay@sonc.org if you require assistance registering for an available sport.
I missed the Registration period for a sport. What should I do?
A spot on a team is only guaranteed during the Registration Period for the sport. If registration has closed and you did not register, please contact us at LetsPlay@sonc.org. Staff will determine if we may be able to place you with a program, based on your eligibility status (if you have a current or have submitted a COMPLETE application), the date you contacted us, and space available.
In most cases, if you missed registration, you will need to wait for the next available sport registration period to open and are encouraged to make sure your Athlete Application is current/approved with SONorCal.
What if the sport I am interested in is not available in my area/county?
Not all sports are offered in all counties based on facility and volunteer coach availability. If you do not see a sport in your area, you can participate in any surrounding county, but must provide/secure your own transportation as SONorCal does not cover travel to/from practices.
If you are interested in starting a team or sport that is not currently available in your area and have volunteer coach(es) who might be interested in organizing a team (with SONorCal's assistance and approval), please email us at LetsPlay@sonc.org and someone with our team will contact you.
Why are some programs/locations only for affiliated or enrolled members?
Certain programs/locations are day programs or school sites and are restricted to affiliated or enrolled members with that program or school. If you think you might be affiliated with the team/site, please contact us at LetsPlay@sonc.org, or contact the day program or school main point of contact.
I am having trouble with Registration. Where can I go for help?
Please visit our Help page. If you still require assistance, email us at LetsPlay@sonc.org.