faq

It´s raining!!! Will the class be cancelled today?

Soccer is an outdoor sport played in rain or sun – it is part of the fun!! Of course, only if it is safe! We will send you an SMS about 1 hour before the class if it cancelled. We cancel classes when:
- Typhoon 8 is raised – Black rainstorm warning is raised.
- Severe pollution warning is raised.
- Any local conditions make it unsafe or impractical to play soccer outdoors.
e.g. local thunderstorm, waterlogged pitch, extreme wind or rain, etc

T1/T3 has been raised / there is an amber / red rain / thunderstorm warning, will the class be cancelled now?

The weather in the local area where your class is may still be fine for playing soccer. We follow the HK Observatory very closely, and together with our coaches who are at the venue we decide around 1 hour before the class if it is safe for the class to go ahead. We will send you an SMS around 1 hour before the class if it has been cancelled.

There is a Hot/Cold Weather Warning … is the class cancelled?

No, when the HK Observatory issues a Very Hot/Cold Weather Warning, classes continue as normal. All our coaches have first aid training and know how to avoid dehydration and heat stroke, and what to do in the worst case. They ensure everyone has plenty of water breaks, but as parent it is your duty to provide your child with enough fluids, especially at venues where they are not available (either free or on sale). Sun protection and hats are recommended on hot days. If it is cold – players should dress accordingly, and bring spare clothes, especially if it is wet.

The pollution index is high / very high – will the class be cancelled?

We cancel all our classes if the pollution index reaches severe. We will send you an SMS if this happens. If your child has asthma or any other respiratory difficulties, you should speak to your doctor about when it’s safe for your child to play soccer. Obviously, it’s best to be safe. Always make sure they have any medication with them, and know how to use it.

What happens if a class is cancelled part way through?

Sometimes the weather changes very rapidly and we have to cancel a class that we already started. Our coach will make sure the children are safe, while our office sends you an SMS notification. The coach will wait with them until they have all been collected.

What happens if my child is injured?

Obviously, this is not a situation we want to face, but accidents do happen and we are prepared for them. All our coaches are First Aid trained and certified. In the event of an accident, if there is any doubt as to the child’s condition, the coaches will call the emergency services without delay and the office will inform the parents as quickly as possible. If your child has any underlying medical condition, please make sure you notify us before they take part in any of our sessions.

I´m concerned my child might get flu at your class

This is something we are aware of. Here´s what the doctors say:
– a virus causes flu
- getting wet or cold does not cause flu
– breathing the virus or touching your nose/mouth if you have the virus on your hands are the main ways to catch flu
– wearing a mask and washing hands before and after the class is the best way for your child to reduce the risk of infection.

Can I take photos / videos at classes / matches / events?

You can … unless:
- our staff ask you to stop.
- another parent asks you to stop.

if you can’t accept that then you may have to leave! We need to make sure everyone is comfortable, and that all players are protected from the misuse of opportunities to take or manipulate footage in a way that is harmful, or places them at risk of harm.

Can I post photos / videos on social media, etc?

Use common sense when using any images/video,
e.g. you cannot use them:
- for any commercial / publicity use
- if it makes any child, except your own, readily identifiable.
- if it shows any player in a bad light. Especially images/video that are edited or shown out of context. All players under 18 years should be allowed to forget sporting mishaps, and judgement errors.
… any change to approved material (or its use) must be given in advance, in writing, by APSS and the parents. There will be exceptions …. please ask us for written permission where our guidelines are too limiting.

We’ve all seen nightmare parents at matches … here’s our Touchline Code of Conduct

Help us show the kids what sport should be about … having fun, fair play and respect.
1. Win or lose, be respectful to everyone: match officials, opposition players / coaches / spectators / managers, etc.
2. Officials make mistakes. Part of sport is learning the maturity to respect unfair decisions! Show your kids how.
Remember it’s not pro-football and many officials are volunteers and beginners doing a really difficult, essential job.
3. Players make mistakes. They know … they don’t need you to tell them!! Shout nice things … or keep quiet!!
4. Show support for fair play … even if we lose out.
- help create a positive, sporting atmosphere for everyone!

Maybe you don’t agree with our Code… that’s OK, but maybe we’re not the right soccer school for you!

Code of Conduct for Players

As well as fun, discipline is a key part of sport.
These are the 10 commandments for APSS players:

1. Be on time.
2. Wear the right (full) uniform, footwear, and shin pads.
3. Follow the rules on pitch … even if the opposition don’t!
4. Follow the rules off pitch.
e.g. in some venues no mobiles are allowed.
5. Play fairly … even when losing!!
6. Be respectful to everyone – team-mates, coaches, officials, opponents (& their coaches/supporters etc)
7. Always shake hands with the opposition after a match.
8. Respect coach / referee decisions … even if you disagree.
9. Talk to your parents / carers if you disagree strongly with anything and ask them to speak to the office.
10. Play the best you can … otherwise what’s the point!?!

Code of Conduct for Coaches

The job of a coach is to help every child become a better and fair player. We expect them to:
1. place player safety above winning or losing.
2. explain what is expected in training / matches, so players & parents / carers understand.
3. never tolerate or take part in bullying.
4. help develop the skills / self-esteem of every player … regardless of ability.
5. encourage players to take responsibility for their behaviour and performance.
6. make sure all activities are age / ability appropriate.
7. require respectful behaviour from all players.

During matches coaches have a special role, and must:
9. be respectful to everyone: match officials, opposition players / coaches / spectators / managers, etc
10. place safety and fair play above winning or losing.
11. respect officials’ decisions without public criticism.
12. never tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive behaviour or language.

Can we have a Trial class before signing up?

Yes!! The trial class is totally free – if it is the first time they have come to one of our soccer classes. No obligations. Just call or email us. There´s no charge if you sign up later or not.

As we coach some different sports, it’s OK to have a trial class of each sport. Some venues take the bookings directly and may have their own policy, in which case you will have to contact them to arrange a trial class.

The trial class was great! What now?

Email us or call, and we will send you an application form. Just take the form and payment to the next class … it´s that simple!

Do I have to buy a uniform ?

Not for the trial class! After that, all children wear the uniform to our classes. You can buy one from the shop on our website. Delivery takes 1-2 days.

The term has started already, is it OK to join?

No problem! If your child joins part way through a term, the fee will be pro-rated – so you just pay for the remaining classes that term. And of course the trial class is FREE anyway.

What happens if the class is full?

Each term we give priority to children already enrolled in the class to join again. Many venues have limited space and classes fill up quickly. You can put your child´s name on the waiting list in advance for most venues (although some have special rules!). Call or email us to find out more.

If my child misses a class, can I get a refund or a credit?

Our rules about credits and refunds are very simple, and stated clearly in our Terms and Conditions. Please take a minute to read them – they’re not long, and clearly give our position on this.

However, if you pay the venue directly for the classes, they will have their own rules on this. Our application forms will always have our policy on refunds, credits, etc. clearly stated. Again, please just take a moment to read them, and contact us with any questions.

What does my child need to bring?

Their medication, if they need any! Their APSS uniform, correct footwear for the venue, plenty of drinking water, sun protection, warm clothes if it’s cold, spare clothes if its wet.

Which are the right soccer boots? There are so many types?

Indoors: flat / dimpled
Natural Grass: dimpled are best – studs normally not allowed.
Artificial Grass: flat / dimpled / studs / blades
Hard Court: flat / dimpled

Can I leave my child at the class?

Children over 5 can be left without supervision until the end of the session.

Please arrive before the class finishes so you can collect them promptly at the end of the session. If you are delayed, please contact our office or the venue, as once the lesson is finished the children are not the responsibility of APSS or the venue.

Our coaches will not leave children at venues, but if you are late picking them up, it is solely your responsibility to make us aware they are still at the venue.

If we need to cancel a class after it has started for any reason, the coaches will stay with the children until the end of the scheduled session, if required.