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! However, in bad weather we need to decide if the pitch unplayable (e.g. waterlogged), or unsafe (e.g. nearby thunderstorm). If we need to cancel, we will send you an SMS about 1 hour before the class where possible.
We always cancel classes when:
- Typhoon 8 (or above) is raised.
- Black rainstorm warning is raised.
- Any local conditions make it unsafe or impractical to play soccer outdoors.
e.g. severe pollution, 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?

When these conditions affect parts of HK, in other areas the weather 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 if it is safe for the class to go ahead. We will send you an SMS around 1 hour before the class if it is 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. Our coaches know what type of sessions to run in very hot/cold weather. They all have first aid training and know how to avoid dehydration and heat stroke. We ensure there are suitable breaks. Most venues have water fountains, but as parent it is your duty to ensure your child has enough fluids. 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.

Parents also occasionally ask if playing in the cold and rain is healthy. There is some good information here: the only thing that can cause a cold or flu is a cold or flu virus. Getting cold or wet does not give you a cold.

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

Our policy is that we will normally run the sessions anyway. If the levels reach “very high” or “serious” and you decide not to send your child, then we are happy to arrange a makeup class (note: this only applies where we take payment directly. If you pay another club or venue, they may have different terms and conditions). 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. 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 quickly, 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 of course accidents do happen and we are prepared for them. All our coaches are first aid trained and certified, and always have a first aid kit. 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.

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

We understand that parents want to take pictures and videos of their children playing. However please be sensitive to the feelings of other parents! Please don’t take pictures/videos if:
- our staff ask you to stop.
- another parent asks you to stop.

We need to make sure everyone is comfortable, and that all players are protected from the misuse of images, or 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,
i.e. 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. If in doubt please ask.

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. There´s no charge if you sign up later or not. Just call or email us.

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.

The trial class was great! What now?

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 around 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?

Players should arrive in their APSS uniform, correct footwear for the venue, plenty of drinking water, sun protection, warm clothes if it’s cold, spare clothes if it’s wet. Make sure they have medication with them if they need it.

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

Indoors: flat / dimpled
Natural Grass: dimpled are bestt – studs are not allowed at some venues as they cut the turf.
Artificial Grass: flat / dimpled / short-studs / blades (note, in Hong Kong there are not many pitches that are suitable for long studs/cleats. We do not recommend these).
Hard Court: flat / dimpled

Can I leave my child at the class?

Children over 5yo can be left without supervision until the end of the session. Our coaches will have a contact number on their register and will call you if there is any problem.

Please arrive before the class finishes to collect them promptly at the end. If you are delayed, please call 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 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.

We’ve all seen adults behaving badly at matches … Please don’t be one! 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 professional football and many officials are volunteers and beginners doing a very difficult, essential job.
3. Players make mistakes. They know … they don’t need you to tell them. Give them encouragement … or keep quiet!
4. Show support for fair play … even if we lose out. Help create a positive, sporting atmosphere for everyone!
5. Let Coach coach! Our coaches appreciate your support, please refrain from shouting instructions onto the pitch – that’s the coach’s job.
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. Your team-mates are depending on you.
2. Wear the correct, 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. Always play the best you can!

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