PlayMetrics AYSO Glossary
Learning a new system comes with new vocabulary. The AYSO Glossary helps you connect familiar Sports Connect terms to PlayMetrics as you set up your Region.
The examples below are just a starting point. Visit the full AYSO Glossary in the PlayMetrics Help Center for more terms and definitions.
A few terms to get you started
- Instance or Club System: Your organization's version of PlayMetrics, called a portal in Sports Connect.
- Season: In PlayMetrics, a Season is created at the Region/club level to organize playing seasons, such as Fall and Spring. It is separate from the AYSO Membership Year, which is managed by the AYSO Office at the governing level.
- League Program: The PlayMetrics registration program type used for recreational soccer without tryouts.
- Program Package: Defines registration details such as dates, payment options and player eligibility. Packages were called divisions in Sports Connect.
- Subscription: A program registration, referred to as an order in Sports Connect.
Understanding Registration Setup: Sports Connect vs. PlayMetrics
If you're familiar with creating registration programs in Sports Connect, you'll notice that PlayMetrics organizes things a little differently.
The biggest difference is that PlayMetrics separates Seasons, Programs, and Program Packages into distinct components. The AYSO Membership Year is managed by the AYSO Office at the governing level, while Regions create their own playing Seasons and registration programs within their club system.
Membership Year vs. Season
AYSO Membership Year (Governing Level)
The AYSO Membership Year is managed at the governing-system level and runs from August 1 through July 31. For example, MY2027 runs from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027.
Season (PlayMetrics Club Level)
In PlayMetrics, a Season represents how a Region organizes its playing seasons, such as Fall and Spring. It is separate from the AYSO Membership Year.
- Same teams for Fall and Spring: A Region may use one Season to keep teams and rosters together.
- New teams formed for Spring: A Region may create separate Fall and Spring Seasons.
Club Seasons are linked to the appropriate AYSO Membership Year through the governing registration process.
Important: Season and Membership Year are not interchangeable terms in PlayMetrics.
The following diagrams illustrate how registration setup and terminology differ between Sports Connect and PlayMetrics. Start with the Quick Reference for a simple overview, or review the Detailed Guide for additional explanations of each step.
Sports Connect to PlayMetrics: Registration Setup Quick Reference:
Sports Connect to PlayMetrics: Registration Setup Step-by-Step Guide:
Example: AYSO Core Registration
In Sports Connect:
A Region might create a registration program called "Fall Core Soccer" within MY2027.
The program would include divisions such as 6U, 8U, 10U and 12U, each with its own registration settings, including eligibility, dates and fees.
The Region could also create other programs within the same Membership Year.
In PlayMetrics:
- AYSO Membership Year (Governing Level). The AYSO Office establishes the Membership Year in the PlayMetrics governing system. For example, MY2027 runs from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027. Regions do not create the governing Membership Year.
- Create your Season (Region/Club Level). Set up a Season based on how your Region organizes its soccer programs. For example, Fall 2026. Regions keeping the same teams and rosters throughout Fall and Spring may use one Season, while Regions forming new teams may create separate Fall and Spring Seasons.
- Create a League Program. For example, Fall Core Soccer. League Programs are used for recreational registration without tryouts. Families register and pay before players are assigned to teams.
- Configure your Program Packages. Packages are similar to Sports Connect divisions, such as 6U, 8U, 10U, and 12U. They organize registration options, eligibility, pricing, and dates.
- Create additional programs as needed. For example, Spring Core Soccer or other activities. Programs are organized under the appropriate club Season and connected to the governing Membership Year through the registration process.
Remember:
- The AYSO Membership Year is established and managed by the AYSO Office at the PlayMetrics governing level.
- A PlayMetrics Season is created at the Region/club level and may represent Fall, Spring, or a combined playing season.
- A PlayMetrics League Program is the registration program type used for recreational soccer.
- A Sports Connect Division is most similar to a PlayMetrics Program Package.
Sports Connect to PlayMetrics: Quick Reference
| Sports Connect | PlayMetrics |
|---|---|
| Portal | Instance or Club System |
| Membership Year (selected during registration setup) | Membership Year (managed at AYSO governing level) |
| Playing Season (Fall/Spring) | Season (managed at Region/club level) |
| One-Step Registration Process | League Program |
| Registration Program | Program |
| Division | Program Package |
| Two-Step Registration Process (Tryouts) | Tryout Program and Team Invite Program |
| Order (Player Registration) | Subscription |
| Chargeback | Dispute |
| Refund | Refund |
Additional Terms: Registration and Financials
The following terms were introduced during PlayMetrics Cohort 1, Training 2.
| PlayMetrics Term | What It Means | Sports Connect Reference / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | A program registration in PlayMetrics. | Previously called an Order in Sports Connect. |
| Financial Aid | A place where Regions can build a questionnaire and centrally manage financial aid applications. | Many Regions may know this as a scholarship process. |
| Club Fee | A fee that Regions can use to collect the AYSO National Player Fee (NPF). | Club Fees were covered in Training Session 1. |
| Dispute | Occurs when a billing account questions a charge. | Previously referred to as a Chargeback in Sports Connect. |
| Ready for Checkout | Allows administrators to identify users who have not completed registration and/or make a payment on their behalf. | Open Cart |
| Subscription Status | Shows the current status of a subscription. | Overdue, On Hold, Current, Completed, Canceled |
Learn More
For a more detailed explanation of program types, seasons, packages, and administrative roles, visit the official PlayMetrics guide:
Full Glossary
Bookmark the AYSO Glossary in the PlayMetrics Help Center and refer to it as you work through setup.
Need help?
For help with the PlayMetrics system, email success@playmetrics.com.
For AYSO policy or AYSOU questions, email support@ayso.org.