Frequently Asked Questions
What is AHSA?
We are Albuquerque Home School Athletic Association, an organization with a Christian foundation, run completely by volunteers (mostly parents and alumni), providing competitive athletic team opportunities for registered homeschoolers in the Albuquerque area.
Where do I find the schedule of practices for my athlete's sport?
Schedules will be emailed to you directly from the coaches 1-2 weeks AFTER registration has closed. SCHEDULE INFORMATION IS NOT AVAILABLE BEFORE YOU REGISTER, as schedules may vary depending upon which team your child is placed within that sport.
What if I register but then find my child can't participate due to a scheduling conflict or other issue? Do you offer refunds?
If, when you receive the schedule, you find that you are unable to participate in our program, you may request a refund within the first two weeks of practice (minus a $10-13 processing fee). Please contact the registrar at [email protected] to request a refund. After the first two weeks of practice, partial refunds for moves or injuries that will impact the remainder of the season may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Where can I find game schedules?
Game schedules are set by the leagues in which we participate, after our practice seasons have already begun. Games may be scheduled Monday through Saturday. To view game schedules for all of our sports when they are posted by the leagues, please use the links under the GAME SCHEDULES TAB on our website, or visit the league websites directly.
Who are your coaches?
Our coaches are all volunteers. Most often, our coaches are parents of athletes, or alumni of AHSA. All coaches are required to sign agreement to AHSA's Statement of Faith, pass a background check, and complete training courses according to each league's policies. If you are interested in coaching, please let us know! Contact us at [email protected].
What is required from me, the parent?
We are an all volunteer, parent-run organization. Our existence is dependent on parent volunteers, from our administrators to our coaches to our scorekeepers and uniform managers. Parent jobs at games include taking entrance fees, keeping a score book, running a game clock, timing races, measuring jumping and throwing distances (track & field), bringing snacks, hosting end-of-season parties, organizing and distributing uniforms, designing team shirts, etc.
Also, we ask that parents and athletes always be respectful toward referees, coaches, and other athletes and spectators. Please express appreciation often to the coaches, administrators, and other volunteers who are willing to invest their time and talents into the life of your kids! See the Parent Code of Conduct.
I am not athletic. Are there other ways that I can volunteer besides coaching?
YES! We are always in need of parents with administrative skills for jobs such as facility/team scheduling, registration, distributing varsity athletic letters, responding to emails, and organizing and distributing uniforms to teams. Please let us know if you would be willing to help!
How are my registration fees used?
Sports fees cover the cost of league participation fees, gym/field/facility rentals, referee fees, uniforms, equipment, background checks and training for coaches, end-of-season athlete gifts, insurance, etc. Our sports fees currently run between $80 and $230, but can change from year to year depending on our expenses. We are a volunteer, not-for-profit organization and as such we charge what it costs to organize and run the teams. The registration fees do not cover travel costs for out of town tournaments.
Are there additional costs I should expect throughout the season?
- Gym sports and outdoor middle school sports except for tennis, track & cross country will most likely charge an entrance fee for all spectators attending games.
- Regular season registration fees do not include travel costs or tournament entry fees for out of town tournaments. These tournaments are optional, but will require additional fees.
- Many times, teams will collect an optional monetary amount from participating families to present to the volunteer coaches as a gift of appreciation at the end of the season.
Do you offer scholarships?
YES! If you have a financial need, please contact us to apply for a partial sports registration scholarship.
In which leagues do you compete?
We compete in various leagues against private schools, public schools, parochial schools, and charter schools. Tennis is under the umbrella of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), in which our teams compete at the middle school and JV levels against public, charter, and private schools. Most of our other middle school teams compete in the Albuquerque Parochial Independent Athletic League (APIAL). Our high school teams and Cross Country and Track & Field compete in the Albuquerque Charter School League (ACSL), which mainly consists of local public charter schools. Some of our teams also occasionally choose to compete at regional and national tournaments (these are optional).
What ages of students do your programs cover?
We offer competitive sports for students in 5th-12th grades. Cheer is for girls in 3rd-8th grades. See Eligibility Requirements.
Will more sports / age levels be added?
We are an all volunteer, parent-run organization. If you are over the age of 21 and are interested in volunteering to organize or coaching an individual or team sport, please contact us.
Which sports do you offer?
The sports listed below are typical but may vary from year to year depending on the availability of coaches, gyms and athletes.
- Fall: High School Co-ed Soccer, Mid/High School Co-ed Cross Country, Mid & High School Boys Flag Football, Mid School Girls Volleyball, Mid School Co-ed Tennis, and Mid School Co-Ed Golf (independent-led; no coach for Golf)
- Fall/Winter: High School Girls and Boys Basketball, Mid School Girls and Boys Basketball, 3rd-8th Grade Spirit/
Cheer
- Spring: High School Girls and Boys Volleyball, High School Girls and Boys Tennis, Mid School Co-ed Soccer, Mid School Co-Ed Golf (independent-led; no coach for Golf), Mid/High School Co-ed Track and Field
What is your mission statement?
The Mission of the Albuquerque Home School Athletic Association is to bring glory to God by providing an opportunity for home school students to participate in competitive athletic programs under Christian leadership in order to develop Christian character and athletic skill.
How can I get more information?
Feel free to email us at [email protected].