What is Downeast Association of Sports for Homeschoolers (DASH)?
The NC public education system does not permit homeschool students to participate in public school sports.  DASH is a Christian organization created in 2009 to offer competitive sports to homeschooled students. 

What sports are offered?
Currently DASH offers Men’s Soccer and Basketball, along with Ladies' Soccer, Basketball and Volleyball. We have Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity teams for each sport.

Are there try outs?
Yes – Just like with public school sports teams, try outs are the way the coaching staff can determine who can play against other teams DASH competes with.  Try outs are held on multiple days for each sport prior to the season for the coaching staff to identify those players.

How much does it cost to play?
The average cost per sport is $200 - $300 per season plus the cost of a uniform kit.  We do our best to keep costs as affordable as possible. This fee goes towards insurance, field rentals, tournament fees, and referees.

What transportation is provided for training/practices and matches/games? 
It is the player’s/parent’s responsibility to drive a player to and from training/practice and to and from matches/games. Carpooling is certainly recommended and can be arranged once the season starts based on areas in which players live.

Where are training/practices primary held?
Soccer - Clayton and Zebulon
Basketball - Wilson and Rocky Mount
Volleyball - Wilson

Where are matches/games located? 
Soccer – DASH home matches will be played at East Clayton Community Park with some potentially played at Gillette Field in Wilson.  Our away matches are mostly played in the Greater Raleigh area.  However, DASH is an NCHEAC member and conference play involves playing against other homeschool teams.  There are 3 in Western NC and 5 in Eastern NC (as of the publishing of this FAQ).  In the East Conference, DASH will play away games in Wake County, Fayetteville and Wilmington.
Basketball and Volleyball – DASH home games are played at Peach Church in Wilson. Our away matches are mostly played in the Wake County and Wilson and Rocky Mount areas.  However, DASH is an NCHEAC member in Basketball and conference play involves playing against other homeschool teams.  In the East Conference, DASH basketball will play away games in Wake County, Fayetteville and Wilmington areas.

When is training/practice? 
Soccer – Trainings are typically held during the early evenings on weekdays and possibly on Saturday mornings from time to time. Trainings are typically 2-3 days per week prior to the start of the season, and held less frequently once the season has started, depending on the number of games per week.
Basketball and Volleyball– Practices are typically held during the afternoon on weekdays. Practices are typically 2-3 days per week prior to the start of the season, and held less frequently once the season has started, depending on the number of games per week.

When are the matches/games?
All games or matches are played on weekdays, typically between 4 - 8 pm. An occasional Saturday game/match is possible, especially for tournaments.  Players are expected to be present 45 minutes prior to the start of the game for warm ups.

What expectations are there for players?
Playing for a team in an organized sport brings with it commitment.  Commitment to the team and to the coach that you will attend training/practice and games/matches.  There is also a code of conduct that the parents and player will need to sign that outlines certain behaviors and attitudes.  DASH is a Christian sports organization…DASH does not require players to be Christian to play on a team, the teams are run by biblical principles and a respect for those is required.  DASH will not force any player to be placed into uncomfortable situations, but DASH will also not change the guiding principles on which it was founded.

Can a non-player attend a training/practice?
DASH believes in family…although siblings and friends may attend a training/practice, they cannot interfere or slow down the learning of the players in attendance. 

Who are the coaches?
DASH coaches are volunteers that give their time (unpaid) to coach our kids and teach them how to become better athletes and more importantly, better Christians.