What is AYSO?
AYSO stands for American Youth
Soccer Organization. It is a non-profit, volunteer run organization
dedicated to offering a quality sports program under the five philosophies
and our motto "Everyone Plays".
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What are the AYSO philosophies?
Everyone Plays (everyone plays at least 1/2 of every match),
Balanced Teams
(we strive to make all teams within a division as even as possible),
Positive Coaching (only positive reinforcement from all spectators and
volunteers),
Open Registration (we do not discriminate on any grounds),
and Good Sportsmanship (again from everyone involved).
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How is AYSO structured?
There are over 1000 Regions in AYSO.
Several Regions make up an Area. We are Area A. There are seven Regions
making up our Area. Several Areas makeup a Section. There are 13 Sections
in AYSO and we are part of Section 4. We are all overseen by the National
Board of Directors (NBOD) who make the rules and set direction for the
organization. Each group is headed by an individual. The Region is headed
by the Regional Commissioner, the Area is headed by the Area Director, the
Section is headed by the Section Director, and the NBOD is headed by the
National President.
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What do each of these groups do?
The NBOD is
responsible for direction of AYSO as a whole. Rules, goals, etc… are all
set by the NBOD. The Section takes their direction from the NBOD and
dispenses it to the Areas. The Areas work closely with the Regions to
support them, offer direction and Cultural Exchange. The Region actually
runs the programs and are autonomous groups working under the rules and
philosophies of AYSO.
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What is a Region?
The Region is where all of the fun begins. The other groups in AYSO
(Section, Area, National Support Staff) are dedicated to making sure the
programs the Regions put on will be the best they can be by offering the
necessary support structure and guidance. It is the responsibility of the
Region to take all of this and put together a fun soccer program for the
players.
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Who runs the Region?
While the Region is headed by the Regional Commissioner and the Regional
Staff, every volunteer makes the Region a success. The Regional Staff is
made up of about 30 hard working, dedicated individuals who coordinate the
program. From the Coach Administrator who organizes coaches and training
to the Divisional Coordinator who coordinates a single division’s play,
each is vital in the success of our program. The volunteers who make up
our coaches and referees are equally as important. Without them, there
could be no practices, games, or program at all. Then within the team,
every parent who organizes pizza parties and snacks and everything else
help make this program what it is.
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How are the Regional Staff Selected?
Each December, our Region holds a general meeting where all Regional
Volunteers are invited to attend and vote on the Regional Staff. A
"Regional Volunteer" is defined as all coaches, assistant coaches,
referees, and team managers. Anyone can run, but you must have served at
least one year on the Staff to be eligible for the Regional Commissioner
or Assistant Regional Commissioner positions.
If you are interested in running Contact Us or call 405-741-AYSO.
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Can I attend the Region meetings?
Yes. All Regional Region meetings are open to the public and are held every
month. Call or Contact Us for location and time. Only Staff may vote or
comment at these meetings. If you would like to speak, you can contact the
Regional Commissioner and ask to be added to the agenda.
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How do I contact the Regional Staff?
Everyone on the Regional Staff is working for you. Do not hesitate to call
or email anyone on the Staff if you have a question, comment, or concern.
You can email Staff by accessing the Contact Us portion of our website or
call at 741-AYSO (2976).
They will be happy to help in any way possible.
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What if the Staff Member cannot help me?
Any
issue within the Region can be solved by some member of the Regional
Staff. If it is coaching matter, contact the Coach Administrator, if it is
referee matter, contact the Referee Administrator, a list of Staff members
is available on our website at Contact Us. If you feel you have contacted
the correct Staff member but have failed to get results, you can contact
the Regional Commissioner. He/she will be happy to help resolve any
problems. In most every case, the Regional Commissioner will be the final
word in respect to AYSO.
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How much does it cost to play?
Our fees are currently set at $45 per player with discounts for Siblings within the same household
Any other situation will
have to be approved by the RC or Registrar.
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Registration fees include:
*one full uniform per player (shirts, shorts, and socks)
the AYSO National registration fee
Player Insurance
Subscription to National "Soccer Now" magazine
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(Uniforms to be returned to
AYSO after the fall season, player get to keep uniforms after the spring
season)
How are the fees set?
Each March, we submit a projected budget to National. We project players
and expenses. From this we determine a fee necessary to fund the program
with provisions made for reserve cash in accordance with National policy.
This budget is then voted by the Regional Staff for final approval.
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What do I get for my fees?
Because our support staff is made up volunteers there is no cost there. A
portion of your fees go to National for insurance and support of the
National organization. The rest of your fees are spent on: Uniforms,
trophies/medals, equipment, volunteer support. You can get a
copy of our budget by emailing or calling 741-AYSO.
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How are the teams formed?
I would like my child to car pool with his friend, can they be on the same
team?
The Balanced Teams philosophy of AYSO requires every region at the start
of each Fall season to set up teams as evenly as possible.
For all teams except U6,
How is it done
the teams are form using a double blind draft system. Players are drafted
based on their rating from the previous season or from the player
evaluation. The coaches do not have control over which team they will
ultimately get.
So it is in their best interest to make sure the teams are balanced.
We cannot guarantee the placement but we will do our best to accommodate
car pool requests so long as it does not unbalance the teams.
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What is a division?
Play is divided up into divisions. An age group of two years constitutes a
division. For instance in U10, 8 and 9 year olds make up the division.
There are 5 separate age divisions along with separate divisions for boys
and girls. The age groupings are
Under 6, U8, U10, U12, u14, u16 andU19
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My son or daughter does not belong in the division of their age, can they
play up or down?
Simply, no. While exceptions can be made by the Regional Commissioner,
these are to be made only in very special cases and in no circumstances
may a player ever play down. You may have heard of players in the past
being allowed to move up a division, but National and our Region have
really tightened down on any movement of divisions.
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What is the date cut-off for age groups?
Your age grouping (division) is determined by the player’s
age on July 31 of that year. Practices usually begin on or about that date
so an Under 10
(U10) player (8 & 9 year olds) could turn 10 on August 1 and still be in
that division,
while his friend who turned 10 the day before would play with the U12
division.
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What will AYSO Region 969 provide and what do I have to provide?
Each player will receive a *uniform consisting of jersey, shorts, and
socks. These are yours to keep. Wear them only for games and picture day.
Each player must provide their own shoes, shinguards, and a soccer ball of
the correct size (see table below). Try to avoid the all plastic balls
like the Franklin. It is a good idea to buy a few pairs of soccer socks to
wear for practice. Soccer shoes are not required. However, they are
recommended.
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(*Uniforms to be returned to AYSO after the fall season, player get to
keep uniforms after the spring season)
Ball Size
|
Age Group
|
Ball Size
|
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U16
|
5
|
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U12, U10
|
4
|
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U8, U6
|
3
|
How long is the season?
The season then runs for eight to nine weeks.
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What kind of cleats should I buy?
Any shoe with a toe cleat or stud also is not allowed. Screw in cleats are
fine as long as a sharp ridge is not formed around the cleat; this comes
from wearing the cleat on hard surfaces. Baseball shoes are usually
considered dangerous and are not allowed in a soccer game.
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Does my child have to wear shinguards at practices?
All players must wear shinguards during practices and games. The
shinguards must be completely covered by their socks. Wearing the
shinguards over the socks and then folding the socks down on top of the
shinguards is not acceptable.
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As a spectator, can I smoke on or near the soccer field.
"NO" All fields in the Region 969 have been declared "Smoke
Free Zones". Also, the players and coaches are working hard out there and
they need oxygen and not second hand smoke.
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What do I do if it's raining on game day?
Just because it is wet outside, don't assume that the games will be
canceled. Kids are waterproof and have been known to play soccer in the
rain. On rainy days, the fields will be checked for flooding and dangerous
conditions. If it is determined that we should stay off the field, you
should receive a call from your Team Parent or Coach. Alternately, you may
call the Soccer Line (450-741-AYSO ,EXT 1) If the message says nothing
about games being called off, go to the field where your game is
scheduled. If it is determined that the fields are OK to play on, then it
becomes the individual Game Referee's decision to call off the game if
conditions worsen. If you don't hear from your Coach or Team Parent, go to
the field at game time.
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When will practice's be?
You will need to attend the Coaches/Parent meeting to help determine the
time and location of all practices. The practices are primarily set
by each coach and can run from one to two times a week.
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When will my player's uniform arrive?
Uniforms are given to the coaches, and are usually handed out at the first
practice. The uniform are returned back to your coach at the end of the
fall season; but at the end of the Spring season the player
keeps his / her uniform.
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What are some good ideas for snacks?
Good halftime snacks include
orange wedges, cut-up watermelon, or grapes. For the end of the game
snack, bring cold drinks (juice boxes, punch) and a light snack (granola
bars, fruit roll-ups, etc.) individually wrapped for each player. Bring
enough to supply all of the team members, the coach(es)
and the referees. Also bring along some napkins or paper towels and a bag
to collect the trash.
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My child was on a losing team last year. How can I get him on a better
team?
Before you seek out a better team, reflect on who places more importance
on winning and losing. Is it you, your child, or the coach? In general,
the player will mirror their views on winning and losing based on the role
models around them, namely, their parents and coaches. A good coach will
place the need to win a game far below the need to develop the players and
letting them have fun. So instead of trying to put your child on a better
team, make sure the coach is working toward developing the players and not
just searching for the right formula for a winning season. At the end of
the season, ignore the win/lost records and do a selfish analysis and ask
yourself, "Did the coach help my child to be a better player?" The
answer to this question is the true.
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If I don’t
like the team my child is on, can I change it?
No.
We go to great lengths to balance teams. If we begin moving players, we
jeopardize the entire system. Thus, barring very serious concerns,
movement from team to team is not allowed. If there is a very serious
concern, the only person authorized to make such a move is the Regional
Commissioner.
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Can my child practice and/or play with any jewelry on?
That is correct. Regardless of what you see in the MLS, all jewelry must
be removed prior to practices and games. Medical and ID bracelets that
cannot be removed must be taped down. If you child intend to get their
ears pierced, plan ahead and have it done early so that the earrings can
be removed for practices and games. Also, watches, rings, and metal hair
clips should be removed before practices and games.
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What about casts or splints?
As for casts and splints, they are not allowed at practices or games. The
doctor prescribed them for a reason and that reason is not so that they
can continue to play a contact sport. After the cast or splint have been
removed, your coach will require a release from the doctor authorizing
your child's return to normal activities.
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What is meant by the term "sideline behavior"?
Sideline behavior refers to the behavior of
all coaches and spectators.
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What is unacceptable sideline behavior?
There are a number of rules. First, coaches
must stay within 10 yards of the center of the field (that is within the
center circle). This applies to anyone coaching from the sideline
including parents and spectators. If you want to direct play, you must
stay in that area. Next, no spectators may be within the 18 yard lines,
especially not behind the goal. The 18 yard line is the big box, or the
"penalty area" in front of the goal. Next, spectators are there to
encourage and cheer, not question the referee. Questioning calls and
shouting at the referee will not be tolerated and may result in the
violators expulsion from the field, that is being "sent-off". Finally, the
players are there to play the game and have fun. Spectators and coaches
must be Positive, Instructional and Encouraging (P.I.E.). Do not yell and
the players, do not degrade the players, never speak or shout at opposing
players, and make the game fun for everyone with a good attitude.
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What will happen to those engaging in unacceptable sideline behavior?
Everyone gets excited at a soccer match.
Everyone makes mistakes. If you lose your cool once, you will be asked to
refrain from whatever it is you are doing. Repeated violations, however,
may result in a "send-off" where you will be required to leave the park
immediately. On top of missing the rest of that game, you will be
automatically suspended for one additional game where you may not attend
the game. Every send-off is reviewed by the Referee Administrator. In
exceptional cases you may be suspended for additional games, be removed as
coach (in the case of a coach), or even expelled from all further AYSO
activity depending on the severity of the action.
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How are injuries handled during a match?
The referee shall decide when to stop play to take care of an injury. At
the younger ages (U6 and U8) the referees are encouraged to stop play
immediately. Older players may attempt to feign an injury as a
tactical move, or may "bounce back" from a minor fall. As a courtesy, a
team is encouraged to kick the ball out of play, as the referee can most
easily deal with the injury at that time. If a serious injury occurs, the
referee will stop play as soon as he / she is aware of the injury.
A player that is bleeding shall not participate in the match until the
bleeding has stopped, and any blood on his / her clothing is covered or
removed. (New parents: this seldom occurs.)
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Can the coach be sent-off for other spectator's behavior?
Yes. The coach is responsible for his/her
sidelines and may be sent off for unruly sideline behavior even if he/she
does not say a word.
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If a coach is sent-off, who takes over?
If the coach is sent-off, the assistant
coach listed on the game card takes over. If the assistant is not present
or there is no assistant coach listed, the game is terminated.
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If the Region does not solve the problem, is there someone else I can
contact?
The
Region makes its own decisions under the rules and bylaws of AYSO and
under its philosophies. Any decision made in accordance with these rules
is not subject to review by AYSO. If, however, you feel one of the
philosophies, rules or bylaws of AYSO have been violated and you have
expressed your concern with the Regional Commissioner
you may contact AYSO
National at (800)USA-AYSO.
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Who referees AYSO games?
Like everything within our Region, volunteers
referee our games.
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Why don’t we get professional referees?
AYSO prohibits the use of any paid personnel
within any AYSO Region. Quite frankly, however, our referees are among the
best out there. If you have ever attended a club soccer match, you will
agree that professional referee does not mean better referee. Of
course we have a number of inexperienced referees, but the only way they
get better is by doing games. Refereeing appears to be an easy task from
the sidelines, but take the center and you’ll see it’s different from in
there. The calls you make may be correct from your angle, but that is not
necessarily what the spectators will see. Simply, don’t ever make the
referee the scapegoat for losing a match. It’s an easy thing to do, but
think of what you are teaching the kids.
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What if I don’t like the job a referee is doing in a game?
During the game, there is nothing you can do.
The laws of soccer are very specific about decent. Decent is grounds for
being sent from the field whether as a player, a coach, or a spectator.
Yelling at a referee is unacceptable and could cause you suspension from
the program. It is not only the violation of the rules that is a stake,
the players take direction from the coaches and parents and if they feel
it is alright to abuse the referees, they will too. This is not a lesson
we want them taking from the fields. If a referee misapplies the rules,
you are encouraged to bring your complaint to the Referee Administrator.
As we have said, everyone is a volunteer, but if someone needs a refresher
course on the laws of the game, we are happy to bring them up to speed,
require additional education, or refrain them from refereeing in serious
cases.
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What training do our referees go through?
Our referees can earn 5 different badges from
AYSO, each requires more training than the one before. The minimum amount
of training for referees in divisions U10-U14 is a Regional Badge. This
requires approximately 10 hours of classroom and field work and passing a
written exam.
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I see some real bad referees out there. What can we do?
Contact the
Regional Referee Administrator
and find out when the next referee class is. Then, come to class and
become a certified referee. We need people that know the game and can make
the calls as they see them. What you cannot do is harass the referee no
matter how poorly you think he is performing. His poor performance may be
the result of the lack of understanding of the laws on your part.
Volunteers willing to referee games are difficult to come by.
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What are the different referee badges and what are the requirements?
Regional is the first with approximately 10
hours and a written exam. Next is an Area Badge that requires a Regional
Badge plus additional classroom work, a minimum of 30 matches experience,
pass an Area Referee written exam, and pass an assessment on the field.
The next badge is a Section Referee. After holding the Area Badge, a
referee must then complete 30 additional matches, attend additional
classroom and field training, pass a written exam, pass a physical test,
and pass two on-field assessments. Following Section, is the National 2
Badge. A referee with a section badge must then take additional classroom
and field classes, do an additional 30 matches, complete another physical
test, and pass two more on-field assessments, and do service assessments
of other referees. The highest badge available is National 1. To obtain an
N1 Badge, an N2 referee must referee an additional 35 matches, must take
more classroom and field work, must pass a rigorous physical exam, must
pass three more on-field assessments, pass a written exam, and complete
more service assessments on other referees. As you can see, it takes a lot
to move up through the referee ranks, and these referees are well trained.
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How are the coaches chosen?
Coach volunteers, first offer to help sometime before the season. They are
then run through a screening process and given training and certification.
These coaches then
randomly draw teams from among the computer selected teams. Coaches
are volunteers and are required to be certified and attend some training,
but they are not paid and are not professionals. There are many excellent
coaches and many first-time coaches involved, all of whom have donated
their time and energy to put on our program. All of these coaches deserve
our respect and admiration for the job they do and the program they make
possible.
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Why
Don’t we pay
our coaches?
AYSO
is a volunteer organization. We are prohibited by National rules from
using any paid employees for any work within the region. If we cannot find
a volunteer, we cannot do it. On top of this fact, paying our coaches
would send our fees through the ceiling making the program accessible to
very few.
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What should I do if I'm
having problems with the coach?
If
a serious problem should arise concerning the coach, the parents should:
1) Talk with the coach in a calm manner and try to work out the
problems like adults, away from the players (preferably this meeting will
be done outside of practice or games)
2) If no solution can be reached at this meeting, the parents should
contact the
Divisional Manager at 741-AYSO.
3) If the problem should persist, set up a meeting with the Coaching
Administrator, Assistant Commissioner and Coach.
Problems can usually be solved through communication.
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How do I go about becoming a coach?
AYSO is an all-volunteer organization and we
are always in need of volunteers. To become a coach, or volunteer in any
capacity either email your divisional coordinator or call 741-AYSO (2976)
and leave a message for the Coach or Referee coordinator, or leave a
message in the main box. You will be notified of training and
certification dates.
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How much training is required to be a coach?
Coaches are required to attend both training
and certification to be eligible to coach from this year on. The
certification course takes about 1 hour and the training, depending on
division, takes anywhere from four to six hours. We also offer
Intermediate and Advanced coaches clinics which take a weekend to
complete.
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What if I have a problem ?
If
you have a problem, first discuss it with the person(s) you have the
problem with. Whether that be a coach, a referee, or someone else in the
Region, try to work the issues out wherever possible. If this fails to
work, contact the Regional Staff.
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Contact any AYSO Region 969 Board Member
CLICK HERE
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