Equipment and Uniforms

Each player is responsible for providing athletic footwear, shin guards (required and must be completely covered by socks), and a correct size ball as follows:

Uniforms shall be provided by AYSO Region 969, consisting of a jersey, shorts, and socks. Such uniforms shall be properly marked in accordance with AYSO guidelines.

No uniform may bear the name of any registered player or of a sponsor.

Any problems with uniform sizing should be handled through your coach.

 Uniform will be turned into your coach after the fall season, for reuse in spring.

After the completion of the spring season the uniform belongs to the player.

Regulation soccer shoes, gym shoes, or sneakers (with or without rubber cleats) are permissible in AYSO.

Cleats that have toe cleats will have to be removed "cut off" before player will be allowed to play.

Soccer shoes with removable cleats will be allowed, only if the cleat is screwed into the sole of the shoe. No metal cleats or toe cleats are allowed.

Shin guards are required in all AYSO games and practices at all levels. Referees are authorized to prohibit a player without proper equipment from playing in an AYSO game.

PARENTS' CODE

As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters.

Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In AYSO, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat - all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD

Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important.

Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!

ALWAYS BE POSITIVE

Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team.

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities.

REMEMBER: YOUR CHILD WANTS TO HAVE FUN

Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them.

Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team.

Children play for the fun of playing.

REINFORCE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR

Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.

DON'T BE A SIDELINE COACH OR REFEREE

Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support too.

That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there's usually always an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself.