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Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is my privilege to welcome you to the AYSO Region 969, 2005 Spring Season. 
My name is _____________________ and I will be your child’s soccer Head Coach. Assisting me will be_____________________. Throughout past soccer seasons, many questions have arisen. I will attempt to answer many of these in this letter. Should you have any concerns that are not addressed herein, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
My phone number is_____________________________

Practice: Our practices will be held on _______________________________________ 
from ___________ to ___________. 

Each player is expected to be at every practice. You are both welcome and encouraged to stay and observe. It is during these practices that we will work on the fundamentals of soccer. However, we realize that your child may have scheduling conflicts during the season. Accordingly, when he/she can not make a particular practice, please call me in advance. Your Child is guaranteed to play 1/2 of every game.
The most important thing to remember about practice is the following: Encourage your
child with positive comments after each session. Comments like “You were really fast!” or “Your dribbling is getting even better!” will make my duties as Head Coach both easier and even more rewarding.
2. Games: Please have your son/daughter at least ___________minutes prior to game time. Again, if your child will be unable to attend a game, please notify me in
advance. Games are usually canceled due to poor field conditions rather than prevailing weather conditions. Do not assume that a little rain will cancel a game. 
For complex cancellation (Practices and Games) please call 741-AYSO ext 1

The most important thing to remember about games is the same as above:
Encourage each player with positive comments after each game.

3. Equipment: Shin guards MANDATORY
For both practices and games. Due to AYSO rules, your child will not be able to participate in practice or games without them. Soccer shoes are highly recommended, but not mandatory. There will be times when he/she will be playing on wet grass, and the soccer cleats will improve traction. We encourage each child to have their own soccer ball for practice at home. We use a Size ___ ball in Division ___. Bring the soccer ball to practice—please have their name clearly marked on the ball. During cooler weather, sweat clothes/running tights can be worn at games, but must be UNDER the SOCKS AND UNIFORM. Your child does not need to wear the uniform to practices.
4. Playing Time: Each player will get at least two quarters of playing time, probably three, and in some games possibly four. 
5. Jewelry: No jewelry of any kind should be worn at practice or during a game. This includes, but is not limited to bracelets, watches, and necklaces. Soccer is a contact sport, so we try to eliminate any potential hazard that jewelry may present. This is an FIFA and AYSO rule.
6. Refreshments: This is a big one for kids at any age. You will be asked to bring both half-time and post-game refreshments once during this spring season. Here are some tried and true suggestions:
Half Time: Food: Quartered bananas,oranges and/or apples. Drink: Water or sport drink.
Post Game: Food: Chips, fun fruit, cookies, etc. (Please avoid gum—it seems to find its way into the players’ cleats!). Drink: Juice boxes, Gatorade, Hi-C, Kool-Aid, etc.
Also: Paper towels, disposable cups, and a garbage bag.
Note: There are _____ players on our team, but please plan for some extra. Past experience has shown that younger siblings also feel that they are a part of the team and would like to share in the refreshment breaks.
7. Insurance: In case of injury, AYSO provides accident reimbursement coverage to all players during scheduled practices and games. Coverage does not extend to parents helping out at practices or games.
8. First Aid: We will bring a simple first aid kit to all practices and games. In the event of minor cuts or abrasions, a coach will administer topical antibiotics and bandages. In the event of a more serious injury, you will be immediately contacted for instructions. If, in the coaches’ judgment, there can be no delay in seeking professional medical assistance, an ambulance will be called and your child will be taken to the nearest hospital. If you have any instruction or comments regarding this proposed 
(and typical AYSO) procedure, please speak with me at practice. In addition, please
advise me in writing if your son/daughter is allergic to a medication or if he/she has some other unique medical situation, which the coaches would have to convey to medical professionals in the event of an emergency.
9. Positive Participation: We, as coaches, place no emphasis on winning. Each player will receive the same trophy at the end of the season. Soccer is a team sport in which each child can share in the accomplishments and improvement of the team. At games, we encourage and require only POSITIVE participation from the spectators. Please cheer good plays made by BOTH teams, and never criticize what you think is a poor play. Also, AYSO requires all spectators to remain at least ten (10’) feet back from the sidelines during the games.
10. Referees: AYSO has a fine staff of trained referees. The referees and lines people are also volunteers. They are trying to do the best possible job. There may be time during the season when an improper call is made, but please do not scream, boo, or verbally abuse the officials. They can stop the game if such behavior occurs.
11. Picnic: AYSO holds an annual picnic in the spring. We will provide you with details when they become available.
12. Team Picture: Pictures will be taken in Octoberl. Look for you picture flyer or visit the web site for information
13. Lost & Found: Is located at the concession stand.
14. AYSO Hotline: For general league information, including game cancellations, please call the AYSO Region 969 Hotline: 741-AYSO(2976). This includes information about upcoming events and registration dates.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that may come up during this Spring Season. I look forward to a fun soccer season with your child.

Sincerely,