Parent Information
Introduction to AYSO video
Kid Zone Pledge
Volunteer:
Welcome AYSO Parents. AYSO is an all volunteer organization. All the unseen and seen work that goes into this great soccer league is handled by unpaid volunteers. Coaches, Referees, Division Coordinators, Treasurer, Secretary, Registrar, Purchasing, even the Region Commissioner are unpaid volunteers. The only way that AYSO works is if everyone chips in to do a job- small or large. Please consider helping- AYSO has jobs that can use your talents.
Age/Division Guidelines: Click here
Equipment:
Every player needs his own ball, shinguards, shoes (preferably soccer cleats), and water at all practices and games. Players cannot play at either practice or games without shinguards. Soccer cleats are a great investment in player safety and aid in their play.
Ball Sizes:
U05 through U08 use a Size 3 Ball.
U10 through U12 use a Size 4 Ball.
U14 through U19 use a Size 5 Ball.
Shinguards:
Shinguards should be age and player height appropriate. You want to cover from just above the ankle to about 3/4 of the way to the knee. U5/U6 players use "Youth" shinguards. Many players ages 10 through 19 attempt to play with shinguards that are FAR too small for them. Please do not enable this unsafe practice. Purchase shinguards up to 3/4 of the knee height and do not listen to your World Cup player who says, "I don't like them that high." Referees may disallow a child to play without appropriately sized shinguards.
Soccer Cleats:
Soccer cleats are so marked in athletic shoe stores and differ from baseball and U.S. Football (gridiron) cleats in that they do NOT have a single cleat up at the toe, which is very dangerous for soccer. Any cleats marked by a major manufacturer as appropriate for soccer are fine. Atheletic shoes without cleats are allowed as well, but are not recommended.
No Dogs:
Dogs are not allowed at any AYSO game or practice. AYSO field use permits do not allow dogs. Bringing your dog to an AYSO game or practice jeopardizes AYSO's continued use of school and city fields. Please help us in complying with city ordinances and school property use permit conditions by leaving your dog at home. Please remind grandparents and friends that this applies to their dogs as well. Thanks for your cooperation.
Conduct:
Can't Do's
As a condition of field use, AYSO spectators cannot use noise-makers at any of the fieds we use at schools and parks. Blow-horns, air-horns, fog-horns, rachet-clackers, whistles (except the referee's), firearms, australian twirlers and the like cannot be used at AYSO events. AYSO strives to be considerate of nearby field neighbors. Thank you for your cooperation.
Use of alcohol and tobacco products (smoked or chawed) at AYSO practices and games is forbidden.
Sportsmanship
The AYSO philosophy is built on the belief that winning kids are built up, not torn down, and that all kids deserve the opportunity to play soccer. As part of the AYSO family, you will be expected to set an example and become part of a positive soccer environment based on mutual respect and positive encouragement. The kids have more fun when they gain self confidence and a positive self image.
AYSO has always encouraged good sportsmanship in its program. Sportsmanship is such an important aspect of AYSO that it is now part of the philosophy statement in the National AYSO bylaws. AYSO figures if players, volunteers and parents understand what is expected of them when it comes to good sportsmanship, that's probably how they will act. AYSO understands that good sportsmanship doesn't just happen. It needs to be taught, encouraged and demonstrated.
With this in mind, Newport Mesa AYSO Region 97 adheres to the following policies and AYSO Codes of Conduct.
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 children achieve their goals and overcome a 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 an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself!
