COACHES
As a parent, you can help your child's coach by introducing yourself and thanking them for their interest in coaching a team. Support the coach's request that your child be on time for practices and games. If you do not stay for the entire practice session, pick up your child promptly at the end of practice. Be positive with your comments and remember that a coach has a reason for his selection of player positions. Don't criticize the coach because you think your child should play a different position. Offer help at practices. Remember that coaches volunteer their time and energy to instruct and help your child, and they need your cooperation and support.
REFEREES
AYSO Referees are entitled to the highest respect from coaches, players and spectators. The referee's mistakes (and there will be mistakes) shall be accepted without complaint. Many of the referees have no children playing in our Region and all of them gladly give their time to help us. Please show them the respect they deserve - they are volunteers, and express your appreciation for their commitment to our soccer program. The region is always in need of referees. If you are interested, contact the Regional Referee Administrator. We have excellent training programs in our Area.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
THE REGION AND THE CHILDREN NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION. Attend practices and games. PARENTAL SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL. Learn about the rules of the game by reading, "The Rules of Soccer: Simplified." Above all, show tolerance of the players' mistakes and weaknesses. When attending games, cheer for all players on both teams as well as your own child. Every parent is requested to volunteer in some area of the program and there are various jobs available. Before your team's meeting, read the section on volunteering in this handbook and offer to help.
REGIONAL PHILOSOPHY
AYSO is a parent based volunteer organization providing a soccer program for all children regardless of experience or skill level. Registration of your child in our program implies responsibility to the team and adherence to the five principles of AYSO: Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Positive Coaching, Open Registration, Good Sportsmanship.
EVERYONE PLAYS
Each player is guaranteed to play at least half of every game, regardless of his or her level of skill or aptitude, if the child: ARRIVES ON TIME AT THE PLAYING FIELD FOR SCHEDULED GAMES PREPARED TO PLAY IN THE PROPER COMPLETE UNIFORM, SHOES, SHIN GUARDS, ETC. AND IS NOT HANDICAPPED DUE TO ILLNESS OR INJURY.
PRACTICE LOCATION AND ATTENDANCE
As all of the coaches in AYSO are volunteers, practice times are scheduled at the coach's convenience during the week (Monday through Friday) and coordinated with the Region for field availability. Each player must arrange to arrive on time and be picked up on time. No uniforms are to be worn at practice. Shorts are better suited for the game of soccer than long pants. In cold weather, sweatpants are recommended as jeans can restrict motion. Cleats are best suited for most fields and should be worn at practices. Shin guards are mandatory. It is recommended that each player bring an appropriately sized ball to practices.
GAME SCHEDULE
Games are to be played according to the schedule and will not be canceled due to inclement weather except at the game site shortly before game time. For most divisions, all games are scheduled on Saturdays at the same fields mentioned above. Some of the upper divisions may need to travel to other Regions for some games. Game schedules are posted on the Web: http://www.ayso1463.org.
PLAYOFFS
Divisions U10, U12, U14, and U16 participate in Regional and/or Area playoffs if the teams qualify (see below for criteria). Playoff schedules are also posted on the Web. Regional championship teams then play in the Area 1RL playoffs. Area 1R championship teams for certain divisions go on to play in the Section playoffs. Section championship teams then play in the Tri-Section championships to determine the AYSO Southern California champions. During some years, certain selected teams are invited to play in the AYSO National games. If your child is fortunate enough to be a part of one of these teams, you should be prepared to support that team through out the duration of these playoff games.
VOLUNTEER POINT SYSTEM
Your child is guaranteed to play the balance of the regular season games (usually 8-10 games). All teams in divisions U10 - U14 have an opportunity to go to the playoffs. This season our region has adopted a point system that allows your child's team to acquire additional points if they meet the referee and volunteer requirements. These points are in addition to their team win/loss points. Please be aware of the adopted point system that is in effect during the season and support your child's team in helping acquiring the necessary points.