PARENT - CODE OF CONDUCT
As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters.
Through your encouragment 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!
EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
UNIFORMS:
A uniform consisting of shirt, shorts and socks is provided for your child's use at the beginning of the season and is yours to keep when the season ends.
You are responsible for taking care of the full uniform. Do not iron the jersey.
Uniforms are not to be worn at practice, only for scheduled games.
Players may not wear rings, watches, chains, necklaces, earrings, or hard pony tail holders or barrettes as these items may cause injury during play. Girls should wait until after the soccer season is over to get their ears pierced. Referees are instructed not to let any player wearing earrings play until they are removed!
SHOES:
Players must wear shoes. Tennis shoes are OK but not recommended. It is strongly suggested that players wear soccer shoes - the low-sided "football" style shoes with rubber or plastic molded cleats (no metal).
Shoes must be safe and not pose a hazard to players. The referee will make this determination. Shoes should fit comfortably with athletic socks.
SHIN GUARDS:
Shin guards can and do protect the player. A National Rule makes shin guards mandatory. They must be worn under the socks.
They may be purchased from the AYSO store, local sporting goods stores, and stores such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target. Players must wear shin guards at ALL practices and games.
BALL:
Each player is encouraged to practice with a ball and it is recommended that a soccer ball be obtained.
For Divisions U8 & U6: Size 3; Divisions U12 & U10: Size 4; Divisions U16 & U14: Size 5.
A player needs to practice with a ball to develop skill and coordination.
Any time spent with the ball makes for a better player and active parent participation is a great encouraged.
It is strongly recommended that the player's name is put on the ball for identification.