Coaching Program

Because "Positive Coaching" is one of AYSO's guiding philosophies, coach training is one of our highest priorities. AYSO also provides a wide range of courses to continue instructing its volunteer coaches.

No Experience? No Problem!
Our volunteer coaches receive complete training right from the beginning!
Training and certification for all coaches.
Age- specific coaching courses provide training for coaches of every level of experience.
Complete with manuals, handouts and outlines that are continually reviewed and updated.

We Don't Stop There!
Supplemental local instruction programs, camps and clinics.
Held throughout the country, throughout the year.

Officiating Program

AYSO referees do more than just enforce the Laws of the Game. Their job is to make sure the game is safe and enjoyable for everyone: the players, the coaches, the spectators -- and themselves.

Referee training that teaches not only the letter of the law, but the "Spirit of the Game."
Six levels of AYSO referee training.
USSF cross-certification.
Training for referee instructors, administrators and assessors.
Ready, Set Ref! video and workbook for new referees.
Youth Referee Program
AYSO referees are volunteers, so we want to be sure they have as much fun as the players do.

VIP: Where Everyone Plays!

AYSO's Very Important Player (VIP) program offers children and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to play soccer at their own pace. The practices and games are geared to their needs—with fewer and more relaxed rules—allowing for a successful sport experience.

Team-Up
Meeting the needs of regions with financial challenges, whether in urban or rural communities, AYSO provides assistance through special funds, designated sponsor products, uniform and equipment donations, and information on acquiring outside resources.

"Safe Haven" Child & Volunteer Protection
By becoming trained and certified in their positions through AYSO's Safe Haven program, AYSO volunteers are afforded maximum protection under the federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.

Safe Haven means safety for kids. AYSO's volunteer application and screening process reduces the likelihood of abuses occurring while kids are participating in soccer.

AYSO's certification programs are accredited by the National Association of Sports and Physical Education (NASPE), providing universal recognition and validity from colleges, universities, high school athletic associations, national governing bodies of sport, youth sports organizations, and others.

Kids Zone
In recent months, the national media has focused on the negative, even violent, behavior of players, coaches and parents involved in youth sports. In a proactive effort to counteract this trend of violence, AYSO is initiating a program called Kids Zone.

As part of AYSO's education agenda, Kids Zone is a dynamic program targeted to eliminate negative sideline behavior. It is aimed toward producing a thoroughly positive impact on everyone involved in youth soccer. To execute this program, three basic elements are involved:

1. The Badge. This is a pin-on button bearing the program's logo. This will be worn by program supporters at games, and will serve as a reminder of the importance of positive sideline behavior.
2. The Sign. A large sideline, which lists positive behavior standards, will be posted at the entrance of participating fields. Parents and spectators who will abide by these standards are welcome -- all others are not.
3. The Pledge. We will request AYSO parents to sign a pledge that holds them to the Kids Zone standards.

In order to make this program work, we need your help!

Kids Zone badges and signs are available from the AYSO Supply Center.

$1,000,000 liability insurance policy (property and personal liability)
Soccer Accident Insurance (SAI) helps pay medical costs for players, coaches and referees.*
Fidelity bond for theft or misappropriation of funds (maximum of $100,000 per occurrence).
Errors and omissions policy covers directors and other executive members.

* SAI pays medical expenses beyond a member's insurance coverage, up to $25,000 per accident (including $3,500 dental). Reimbursement is subject to a $100 deductible expense payable by member.

Through consistent, professional communication, AYSO members know they are part of a supportive national organization.

Soccer Now
32-page, full-color magazine
Largest circulated soccer magazine in America.
Mailed quarterly to every AYSO home.

In-Play
Quarterly newsletter for coaches and referees
Technical and philosophical aspects of coaching and officiating.
Updates on clinics and certification requirements
Rule changes
Training materials

AYSO Shorts
Monthly operational newsletter
Administrative reminders
Tips and ideas
Updates and announcements

ABCs of AYSO
Parents' introduction to youth soccer
Fun, friendly, easy-to-read
Laws of the game
How you and your child can get the most out of your AYSO experience

Play It Safe
Monthly safety newsletter

Tournament Talk
Monthly list of all AYSO tournamentsd