Safe Haven Certification

1
AYSOs Safe Haven
2
Course Credit

• Please sign the Course Roster
• Use your legal name,
• Home address phone,
• And Date of Birth

3
Introduction

• Every child participating in an AYSO soccer
  program has a right to a safe, fun, fair and
  positive environment for experiencing the
  benefits of youth sports.

4
What is Safe Haven?

• AYSOs program to address the growing need for
  Child and Volunteer Protection in youth sports.
• Components help create a safe, fun, fair and
  positive environment - safe haven - for all
  participants.

5
Creating a Safe Haven

• The Safe Haven program supports the creation of
  a safe haven for all participants by

Registering and Screening all Volunteers
Requiring Training and Certification
Providing Child and Volunteer Protection
Guidelines
Promoting Safety and Injury Prevention
6
Course Overview

• Vision of AYSO
• Creating a Safe Haven
• Volunteer Requirements
• Training and Certification
• Child and Volunteer Protection
• Safety and Injury Prevention
• Volunteering in AYSO

7
Why AYSO?

• The Vision of AYSO is to provide
• world class youth soccer programs
• that enrich childrens lives.

8
What makes AYSO unique?

• The philosophy of the organization is to educate
  and develop young people by encouraging their
  interest and participation in soccer through our
  six philosophies

9
Everyone Plays

• Our goal is for kids to play soccer so we
  mandate that every player on every team must play
  at least half of every game.

10
Everyone Plays

• This includes our VIP -Very Important Players

11
Balanced Teams

• Each year we form new teams as evenly as
  possible because it is fair and more fun when
  teams of equal ability play.

12
Open Registration

• Our program is open to all children between 4
  and 19 years of age who want to register and play
  soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only
  criteria for playing.

13
Positive Coaching

• Encouragement of player effort provides for
  greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately
  leads to better-skilled and better-motivated
  players.

14
Good Sportsmanship

• We strive to create a safe, fair, fun and
  positive environment based on mutual respect,
  rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our
  program is designed to instill good sportsmanship
  in every facet of AYSO.

15
Good Sportsmanship

• AYSOs Kids Zone program
• is one of the first of its kind to promote good
  sportsmanship and appropriate sideline behavior.
  Every AYSO venue is a Kids Zone!

16
Player Development

• We believe that all players should be able to
  develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the
  best of their abilities, both individually and as
  a member of a team, in order to maximize their
  enjoyment of the game.

17
Player Development

• AYSO provides a number of programs that support
  player development including EXTRA and AYSO
  Soccer Camps.

18
Volunteer Philosophies?
AYSOs philosophies apply to volunteers too!
19
About AYSO

• AYSOs governing documents support the vision
  and philosophies and are found in the AYSO
  Reference Book
• National Bylaws
• Organizational structure governance
• Rules and Regulations
• Conduct of AYSO Games
• National Policy Statements
• AYSO Policy
• Standard Regional Guidelines
• Regional Responsibilities

20
About AYSO

• The rules or laws of soccer are governed by
  FIFA
• Federation Internationale de Football
  Association.
• AYSO games are conducted in accordance with the
  current edition of the FIFA Laws of the Game
  with approved AYSO exceptions.

21
Quiz

• Which of the following is NOT one of the core
  AYSO philosophies?
• Balanced Teams
• Open Registration
• Paid Coaching
• Everyone Plays
• Player Development

22
Volunteer Protection

• Congress passed the Volunteer Protection Act in
  1997 to promote volunteerism and grant immunity
  from certain liabilities for volunteers who meet
  its requirements.

23
Volunteer Requirements

• For protection under the Volunteer Protection
  Act and applicable laws, AYSO requires all
  volunteers to
• Sign and submit a Volunteer Application every
  year,
• Be authorized to do their job,
• Act within the scope of their Job Descriptions
  and
• AYSOs policies, procedures and guidelines,
• Complete Safe Haven Training and
• Be properly trained in their jobs.

24
Volunteer Screening

• AYSO, like many youth organizations today, asks
  adult volunteers to submit character references
  and agree to background checks in order to
  protect players, volunteers and Region resources.
  

25
Volunteer Screening

• Youth sports treasurer accused of
  embezzlement Corona man has been charged with
  embezzling 100,000 from a youth sports program
  that receives money from the city.

• Montgomery County police arrested a longtime
  soccer coach on Thursday and charged him with
  inappropriate contact with a juvenile six months
  ago.

• South Dakota (Soccer) A 42 year-old adult
  man strikes the soccer referee, who happened to
  also be the towns mayor, during a match between
  11-year-old girls. The coach was sentenced to one
  year in jail, required to attend anger management
  courses and banned from all youth sports events
  for a year.

26
Volunteer Screening

• The Volunteer Application contains consent
  agreement for background investigations.
• AYSOs National Background Check Policy is used
  to determine whether or not an adult volunteer is
  eligible to hold certain AYSO positions.
• Safe Haven procedures and eAYSO technologies
  protect volunteer personal identification
  information, privacy and confidentiality.
  Details on www.ayso.org

27
Youth Volunteers

• Under the age of 18, must complete a Youth
  Volunteer Application every year.

• Should abide by the same protection guidelines
  when in the company of younger players or VIP
  participants.
• Should be protected by the same protection
  policies as players.

28
Youth Volunteers

• May hold Youth Referee, Youth Team
• Assistant, Youth VIP Buddy or other
• Youth Volunteer positions which are
• supervised by adults.
• May not be a Team Coach, Assistant Coach or
  Regional Board Member and may never be in a
  position of supervising players or managing a
  game from the coachs area.

29
Training and Certification

• Training and Certification is the only way to
  ensure the fulfillment of the AYSO vision and the
  protection of Volunteers and Players.

30
Training and Certification

• Training provides job position and standard
  specific training such as U-6 Coach, Intermediate
  Referee or Registrar training.
• Certification requires competency in the
  assigned position (job training), Child and
  Volunteer Protection (Safe Haven training) and
  AYSO Policies and Guidelines.
• Continuing Education includes training to
  improve skills like Principles of Play, Dispute
  Resolution and Problems Outside the Touchline.

31
Training and Certification

• All Coaches, Referees and Board Members are
  required to be trained and certified.
• Practices and Games are NOT permitted without an
  AYSO trained and certified Team Coach.
• Official games are NOT permitted without an AYSO
  trained and certified Referee for the U-8
  division and above.

32
Training and Certification

• Regions must have the 7 required Board Positions
  and the volunteers serving in these positions,
  must be trained and certified
• Regional Commissioner,
• Coach Administrator,
• Referee Administrator,
• Treasurer,
• Registrar,
• Safety Director and
• Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA).

33
Quiz.

• Which of the following is not a requirement of
  AYSO volunteers?
• Completing and signing a Volunteer Application
  every year.
• Fulfilling a continuing education requirement.
• Consenting to background investigations.
• Completing job training.

34
Child Protection

• The Child Protection Acts (1993,1997) enabled
  screening of volunteers who work with children
  and mandated reporting of suspected child abuse.

35
Child Abuse is Against the Law

• AYSO is a mandated reporter of suspected abuse in
  many states there are legal reporting
  standards.
• In almost all states, legislation asks any adult
  who suspects abuse to file a claim.
• In order to promote a safe haven, AYSO prohibits
  abusive behaviors beyond the legal reporting
  standards.

36
Reporting Abuse

• Reporting is generally required when a child is
• physically injured by other than accidental
  means, subjected to willful cruelty or
  unjustifiable punishment, or sexually abused or
  exploited.
• neglected by a parent or caretaker who fails to
  provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical
  care or supervision.
• Many states have penalties for failing to report.

37
Types of Abuse

• Psychologists, legislators, educators and AYSO
  recognize five types of abuse.
• It is important to understand the types of
  abusive behaviors in order to ensure their
  prevention.
• Child abuse crosses all socioeconomic, ethnic,
  cultural, occupational, religious and age groups.
• Recognize that abuses can occur between players.

38
Emotional Abuse
The most common attacking the emotional well
being and stability of an individual.
39
Emotional Abuse

• Legally required to report suspected abuses
  visibly affecting the emotional stability of the
  child.
• Abusive behaviors not allowed in AYSO include
  making comments about the size, inability or
  appearance of a player in front of others.
  Jokes, even in fun, can be emotionally abusive.
• Social bullying, derogatory comments and racial,
  ethnic or gender slurs must not be tolerated.

40
Physical Abuse
The most obvious harming the physical well being
of an individual.
41
Physical Abuse

• Legally required to report acts resulting in any
  non-accidental physical injury to the child or
  circumstances that create a substantial risk of
  harm.
• Abusive behaviors not allowed in AYSO include
  corporal punishment, punishing players by making
  them run laps or denying water, bullying or
  fighting.
• AYSO has a zero tolerance policy for violence.

42
Neglect
Not always easy to identify harming an
individual by abandoning, ignoring, or rejecting
basic needs.
43
Neglect

• Legally required to report the failure of a
  parent or guardian to provide needed food,
  clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision.
• AYSO does not allow neglectful behavior including
  never playing a below average player more than
  half of every game or consistently excluding a
  player from practice drills.
• Players should not be allowed to exclude a single
  player or a few players from team activities.

44
Sexual Abuse
Frequently hidden harming an individual through
inappropriate sexual contact, lewd behavior, or
exploitation.
45
Sexual Abuse

• Legally required to report any form of sexual
  abuse or exploitation.
• AYSO prohibits making lewd comments, sexual
  harassment or any type of inappropriate physical
  contact.
• Minors must be supervised to prevent
  minor-on-minor abuse. 20 of reported cases
  involve minors.
• Please contact Safe Haven immediately with any
  concern. 1-800-USA-AYSO.

46
Ethical Abuse
The newest identified form of abuse harming an
individual by convincing him/her to commit an act
that is against his/her physical, moral, or
ethical interests.
47
Ethical Abuse

• Abusive behaviors not allowed include asking a
  player to take down an opposing player or
  faking an injury.
• Adults should refrain from asking children to
  keep secrets from parents.

48
Suspecting Abuse

• If abuse is suspected, notify your CVPA and the
  National Safe Haven Office. 1-800-USA-AYSO.
• If the abuse is considered life threatening,
  contact local law enforcement immediately.
• Remember reporting is a means of helping let
  professional agencies investigate. Do not
  confront alleged abuser.
• Youth volunteers should be encouraged to inform
  an adult if told a secret about abuse.

49
Preventing Abuse

• Screening who volunteers in the AYSO program is
  just the first step.
• Training volunteers to recognize abuse and
  abusive behavior is necessary to report and stop
  abuse.
• It would all be meaningless unless we implement
  policies and guidelines to prevent opportunities
  for abuse to occur.
• Experts agree that is also important to foster
  positive self-images, a safe environment and the
  courage in our players to speak up.

50
What if?

• A player confides to a coach that someone is
  abusing him/her.
• A parent is screaming at his/her child on the
  field and strikes the child.
• Players are bullying one of their teammates.
• At the end of practice, players scatter around
  the field while waiting for their parents, some
  out of sight.

51
Protection Guidelines

• Safe Havens Child and Volunteer Protection
  Guidelines are designed to protect children from
  abuse and volunteers from misunderstandings and
  false accusations.

52
Supervision Protocols

• AYSO requires the following Supervision
• One adult for every eight or fewer children.
• At least two adults present at ALL times.
• At least one adult of the same gender as players.
• Adults should never be alone with a child.

53
Supervision Protocols
Team Coaches are responsible for all players
until they are picked up or leave the area as
authorized. Parents must not drop players off
at fields without contact with coaches. No child
shall be left unsupervised after a game or
practice.

• The AYSO Buddy system must have at least 3
  players.

54
Supervision Protocols

• AYSO does not recommend that children walk or
  ride a bicycle home alone. However, when
  allowed, the Coach should secure a release form
  from the parent/guardian to ensure their
  approval.

55
Protection Guidelines

• In order to prevent misunderstandings, physical
  contact with children should be
• In response to the need of the child only
• With the childs permission
• Respectful of any hesitation
• Careful to avoid private parts
• In the open, never in private
• Brief in duration
• Age and developmentally appropriate

56
Protection Guidelines

• Adults should avoid being alone with a child
  including transporting a child in a car.
• When it is necessary to speak privately with a
  child, select a spot out of earshot but within
  sight of others.
• Set boundaries.
• Maintain adult privacy.
• Respect the privacy of children.
• Hug from the side.
• No sexual jokes, comments.
• No corporal punishment.

57
Protection Guidelines

• Social Media Electronic Communications
• Volunteers should maintain transparency and not
  engage in private electronic messages or
  conversations with minors.
• Messages should be conveyed through parents or in
  the case of older players, copied to parents.
  This includes emails, text messages, instant
  messaging and postings on social networking
  sites.
• Protect the identity and privacy of children at
  all times. Do not post names of players with
  pictures or rosters on public pages.

58
Protection Guidelines

• It is illegal for minors to possess, control or
  use alcohol, tobacco products or
  prescription-only drugs without authority and may
  subject them to prosecution.
• Any adult who knowingly provides such substances
  to a minor is subject to criminal prosecution.
• The Volunteer Protection Act does not protect
  adults who violate alcohol, tobacco and drug laws.

59
Quiz.

• Which of the following is not true?
• AYSO is a mandated reporter of abuse in most
  states.
• Adults should set and maintain appropriate
  boundaries with children.
• AYSO recommends that adults friend minors on
  Facebook.
• Social bullying is an example of abusive behavior
  not tolerated in AYSO.

60
Play it Safe

• It is the responsibility of all participants to
  work together to minimize the risk of injuries
  and to create a safe environment.

61
Emergency Medical Conditions

• The primary role of all volunteers is one of
  injury prevention and first aid, not diagnosis or
  treatment of injuries.
• It is important for everyone to recognize the
  symptoms of potentially serious medical
  emergencies and to know when to summon emergency
  medical professionals.

62
Emergency Medical Conditions

• The following are a some of the most critical
  emergency medical conditions
• Bleeding
• Difficulty Breathing
• Choking
• Loss of Consciousness
• Heat-Related Illness
• Hypothermia
• Concussions
• Consult First Aid training for specific
  instructions.

63
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Bleeding
• Cant be stopped call for medical assistance
  asap.
• Apply pressure directly to bandage over the wound
  with gloved hand. If bandages becomes soaked,
  continue to add clean bandages on top.
• For extremities, apply pressure to brachial
  artery inside upper arm between armpit and elbow
  or to femoral artery located on crease between
  leg and torso.
• Cover victim to prevent shock.

64
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Bleeding
• Any player or official who is bleeding must leave
  the field immediately and may not return until
  the bleeding is stopped, the wound is cleaned and
  covered.
• If there is blood on the uniform or clothing, the
  individual may not return until that portion of
  uniform is replaced or the blood is neutralized
  with an antiseptic solution.

65
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Bleeding
• Clean up a blood spill with absorbent paper
  towels and flood spot with a solution of ¼ cup
  bleach to a gallon of water.
• Dispose of any blood stained materials in a
  biohazard container or tightly sealed plastic
  bags, using gloves and disinfecting solutions.
• See appropriate local authority for disposal of
  biohazards.

66
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Difficulty Breathing
• If due to an allergic reaction, call 911
  immediately.
• Try to calm individual, help to position of
  comfort.
• If a person is down from an injury to chest or
  airway, do not move unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not place a pillow under head if lying down.
• If necessary, begin rescue breathing (CPR).

67
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Loss of Consciousness or fainting
• For fainting, help person to lying down position.
  Summon medical help if they do not regain
  consciousness within a minute.
• If unconscious due to head, neck or spine injury,
  do not move.
• Check airway, breathing, circulation. Start CPR
  if necessary.
• Stay calm and wait for emergency help to arrive.

68
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Heat-Related Illness
• There are 3 main types of HRI heat cramps, heat
  exhaustion and heatstroke.
• When the body cannot cool itself, the body
  temperature can rise rapidly risking damage to
  the brain and other vital organs.
• Anyone can experience HRI and untreated, HRI can
  cause death.

69
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Heat Cramps
• Several factors can make someone susceptible to
  HRI in hot weather previous HRI, high humidity,
  sunburn, dehydration, poor circulation, illness,
  drugs and medications.
• Heat cramps are muscle pain or spasms in the
  abdomen, arms or legs after strenuous activity.
• Sweating depletes the body of salt and moisture.
  Low salt levels in muscles can cause the cramps.

70
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Heat Exhaustion
• Symptoms may include headache, feeling faint or
  dizzy, nausea, fatigue, heat cramps. Individual
  feels cool, clammy and damp to touch.
• Move to cool area and shield from sun or heat. If
  alert, give small sips of cool liquids.
• Loosen restrictive clothing, apply cool cloth to
  skin or spray with cool water/mist. Immerse in
  cool/ice water or apply ice to neck, armpit
  groin areas.

71
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Heat Stroke
• Individual feels hot and dry to touch, may no
  longer perspire.
• If body temperature rises above102 degrees,
  fainting, confusion or seizures can occur.
• Summon professional medical help immediately and
  follow procedures to cool the person rapidly.
• A medical clearance should be required before
  returning to any type of exercise after HRI.

72
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Hypothermia
• Does not require sub-zero temperatures.
• Can occur with high winds, rain, snowfall or
  under-dressing for weather.
• Early signs include shivering, bluish tinge to
  lips.
• Advanced symptoms include uncontrollable
  shivering, weakness, loss of coordination, slowed
  breathing or heart rate, and pale, blue, cold
  skin.

73
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Hypothermia
• Call 911 for advanced symptoms.
• Prevent further heat loss seek shelter from wind
  and cold.
• Gently change wet clothing and provide warmth
  with blankets, cover head.
• Do not rub extremities. Apply warmth to core
  body.

74
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Concussions
• Concussions are serious brain injuries that can
  cause death.
• Coaches and parents should watch for two things
  among athletes
• A forceful blow to the head or body that results
  in rapid movement of the head
• Any change in the athletes behavior, thinking or
  physical functioning.

75
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Concussions
• Every parent and player should review the
  Information Sheet.
• Every Coach should have the Action Plan.
• Every Coach, Referee, Board Member should take
  the online concussion awareness training at
  http//www.aysotraining.org

76
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Concussions
• Signs
• Forgets sports plays
• Unsure of game, score, etc.
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness
• Shows behavior or personality changes
• Cant recall events

• Symptoms
• Headache or pressure
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, or groggy
• Concentration/memory problems
• Confusion, doesnt feel right

77
Emergency Medical Conditions

• Concussions
• Any player observed to have a sign or symptom of
  a concussion by the coach, referee or parent,
  must be removed from participation for at least
  the remainder of the day.
• Inform parents of events, symptoms and encourage
  seeking professional medical care and a medical
  clearance before returning to play.

78
Emergency Medical Conditions

• All players must have a signed Participation
  Release Form after any illness or injury
  requiring medical treatment and a Medical Release
  (when required by state law for concussions) in
  order to return to play.

79
First Aid Kits

• A basic first-aid kit should be available to each
  team during all practices and games and should
  include
• Adhesive bandage strips (10 each)
• Adhesive bandage (3 large and 3 medium)
• Antiseptic wipes (5 each)
• Cotton balls or 2X2 gauze (10 each)
• Elastic wrap (2 each)
• First-aid cream
• Non-latex gloves (2 pair)
• Mouth rescue breather (1 each)
• Ice (lots of it) / Ice pack

80
Emergency Authorizations

• Coaches must have hand-signed Player Registration
  Forms and any other required emergency
  authorization form on hand at all practices and
  games.
• Youth Volunteers must carry a signed copy of
  their Youth Volunteer Application and any
  additional required emergency authorization form
  with them while conducting their AYSO volunteer
  duties.

81
Quiz.

• A player suspected of having a concussion
• Must be removed from play and evaluated for
  symptoms.
• Should not be allowed to return to play if any
  symptom(s) are present.
• Should be encouraged to seek professional medical
  care and medical release before returning to
  play.
• All of the above.

82
Environmental Hazards

• AYSO officials have the responsibility to be
  aware of environmental conditions that may pose
  hazards to its participants. These conditions
  include
• Local public announcements and recommendations
  for these conditions should take precedence over
  published general safety guidelines.
• Cancel activities if necessary for safety.

Hot Days Cold Days Lightning
Tornados Wildfires Hurricanes

83
Environmental Hazards

• Hot Weather
• Temperatures/humidity rising above normal
  increases risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion or
  heat stroke.
• Allow more frequent water breaks and
  substitutions Notify players/volunteers 24 hours
  in advance about the importance of hydration.
• Remind participants of the importance of
  sunscreen and consider adding shade via tents.
• Whenever possible, schedule games outside the
  hottest part of the day. Allow for at least two
  hours between games and only two games per day
  for players.

84
Environmental Hazards

• Wildfires
• Follow recommendations of local officials
  regarding safety and proximity to fire.
• Monitor air quality restrictions.
• Ash and particles in the air can cause
  significant health and respiratory problems.

85
Environmental Hazards

• Cold Weather
• Cold temperatures increase risk of hypothermia,
  frostbite, and injury from numbness.
• Freezing rain, hail, snow, sleet or heavy rain
  can also cause field conditions to deteriorate
  rapidly, increasing risk of injury.
• Players should be permitted to wear appropriate
  and safe clothing (extra garments under the
  jersey/shorts, knit hats and gloves, etc.).
• Cancel games if the weather is cold enough to
  adversely affect participants.

86
Environmental Hazards

• Tornados/Hurricanes
• Upon notification of a tornado/hurricane/tsunami
  warning, all activities should be cancelled until
  weather and field conditions are safe.
• Look out for dark, often greenish
  skies(tornados), and a wall cloud, large hail and
  loud roar similar to a freight train.
• Seek shelter immediately.
• Hurricanes are usually tracked days in advance.
  Cancel activities when hurricanes are imminent.

87
Environmental Hazards

• Lightning
• Every AYSO event should have a lightning safety
  plan.
• Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from
  where it is raining.
• When thunder is heard it is within striking
  distance seek shelter immediately.
• Restart games after no thunder has been heard
  for 30 minutes or the ALL CLEAR SIREN has been
  sounded.

88
Environmental Hazards

• Lightning Seeking Shelter
• Safer Areas
• Inside a substantial building (roof and four
  walls)
• Inside a fully enclosed metal vehicle with
  windows up
• Unsafe Areas
• Open areas like playing fields or parking lots.
• Picnic shelters, near concession stands, under
  trees.
• Near flagpoles, goals, metal bleachers, electric
  equipment.
• Open Area without shelter
• Avoid standing in groups spread out to reduce
  risk.
• Avoid being the tallest object Avoid lying on
  the ground.
• Crouch on feet, keep head low.

89
Environmental Hazards

• Take a moment at the beginning of activities to
  assess potential physical hazards which may
  include

Goalposts, Crossbars, nets.
Foreign Objects Broken glass, rocks, trash.
Walls, fences, buildings near practice/game
fields
Sprinklers, Drainage grates.
Gopher holes, divots and bumps.
Seating Areas.
90
Goalpost Safety

• Goalpost accidents kill at least one child and
  injure hundreds annually.
• Goals must be anchored and staked when in use.

• Without counter-weights, the sturdiest of
  goalposts can be blown over by a gust of wind.
• Children should never be allowed to climb or play
  on goalposts.
• When not in use, goalpost should be dismantled
  and/or stored securely.

91
Quiz

• When seeking shelter from lightning which
  statement is not true
• It is safest inside a building with a roof and
  four walls.
• It is safer inside a metal vehicle with windows
  up.
• Avoid being the tallest object and seek shelter
  under the tree.
• When thunder is heard, lightning may strike.

92
AYSO Volunteers

• What does it mean to be an AYSO Volunteer?
• You are entrusted with the AYSO Vision

93
AYSO Role Models

• The messages we send by our behavior to
  impressionable young players are so important.
• Players emulate the behavior of
  adults at sporting events and
• develop long lasting attitudes and
• values based on what they see.
• Willing or not, we are role models
  and we must do our best to set
  proper examples.

2010
BASIC
93
94
Help make every game a kids zone!

• Kids Zone guidelines encourage appropriate
  sideline behavior key to promoting a fun, safe,
  family-friendly environment.
• Parents and Spectators pledge to respect the
  tenets of Kids Zone.
• Coaches, Referees, Parents and Players abide by
  a Code of Conduct.

95
Kids Zone Sidelines

• Spectators agree to respect the following rules
• Kids are 1
• Fun, not winning is everything
• Fans only cheer, only coaches coach
• No yelling in anger
• Respect the volunteer referees
• No swearing
• No alcohol, tobacco products or other controlled
  substances
• No weapons
• Leave no trash behind
• Set a proper example of Good Sportsmanship

96
AYSO Role Models

• AYSO asks Volunteers to support the following
• principles designed to provide children with the
  maximum benefit from participating in youth
  sports.

2010
BASIC
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97
AYSO Principles of Sport

• Create an environment that enriches childrens
  lives
• Athletics should develop the whole child.
• Treat children as individuals and in an
• age-appropriate manner.
• Help develop positive feelings of self-worth.
• Provide honest, positive encouragement.
• Support the AYSO Team of officials, coaches,
• referees, and spectators.
• Remember enjoyment is critical to learning and
  while the objective of the game is to win, the
  goal is ENJOYMENT!

2010
BAS
97
98
AYSO Principles of Sport

• Promote the benefits of soccer and sport because
  soccer
• Contributes to physical well-being and
• physical fitness.
• Builds confidence and self-esteem.
• Promotes teamwork and cooperation.
• Encourages friendships.

2010
BASIC
98
99
AYSO Principles of Sport

• While performing volunteer duties, remember the
  reasons kids play sports
• To have fun!
• To improve skills and to learn new skills.
• To be with friends and make new friends.
• For the excitement of competition.
• To enjoy the success and recognition
• associated with sport.

2010
BASIC
99
100
AYSO Principles of Sport

• Model and promote good sportsmanship
• Demonstrate that winning is not the most
  important thing in sport. Character is just as
  important.
• Model how to win and lose graciously.
• Stress playing hard to win - rather
• than winning itself.
• Instill respect for teammates, opposing teams,
• coaches and referees.
• Encourage good behavior on and off the field.
• Stress that foul or abusive language will not be
  tolerated.

2010
BASIC
100
101
AYSO Principles of Sport

• Model ethical conduct
• Maintain self-control, self-discipline at all
  times.
• Demonstrate respect for athletes, officials,
• coaches and others.
• Recognize the effect your behavior has on
• others and be positive, courteous and
  considerate.

• Understand the Laws of the Game to minimize
  conflicts and maximize enjoyment.
• Recognize that mutual respect for others is
  essential for a quality sports experience.

2010
BASIC
101
102
AYSO Principles of Sport

• Foster a safe learning environment
• Show acceptance, react positively to mistakes
• and give encouragement.
• Encourage self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Model appropriate interactions with others.
• Use positive instructional methods including
• specific feedback, encouragement and
  constructive criticism.
• Emphasize the importance of enjoying practice and
  games.
• Coaches should set achievable player and team
  goals at practices and games.

2010
102
103
AYSO Principles of Sport

• Participate in continuing education
• Stay updated on the following
• Rule changes AYSO, Laws in FIFA.
• Equipment improvements.
• Philosophical changes.
• Improved techniques to enhance health,
• safety and success of players and
  participants.
• Attend Regional meetings and training courses.
• Maintain records of completed training.

2010
103
104
AYSO Role Models

• Do not tolerate abusive behavior.
• Document and report any misconduct.
• Regional Boards should address any abuses,
  provide training and awareness, and if necessary
  take additional actions under the guidelines of
  Dispute Resolution and Due Process. Consult Area
  and Section for additional support.
• If bad conduct becomes threatening or violent,
  contact the AYSO National Office immediately.

2010
BASIC
104
105
AYSO Incident Report

• An Incident Report is required whenever there is
  a serious incident involving AYSO participants,
  activities, facilities, or property including

• Injuries
• Threats of bodily harm
• Fighting
• Property damage
• Hospitalizations
• Law Enforcement
• Lawsuits

106
Remember, its for the Kids
and Great Soccer Starts Here!
107

• Thank you for volunteering to bring a quality
  youth soccer program to your community and for
  supporting the AYSO philosophies.
• Everyone Plays Balanced Teams Open
  Registration
• Positive Coaching Good Sportsmanship
• Player Development