Thank you for volunteering your time and efforts in support of the kids and our AYSO Program. Your role as team parent is crucial to the smooth operation of our AYSO teams!

The following is key information Team Parents may need throughout the season:

COMMUNICATION

Generally, all team parent communication throughout the season is done via e-mail. If you do not use e-mail, please let us know so we can make other arrangements to disseminate relevant information.

You will receive a Board Roster in the Team Parent package. If you have questions regarding a specific area, for example photos, you may contact the Photo Coordinator directly, etc. The chain of command regarding “team administration” questions would be first: your Coach, then the Division Commissioner, the Program Commissioner and finally the Regional Commissioner. Specific coaching or refereeing questions should be directed to the Coach or Referee Administrator.

VOLUNTEER FORM AND SAFE HAVEN

Every AYSO volunteer must submit an electronically signed volunteer application every year.Team Parents must also complete the Safe Haven Certification. The volunteer application must be done online in Blue Sombrero and the Safe Haven training must be done through AYSOU. Safe Haven is required to be done only one time not every year.

KIDS ZONE & PLEDGES

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. The Kids Zone Pledge brings the positive behavior standards to the spectator/parent’s attention. The Kids Zone Pledge is also an important regional tool when a spectator claims they were not aware of these standards. You will be provided with a copy of the pledge form. Please make copies and have each player’s parent/guardian sign and initial the form. Please keep the pledges on hand should we need to access these during the season.

UNIFORMS

Uniforms will be distributed directly after the Team Parent Meeting. Uniforms no longer need to be returned and are for the players to keep.

TEAM & INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS

The Region’s photo day is typically the second Saturday of the Fall season. The schedule times for each team will be sent out shortly. Please have parents complete their order form BEFORE arriving at the photo site. The region provides each child with one “Memory Mate,” which includes a team photo and individual photo on one sheet. Additional photo packages will be available for purchase. Every effort is taken to schedule a team’s photo before their game on that day in the hope of photographing players in clean uniforms. Please ask your team to arrive earlier than their assigned time, as each team will begin on time regardless of “missing” players or coaches. If a player cannot attend the photo session they will still receive a copy of the team photo taken on photo day. They will also have an opportunity to attend a make-up session for their individual photo. Even if not placing additional orders, each player must bring a completed envelope in order to be included and receive their “Memory Mate”.

COACHES PLAQUE

The Region provides one “Thank You” plaque for each team’s head coach. This will be included when you pick up your team photos from the Photo Coordinator. You may give this to your coach at your team party at the end of the season.

TEAM REFEREE PROGRAM

Team eligibility to participate in post season play for 10U, U12, & 14U is determined by participation in the Team Referee Program. While the coach will explain this program with the team and parents, the Team Parent should be familiar with the program. Information about the Team Referee Program is posted on the Volunteer Referee Page. Training classes for new referees are offered through mid-October at various locations in the South Bay. Refer to signup instructions in AYSOU.

PETS ON THE FIELD

AYSO policy is to not allow pets on the field. Many have allergies or are scared of animals. For that reason, on Game day, please tell your parents to leave their pets at home.

TROPHIES

The Trophy Coordinator will contact you when trophies are available for pick-up at the end of the season.

All players in the 6U, 7U and 8U divisions will receive participation awards. In the 10U-12U-14U divisions, the first place winners in the league play will receive trophies and first and second place teams in playoffs will receive medals. Please note that trophies will not be released without receipt of the team’s ratings. Please help to urge your coach to get your team’s ratings turned in quickly.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PARTY

Each year the Region hosts a Volunteer Appreciation Party to thank its volunteers. Stay tuned for the date and further details.

TEAM NAME

Picking out a team name is fun for the kids.  Selection takes place after the team has their uniform color.  Adult involvement should focus on making sure the team name is appropriate (without innuendo, obscenity, ethnicity, etc.).

TEAM BANNERS

Team banners are optional and at the team’s expense.  We typically see team banners at the younger levels, becoming less popular as the kids get older.  As with the team name, the team banner should be appropriate in verbiage and any illustrations.  Banners may be hand-made or purchased through a banner or sign company.  You are free to display your team banner in your team photo if so desired.

SWEATSHIRTS & JACKETS

A team may opt to purchase sweatshirts or jackets at their own expense and follow the same guidelines as choosing a name or banner.  AYSO strongly recommends not placing a child’s name on the outside of a child’s clothing.  Placing a child’s name on a sweatshirt or jacket provides an easy introduction to strangers, thus putting the child at risk.

TEAM SNACK

The team snack is a popular event with the younger divisions, but seems to taper off as the kids get older.  If your team decides to share in a team snack, the easiest solution is to make a list of your game dates and assign a date to each family.  It is highly recommended that the snack be healthy.  Teams may also opt to provide sliced oranges, or other fruit, during half time.

GIFTS & TEAM PARTIES

Gifts and team parties are optional and at the team’s expense.  Financial situations vary from family to family.  Participation is voluntary and expenses should be kept at a minimal level.

Again, THANK YOU for volunteering your time and efforts as a Team Parent.  Your role will help make the entire season more fun and memorable for all of the AYSO kids and coaches.