Volunteer Coach Expectations

We take seriously that coaches are the face of our region and our players are directly affected by the role of the coach on and off the field.  Coaches are required to support and practice the “Everyone Plays,” “Good Sportsmanship,” “Positive Coaching,” and “Player Development, philosophies of AYSO.

AYSO has a well-deserved reputation for quality youth soccer which is played in a SAFE, FAIR, FUN, POSITIVE family environment.  Our Vision, Mission and philosophies, by providing guidelines for our Region, entitles us to report, track and respond to inappropriate behavior for any incident that detracts from AYSO’s stated beliefs, policies, Laws of the Game and reputation. 

• Follow all rules, regulations and policies established by the region, area, section or National.
  
• Coach must never use foul or disrespectful language and only use positive language at all AYSO events with players, parents and opponents.
  
• Coach agrees to complete and keep current all required training as set forth by the region, area, section and national.
  
• Coach will attend all required meetings before, during and after the season.
  
• Coach will give true and honest evaluations/ratings of each player at the end of each season.
  
• Coach will keep child safety in mind at all AYSO games, practices and activities.  Coach must put the best interest of each child above all.
  
• Never place any one individual needs above the team.
  
• Never show favoritism, partiality or nepotism.  Decisions will be based solely on players’ abilities, participation and willingness to improve.
  
• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents and for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches.  Ensure that your players’ and opponents soccer experience is one of fun and enjoyment (winning is only a part of it).  Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.
  
• Having respect for our opponents is imperative.  No matter what level of play, keeping in mind that our opponents are friends and families within our own community, running up the score is a serious violation of the philosophies of AYSO and Ladera Ranch.  Coaches must maintain the highest level of respect in keeping the score reasonable, as to not disrespect others in our community.  Our region’s current score differential is set to 6 for all levels of play.  If you find your team getting close to this goal differential, you are required to change your game plan and be respectful of your opponent.  There are many ways to successfully manage this situation during a game.  Please review the suggestions on our website and feel free to contact the RCA or any board member for ways to manage your game plan in this situation.
  
• Set a good example and be generous with your praise to your players and opposing players when it is deserved.
  
• Be reasonable in your demands on a young player’s time, energy, enthusiasm and performance on the soccer field.
  
• Keep informed of sound principles of coaching, growth and child development.
  
• Check equipment and playing facilities.  They should meet safety standards and be appropriate for the age and ability of your players.
  
• Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.  If the player has been seen by a doctor, a doctor’s note of release to participate, must be given to you.
  
• As a coach, you are ultimately responsible for your Players and your spectator sideline.  You must firmly demand from the players, parents and spectators that they simply cheer for all the players on the field.  Coaches and Spectators may not display or verbalize negative behavior at any AYSO venue.  Any coach, player or spectator issue that arises during a practice or a game, will be subject to a misconduct meeting.  In most all cases, the coach is required to attend any meetings, but at a bare minimum, the coach is required to respond to the misconduct coordinator inquiries within 24 hours.  Inquiries are not made on an assumption of guilt, but rather to get all sides of the story from the people that may have been involved or be a witness situation.
  
• Honor and respect the Region 1455 Coaches Pledge:  (Team Management, Sideline Behavior, Referee Respect and game Conduct)