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Everyone Plays |
| Every registered player will play at least three of the four quarters of each regular league season game in which they play. (Players arriving late to a game may not play three quarters.) Players playing goal keeper will play at least one quarter out on the field.AYSO National Rules and regulations specify each child is guaranteed to play one half of each game. In Region 83, we feel it is important to stress the value of participation regardless of ability thus our local program guarantees each child playing three quarters (3/4) of each game during the regular league season (to the extent mathematically possible). In addition, coaches are required to play a child on the field at least one quarter in each game – no child will play in the goal the whole time they are in the game.Players arriving late to games play 1/2 if they arrive in the first half of the game. Players arriving in the third quarter will be played in the fourth quarter.
Coaches have many challenges, including players who irregularly attend practices or are disruptive. The players still have the 3/4 guarantee. It is our philosophy that the child will not be punished for parents who do not or cannot have the child at each practice. However, after provisions may be made if the child is disruptive and disrespectful. The coach will work with the parents, the division coordinator to solve any issues. |
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Open Registration |
| Any player meeting the age requirements for AYSO soccer, and timely paying a registration fee and completing registration paperwork is given the same opportunity to be placed on a team. The number of players and teams we are able to field is dependent on the number of volunteers we have to coach and referee.Here in the 5 Cities program we have early registration in April and May. This enables us to plan the season. Uniforms, fields, budget, coaches, instructional clinics, etc. We however keep the process as open as possible, meaning we accept players until we have no more coaches to coach teams, no more referees to referee games, and no more space to play on. Normally the waiting list is emptied before the third week of play.Open registration also means that all kids no matter size, color, sex, economics, skill, etc., are accepted into our program. We take them all. We are an inclusive organization focused on Fun, Fair, Safe and Positive soccer, not WIN, WIN, WIN. |
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Positive Coaching |
| We teach our coaches to keep it positive. Player have more fun when they aren’t being over-coached, and are being encouraged. Soccer is a player’s game, and players need to develop the ability to think and act on their own on the field. An important philosophy, little understood, difficult to do, yet makes the biggest impact on our children. Below are some examples of statements by players, coaches and parents.
Positive Coaching Positive coaching is focusing on what players do right and encouraging them to it again, encouraging them with positives to be better. Instruction to help them make better decisions on their own. Great job! Directive Coaching Directives are okay occasionally. Yet they can interfere with a child recognizing what is right and wrong on their own. Please, they are not remote controlled cars, put that joystick away! Kick the Ball! Negative Coaching Negative coaching is not tolerated, and should not be allowed by coaches, parents, referees, players. Expectations are always hard to meet, especially when perfection is one of them. Just let the kids play. They need to make mistakes to learn. They need to know what is right. They pretty much know when they have done wrong. Fear of wrong, fear of negative comments, especially loud, public comments yelled across the field or in front of their friends suppresses trying. It suppresses excellence in action and attitude. Be a good positive role model! You can do it, you’ll bring joy and excellence to their play! Why did you do that!!! |
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Good Sportsmanship |
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| We teach our players good sportsmanship. Winning teams are not winning teams without an opponent. And, when the score is not in your favor, winners behave with grace. Our five goal rule (which applies to all divisions) helps to teach players respect for their opponents, and that being a winner means not running up the score.
Teams (including coaches) shaking hands after a game Bad sporting behavior
Parents, coaches, players, refusing to shake hands
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Everyone Plays Balanced Teams Open Registration Positive Coaching Good Sportsmanship