AYSO Region 83 - Team Parent Information
Having a team parent allows coaches to focus on coaching. They are the coach's assistant, cheerleader and traffic director all in one. The Team Parent provides players and other parents with the information they need throughout the soccer season. The different jobs don’t have to be done by you alone; ask other players’ parents to help you.
Requirements
Each Team Parent must complete the following:
Volunteer Form: This is completed online at www.5citiesayso.com. Login with the user name and password that you used to register your child.
Concussion Training: This must be completed annually by all volunteers. This is completed online at AYSOU - accessible on 5 Cities AYSO website Home page (click on AYSOU tab) Login is the same user name and password that you used register as a volunteer. The course can be found under the “Online Courses” tab, Safe Haven Courses folder. You can check the status of your trainings under the “Certifications” tab.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: This must be completed by all volunteers annually. Follow steps above
Safe Haven Training: This must be completed every 2 years by all volunteers and is also completed online at AYSOU. Follow same instructions as for Concussion Training above.
General Responsibilities and Duties of the Team Parent
Your duties will vary from team to team and each coach will be different but in general the team parent takes care of the following tasks:
Organize a Contact Information Sheet and Game/Snack Schedule: Gather all the team information in one easy to view location and create a game schedule with snack assignments.
Some snack tips:
- Rotate snack assignment through the team players, except the coach’s and assistant’s coach’s child.
- Ask other parents about any food limitations (like allergies) and any games they will miss to help avoid snack assignment changes.
- Easy halftime snacks are great (like grapes, oranges or other easy to eat fruit).
- End-of-game snacks usually include a drink and 1-2 small things to eat (like granola bars, jerky, etc.).
Weekly Updates: Send out weekly email/text updates with game time and field, assigned snack duty, and any other relevant information (like change in practice).
End of Season Party: Organize the end of season team party and coordinate a "Thank You" gift for the coaches. The cost of a gift for the coaches should be shared among all the team members.
Another important role a Team Parent can play is the unofficial Kids Zone representative at every game. Kids Zone is one of the ways AYSO makes sure all of its players and volunteers are having fun. The program encourages spectators to use good language, show good sportsmanship in attitude and behavior, and create an enjoyable day for every player.
Important Information
It is important for the Team Parent to be familiar with the following rules:
Everyone Plays: One of the 6 philosophies of AYSO is Everyone Plays. Our Region requires that each player be on the field for 3/4 of the game. Coaches will design their SCHEDULE to fulfill this philosophy.
5-Goal Rule: One of the 6 philosophies of AYSO is Good Sportsmanship. Our Region mandates that no team should be up by more than 5 goals at any point during the game. Coaches will make strategic adjustments to fulfill this philosophy. For example, a coach may switch player positions, require that each player touch the ball before a shot on goal, or require that players can only shoot with their opposite foot.
Registered Volunteers: All registered volunteers must complete the same requirements as listed above for the Team Parent.
Bathroom Breaks: For the safety of players and volunteers, an adult may not be alone with a child at any time. If a child needs to use the bathroom (and their own parent is not available), a registered volunteer PLUS 2 other children must accompany the child to the bathroom (register volunteer plus 3 children). When 1 child is in the bathroom, 2 other children will be waiting with the registered volunteer.
Coach of Opposite Gender: If the coach is the opposite gender of the team, a registered volunteer of the team’s gender must be at all team events, including practices, games and meetings. For example, if a woman is coaching a boys’ team, a male registered volunteer must attend all team events.