Balancing the teams through player ratings

Although not a perfect science, it's all we have to balance teams the next season. As you know, “Balanced Teams” is one of AYSO’s core philosophies. We rely on you to provide ACCURATE PLAYER RATINGS using OUR RATING SYSTEM, as outlined below, at the end of each season. These ratings will help guide us as teams are formed for the following season. When we all do our part, we help ensure a positive playing experience for our young players!

Important Notes:

1.       The Ratings Must Be Accurate and use our Rating System;

2.       Ratings forms for 6U & 8U will be emailed to coaches. Printed copies will be available in your Coaches box as well. 10U & 14U will need to attend ratings night.

3.       The Ratings Must Be Turned in at the Coaches box on the field or Emailed to ([email protected])

Our Rating System:

To keep it simple, we just need a rating of 1 through 5 (for 6U & 8U) and 1-10 for (10U-18U) for each player, no half numbers.  

Please consider the following:

·         Player’s skill level in relation to other teams you have faced – not just in relation to your own team. Concretely, a player who may be a 5 on my team may only be a 3 when compared to other teams we have faced.

·         Age level appropriate skills: e.g. the 6U player is not expected to know how to push pass perfectly, but a U12 player who can pass the ball or move into space may merit a higher rating than one who cannot.

·         Don’t stack-rank your team, but don’t give them all the same rating, either. As a coach, it is your responsibility to differentiate your player talent.

See Guidelines Below:

AYSO-Region83

1. What is AYSO? “American Youth Soccer Organization” a group of VOLUNTEERS who join together for the enjoyment, well being and growth of children through sporting events.

 2. VOLUNTEERS: Everyone from the coaches, referees, board members, team parents, assistant and region commissioner freely give of their time – please support these people in addition to the support you provide your child(ren).

 3. TEAM PRACTICES :A-Please bring your child to practices on time and let the coach know if your child is not going to attend. B-Arrange to have your child(ren) picked up immediately after each practice or game. COACHES ARE NOT BABYSITTERS!!!  Their time is valuable!! C-Proper clothing-please note: SHIN GUARDS ARE MANDATORY any time your child participates in soccer. D-Bring a full water bottle to each practice  E-Bring a soccer ball-one will be given to your child by AYSO

 4. DURING GAME TIME Lead by example.  Control your emotions. Show respect toward the coaches and referees, even if you disagree with their decisions (If you have a problem with a referee’s call, discuss it with your team coach or fill out a “I have a problem report” form).  No one is perfect.  Don’t forget that everyone is trying to create an enjoyable environment for the children.  Yelling and screaming at the referees will only get everyone upset, including the children and could also lead to you or your team being removed from the game from your actions.

 5. FIELD SET-UP AND TAKE DOWN Every team gets at least one opportunity to set-up the field for the first game of the day or take down a field after the last game of the day.  Your coach will let you know when help is needed so please arrive early - your coach should be busy getting the players ready for the game.

 6. SPORTSMANSHIP • Teach and require that your child play fairly, and by the rules. • Do not make negative comments to any child, mistakes happen • Praise the efforts of all players.  Cheer on the whole team not just certain players, it does take the entire team to play the game.

 7. EVERYONE PLAYS All children in Region 83 have the right to play ¾ of every game, if this is not happening please contact one of the following: Division Coordinator, Coach Administrator or Regional Commissioner. 

 8. WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF AYSO? Everyone has a good time!!!  Everyone can have a “Winning Season” regardless of the score by relaxing and enjoying the game……Let the children play to have fun, not just to win. 

PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT

As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters. 

Through your encouragement and good example, you can help all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In AYSO, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat - all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.

Support Your Child  Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important. 

Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!

Always Be Positive Parents serve as role models for their children. Be aware of this fact and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team. 

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports. 

Remember: Your Child Wants To Have Fun  Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them. 

Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team. 

Children play for the fun of playing. 

Reinforce Positive Behavior Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and overcome their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember its all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished. 

Don't Be a Sideline Coach or Referee AYSO coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's soccer experience a positive one. They need your support, too. 

That means refrain from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. In a volunteer organization like AYSO there's always an opportunity to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself!