Welcome Coaches to the AYSO team!!!  Coaches are one of the most important cornerstones of our foundation and we could not do it without YOU.  This letter will provide you some basic questions and answers to assist you for the upcoming 2005-2006 soccer season.  Remember that we are here to make your coaching experience a fun and positive one.  So be sure to let us know what we can do to help.

When do I get started?

Your Division Coordinator will contact you sometime in July to confirm that you will be coaching for the Fall season.  At that time, they will remind you to attend our mandatory Safehaven and Coaches meetings that will be given in August.  Save time and complete your Safehaven certification online at http://www.aysotraining.org.  Remember that all AYSO coaches MUST be Safehaven certified prior to the start of the season.  Your Safehaven certification is good throughout your AYSO career.  You will be able to pick up your Coaches packet with all schedules and information, plus your team uniforms at your individual coaches meetings.  The Fall season begins Aug 27th , so you will want to be sure to start calling the parents of your kids as soon as possible to introduce yourself and let them know when your practices and games will start.  Be sure to speak with a parent and not the child because important information might not get to the parents.  Many coaches hold a pre-season team meeting with their kids and parents prior to the first practice to go over this information.

Why should I attend a Coaches clinic?

You will learn fun techniques to teach the kids during your practices.  It will increase your knowledge and appreciation of the game.  It allows the coaches an opportunity to share their experiences with everyone.  You will also be able to meet and talk with the coaches you will be playing against during the upcoming season.

Why should I have a pre-season team meeting?

Most importantly it is a good time for you to get to know the parents and your kids on your team.  You will want to emphasis your expectations of the parents as noted in the parent player handbook handed out at registration.  You will also be able to discuss the upcoming season (i.e. practices, games, weather concerns, etc).  Remember that it is up to the coaches to decide if a game should be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather.  Another important part of the team meeting is to get both the kids and parents excited and involved.  Most coaches make a weekly treat list to hand out to the parents.  Another thing you will want to consider is the lack of referee’s we have each year.  Persuade your parents to help be a sideline assistant during your games.  No formal training is required and they will be able to experience how much fun it can be.

Why do we have practices?

Practices give the kids the opportunity to develop lasting friendships and have fun.  They can learn about good sportsmanship and the fundamentals of the game.  Kids really enjoy the practices because it gives them time to build their individual and team skills.

When should we hold practices?

You are normally allowed to start your practices two weeks prior to the first game.  Your Division Coordinator will give you the specific dates when they call you.  Below is a suggested guideline for you to use in determining your practice schedule:

U6 – ½ hour prior to their game on Saturdays

U8 – once a week (45 – 60 minutes)

U10 & U12 – once or twice a week (1 hour)

U14 and up – two or three times a week (1hour)

Remember it is really up to you and your parents to set the practice schedule. 

What is the most important thing I need to know as a coach?

Remember that we are all here for one reason, our children.  We want it to be a fun learning experience for all.  For most U6 kids this is their first time in any organized sport and the first role model they will have is YOU!!  Set the example for all to follow.  Your positive coaching will go a long ways in developing your kid’s enjoyment in athletics.  Don’t be intimidated because you don’t know all the rules of the game.  Most of us all started exactly as you, which is with little or no knowledge of the game.  That is why your region spends the time and effort in setting up these coaches clinics.

Who do I contact if I have issues or questions?

Your initial point of contact will be your division coordinator.  Most normal season questions can be answered by them.  If you have issues or concerns during the season with Coaches or Referee’s, be sure you contact the Coach/Referee Administrators.  

Safety News………………………………………………………..

Our region is required to brief our Coaches annually on Goal Post Safety.  Always anchor portable goals.  An unsecure goal can fall over causing serious injury or death.  Make sure no one ever climbs on goals.  This could also result in serious injury or death.

And finally………………………………………………………….

Again let me thank you personally for volunteering your time to help make AYSO one of the best programs for kids around.  Your commitment can make a positive impact on a child’s life.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us because we are here for you.

Yours in Soccer,

Michael Sansone

Regional Commissioner