Welcome to AYSO Region
253
Serving the communities of Bentley, Halstead, Kechi, North Wichita,
Park City, Sedgwick, Valley Center and Whitewater.
ABCs of AYSO
AN
INTRODUCTION
The
ABC's of AYSO is your introduction to the American Youth Soccer
Organization (AYSO),
your local Region
253, and youth soccer in general. You can skip around
via the hyperlinks or simply print and read this in the order
presented.
Starting
with A (About
AYSO), you'll find what's in store for you and your
youngster as members of the finest youth sports organization in the
country. You'll also learn about the principles and philosophies that make AYSO so special and
how our organization works. Finally, the general ideas governing the local
season in Region 253 are introduced.
Next,
B (By the
Book), is your primer to the exciting sport of soccer:
positions, skills and a few basic laws of the game.
Last,
C (Codes of
Conduct), is where we detail how important Good
Sportsmanship is to our organization. From our Player's
Code to the Six Pillars of Character to the Parent's
Code - AYSO hopes to build more than soccer players, we
hope to build outstanding kids!
With
AYSO, you'll find no better an environment for your child to develop
confidence and good sportsmanship. And it's our parent
Volunteers like you who make it
happen! So join today and become trained along with your
child.
A
LITTLE HISTORY
The
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a widely recognized organization
partly due to its trademarked "PLAYSOCCER" bumper stickers used heavily in
the 70's. The organization is actually a 100% parent run and dedicated to
introducing organized sports to youth in a safe, friendly, and fun
environment. It is meant to become an extension of the home and school
learning environment to help kids learn positive life lessons while having
fun in one of the oldest team sports; known as soccer here in the USA. For
most elementary school children, this is the first organized team sport
they will experience. In many regions, 1 out of every 2 elementary school
children are in the program. Hence, the strong focus on making sure AYSO
is a nurturing and positive experience for all.
AYSO
works because of dedicated volunteers
committed to the five AYSO
Philosophies. Our phenomenal growth underscores AYSO's
commitment to a healthy competitive atmosphere for youth soccer players
combined with dedicated volunteers all working towards developing
responsible young people. Because of these philosophies, AYSO is often
termed recreational soccer. It is a title we proudly accept in providing a
competitive, character-building atmosphere for our youth through
sport.
AYSO
was founded in 1964 in Torrance, California (near Los Angeles) with about
125 enthusiastic players. Over the past 40 years, we've become a vibrant
national organization with over 630,000 players and 250,000 volunteers!
HOW
WE DO IT
AYSO
has five basic tenets or philosophies that form the foundation for all
programs, policies, and rules. These philosophies derive from soccer and
the need to support youth sports in a nurturing environment. All are
important and meant to be known by all volunteers. Three are founding
philosophies of AYSO and oft copied by other youth sports organizations.
But none duplicate the real meaning that AYSO endorses.
EVERYONE PLAYS ®
We want kids to
play soccer - so we mandate that every player on every team must play at
least one half of every game. Furthermore, based on the AYSO National
Coaching Association guidelines for small sided games, Region 253
requires that every player play at least 3/4 of every
game that they are present, able and willing to play at. To support this,
AYSO divides the game up into 4 equal periods (a natural with the way
professional soccer is organized into two equal halves). So we enforce
that no player sits out a second "quarter" until all have sat out one
quarter. A coach cannot use playing time in a game as a punishment. Only
injury can keep a player out. No bench
warmers.
BALANCED TEAMS
We require every
region at the start of every season to set up teams as evenly as possible.
It's more fun when teams are of equal ability. Many factors are taken into
account in balancing. Past playing ability (if known), age, school, grade
and gender. The more these factors are spread around, the more balanced
and productive the learning environment for the kids. And thus the more
fun they will have. Players are not placed on a team by skill and lower
skilled or higher skilled players are not identified and treated
differently. Players cannot have names or affiliations on their uniforms.
Remember, no tryouts or
cuts.
POSITIVE COACHING
We train and
encourage our coaches to make the extra effort to understand and offer
positive help to our players. This approach builds a positive team spirit
and instills character in the players. Furthermore, all spectators are
required to show the same respect. Parents tend to over-direct (or coach)
from the sidelines. So referees are taught to make sure only coaches coach
(prescriptive directives) and parents cheer (descriptive after the event
cheers). The more cheering and less coaching from all, the better. No negative criticism towards
anyone.
OPEN REGISTRATION
Our programs are open to
all children ages 4-18 (grades PreK-12) who want to play soccer. Interest
and enthusiasm are the only requirements for playing. There is no
restriction based on geographic boundaries, race, religion, ethnic
background or any other criteria. The only criteria that limits
participation are resources available to the region -- such as fields and
volunteer coaches. Open to
all.
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
We create a positive
environment based upon mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs
attitude. All of our programs are designed to instill good sportsmanship
in our kids and our volunteers. This is a basic philosophy of soccer that
still governs the rules and play today. FIFA calls this "Fair Play". A
common, older phrase is "For the Good of the Game". As it is, soccer is
meant to be played by inventive players. Let the kids
play, learn and teach each other. Let them develop a winning attitude
independent of the win-loss record. Let them learn character and skills
with each game.
All
volunteers in AYSO are required to memorize and practice these five
philosophies. By taking the first letter of each philosophy you can form
the acronym "BEPOG" or possibly "BEGOP" -- a useful way to recall and
remember the tenets to put them into practice at all
times.
STRUCTURE
OVERVIEW
AYSO is founded upon community
involvement. The basic community program is the Region and the volunteer staff
members are encouraged to organize their regions to best suit the needs of
their community.
Each
Region is headed by a Regional Commissioner (RC) who, with the help of a
Regional Board of Parents, conducts the region within the framework of
AYSO's Five
Philosophies, National Rules and Regulations, and
National By-laws. A Region may have as few as 200 players or as many as
5,000 players and is grouped into girls and boys divisions based on age.
Region 253 has around 900 players.
Several
neighboring regions comprise an Area that is headed by another volunter
parent -- the Area Director (AD). The AD is responsible for the
performance and growth of the Area. Area's tend to have 10,000 players or
so. Region 253 is in
Area U which includes Andale,
Andover, Augusta, Bel Aire, Belle Plaine, Bentley, Clearwater, Colwich,
Comotara, Conway Springs, Derby, Eastborough, Garden Plaine, Goddard,
Halstead, Haysville, Kechi, Maize, Mulvane, Oaklawn, Oatville, Park City,
Peck, Schulte, Sedgwick, Valley Center,
Viola, Whitewater, and Wichita, .
Several
bordering Areas comprise a Section headed by another volunteer parent --
the Section Director (SD). The SD is responsible for the general welfare
and administration of a Section. AD's report to Section Directors (SD). A
Section may cover several states, an entire state or a portion of a state.
There are no such things as "state associations" in AYSO. In fact,
geographic or natural boundaries may dictate that a region, area or
section span across a state line. Sections tend to have 50,000 players or
so. Sections get together once a year to offer the most advanced courses
taught by Section and National volunteer staff, and to recognize those
individuals who have contributed much to the AYSO program. Area U is in Section 4 which covers North Dakota,
South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma,
Arkansas, Iowa.
Governing
the overall organization are parent volunteers comprising the National
Board of Directors (NBOD). RC's, AD's, SD's and National Board Members
serve as executive members with voting rights in the corporation known as
AYSO. These elected representatives meet once a year at the National
Annual General Meeting (NAGM) to decide new policies, procedures, and
rules. The NAGM is traditionally held over memorial day weekend in May
every year.
The
National BOD hires a small, full time staff to administer the programs
established by the volunteer board. These are the only non-volunteer
positions in the organization and this staff works for all the volunteer
parents in the organization. The AYSO staff at the National Support &
Training Center (NSTC) in
Hawthorne, California (near Los Angeles) works closely with all the
executive members, sections, areas and regions in providing many vital
services:
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A REGION DEFINED
Your local AYSO Region
253 is one of more than 1500 local programs in
communities nationwide. Each Region is organized under the same National
Bylaws and Rules and Regulations which standardize operational procedures
and playing rules. However, because community needs may be different,
Regions have the flexibility to work within these general rules,
regulations, and bylaws to adopt optional programs to satisfy their unique
needs.
A Regional Commissioner and the Regional Board of Parents usually meet once
a month during the season and perhaps more often for pre-season planning.
As a parent of an AYSO player - and hopefully a volunteer! - you are welcome and
encouraged to attend these meetings. In fact, your local Region is managed
by dedicated volunteers, mostly parents just like yourself, who work to
ensure the program is running effectively and that the AYSO Tenents
are upheld. And of course, to make sure the kids are
having fun!
To do this, they make it fun along the way. If your board is not having
fun, they are not going to make it fun for your kids either.
Often information
is published on the region's Internet Web site with links to Area, Section
and National web sites where appropriate. This is likely the place you
found this document. Take the time to browse the website and discover the
many facets of activity it takes to keep the soccer season going for your
child. From grounds people, field equipment maintenance, training
programs, coach administration, referee administration, operations,
safety, registration, treasurer, marketing, communications, volunteer
recognition, uniform and team equipment ordering, to you name it -- we
have to do it all to develop and run a full season. Generally, we would
like every parent to volunteer in some capacity. So we work to make it fun
and enjoyable for the parents as well.
Often we hear AYSO and recreational soccer being
downplayed as not serious or competitive. Nothing is farther from the
truth. In fact, many professional players in the USA got their start in
AYSO. Some The guiding and common interest is developing a program where
the kids want to be there to play, learn and have fun. We focus on
developing a winning attitude first over a win-loss record. We focus on
character development first over skill development. We focus on using
soccer and sport as a way to teach positive life lessons, not negative
lessons that limit a child's thinking of what they can accomplish. These
ideals are there with some of the best coached teams in any sport. We just
try and assure they are carried through on every team in AYSO. If this is
how you define recreational soccer, then we wear the banner proudly.
Get to know your child's coach and other parents on
your team. Volunteer your time and talents to make your Region operate
expertly so both you and your child will benefit from the AYSO
experience.
What to expect from your Region...
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WHEN TO REGISTER; HOW
LONG IS A SEASON?
In Region 253, the regular season is
usually 8 weekends of games in the Fall and 8 weekends of games in
the Spring. Most games are played on Saturday with make up games on
Sunday, if needed. Teams practice during the week at a time and place
determined by the coach. About 2-3 weeks before the first game,
practices will start.
The traditional Fall season starts games after Labor
Day and finishes by Thanksgiving. The Spring season starts in
late February and extends to early May.
An early registration date is generally scheduled at
the end of the Spring season. Two regular registration dates are usually
planned in August. When space is available on teams, Spring registration
is available in early February. What limits the number of players that can
be accepted is the number of volunteer coaches and number of
volunteer referees. You can improve your child's chances of being accepted
onto a team by volunteering for one of these critical positions. We
provide all the training necessary for you to perform the function.
LET'S PLAY SOCCER
Enough about AYSO. Tell me more about the sport.
There are many topics in this "B" section of our ABC's:
The
Game gives you a general overview of what this great
game called soccer is all about.
The
Team explains the number of players in a game and the
positions.
The
Skills section defines the basic skills needed during
play.
The
Officials section helps you understand the difference
between a referee and a club linesman.
The
Equipment section explains what you need to play.
The
Rules section overviews the seventeen laws that govern
soccer - focusing on start and restart of play.
The Fouls
and Offenses section explains the Penal and Non-penal
fouls that are part of Law 12 as well as misconduct and second touch.
WHAT'S THIS GAME ALL
ABOUT?
Soccer is a simple game. All you need is a field, a
ball, two teams with the proper equipment and a referee.
The field is, at minimum, the size of an American
football field for older youth (hopefully wider and longer) and usually
smaller for the younger players. That is, up to 130 yards long and 100
yards wide for older kids and possibly only 40 yards long and 30 yards
wide for the youngest of kids. For comparison, you can fit 12 full-size
basketball courts in a typical soccer field, possibly more. American
Football fields are 100 by 50 yards (120 yards when including the end
zones). While this field is really to narrow for soccer, often a wider
field can be striped to give a roughly 110 x 65 yard playing surface which
is ideal for junior high and high school age players.
The game is played in two, timed halves of equal
duration. To advance AYSO's "Everyone Plays" commitment, approximately midway
each half there is an opportunity for player substitutions. Substitutions
are generally not allowed at any other time. Rosters are setup to try and
assure that every player on the team does not have to sit out more than
one of these "substitution" periods. That is, they get to play 3/4 of
every game. The duration of each half is determined by the age of the
children playing. The referee is allowed to
extend the half with "stoppage time" if he believes the full playing time
was not achieved due to extended stoppages for substitution, injuries,
fouls or similar reasons. Note that extending time is solely at the
referee's discretion and may take into account field availability and
other issues as well.
Any kid of any size can become a skilled and
successful soccer player as physical size is not an important factor. And
the best part for them is that due to the nature of the game, every kid gets a chance to
participate in the action and touch the ball!
WHO AND HOW MANY AND
WHAT DO THEY DO?
A team has a maximum of eleven (11) players on the
field at any one time, although a game can be played with as few as seven
(7) on the field. In younger age divisions, Regions use short-sided teams
which gives players more "touches" on the ball and thus the ability to
learn skills quicker. The kids find it more fun too! So a region may
reduce the number of players on the field to three (3) for
Pre-Kindergarteners up to nine (9) for 5th and 6th graders.
The 4 main positions in soccer are:
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It's important to remember that any player may
score a goal, regardless of position or team. The hardest thing for
any player to face is when he kicks or deflects the ball into his
own goal and thus adding to the score for the opposing team. This is
allowed and considered part of normal play. The key is to guard your
goal and prevent the ball from entering -- no matter
how. |
HOW CAN I BECOME A
BETTER PLAYER?
There are several basic skills in soccer that can be
learned at any age and are mastered by those players who continually
practice them.
Passing is kicking, pushing or
heading the ball to a teammate or to a space where a teammate can run to
the ball. A player may lightly tap the ball to a teammate several feet
away or kick it strongly to move it down the field. The ball may scoot
along the ground or may be kicked into the air.
Most players use two types of kicks to pass to a
teammate or shoot towards the goal:
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Dribbling is transporting the ball
under control from one area to another. In soccer, you can't use your
hands, so players dribble the ball with their feet, using light taps on
the ball to move it along the ground as they move; possibly while on a
full run.
Controlling (or trapping) is stopping
the ball in flight or on the ground, then controlling it by either
dribbling or passing it to teammates. There are many ways to trap a ball:
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Heading is unique to soccer. It's
used to stop or pass a ball that's too high to kick or control with your
chest. It's also used effectively to score. However, don't use it until
your coach shows you the proper technique! Generally, we do not encourage
heading to start until a player is 10 years or older.
Tackling is any attempt to dispossess
the ball from an opponent. It is most often associated in spectators minds
with the "slide tackle". Soccer is a contact sport and safe but aggressive
contact is allowed when tackling. It is for this reason that we generally
group kids by age and gender so as to keep things safe, fair, and fun. But
be assured, contact is only allowed if incidental to the play for the
ball. Deliberate attempts to push, trip, charge or otherwise contact a
player will be disallowed by the referee.
WHO'S PRIMARILY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GAME?
In soccer, unlike any other sport we see in the USA,
the Referee is the ultimate, unquestionable authority during a game.
The referee's chief responsibilities are to make the game as fun, fair and
safe as possible for all players. The referee interprets and applies the
laws, keeps time, manages the field, players and others in the immediate
vicinity of the field, and generally has the authority to start, stop,
suspend, abandon and terminate the match.
AYSO recommends the use of three (3) trained game
officials for all games at U10 and higher:
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The Referee enforces the rules - which in soccer are
called Laws
- by righting offenses and determining if goals have been scored. A
natural reaction by most coaches, players and spectators alike is to "arm
chair quarterback" the referee's decisions. Remember the referees are
trained and usually parents like you. They are there to help the players.
It does not help to harass or question their judgment. Unlike a coach who
could make 20 mistakes in a game and no one ever notices, a referee can
have a "perfect" game with just one mistake and everyone tends to pounce
and remember only that one mistake. Give the referees a chance and teach
your child to respect their authority on the field. Like your child, the
referees are there to learn from their mistakes as well. And they will
make a mistake every game. But with mentoring, training, and skill
development through practice, referees learn to quickly minimize their
errors to be unnoticable in most instances.
The Assistant Referee (AR) provides vital assistance to the
referee by signaling when the ball has gone out of play and which team
gets possession. Additionally, the AR is primarily there to look for the
offside offense, to assist with substitutions, indicate fouls that the
referee may have missed, and provide help in the general control of the
game. It is important to note that an assistant only advises the center
referee. Only the Referee has the authority to stop play, award free
kicks, and handle any issue that may arise. Do not be concerned if the
referee chooses to ignore or override the assistant's signal. The laws
allow the referee to judge when an infraction is worthy of a corrective
action to restore fairness or safety. AR's may be more senior referees
there to mentor and advise a Referee in training. Even in this case
though, they are at there to assist the referee and follow their
direction.
When a trained Assistant Referee (AR) is not
available, the Referee may enlist a Club Linesman. As the club linesman is
not trained, licensed, or likely free of conflicts; a linesman may only
indicate to the referee when s/he thinks the ball has left the field of
play by fully crossing the line. Often, the club linesman will not even be
asked nor able to tell which team should get possession. A club linesman
can never make offside determinations.
Why have assistant referee's? Remember, a field may
be up to 100 yards wide (as wide as an American football field is long).
And the offside rule can only be really determined by being in the exact
right spot at each instant on the field. So this is a lot of ground for
the referee to cover accurately and hence why a referee and two assistants
are needed.
If no referee is available, a game cannot be (safely)
held except in the youngest of age divisions (U8 and below) where a traned
coach is allowed to oversee the game. In older, competitive games, three
well trained referees are always needed.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO
PLAY?
The Equipment List (the five S's):
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Soccer has limited equipment requirements. AYSO teams
play in uniforms (shirt, shorts and socks) that must be supplied by the
Region. Shin guards are mandatory during both practices and games. Soccer
shoes are also advisable, but not necessary. Some sort of athletic shoe
that is safe for the player and others on the field is required.
Officially, all players must be consistent, in the same uniform, and not
distinguished or stand out in the clothes or adornments they add. So work
that extra bit to look for those team color socks the night before the
game. Your child may not be able to play without them. The referee has the
full authority to inspect and disallow any player they feel does not
conform to a standard of safety dictated by FIFA and AYSO. No jewerlry is
ever allowed. So parent's, wait until after the soccer season to get your
child's ears or other body parts pierced. A child cannot play or practice
with earrings.
Regions generally provide all the field equipment
such as balls, goals, nets and flags.
Uniforms cannot have the team name, sponsor logos, or
childs name on them. This is for child safety reasons as well as keeping
in the spirit of not identifying or pointing out the skilled or not so
skilled players. We want all team members to look the same and no opponent
to feel intimidated by some article of clothing. For this reason, it is
important that your child always wear the issued socks, shorts and jersey.
A referee may disallow your child to play if they determine an advantage
or intimidation is coming from any non-standard clothing.
THE VERY BASIC RULES OF
THE GREAT GAME OF SOCCER
Rules in soccer are called Laws and there are
seventeen (17) of them. If you'd like a full listing of the rules, visit
the FIFA Laws of the
Game page.
We won't get into all seventeen laws here, but will
give you a general outline so that you can get a feel for how the game is
played. Generally, the Laws require that referee start the game, then stop
it when something has happened which is unfair or unsafe, and get the game
restarted after dealing with the issue.
THE OBJECT: The object of soccer is
for players to get the ball into their opponent's goal using any part of
their body except their arms and hands. Only goalkeepers may use their
hands to deliberately handle the ball and then only when the ball is
inside their own penalty area. Outside the penalty area, the keeper is
just like any other player on the field.
Everything else here describes the mechanics of
starting or restarting play.
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KICKOFF A kickoff is taken from the center circle at the beginning of the game, beginning of the second half and after each goal.
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THROW IN After the ball has completely crossed outside the side boundary lines - called touchlines - a throw in is awarded against the team that last touched the ball. The throw in is taken from where the ball left the field and must be thrown with two hands from behind and over the head, while both feet are on the ground and on or behind the touchline. It is up to the referee to decide whether the technique used is legal and not gaining an undue advantage. In younger games, the referee may give the player a second chance to get it right. In older games, the poorly executed throw will result in possession changing to the other team for another throw-in restart.
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GOAL KICK The goal kick is taken by the defending team each time the ball crosses the goal line, was last touched by an attacking player, and was not a goal. The ball may be placed anywhere in the goal area (inner area surrounding the goal) and is not considered back in play until it has left the penalty area (outer area surrounding the goal). All attackers must stay clear of the penalty area during this restart and no defender can touch the ball until it is in play outside the penalty area. A retake is awarded for an infraction of this.
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CORNER KICK The corner kick is taken by the attacking team each time the ball is last touched by the defense before going over its own goal line (and it is not a goal). The ball is placed on the field within the three-foot arc in the corner of the field (nearest to where the ball went out of play) and kicked into play by the attacking team.
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PENALTY KICK The penalty kick is awarded when a defending player commits one of the 10 penal (major) fouls within their own penalty area while the ball is still in play. The penalty kick is taken by a player from the offended team from a spot ~12 yards from the goal. All players must remain outside the penalty area, 10 yards from the ball, and behind the ball until the kick is taken, except for the kicker and the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper's feet must remain on the goal line until the ball is kicked. At the referee's signal, the kicker attempts to kick the ball into the opponent's goal and the goalkeeper tries to stop the ball from scoring.
THE FOULS, OFFENSES, AND
MISCONDUCT
There are 10 major fouls that usually warrant a
stoppage of the game and awarding of a free kick to the fouled team. The
offense must be committed against an opponent, on the field of play, and
while the ball is in play. Generally, it will be a foul only if it occurs
near the ball while it is being played (it can be misconduct
otherwise).
If the foul occurs by the defense in their own
penalty area and against the attacking team, then a penalty kick (PK) may
be awarded. Otherwise, a direct free kick (DFK) is awarded. In either
case, a goal can be scored directly. These are termed penal fouls
The 10 fouls are divided into two groups:
These six require that the foul be committed
carelessly, recklessly or with excessive force:
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These four only require that they be committed:
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Tackling in soccer means to dispossess the opponent
of the ball. Often this occurs with a slide tackle performed by sliding in
low to kick the ball away from the opponent. The slide tackle looks
similar to a baseball player sliding into a plate except the target is the
ball. You often hear a coach yelling "That was a legal tackle. He touched
the ball first!" after a referee has whistled for a foul. Note that just
because the player dispossessed the ball by touching the ball first, this
does not give the player the right to subsequently trip or otherwise foul
the opponent. The referee has to judge whether the tackle was performed in
a way that the opponent could have avoided the subsequent trip. A foul is
a foul and the referee is always right.
Realize that the referee has to make a judgment as to
whether the player deliberately handled the ball, independent of whether a
player received an advantage of the ball hitting the hand, arm or
shoulder. Different referees have different standards for this judgment
based on different age and skill levels of players. Generally, a player
should be allowed to protect themselves or have their hands in a natural
position for balance. The referee has to judge whether the ball hit the
hand or the hand hit the ball. So do not be yelling out "handball" as the
referee is trained to judge for deliberately handling. Often, at the
younger ages, the offence and advantage is non-existent and it is better
to sijmply let the players continue playing. Players quickly learn that
they need to keep playing until the referee tells them to stop (and not
the coaches and parents from the side touchline).
Soccer is a contact sport and fair charges (contact)
to gain possession of the ball are allowed. Fair charges are momentary
shoulder to shoulder contact (from the side). Any contact to the chest,
back or "hip checks" as you see in hockey are usually considered an unfair
charge and thus deemed a foul. Players can shield the ball with their body
if within playing distance of it. Otherwise, they cannot impede another
player. Generally, restarts must occur unimpeded, including allowing the
keeper to release the ball from their hands.
NON-PENAL
FOULS
There are eight (8) minor fouls and two offenses that
result in an indirect free kick (IFK). At least one additional player of
either team must touch the ball before a goal can be scored
from an IFK.
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Dangerous Play: including high kicking near another player's head or trying to play a ball held by a goalkeeper.
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Impeding the Progress of an Opponent: getting between an opponent and the ball when not playing the ball.
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Interfering with the goalkeeper trying to release the ball: the keeper, when handling the ball, must be allowed to hold and release it uncontested.
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A misconduct that stops play but is not a penal foul: like abusive language, dissent, etc.
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Specific limitations on the goalkeeper while having uncontested control of the ball in their hands comprise the four remaining minor fouls:
- taking more than six seconds to release the ball from his or her hands
- handling
the ball when it was last kicked by a teammate (often termed
"passback" but positions of the players is not a facgtor)
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handling the ball after receiving it directly from a throw-in by a teammate
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handling the ball a second time before another player has played the ball (often termed "second touch")
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(note: that the keeper can only handle the ball in her own penalty area. Outside that area, the keeper is just like any other player and deliberate handling will result in a direct free kick restart for the other team and possibly a caution for unsporting behavior in older kids games.)
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Second Touch offense: a player putting the ball into play on a restart cannot touch it a second time before another player touches the ball. Note that on a special case of a dropped ball by the referee, the referee is the one putting the ball into play.
OFFSIDE is actually a fairly simple
rule to explain but one of the most misunderstood in soccer. It can also
be difficult to judge during the dynamics of play unless you are in the
correct position, directly in line with play, and trained. The assistant
referees are trained to stay in this position at all times and so, along
with the center Referee, are the only ones able to really judge the
offense. The origin of the rule is to prevent an attacker from parking
themselves near the opponents goal just waiting for the ball to be passed
to them. This is considered to be off your teams side and an unearned /
unfair advantage.
A player is guilty of offside if, at the moment the
ball was last played by a teammate (not when it is received!), they:
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Being "ahead" means being closer to the opponents
goal line. A player does not become onside again (if caught offside) until
the ball is played again by a teammate or opponent and the conditions
above no longer all apply. Note that the offside player need not receive
the ball. Also, deflections off of defenders do not count as being played
by the defender.
The offside trap is often used by the defense. It
involves anticipating the kick by the attacker to his teammate who is
inline with the second to last defender and about to take off once the
ball is kicked. The last defenders quickly move forward before the kick
and thus put the attacker into an offside position and thus ineligible to
play.
At the same time, forwards anticipate the kick and
start running so they are just even with the second to last defender when
the kick occurs. By time the defender can turn around and start running,
the attacker is 5 yards or more ahead. A well placed kick to this running
attacker can be a great offensive play. One can see why the referees are
so busy as they are looking for these quick, sub-second game changing
conditions while still watching for other issues of play.
MISCONDUCT There are two kinds of
misconduct for which a player or coach can be 'booked" (recorded in the
game record):
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Misconduct can be called against any player at any
time, whether on the field or not -- before, during, or after the match.
It can also be called against a coach but no card is shown if this occurs.
A referee may warn a player or coach to improve his or her conduct (or
unsportsmanlike behavior) before a caution is issued, but is not required
to. A referee can suspend, abandon or terminate the game for any reason,
including misconduct by spectators, weather conditions or other issues
that affect the safe, fair and fun play of the match.
FIRST, AN IMPORTANT RULE
ON THE FIELD AND OFF
AYSO has always encouraged good sportsmanship in all
its programs. "Good Sportsmanship", in fact, is one of the five
philosophies listed in our National Bylaws. We strongly
recommend and encourage all individual Regions to promote good
sportsmanship through dynamic programs.
#1 rule - never criticize a player, coach, referee or
volunteer of any kind, in any way, at any time! Thank
you.
NOW, THE CODES
The following Codes may vary from Region to Region,
however, all define the fundamentals of good behavior - which is simply
being courteous and respectful to everyone involved in the game. The way
we figure it, players, volunteers and parents who understand what is
expected of them in regards to good sportsmanship will probably act with
good sportsmanship. Remember, it just doesn't happen - being a good sport
needs to be taught by example, encouraged at all times and taught at every
opportunity!
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Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
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Play by the Laws of the Game.
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Never argue with or complain about referees' calls or decisions.
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Control your temper. Most of all, resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
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Concentrate on playing soccer with your best efforts. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself.
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Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it's your team or your opponent's.
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Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
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Remember that the goal is to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don't be a showoff or a ball hog.
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 assure that 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.
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!
Parents serve as role models for their children.
Become aware of this 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 activities.
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.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your
child achieve their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes
to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it's all part of
learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things
your child accomplished.
Coaches and referees are usually parents just like
you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer
experience a positive one. They need your support too. That means
refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer
organization, there's usually always an opportunity for you to take your
interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one
yourself!
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 assure that 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.
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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. Become aware of this 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 activities. -
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 their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it's 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
Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support too.That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there's usually always an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself!
Tools for being a
Supportative AYSO Parent
Conversations before the
games
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Tell your child you love him/her regardless of the outcome.
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Tell him or her “Go for it, give it your best shot and have fun!”
During the game
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Understand that kids are over-stimulated during games. The coach is yelling instructions, opponents and teammates are talking, the crowd is cheering, and the referee is blowing the whistle. Do not yell instructions to your child during the game, it will only add to the confusion. Sometimes the best thing you can do as a parent is to be quiet. Definitely cheer and acknowledge good plays by players on both teams.
After the game
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Thank the officials for doing a difficult job.
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Thank the coaches for their efforts. Understand that after a difficult loss is not a good time to question a coach.
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Thank your opponents for a good game.
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Congratulate your child and his or her teammates for their effort.
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Compliment individual players on good plays they made in the game but try not to single out one or two players every game; spread it around.
During the car ride
home.
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Point out a good play your child made during the game.
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Avoid criticizing or correcting mistakes.
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Ask open-ended questions about how the game was played rather than how many points were scored.
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Examples of open-ended questions that might apply:
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"Did you have fun?"
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"Did you give it your best effort?"
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"What did you learn from the game?"
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"What was the best play you made and how did it feel?"
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"Did you bounce back from your mistakes?"
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"Did you see any good plays? What were they?"
In my words and action, I pledge to:
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Enthusiastically support and practice the AYSO Philosophies of: Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, and Open Registration.
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Stay informed about sound principles of coaching and child development.
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Respect the game and know the Laws of the Game.
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Emphasize to my players that they must abide by the Laws of the Game at all times.
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Develop a true respect for the judgment of all referees.
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Develop a team respect for the ability of our opponents.
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Ensure a safe environment for my players.
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Never yell at or ridicule a player.
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Always set a good example.
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Remember that soccer is a game and all games should be fun.
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Always remember the game is for the players. Player safety and fair play come first.
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Study and learn the Laws of the Game and understand the "spirit" of the Laws. Help fellow referees do the same.
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Encourage and enforce the AYSO Philosophies - Everyone Plays, Positive Coaching and Good Sportsmanship.
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Respect other referees' decisions and do not publicly criticize another official.
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Wear the proper uniform and keep it in good condition.
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Maintain good physical condition so you can keep up with the action.
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Stay calm when confronted with emotional reactions from players, coaches and parents.
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Honor accepted game assignments. In an emergency, find a replacement.
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Support good sportsmanship with a kind word to players, coaches and parents of both teams when deserved.
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Always be fair and impartial, avoiding conflicts of interest. Decisions based on personal bias are dishonest and unacceptable.
VOLUNTEER POWER
What are
Volunteers?
People who give freely of
their time and talent to a worthwhile group or cause. A volunteer is
someone who believes that people make a difference and is willing to prove
it.
Who are AYSO
Volunteers?
Coaches, referees,
registrars, fundraiser's, field markers, publicists, treasurers,
administrators - many, many dedicated people all contributing their time
and efforts to make AYSO a premier soccer program for kids! Generally, we need one
of every two families to volunteer in some capacity, at a minimum.
Why are Volunteers so
vital?
People power runs AYSO. Volunteers
strengthen AYSO by giving their time, energy, ideas and ideals. AYSO
happens because of our volunteers!
Who can be
one?
Moms, dads, sisters, brothers,
grandparents, even friends. AYSO needs volunteers who want to help make
our soccer program a fun experience for kids - women and men, young folks,
middle-aged folks and the "young at heart!" As AYSO is a non-profit,
community service agency, time spent helping AYSO (as a coach, referee, or
whatever) applies towards most community service hour requirements. This
is a great way for siblings, who may have to be there anyway, to earn
those community service hours.
As we say, "Everyone Plays" in AYSO and that means
that everyone has something to contribute to the program. Our volunteers
contribute:
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What do Volunteers
do?
They do what is needed to make the
program work. They:
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What do you get as an
AYSO Volunteer?
AYSO Volunteers make new
friends. They learn new skills. They develop their creativity. They
investigate new careers. They enrich their lives by growing from their
experiences. Plus, it's a lot of fun!
How can I participate in
this vital role?
It's easy. Talk to your
child's coach, call your Regional Commissioner or any of the Region's
board members. They will be very helpful - and very grateful - to
find the right job for you.
Take that first step, become involved in your Region and discover the Power of Volunteers.
Last Updated 8/21/2007
