AYSO Region 91

Coach’s Welcome Packet

Fall 2016

August 4, 2016

Welcome to AYSO Region 91!

We thank you for volunteering your time and service to our program. It is vital that you fully understand and implement the six AYSO philosophies, for it is you who will have the most impact upon young participants and their parents. Always remember the AYSO vision statement: Our vision is to provide world class soccer programs that enrich children’s lives.

Knowing the game and the coaching techniques specifically for AYSO youth soccer are important. AYSO has several publications provided to you at no cost (videos, coach manuals, and practice plans) which can help you. Region 91 will hold a series of clinics coordinated by the Region 91 Coach Administrators. It is imperative that you participate. These clinics promote the very best and latest in AYSO approved instructions to the players on your team. These dates will be provided to you and will be posted on the website www.region91.org in the near future. In addition your Coach Administrators are available and more than happy to assist you personally in any way they can.

Always remember that AYSO soccer is a tool for fun and the development of the children. While you should encourage the very best performance from your team, never lose sight that it is just a game and played for fun and within the six AYSO philosophies of Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Positive Coaching, Good

Sportsmanship and Player Development.

As the coach, the “Everyone Plays” philosophy is one of your most important responsibilities. Every one of your players must play at least half of each game. It is highly recommended rotating the starting player lineups often, avoid sitting the same players out the first quarter of each game, so that players do not feel like permanent substitutes, whenever possible, players should play at least three-quarters of some games.

Cooperation with the referees is vital, failure to do so will not be tolerated by the governing bodies of Region 91. These Referees are volunteers not FIFA professional Referees. They are nonpaid volunteers like you and are called upon to make judgments like you. Inform and Insist that the parents and spectators of the players respect their decisions at all times. Remember—we do not allow protests. Control of your sidelines is ultimately the coach’s responsibility. Set an example. Everyone is watching the coach. Your conduct and behavior are on display if you lose control of your emotions, parents will follow and shortly after, the players. Allow the referees to concentrate on keeping the game safe, fun and fair, by making sure your sideline; including your assistant and team parent are also setting an example by displaying positive conduct and behavior. Kids learn from everyone on and off the field.

Present an attitude of good sportsmanship, in both word and action, to your players and their parents. AYSO is a positive environment based upon mutual respect, rather than a win-at- all-costs attitude. An excellent way to insure that your season begins on the right note is to conduct a mandatory parent meeting to communicate these expectations to your parents. We have provided you with a Welcome Letter for Parents template that you can tailor to your team’s needs. Make sure your parents read, understand, and sign for the Welcome Letter. The parent’s signature sheet will have to be signed by you and turned in to your coordinator as part of the mandatory paperwork that gives your team points for playoff eligibility.

Region 91 Lancaster

Coach’s Welcome Letter

Finally, we will be launching a new Coach Mentoring program at Region 91 held by some of our seasoned veteran coaches to share their knowledge with newer coaches. Ask the Region 91 Coach Administrators for more information. Our goal is to provide the proper tools and supplies to help you succeed. If there are any additional items you need, please inform your Division Coordinator immediately. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. We acknowledge that for new coaches taking on the task of coaching a new team can seem daunting. We want to stress to all coaches that we are here to support you. Whether it’s a coaching question, a difficult parent, or help with team organization, we are here for you. Your Division Coordinator is your first contact person, followed by the Coach Administrators. Once again thank you again for your commitment and welcome to the AYSO Region 91 Family.

Have a great season and best of luck to your team.

Sincerely,

Cris Cierra Regional Coach Administrator 661-478-9568

Region 91 Coaching Guidelines and Best Practices

Starting off the season on the right foot:

o Get certified in your coaching division, Safe Haven, and Heads Up Concussion

o If you already have an assistant coach, make sure to get them certified

o Contact your Division Coordinator or check on eayso.org for upcoming certification

classes

Make contact with your parents early.

o First contact by first week of August

o Introduce yourself, inform them of upcoming team meeting

o Ask for help, assistant, recruit your team parent, referee crew, etc.

Prepare for your Team Meeting

o Prepare and keep a Team Folder

Keep game schedule, team paperwork, Coach’s Manual, Important Dates

Checklist, Parent Welcome Letter Acknowledgement, and player waiver

forms

o Get your Parent Welcome Letter edited for your team, and print out a copy for each

parent and yourself

Familiarize yourself with the Welcome Letter and Coach’s Manual

o Print out Welcome Letter Acknowledgement and updated Contact Info sheet for

your folder

Hold a Team Meeting (Mandatory, before first practice)

o Make sure everyone attends

o Get a signature on the player waiver forms

o Go over Parent Welcome Letter main points, get signatures for Parent

Acknowledgement

o Set behavior and season expectations, be firm

o Inform parents of training schedule and provide them with the game schedule, if it is

available

o Reiterate to parents how important it is that everyone help out, get possible

volunteer information and provide that to your Division Coordinator

o Allow players to use the meeting as a time to get to know each other, allow them to

shoot the ball around if they are wearing shin guards

During Training Sessions:

o Hold sessions once or twice a week, depending on field availability and your time

commitments

o Coach, Assistant, and Team Parent should have a copy of the player waiver forms

Player waiver forms are required to be on hand for any team function,

including practices, team parties, games, get-togethers, etc. No

exceptions

o Training sessions mean more than games, so plan them in advance and be prepared

o The provided Coach’s Manuals are an excellent tool to plan your session

o Training plans within the manual have everything from warm ups, drills, to small

sided games

o Utilize the manual and you are sure to have successful training sessions

o Be sure player always bring water, a ball, and shin guards

Without shin guards, a player may not practice. No exceptions

o If a parent must leave while their child practices, they need to inform you at the

start of practice and they need to be available to arrange for pick-up should practice

end early for unforeseen reasons

o Refer to AYSO national guidelines regarding practicing during extreme or inclement

weather. Division Coordinators will also notify you if the fields are closed for any

reason.

o There are NO PETS allowed at the Soccer Complex during practices or games

o Make parents aware that there is no alcohol and no smoking allowed on the

grounds, including in the parking lot. This includes e-cigarettes, mini-hookahs,

vapor cigarettes, etc.

o Refrain from constantly checking your phone during training session. Please give

the kids all your attention before expecting them to give you theirs. Check for

emergencies during breaks.

Paperwork and Banner Schedule

o There’s a schedule included in your coach’s packet for important dates as well as

banner guidelines

o Have your banner by the first game

Banner can be homemade, or all the parents can pitch in to purchase a

banner

Assign a parent to be responsible for bringing it on game day, setting it up,

and taking it back home.

Ask other coaches and Division Coordinators for referrals for banner

purchase.

o Paperwork is due on the date printed. If for some reason you cannot make the due

date, please speak to your Division Coordinator to see if an exception can be made.

o No exceptions will be made for the player evaluation meeting. A representative

(Coach, Assistant, Team Parent) from your team must be present or you will risk

incurring the penalty.

o Always have a representative from your team check the inbox every Saturday at the

main tent for any updates or information

Important Dates and Document Deadlines

Item Type Due Date: Turned In To: Points: Complete

Practice Starts August 8, 2016

Team Parent Meeting August 10, 2016

Team Names Due August 19, 2016 Division Coordinator

Preseason Games August 20, 2015

Opening Day Parade/Picture Day August 27, 2016

Referee Meeting September 8, 2016

Volunteer forms (U10+ Only) September 10, 2016 Division Coordinator

Season Opening Day September 10, 2016

Skills Clinics

Sept. 14, 2016 Oct. 5, 2016 Nov. 2, 2016

Make-Up Picture Day September 17, 2016

All-Star Nominations (U10+ Only) October 15, 2016 Division Coordinator

Trophy Roster October 15, 2016 Division Coordinator

Player Evaluation Forms (U10+ Only) October 15, 2016 Division Coordinator

Tournament Team Tryouts Sept. 26-27, 2016 Oct. 17-18, 2016

Player Evaluation Meeting (U10+ Only) October 26, 2016

Must Have Team Representative Present

Last Day of Regular Season November 12, 2016

Suggested Snacks for AYSO Players

Half Time Snacks After Game Snacks At half time it’s the best for the kids to have just fruit and water. That way, the kids get charged up without getting overly full. Here are some popular fruits that kids can eat fast:

Bananas Orange Slices Easy peel Clementines Grapes Cantaloupe, Watermelon or

Honeydew Chunks Strawberries

First and foremost, the kids need water. All the players will have brought their own water bottles to the game. Coaches need to be role models for players and parents. Healthy meals and snacks improve performance and lifelong eating habits. For early morning games:

Whole wheat mini-bagels with low fat cream cheese and jelly

Mini-yogurt cups and whole grain graham crackers

Granola bars Whole grain muffins

For late morning games:

String cheese and whole-grain crackers

Half sandwiches on whole-wheat bread (PB&J, Turkey & Cheese, etc)

Peanut butter on celery sticks For afternoon games:

Popcorn and baby carrots Whole grain crackers and cheese Trail Mix made from whole-grain

cereal, nuts, raisins, pretzels, etc.

Players need a steady source of fuel to keep them going, not just a sugar rush. Simple carbohydrates such as regular soda and junk food do not sustain energy and may make one feel wiped out. Eating candy or soda right before a game does not provide quick energy. Complex carbohydrates provide lasting energy and are the main source of fuel. Soda and fruit juice are not recommended before practice or a game because of the high sugar content. They empty from the stomach slowly and do not provide hydration. Soda can cause one to feel bloated, nauseated, cause cramps or diarrhea.

Welcome Parents/Guardians!

It is my privilege to welcome you to the AYSO Region 91 2016 Fall Season. My name is (Head Coach) and I

will be your child’s soccer Head Coach. Assisting me will be (Assistant Coach). Throughout past soccer

seasons, many questions have arisen. I will attempt to answer many of these in this letter. Should you have

any concerns that are not addressed herein, please feel free to contact me at your convenience. Here is some

contact information:

Head Coach: (Insert phone number) - (Insert email address)

Assistant Coach: (Insert phone number) - (Insert email address)

Practice: Our practices will be held on (Insert days of week) at the Lancaster Soccer Center from (Insert

Time). The practice field is located on the east fields on Field (Insert field #). Each player is expected to be at

every practice. Parents are required to stay and observe. If a parent is unable to stay for the duration of

practice, please make arrangements with one of the coaches. It is during these practices that we will work on

the fundamentals of soccer. However, we realize that your child may have scheduling conflicts during the

season. Accordingly, when he/she cannot make a particular practice, please call me in advance. The most

important thing to remember about practice is the following: Encourage your child with positive

comments after each session. Comments like “You were really fast!” or “Your dribbling is getting even

better!” will make my duties as Head Coach both easier and even more rewarding.

Games: Please have your son/daughter at Field (Insert Field #) at least twenty (20) minutes prior to game

time. Our team number is (Insert team roster #). Again, if your child will be unable to attend a game, please

notify me in advance. Games are usually canceled due to poor field conditions or prevailing weather

conditions. Do not assume that if games are canceled at a different field that our games will be canceled.

Should you have any questions regarding the status of our games, please call one of the coaches. We will

provide parents with a game schedule as soon as we receive one. The most important thing to remember

about games is the same as above: Encourage each player with positive comments after each game

Equipment: Shin Guards are MANDATORY for both practices and games. Due to AYSO rules, your child will

not be able to participate in practice or games without them. Soccer shoes (cleats) are highly recommended,

but not mandatory. There will be times when he/she will be playing on wet grass, and the soccer cleats will

improve traction. Each child needs to have their own soccer ball for practice at home and with the team. We

use a Size (Insert ball size) ball in Division (Insert Division). Bring the soccer ball to practice—please have

their name clearly marked on the ball. During cooler weather, sweat clothes/running tights can be worn at

games, but must be UNDER the SOCKS AND UNIFORM. Your child does not need to wear the uniform to

practices.

Playing Time: Each player will get at least two quarters of playing time, probably three, and in some games,

possibly four. During the year, each player will be encouraged to play every position.

Region 91 Lancaster

Parent Welcome and Information Sheet

Jewelry: No jewelry of any kind should be worn at practice or during a game. This includes, but is not limited

to bracelets, watches, and necklaces. Soccer is a contact sport, so we try to eliminate any potential hazard that

jewelry may present. This is an AYSO rule.

Refreshments: It is very important that children remain properly hydrated while participating in youth

sports, particularly on hot days. Therefore, we require that parents provide water to their players during

practice. Additionally, there will be a snack schedule based on jersey numbers for game days. Healthy snacks

and water are encouraged versus sodas, chips, candy, etc. You may want to offer a small snack such as apples,

oranges, or grapes to the kids at halftime. After-game snacks will be left to the discretion of the parents of the

assigned player, and healthy alternative are encouraged.

First Aid: We will bring a simple first aid kit to all practices and games. In the event of minor cuts or

abrasions, a coach will administer topical antibiotics and bandages. In the event of a more serious injury, you

will be immediately contacted for instructions. If, in the coaches’ judgment, there can be no delay in seeking

professional medical assistance, an ambulance will be called and your child will be taken to the nearest

hospital. If you have any instruction or comments regarding this proposed (and typical AYSO) procedure,

please speak with me at practice. In addition, please advise me in writing if your son/daughter is allergic to a

medication or if he/she has some other unique medical situation, which the coaches would have to convey to

medical professionals in the event of an emergency. Injuries or blows to the head will always require a player

to leave the game. The player will not be allowed back to the game or to practice until cleared by his/her

doctor.

Positive Participation: Soccer is a team sport in which each child can share in the accomplishments and improvement of the team. At games, we require only positive participation from the spectators. Please cheer good plays made by BOTH teams, and never criticize what you think is a poor play. Soccer is also a contact sport and there will be times when your child will fall or get hit/pushed. If a player is down, a coach is always the first to enter the field. Please allow coaches to assess the situation and only enter the field if called to do so by a member of the coaching staff. Please keep emotions in check in these situations. More often than not, the player is fine and allowed to play on. During games, always remember: Coaches Coach, Players Play, Parents Cheer. There is zero tolerance for sideline coaching, negative comments, or any other inappropriate behavior. Also, AYSO requires all spectators to remain at least five (5’) feet back from the sidelines during the games. There are no dogs or pets allowed on the field during practice or games.

Refereeing/Playoffs: Games are officiated by volunteer referees. They are trained in FIFA rules and while they always do their best to make the correct calls, they are human and can make mistakes. No verbal abuse of officials will be tolerated. Spectators will be immediately sent off the fields for inappropriate language or behavior by a member of the coaching or officiating staff. All teams are required to provide a team of three (3) referees in order to advance to playoffs. We gather points for our team every time our officiating crew refs a game. If a team has a perfect record but has not provided a team of referees or has not gathered the required points, that team will not be allowed to advance. We need parents to step up and volunteer. The region discourages coaches to act as both a referee and a coach, so having volunteers from our pool of parents is crucial to our team’s success. Training for referee certification is provided by the region at no cost. Please speak to one of the coaches for more information.

Team Picture: Pictures will be taken in October here at the Soccer Center. Details will be available later.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that may come up during this season. I look forward to a fun soccer season with your child.

Sincerely,

Coach (Insert Name)

I have received, read, and understood the Welcome and Information Sheet. I agree that I will follow

the rules set forth by my child’s coaches regarding practice and game day timeliness, parent and spectator

etiquette, and player equipment requirements.

I understand and agree that above all, we are here for the kids and will strive to make this a positive

experience for them. I agree that I am responsible both for the behavior of myself and any spectators I bring

to practices and games.

Print Sign Date

Print Sign Date

Print Sign Date

Print Sign Date

Print Sign Date

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Print Sign Date

Print Sign Date

Print Sign Date

Print Sign Date

Parent Acknowledgment and Agreement

REFEREE’S SINGLE SHEET SUMMARY

AYSO Regional Referee Course Abbreviated language used to save space. See the Laws of the Game for official terminology. 05/2016 Rev3

PRE-GAME ACTIVITIES • Check field goals, flags and markings for safety and correctness • Check players’ uniforms and equipment for safety • Check ball for proper inflation, size, and safety (no cuts) • Meet with assistant referees and discuss responsibilities

COIN TOSS • A captain of one team calls the toss • Winner chooses goal to attack; teams switch for second half • Loser kicks off first; winner kicks off the second half

KICK-OFF • Players must be in their own half of the field • Opponents of the kicker must not enter center circle until ball is kicked • The ball is stationary on the center mark • The referee whistles for the start of play • The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves in any direction • Don’t forget to start your game timer • If the kick-off is not taken as above it must be retaken • If kicker touches the ball again before anyone else, IFK to opponents

RESTART WHEN AWARDED BALL PLACEMENT OPPONENTS SCORE DIRECTLY? WHEN IN PLAY Kick-off (KO) Start of each half; after each goal Center of field 10 yards from ball; in own half Yes (no own goal) Kicked and clearly moves Throw-in (TI) Ball out over touch line Where it went out 2 yards from point of throw-in No Breaks plane of touch line Goal kick (GK) Ball out over goal line, not goal,

last touch by an attacker Anywhere in goal area Outside penalty area Yes (no own goal) Directly leaves penalty area

into the field of play Corner kick (CK) Ball out over goal line, not goal,

last touch by a defender Anywhere in corner area 10 yards from corner area Yes (no own goal) Kicked and clearly moves

Dropped ball (DB) Referee stops play Location when stopped * No restriction No (must first touch two different players)

Touches ground

Free kick (FK) Foul or other infringement Place of infringement ** 10 yards (Note: for IFK in goal area against defenders, attackers may be on goal line between goalposts)

DFK: Yes (no own goal) IFK: No

Kicked and clearly moves (Note: free kicks taken by defenders in their own PA must leave the PA)

Penalty kick (PK) DFK foul by a defender in own PA Penalty mark 10 yards, outside PA, behind ball Yes Kicked and moves forward * If in goal area, place ball on goal area “six yard line” ** If in goal area, place ball on “six yard line” if against defenders; place ball anywhere in goal area if against attackers FOULS11 DIRECT FREE KICK FOULS

• Generally given for unfair/unsafe contact between opponents • Careless kick, strike, trip, push, charge, jump, tackle/challenge • Careless attempt to kick, strike, or trip • Spits, holds, impedes with contact, handles the ball deliberately

PENALTY KICK ENCROACHMENT • By a defender, ball goes in goal: GOAL • By a defender, ball does not go in goal: RETAKE • By an attacker, ball goes in goal: RETAKE • By an attacker, ball does not go in goal: IFK for defending team • By both teams: RETAKE

7 INDIRECT FREE KICK FOULS • Generally given for a non-contact infringement between opponents • Referee must give the indirect free kick signal (raised arm) • By anyone:

o Dangerous play, impeding opponent without contact, preventing keeper from releasing ball

• By goalkeeper: o Takes more than six seconds to release the ball into play from hands o Touches ball a second time with hands after releasing without it touching other player o Deliberately handles ball after receiving it directly from a teammate’s throw-in o Deliberately handles ball after a deliberate kick to the goalkeeper from a teammate

MISCONDUCT6 CAUTIONABLE (YELLOW CARD) OFFENSES

• Unsporting behavior � Delaying the restart of play • Dissent by word or action • Persistent infringement of the Laws • Entering, reentering, or leaving field without referee’s permission • Fails to respect the required distance on a TI, FK, or CK

7 SEND OFF (RED CARD) OFFENSES • Serious foul play � Violent conduct • Spitting at anyone � Second caution in the same match • Abusive, insulting, or offensive language or gestures • Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball

(except goalkeeper in own penalty area) • Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by an infringement punishable by FK or PK

MISCONDUCT RESTARTS (Simplified Version)• DFK if play stopped for misconduct including a DFK foul • IFK if play stopped for any other misconduct on the field

• DB if misconduct occurred off the field (IFK if referee thinks player left field to commit it) • If misconduct occurs while ball is out of play, restart per original reason for stoppage

REFEREE’S SINGLE SHEET SUMMARY

AYSO Regional Referee Course Abbreviated language used to save space. See the Laws of the Game for official terminology. 05/2016 Rev3

OFFSIDEOFFSIDE POSITION

• Player is in opponent’s half of the field, AND • Player is closer to opponent’s goal line than the ball, AND • Player is closer to opponent’s goal line than either of the last two opponents

Offside position is determined at the moment the ball is played or touched by a teammate. Offside position by itself is not an infraction.

OFFSIDE INFRACTION • Is in offside position when ball is played or touched by teammate, and then:

• Interferes with play (plays the ball); OR • Interferes with an opponent (keeps them from playing the ball); OR • Interferes by otherwise gaining an advantage (ball rebounds to them)

• Restart: IFK for opponents where offside player interferes

Cannot be offside if a player receives the ball directly from a GK, TI, or CK. REFEREE TEAM MECHANICS AND SIGNALSREFEREE POSITIONING

• Left (standard) diagonal: run toward left corner flag; try to stay to the left of ball • Right diagonal: run toward right corner flag; try to stay to the right of ball • During dynamic play try to be approximately 10-15 yards from play • Try to keep play between the referee and the lead assistant referee

ASSISTANT REFEREE POSITIONING • Default position: stay even with second-to-last defender to watch for offside

(the last defender is usually, but not always, the goalkeeper) • If the second-to-last defender moves into the opponent’s half of the field, stay

at the halfway line • If the ball moves closer to the defenders’ goal line than the second-to-last

defender, stay even with the ball – all the way to the goal line if necessary

REFEREES SHOULD… • Look at the lead assistant when the ball is played forward • Look at the lead assistant when a goal is scored • Occasionally look back at the trail assistant • Look at both assistants when the ball is out of play • Look at both assistants when there’s nothing better to look at • Give them a smile or a subtle “thumbs up”

ASSISTANT REFEREES SHOULD… • Not “pop” the flag when they signal • Make eye contact with the referee whenever they signal • Watch players who are behind the referee’s back • Mirror the foul/misconduct signals of the other assistant referee

that the referee can’t see • Always be prepared to signal if the ball goes out of play and

the referee looks to you for helpWORDS OF WISDOM FROM AN OLD REFEREE

• “Refereeing is Thinking” and Law 18 is “Common Sense” • Keep it safe, fair, and fun – in that order • If it looks unsafe, blow the whistle even if you’re not sure what

foul to call – player safety is your most important job • If you’re not sure about a foul or offside, don’t blow the whistle • Don’t let the sidelines get out of hand… you may have a thick

skin, but their next referee could be 12 years old • Want to be better? Get a mentor to help you • Want to be better still? Study the Laws of the Game, USSF

Advice to Referees, USSF Guide to Procedures… and take an AYSO referee upgrade course

• Smile – If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong J

Indirect free kick Advantage Substitution Offside Throw-in

Caution

Direct free kick

Send off Offside was on near side

of field

Offside was at middle of

field

Offside was on far side

of field