Coaching children is a very rewarding experience. And coaching your own child's team can be one of the most rewarding experiences of all! Coaches are pivotal to having children get the AYSO experience. If Regions don't have enough coaches, registration is scaled back and kids who want to play in AYSO are turned away.
Do you have little or no experience with soccer? No problem! AYSO will teach you, based on the age level you are coaching. Unique age-appropriate coach training is one of AYSO's specialties. If you plan to be at your child's soccer practices and games, you'll also have time to be your child's coach.
To become an AYSO coach, you must be certified in the age level you are coaching. Certification takes three easy steps. First, fill out a volunteer form. Then either attend a short Safe Haven™ course in person or online. Lastly, you must attend a brief age-specific coaching course. It's only a few hours. We also have brand new Coaching Manuals that help you with training plans and activities for the age you are coaching.
Coaches are essential to the game. They teach children soccer skills and help develop a healthy, positive attitude, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Coaching is a rewarding experience because you have the opportunity to build a child's self-esteem, help them learn new skills and just have a lot of fun.
Contact your Region's Coach Administrator or Regional Commissioner if you are ready to become a coach.
Coach Job Description
Purpose The AYSO volunteer position of coach is intended to develop in players a positive image of themselves, their teammates, coaches, game officials, and opponents, and provide a good role model for players. Additionally, the coach will develop in his/her players the appropriate soccer skills as recommended in the AYSO coaching manuals.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities The coach is expected to:
1. Attend team organization night with the assistant coach before the season begins;
2. Attend the age appropriate coaching course for training on how to coach or as a refresher on AYSO philosophy;
3. Attend uniform/equipment distribution night prior to a season to receive team uniforms, equipment, and a playing schedule;
4. Conduct appropriate training sessions;
5. Promote the AYSO philosophy;
6. Support the Regional Commissioner;
7. Cooperate with the Regional Coach Administrator on all coaching matters;
8. Support the division (age group) coordinator;
9. Distribute practice and game schedules to parents;
10. Conduct a parent meeting;
11. Teach age appropriate skills;
12. Follow Safe Haven guidelines and principles;
13. Provide player evaluations to the division coordinators at the end of the season;
14. Carry out other team tasks as necessary; and
15. Have FUN!
Qualifications and Desired Skills To be considered for the position of coach, the applicant must:
1. Annually submit an AYSO Volunteer Application form;
2. Pass the AYSO screening and background check;
3. Be annually approved and duly appointed as Coach by the Region;
4. Demonstrate good character and reliability;
5. The coach must be 18 years of age or older;
6. Be interested in promoting the benefits of youth sports, especially soccer; and
7. Attend training classes before the season begins.
Supervision Protocols While performing as the coach, the volunteer is:
1. Subject to the bylaws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines of AYSO;
2. Under the overall authority of and directly supervised by the Regional Coach Administrator, and supervised indirectly by the Regional Commissioner;
3. To maintain the recommended adult to child supervision ratio of 1:8 or less; that is one adult for every eight or fewer children and two adults (one of whom may be the coach and one of whom should be of the same gender as the group) present at all times. For the protection of both the children and the volunteer, no volunteer should permit himself or herself to be alone with any child or group of children (except his or her own) during AYSO-sponsored activities; and
4. Once the head coach has assumed charge of the children on his or her team, he or she remains responsible until a duly designated adult has taken charge of each child after practice or a game or the child leaves the immediate vicinity of the practice or game as prearranged by the parent to walk home or to a friend’s or relative’s house. No child shall be left unsupervised after a game or practice. Parents who are unreasonably late or consistently tardy should be reported to the child protection advocate for action. Each coach may establish a standing policy of where children may be picked up by late parents.
Time Commitment The anticipated time commitment for a coach is a full year. The estimated hours to fulfill duties are approximately six hours per week during the season. Orientation, Training, Certification, and Continued Education Provided To prepare a volunteer for the position of coach, AYSO will offer the following educational opportunities which volunteer coaches are expected to take advantage of and participate in, as appropriate.
1. Orientation by the head coach;
2. AYSO Safe Haven Certification;
3. Training classes and continuing education;
4. Coach clinics;
5. Referee clinics; and
6. Annual coach update.
Activity Locations
While performing the duties of coach, the volunteer is limited to the following locations, unless expressly authorized in writing by the regional commissioner to hold activities in another location.
1. Assigned field locations;
2. Regional meetings and sponsored events;
3. The annual Section Conferences; and
4. Independent work at home alone, in committees of adults, or in a properly supervised situation with children.