"In AYSO, it's about more than the game"

AYSO Vision Statement

To provide world-class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives.

AYSO Mission Statement

The American Youth Soccer Organization’s mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs where everyone builds positive character through participation in a fun, family environment based on the AYSO philosophies:

Everyone Plays - Balanced Teams - Positive Coaching - Open Registration - Good Sportsmanship - player development.

These fundamental philosophies are the foundation of AYSO and must be emphasized in all aspects of program implementation in local AYSO regions throughout the country.

AYSO's Six Philosophies:

Everyone Plays
Our program’s goal is for kids to play soccer—so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least half of every game.

Balanced Teams
Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible—because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play.

Open Registration
Our program is open to all children between 4 and 19 years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing.

Positive Coaching
Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players.

Good Sportsmanship
We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.

Player Development

We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.

PARENT INFORMATION

WHAT DO PARENTS DO?

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.
• Remember children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Teach your child always to play by the rules.
• Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than a victory.
• Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Your child will then be a winner, even in defeat.
• Do not ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or for losing a game.
• Set a good example. Children learn best by example.
• Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
• Do not publicly question a referee’s judgment and never their honesty.
• Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees and officials and give them their due respect. Without them, there would be no AYSO soccer.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.

PLEASE DON’T SMOKE!

We would like to provide a healthy athletic environment for the kids and our guests.

CLEAN UP

We are guests in the parks and on the fields that our children play on. Please provide a safe and clean environment. Do not leave trash behind and if you see trash on the field pick it up!

THANKS

TEAM DRINKS – WATER IS BEST!

Sometimes the Team Parents organize a schedule of volunteers to bring drinks / snacks to each game. If your team does not have a Team Parent speak to the team coach about organizing a schedule or becoming the Team Parent.

Save the big snacks for the end of the game if possible. It is best that the kids drink water. If your child likes sports drinks, mix the sports drink 50/50 with some water before the game.

WHAT THINGS CAN I DO TO ENHANCE MY CHILD’S SPORTS EXPERIENCE?

• Remember the golden rule.
• Learn the rules of the game.
• Introduce yourself to the coach.
• Spend one game on the "other" team’s sideline.
• #1 Most Important – VOLUNTEER!

PLAYER INFORMATION

WHAT SHOULD PLAYERS DO?

• Play for the fun of it, not just to pleaseyour parents or coach.
• Play by the Rules.
• Never argue with or complain about thereferee calls or decisions. Control your temper and most of all,resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have beenwronged.
• Concentrate on playing soccer and onaffecting the outcome of the game with your best effort. Work equallyhard for your team as for yourself.
• Be a good sport by cheering all goodplays, whether it is your team's or your opponent's.
• Treat all players as you would like to betreated.
• Remember that the goals of the game are tohave fun, improve skills and feel good. Don't be a showoff or a ballhog.
• Cooperate with your coaches, teammates,opponents and the referees.

UNIFORMS

The official Bloomsburg uniform is a red/blue reversable shirt, red shorts and blue socks. For Bloosmburg teams, the home team wears red and provides a referee. Everyone must wear shinguards under socks.

HOW OLD DO CHILDREN HAVE TO BE TO REGISTER?

CAN PLAYERS MOVE UP TO THE NEXT DIVISION?

YES, You may request that your child moves up to the next division, but you cannot request that your child move down to a younger division. YOU MUST MAKE THIS REQUEST AT REGISTRATION. THIS MUST BE IN WRITING AND BE APPROVED BY THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER OR THE REGISTRAR. Requests after that will not be honored.

CAN PLAYERS CHOOSE THE TEAM THEY PLAYS ON?

NO, Coaches are allowed to have their own children on their team and may choose an assistant coach, team parent, OR referee with their child. All other children are assigned randomly to achieve a fair balance of players based on age and ability. No other special arrangements will be made. Requests for friends, neighbors, etc.will not be honored.

CAN FAMILIES REQUEST THAT SIBLINGS BE ON THE SAME TEAM?

YES, siblings will be placed on the same team at your request. The siblings must be in the same Division. Please fill in the siblings’ name on each registration form. Do not assume that siblings will be placed on the same team otherwise.